Sony PlayStation®2 29 January 2004 This document Copyright 2004 xyqyx xyqyx@time.net.my ============ Introduction ============ This guide is written by me (xyqyx) and it covers every little detail of the console. If you have anything to tell me, please contact me at xyqyx@time.net.my Please take note that all mails will not be replied (unless it is a very special case). All the questions will be answered in future updates. Updates will take at most one month. This is to make sure that you will read the guide without having me to reply to the same question repeatedly. If you see no updates, that means that the question that you are asking is in the FAQ and you should read that part again. Send all your comments to me, good or bad. This document should only be found in GameFAQs.com. If it is found anywhere else, please contact me. The contents of this FAQ might be similar with other FAQs/guides/walkthrough/etc. on the internet. This is because I have read through them before I started writing mine. In no way have I copied/edited/expanded/etc. other people's work to become mine. I apologize for any inconvenience that I may have caused. In addition to the FAQ, I also copied some important parts of the manual for the convenience of those who had lost their manual. This FAQ might not apply to all the different models of the Sony PlayStation®2. It should cover the general topics of all the different models of the Sony PlayStation®2. Please note that you should ground yourself if you are going to open the console to avoid static electricity. By opening the console, the warranty will be void. So think before you open it up. Everything that is done is at your own risk, do not blame me. ================================ PlayStation®2 Launch Information ================================ The American's launch date was on the 26 October 2000, and the system includes: 1 PlayStation®2 console 1 Analog Controller (DUALSHOCK 2) 1 AV cable (integrated audio/video) 1 Power cord 1 set of instruction manual The Japanese's launch date was on the 4 March 2000, and the system includes: 1 PlayStation®2 console 1 Analog Controller (DUALSHOCK 2) 1 8MB Memory card (Includes the DVD drivers making it glitch) 1 AV cable (integrated audio/video) 1 Power cord 1 Utility Disc (The DVD drivers, not game demos) 1 set of instruction manual The memory card that was included for the Japanese system contains DVD drivers for the console to play Region 2 DVD. Saving games onto it will corrupt the DVD driver and will not be able to play DVD movies. Currently, there are memory cards with an updated version of the driver for sale. These new memory cards will not be corrupted when saving games. No memory cards will be included in the new package because the future consoles will have the DVD playing capability integrated into the console. The utility disc that came with the system contains a bug that overrides the region coding system. It was meant to prevent people to watch DVD from other regions. SCEI wants the discs to be returned to them in exchange with new drivers' disc. Future consoles will have this function integrated. There are many codes to watch DVD from different regions. The drivers can be copied from the utility disc to the memory card to watch DVD from all regions. Another code for playing region 1 DVD is to use a PlayStation controller (with no analog sticks) and hold the up direction button when the region 1 DVD is being inserted until the DVD menu appears. The third code is to use a Dual Shock analog controller or a Dual Shock 2 Analog Controller and hold L1, Circle, and Select. The fourth code is to press L3 with a Dual Shock 2 Analog Controller until the DVD menu appears. Please note that some of the codes may not work. These codes have been given to me by many different sources. There are other accessories available: Dual Shock 2 Controller 8MB Memory Card PlayStation®2 Multitap DVD Remote Control S Video Cable Component AV Cable Vertical/Horizontal Stand Network Adaptor ========== Components ========== 1. PlayStation®2 console - SCPH-3000?