Problem using region-free PS2 for NTSC games on UK TV

2014-08-11 04:25:06 pm

I asked this previously in an only slighty-related thread so am just creating a new thread in the hope of finding a solution. Just gonna copy paste from before.

I'm trying to use a "debug PS2", region free, in the UK on a modern UK TV, presumably one that supports an NTSC signal (it does according to the manual). I'm trying to use NTSC PS1 games on this console. It's hooked up using standard red white yellow AV cables, when in the PS2 menu screen (browser, system config) everything is absolutely fine. However, as soon as I load an NTSC game the screen is heavily discoloured and both game and sound are slower than they should be. But the game itself does function, this isn't an issue with the console not being able to play NTSC.

I have tried using a PAL - NTSC converter in the hope it would help but all this did was remove the picture entirely, with the sound still running slowly. The PS2 has a UK power supply connecting to a standard UK plug socket. I can't find enough info on debug PS2's but I am pretty sure it is the same as a normal console but with a few debug features, obviously, and the ability to play both PAL and NTSC games.

Any help is massively appreciated, I really want to get this all working Sad

Thread title:

I asked this previously in an only slighty-related thread so am just creating a new thread in the hope of finding a solution. Just gonna copy paste from before.

I'm trying to use a "debug PS2", region free, in the UK on a modern UK TV, presumably one that supports an NTSC signal (it does according to the manual). I'm trying to use NTSC PS1 games on this console. It's hooked up using standard red white yellow AV cables, when in the PS2 menu screen (browser, system config) everything is absolutely fine. However, as soon as I load an NTSC game the screen is heavily discoloured and both game and sound are slower than they should be. But the game itself does function, this isn't an issue with the console not being able to play NTSC.

I have tried using a PAL - NTSC converter in the hope it would help but all this did was remove the picture entirely, with the sound still running slowly. The PS2 has a UK power supply connecting to a standard UK plug socket. I can't find enough info on debug PS2's but I am pretty sure it is the same as a normal console but with a few debug features, obviously, and the ability to play both PAL and NTSC games.

Any help is massively appreciated, I really want to get this all working :(

gyre

2014-08-11 05:29:52 pm

Have you tried the console with other TVs? A PS2 playing PS1 games will dynamically switch between 480i and 240p resolutions. PS1 games use 240p for most screens. I'm predicting that your TV doesn't support 240p very well. A lot of modern TVs have dropped compatibility for it so you might have problems even though it supports regular NTSC signals.

GTNTG

Edit history:

GTNTG: 2014-08-11 06:36:55 pm

2014-08-11 06:34:13 pm

I haven't yet tried another TV, I only have the one. I wasn't aware of the dropped compatibility in new TV's, seems I'd have to get an older TV. But I understand a lot of older TVs like CRT's don't support NTSC at all? If PAL of course. If that's the case is it something the PAL - NTSC converter would fix?

Also if this is the problem it sounds as if PAL PS1 games would also be affected? Unfortunately I don't even have one to test. What is strange to me is that the PS2 menu screen and system config all work perfectly, both with and without using the converter. It isn't until the PS2 loads an NTSC game and is then effectively acting as an NTSC console that the problem starts.

Edit: What also might be worth mentioning is that even the PS1 logo screen with the words Sony Computer Entertainent America seems to be displaying correctly, I can't see any colour problems there.

gyre

2014-08-11 11:06:32 pm

I'm guessing PAL PS1 games would switch between 576i and 288p. Your PS2 is going to output 576i/480i at the boot screen or when playing PS2 games. It's going to switch to 288p/240p after you start playing a PS1 game. It's entirely possible your TV can support 288p - 480i - 576i but not go down to 240p. Also, some parts of some PS1 games switch back to 576i/480i. Usually that would be for static content like menus or playing movies. If you play around with a game and on one screen it suddenly starts to work, that would be evidence the TV is the problem.

Another possibility is that you have to do some other setup step to make the console switch to NTSC. That will be harder to figure out unless you can find someone that has a similar region free console.

GiraffeeDreams

2014-08-12 01:44:29 am

Transatlantic Gamer

Quick question, what kind of TV is it? If it is an old CRT or even a particularly early LCD then it may be that is doesn't support 60hz, when I was younger I came across this issue with many NTSC games and DVDs being odd colours or black and white, my old man bought me a TV that supported 60hz and that solved everything.

Hope you sort things out soon.

GTNTG

2014-08-12 07:51:30 pm

Tried to find an online manual for my TV but no luck, this is it though - http://www.baseo.co.uk/p/11800/bush-bled24fhdl8-24-led/

Don't know whether that answers the 60hz question, it mentions it in refresh rate.

That thing about certain menus working is very interesting, I have tested Spyro the Dragon and noticed that the pause menu does in fact seem to work correctly, the speed of registering inputs is spot on. Again the opening title screen seems to run at the right speed. But the colour is still messed up no matter what. I am beginning to think it is the TV that is the problem. Question is what TV do I need? Would any CRT TV made in the UK support 60hz? The last thing I really wanna be doing is getting a TV over from the US.

Thank you both for your help so far, determined to get to the bottom of this.