PAL --> NTSC Fun?

[HerrHeinrich]

Couple Questions.
1) Can a North American NTSC PS2 read PAL games?
2) If Yes, Does it ouput the game in PAL format?
3) If No, Do I need to mod the PS2 for it to be able to play PAL Games?
4) If I do mod it do I need a converter for the PAL Games or will it convert the PAL to NTSC?
I would rather not have to run any patches because I dont feel like backing up my originals and finding patches, is there a way around?

If this sounds a little repetitive, or a repost, Im Sorry I did a search but couldnt find the answers I needed.

[Naiera]

You could have a mod-chip installed, and then try and force some PAL games to run in NTSC with an Action Replay or something. I fail to see the point, though.

[DjSatansfury]

And most likely your TV wont support PAL, as those in N.America rarely do.

[scarredbyvideogames]

To play pal games you would need to either get your ps2 fitted with a chip (or but a ready chipped one) or just get one of those swap-disc thingys (cheap option) they allow you to play pal on ntsc console.No problems there.

The real problem for you would be whether or not your tv would output pal(50hz) in the first place.....you need to find out for sure because if not your looking at getting a new tv as well.

[Lyris]

Or just buy a standards converter from www.220giftcenter.com.

"ComWorld CMD-850 Professional Digital Video Converter"

I've heard good things but if you choose another model, be sure that it doesn't have any lag on the video output after processing the PAL>NTSC conversion. That could obviously make games unplayable.

[TheOnimusha]

All modern TVs in Europe can handle both PAL and NTSC, so we don't have that problem here

Anyway, why do you need to force NTSC? Can't your TV accept S-Video or Component? This would be the better option for you

That just leaves you with the problem of getting your PS2 to read PAL games, which is a region locking issue enforced by Sony

[Lyris]

I can't comment on component, but S-Video still needs to be either PAL or NTSC. I'm sure for component you need a standards converter too.

[Naiera]

You're off, both. It's a question of resolution and Hz. PAL runs at a higher resolution with a lower update frequency, and you can't just make any NTSC TV do the same. No matter if it's S-VHS, Component or RGB.

[TheOnimusha]

From what I understand, PAL and NTSC are modulated TV signal standards which are used for RF and Composite, whereas S-Video and Component are different standards (direct signals if you like) and therefore they are not part of this problem

Well that's what I think anyway

[Saurian]

S-Video is nothing like component.

S-Video cables carry 2 signals one for luminance (Y) and one for chrominance or colour (C) - it's still a mixed signal and in the same boat as composite video in terms of compatibility (it wont bypass the PAL and NTSC standards)

You can refer to something as "component" when each element of the video signal is separated - RGB SCART cables carry a component signal (the Red, Green Blue and sync lines are separate) but has a much lower bandwidth than Y, B-Y, R-Y style Component video so features like high resolution images and prog scan are not possible.

[gIzzE]

Easiest way to acheive what you want is to chip your PS2 and then run patched games that have been patched to output 60hz, even games that are 60hz compatible may cause problems as most US sets do not understand 576i @ 50hz, so the screen wil roll, they are nearly all cabable of handling 576/50 but they are not set up for it.

What model TV is it, as you may be able to just chip your PS2 and get a component cable and away you go ???

[TheOnimusha]

btw I never said S-Video was the same as Component

I got my previous information from the following:

"S-Video
The s-video connection is a mixed feed of luminance and chrominance signal, but without the PAL or NTSC system used to combine them. It's a video only signal but the s-video cable normally comes with left and right audio phono plugs connected.

If your TV has an S-Video connection then you will have no problems playing an imported console on it, in full colour.

RGB Scart
The RGB feed provides four signals, one for the red content of the picture, one for the green and one for the blue (hence the name RGB). The fourth signal is a composite sync signal which combines horizontal and vertical pulse information so that it behaves like a TV picture with no picture content.

RGB scart is the best way to connect consoles to your TV in the UK. The RGB signal is in its purest, uncoded form. The differences between PAL and NTSC colour coding are completely bypassed.

Most modern TV's have sufficient flexibility in their synchronization circuits to lock onto a 50hz or 60hz signal."

I would have reasonably thought the opposite therefore also to be true, i.e. for US importers of PAL games?


Anyway, sounds like chipping the PS2 is the best way to solve the problem

[Saurian]

"S-Video
The s-video connection is a mixed feed of luminance and chrominance signal, but without the PAL or NTSC system used to combine them. It's a video only signal but the s-video cable normally comes with left and right audio phono plugs connected.

If your TV has an S-Video connection then you will have no problems playing an imported console on it, in full colour.

Part in bold is not true - if your TV wont support the format through composite, using S-Video will not help.

[TheOnimusha]

Oh dear, that extract is taken from the TV Compatibility Guide (by John Beaulieu) from this site

[gIzzE]

Only a handful of TV's in the states handle 576i/50, that is before even looking into the PAL colour system.

Most US tv's will handle 480/60 only, most Hi-def sets will handle 480/60, 480p, 720p and 1080i but still not handle 576/50 or 576p, there really is no reason for them too. They make a big deal out of multistandard sets when they advertise them, and are pushed for people wanting to view home movies from families overseas.

Can I ask why you would want to run Pal software over there anyway ??