/SCPH-3900? Specifications (taken from various sources and manual) CPU 128-bit CPU (Emotion engine) System clock frequency: 294.912 MHz Cache memory: Instruction: 16KB, Data: 8KB + 16 K(ScrP) Main memory: Direct Rambus (Direct RDRAM) Memory size: 32MB Memory bus bandwidth: 3.2GB per second Co-processor: FPU (Floating Point Unit), Floating point multiply accumulator x1, Floating point divider x1 Vector units: VU0 and VU1, Floating point multiply accumulator x9, Floating point divider x3 Floating point performance: 6.2 GFLOPS 3D CG geometric transformation: 66 million polygons per second Compressed Image Decoder: MPEG2 GRAPHICS Graphics Synthesizer™ Clock frequency: 147.456MHz Embedded DRAM: 4MB DRAM bus bandwidth: 48GB per second DRAM bus width: 2,560 bits Pixel configuration: RGB:Alpha:Z Buffer (24:8:32) Polygon drawing rate: 75 million polygons per second Screen resolution: Variable from 256 x 224 to 1280 x 1024 SOUND “SPU2 + CPU” Number of voices: ADPCM: 48 channel on SPU2 plus definable, software programmable voices Sound memory: 2MB Output frequency: Variable up to 48 KHz (DAT quality) I/O Processor CPU core: PlayStation (current) CPU (R3000) Clock frequency: 33.8688MHz or 36.864MHz (selectable; PlayStation/PlayStation 2 mode) IOP memory: 2MB Sub bus: 32-bit Interface types: IEEE1394 i.LINK, Universal Serial Bus (USB) x2, Controller Port x2, Memory Card slots x2 Disc device speed: 24x CD-ROM, 4x DVD-ROM ADDITIONAL FEATURES Drive bay (for 3.5” hard disc drive) Expansion bay (for network peripherals) DVD player software built in. GENERAL Dimensions (approx.): 301mm x 78mm x 182mm (w/h/d) Mass (approximately): 2.2 kg Operating temperature: 41°F-95°F (5°C-35°C) Laser diode properties: - Material: GaAlAs - Wavelength: l = 650/780nm INPUTS/OUTPUTS – CONSOLE FRONT 2 Controller ports 2 Memory Card slots 2 USB Connectors S400 i.LINK connector OUTPUTS – CONSOLE REAR AV multi out connector Digital out (Optical) connector Expansion bay The console has two buttons in front. The first button is the Reset button (red - standby mode, green - power on). To reset the console, press the Reset button for a short while. To turn off the console, press and hold the Reset button for a few seconds until the console turns off. The second button is the Eject button (blue when the console is on). The console will turn on automatically if the Eject button is pressed when the console is in standby mode. The PS logo on the disc tray can be turned to suit the position of the console. The console now comes in many colours. The voltage required by the console is different in different regions. The United States/Canada standard power output is 110 volts/30 amperes, Japan's standard power output is 100 volts/30 amperes, and most of the European countries standard power output is 220 volts/30 amperes. If there are any importers out there, please take note of this. The power output in your country might not be suitable for the console. A power converter should be used to adjust the voltage to suit the console. If you attempt to just power it up, the console will not function properly and most probably be damaged. For the 10 volts difference in United States/Canada and Japan, it does not really matter. You might still want to get a power converter if you are paranoid. The ports that are in front of the console have a few functions. The i.Link (firewire) port allows you to connect with other PlayStation®2. The USB ports can be used to plug in USB mouse and USB keyboard. The USB mouse can be used mostly for shooting games. The USB keyboard is used for chatting with people online. Please note that not all games support the mouse and keyboard. 2. Analog Controller (DUALSHOCK 2) - SCPH-10010 The controller has a D-pad, triangle (green), circle (red), X (blue),square (pink), Start (triangle), Select (square), the Analog button (above the LED), L1, L2, R1, R2, L3 (left analog stick button), and R3 (right analog stick button). All the buttons are pressure sensitive (255 levels of sensitivity). This function works for some of the PlayStation®2 games only. There are also two vibration motors on both sides of the controller for the vibration function. The Analog button switches between Analog mode (LED is on) and Digital mode (LED is off). Some games override the adjustment and changes automatically. The controller now comes in many different colours. 3. 8MB Memory Card - SCPH-10020/SCPH-97027 The memory card allows you to save game data like progression, secrets, unlockables, high scores, etc. It can store up to 8 megabytes (8192 kilobytes) of game data. It can only save PlayStation®2 game data. If you want to save PlayStation game data, you still need to use the PlayStation memory card. However, you can transfer PlayStation game data to the 8MB Memory Card in the Browser menu. Each PlayStation game data (1 block in memory card) is 8 KB. MAGICGATE is a technology implemented into the 8MB Memory Card to be use as a copyrighted anti-copying technology. The 8MB Memory Card moves data faster than the PlayStation memory card. 4. Multitap - SCPH-10090 The Multitap allows you to play a game with more than two players. One Multitap allows four controllers and four memory cards to be connected. The Multitap should be plugged into the controller port. The memory card slot should not be used once the Multitap is being used. Two Multitaps can be used for eight players' games. 5. DVD Remote Control - SCPH-10171/4 Your average remote control that allows you to control the playback of DVD movies instead of using the analog controller. The package includes a DVD Remote Control (SCPH-10150), IR Receiver Unit (SCPH-10160), DVD Player disc, Instruction Manual, and two AAA batteries. With the DVD Remote Control, there will be new functions that cannot be used with the controller. These functions include slow motion, chapter program, shuffle, repeat, Three-Speed Scan, audio track selection, subtitle display, and Multi-Angle options. It is useful for those who like things wireless. An 8MB Memory Card is required to use the DVD Remote Control with console model numbers SCPH-30001 and SCPH-35001GT. 6. Composite Video Cable The set of cable that comes with the system. Yellow wire is for the picture, white wire is for the left audio, and red wire is for the right audio. Most television supports this. 7. S Video Cable - SCPH-10060 An improvement over the AV cable given to you. The S Video Cable allows you to view higher resolution graphics. Video is provided by a special type of cable while audio is transmitted with the white (left audio) and red (right audio) wires. Not all television supports this. 8. Component AV Cable - SCPH-10100 This cable gives the best quality out of all the other cables. Video is provided by three cables and the audio is provided by the red and white cables. Configure the console in the System Configuration to maximize video quality. The television needs the Y, Cb/Pb, Cr/Pr inputs for this. Not all television supports this. 9. RFU Adapter - SCPH-10071 Probably provides the worst quality out of all the cables. The RFU Adapter has a coaxial cable for output and sound is mono. This kind of hook-up should only be used on a very old television. 10. AV Adapter - SCPH-10130 This adapter allows you to connect your console to almost any sound system or television. It has a variety of outputs to be used. They are the S Video connecter, RCA A/V output, and composite video and audio outputs. It also provides another AV Multi Out connector for connection to a television. 11. Vertical Stand/Horizontal Stand - SCPH-10110/SCPH-10040 Both stands allow the console to be in a better position. Personally, I found that the console could stand horizontally and vertically without the stands. The stands are mainly used for decoration. These stands now come in many designs. 12. i.Link i.Link allows you to connect multiple PlayStation®2 consoles together. Depending on the game, i.Link will help enhance the game in several ways. It refers to the standard defined by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as IEEE 1394 High Performance Serial Bus (also known as firewire). The i.Link connector has a maximum transfer rate of 400 Mbps. For only two PlayStation®2s, only a 4-pin to 4-pin 1394 cable is needed to plug onto both consoles. If you want to connect two PlayStation®2 consoles or more, you need a 1394 hub with as many ports as you need to connect the consoles together. If the hub has a 6-pin port, you will need a 4-pin to 6-pin 1394 cable for each PlayStation®2 you plan to connect. Plug all of them and you are done. 12. Network Adapter - SCPH-10281 The network adaptor is an additional component connected to the console. It is mainly used for playing games online with people globally. It can also be used to patch and update games. There is also a chat function in certain games. A microphone or a keyboard will be needed for it. There are two versions for the network adaptor. One is for dial up connection (modem) while the other is for broadband connection (Ethernet). The network adaptor is to be placed at the expansion bay at the back of the console. Remove the protective cover for the expansion bay, insert the network adaptor into the expansion bay, plug it to the ports and tighten it. As you may know, dial up connection is much slower than broadband. For broadband service, you might need to pay a little more for a better connection. Please note that some games might have certain restriction if a dial up connection is used. For dial up users, connect the console with the phone jack. For those who are planning to use routers, hubs, wireless devices, or any networking devices, plug in the console like any other additional device. If you do not know how, please refer to the manual or ask an expert's assistance. For those who have a dynamic IP address, just choose automatic configuration. Follow the instructions after the start-up disc is being inserted. Input the information and save it to your memory card. If you have firewall, configure it to bypass the issue. The save file that you have created can only be used with the PlayStation®2 and the network adaptor that the network configuration was originally created from. You might need to pay additional fees when you play an online game. The fees are mostly different for all online games. Please check with the company on more details on the fees and ways of payment. 13. Linux Kit - SCPH-97047 A kit that allows the console to use Linux as well as playing PlayStation and PlayStation®2 games. The console will work like a computer with Linux on it. The kit that is sold consist of the Linux Kit version 1, a Monitor Cable Adaptor (with Audio Connectors), 40GB Internal Hard Disk Drive, Network Adaptor (Ethernet)[10/100 Base-T], USB Mouse and USB Keyboard. Unfortunately, you cannot use any other Linux system that uses binary code. Only the software that is provided can be used on their hard disk. You can only use Linux PS2 with their hard disk and memory card. For the Linux Kit to work, you need the PlayStation®2 system, 8MB Memory Card, and a monitor that has the Sync-on-Green capability. The Linux Kit does not enhance gaming experience in any way as it is just another operating system. The hard disk cannot be use for PlayStation®2 games. =============== Getting Started =============== Plug the power cord to the console and then to the (power converter if needed) power output. Connect the cable (varies) to the device that will project the image and sound. Next, plug in the controller and the memory card. If you have trouble setting up, read the manual or ask an expert to help you. Turn the console on by switching the main power switch behind the console from 0 to 1, followed by pressing the Reset button in front of the console. Let the system run without any discs inside. A menu will soon come out. Sony Computer Entertainment Browser - Allows you to explore your memory cards and the disc that is inserted. - You can copy and delete data from your memory cards. System Configuration - There are five cubes with three on the left and two on the right. - Cube one (right) is Clock Adjustment. It allows you to adjust your clock. Enter Options and you get to choose: - Time Format - 12-hour clock - 24-hour clock - Date Format - DD/MM/YYYY - MM/DD/YYYY - YYYY/MM/DD - Time Zone - Daylight Savings Time - Standard (Winter Time) - Daylight Savings (Summer Time) - Cube two (left) allows you to choose the Screen Size: - 4:3 - Full - 16:9 - Cube three (right) turns the DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) option on or off. - Cube four (left) changes the Component Video Out - Y Cb/Pb Cr/Pr - RGB - Cube five (right) switches between the different languages available for your console - English - French - Spanish - German - Italian - Dutch - Portuguese - Choose Version before entering the System Configuration menu to see some information for your console: Console, Browser, CD Player, PlayStation Driver, DVD Player - Choosing Options under Console will enable you to turn the Diagnosis on or off. - Choosing Options under PlayStation Driver will allow you to change the Disc Speed (Standard, Fast) and the Texture Mapping (Standard, Smooth). - Please note that all the options under Version will be returned to Standard every time you reset or turn off your console. After you have configured and completed the setup, you can now start to play all the games that you have wished to play. Note that you can also play games without setting up the console. All the setups can also be done using the twin analog sticks. The left analog stick controls the D-pad, while the right analog stick represents the triangle, square, X, and circle buttons. ================================================ Component Differences and Backward Compatibility ================================================ Sony had designed the PlayStation®2 to use the PlayStation processor for input/output handling that was then rerouted with the appropriate code for the PlayStation®2 to emulate the PlayStation. The PlayStation®2 console is able to play most of the PlayStation games. There are only a few games that are not playable on it. Being a much powerful system than its predecessors, it has a few enhancements when PlayStation games are played. Some games have faster loading times while others have better graphics. Some games might have a drawback and get slower loading times and glitchy graphics. You can set the settings to optimize your game play. Get the list of non-playable games, enhancements and drawbacks from Internet websites. Not all PlayStation hardware and accessories can be used on the PlayStation®2: 1. Console - The PlayStation®2 is able to play PlayStation®2 games and most of the PlayStation games while the PlayStation can only play PlayStation games. - PlayStation®2 might load PlayStation games faster if the option is turned on. - PlayStation®2 might improve the graphics for PlayStation games if the option is turned on. - Not all the improvements on the PlayStation®2 work with all the PlayStation games. 2. Controller - All controllers can be used on both the PlayStation and PlayStation®2. - PlayStation controller does not have the analog sticks and the pressure sensitive function. If a game requires the use of the analog sticks, this controller cannot be used. - Dual Shock analog controller is not pressure sensitive and if a PlayStation®2 game requires the pressure sensitive function to enhance the game, this controller will not be suitable. - Dual Shock 2 Analog Controller has the pressure sensitive function. This function has no effect on the PlayStation games unless the buttons are pressed too lightly. - The PSX mouse works with the PlayStation®2. - USB mouse and keyboard can be used for certain games. - The USB mouse does not work to control PlayStation games. Use a PSX mouse instead. - GunCon works for PlayStation games while GunCon2 works for PlayStation®2 games. - For other controllers, lightguns, etc., check the manual or ask the dealer for more information on compatibility. 3. Memory Card - The PlayStation Memory Card can be used on the PlayStation and PlayStation®2 to save only PlayStation game data. You can transfer the data (8KB) from the Memory Card to the 8MB Memory Card in the Browser menu. - The 8MB Memory Card can only be used on the PlayStation®2 to save PlayStation®2 game data. The DexDrive does not work with it. - For third party memory cards, check the manual or ask the dealer for more information on compatibility. 4. Multitap - Can be used on their respective console and games. - The PlayStation Multitap can be used on the PlayStation®2 for PlayStation games. - This is probably because the added feature of pressure sensitive (controller) and the kilobytes (memory card). 5. Audio/Video Connections - All cables can be used on both the PlayStation and PlayStation®2 except for the Component AV cable that can only be used for the PlayStation®2. - For the PlayStation RCA audio/video cables, you need a RF adaptor to connect to the PlayStation®2 as the console does not have a serial I/O port. 6. Miscellaneous - GameShark can only work with PlayStation games. - GameShark 2 can only work with PlayStation®2 games. - Pro Action Replay and Codebreaker works with PlayStation games and probably some PlayStation®2 games. =================== Memory Card Manager =================== When a memory card is selected in the Browser menu, you will be presented a screen with the contents of your memory card. On the upper left hand corner, you will be shown the amount of free space left in your memory card. There will also be pictures/blocks/figures/animations representing each saved data in your memory card. By highlighting and selecting it with the X button, you have the option to copy the file to another memory card or delete it. You will also be showed the time you last updated the file and the size of the file. Highlighting and selecting Options with the Triangle button will show you detail information on that particular saved data. Below are the detail information showed in the Options menu. File Name ~ The name given to the saved data Location ~ The place/location where the saved data is stored File Type ~ The type of file for the data File Size ~ The size of the data Last Updated ~ The last time it was updated File Protection ~ Data with file protection will not allow you to copy to another memory card ========= CD Player ========= A gaming console, a CD player and a DVD player in one. The PlayStation®2 can play audio CD like any other CD player. The PlayStation®2 also allows you to play DVD's from their respective regions. Unfortunately, the PlayStation®2 is unable to play VCD. To play an audio CD, just insert it like you would normally do with a game disc. The console will recognize it and bring a new screen for playing audio disc. Once in the screen for playing disc, it will look like the Memory Card manager screen. There will be a number of blocks equivalent to the number of tracks in the disc. You can exit and go back to the browser. In the browser menu, highlight the audio CD and you can select Options by pressing the Triangle button. Below are the options that will be presented: Play Options - Play Mode - Normal (default) ~ Tracks will be played from the first track to the last track accordingly - Program ~ Tracks will be played the way that is preset by the user - Shuffle ~ Tracks will be played randomly - Repeat - Off (default) ~ There will be no repetition of any tracks - All ~ All the tracks will be repeated once the end of the playlist has been reached - 1 ~ The track that is selected will be repeated over and over again The CD movie player can be used even without a DVD remote control. The Analog Controller can be used to control the songs. Below is a listing of controls for the Analog Controller: Directional buttons: Cursor control START button: Play/Pause SELECT button: Stop X button: Enter/Confirm selection Circle button: Cancel/Stop L1 button: Previous track R1 button: Next track L2 button: Search backward R2 button: Search forward ========== DVD Player ========== To play a DVD disc, just insert it like you would normally do with a game disc. The console will recognize it and should automatically play the disc. If you hook-up the console to the television through a VCR, image quality will be bad. It is because of Macrovision that tries to stop people to copy DVD through a VCR. Just try to find a way to connect it straight to the television. If you have not noticed, there are two versions of the PlayStation®2 console; one is the NTSC/J version while the other is the PAL version. If the disc is not compatible with the system, you cannot play that disc. The way around it is to modify the console, which is illegal. The Parental Control can be accessed even if you have forgotten your password. Press the Select button and enter '7444' to delete the old password. For more information on playing the disc, please refer to the PlayStation®2 instruction manual. Here is a listing of all regions: Region 0 - All Regions Region 1 - North America & Canada Region 2 - Europe, Japan, South Africa and Middle East (including Eygpt) Region 3 - South East Asia & East Asia (including Hong Kong) Region 4 - South America, Australasia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, & the Caribbean Region 5 - Eastern Europe, Central Asia & North Africa, Indian subcontinent, North Korea, & Mongolia Region 6 - China Region 7 - Reserved Region 8 - Special international venues (airplanes, cruise ships, etc.) The DVD movie player can be used even without a DVD remote control. The Analog Controller can be used to control the movies. Below is a listing of controls for the Analog Controller: Directional buttons: Cursor control START button: Play/Pause SELECT button: Brings up the DVD Control Panel Triangle button: Brings up the DVD movie menu Square button: Brings up the DVD movie title menu X button: Enter/Confirm selection Circle button: Cancel/Stop L1 button: Previous chapter R1 button: Next chapter L2 button: Search backward R2 button: Search forward L3 button: Change subtitle language R3 button: Change audio language Not all of the functions on the Analog Controller are available for every DVD movie. The DVD Control Panel has 18 items. I will list them in the order of left to right and from top to bottom. #0-9: This is used to select chapters and various things of a movie. DVD Menu: The menu where you start at. You can choose different settings to setup the movie. The Extras Features and Bonus Materials are normally found here. Title Menu: When a DVD movie has different titles in it, use this to select the title that is wanted instead of going through the whole disc chapter by chapter. Return: This is used to return to the previous screen in the DVD Menu or Title Menu. Audio Options: This is used to select the language you want to hear the movie in. Angle Options: This is used to select the angle for a scene that is recorded in multiple angles. Subtitle Options: This is used to select the subtitles you want to see in the movie. Go To Title: This is used to select titles of a movie. Use this together with the numerical numbers on top of the DVD Control Panel. Setup: Numerous settings that can be done to setup the DVD movie. Chapter Display: When playing a DVD movie disc, the current title number and current chapter number will be displayed on the screen. Help: This will show you the use of each button on the Analog Controller to control the DVD movie. Go To Chapter: This is used to select chapters in a title of a movie. Use this together with the numerical numbers on top of the DVD Control Panel. Previous: Return to the previous chapter. Search: There are two buttons for this. The left one is to search backwards. The right one is to search forward. Play: Play the movie. Pause: Pause the movie. Stop: Stop the movie. Slow: Slow down the playing speed of a movie. Here is a listing of the Setup menu available in the DVD Control Panel: Language Setup: - OSD (On-screen display): - English (default) - French - German - Italian - Spanish - Dutch - Portuguese - DVD Menu: - English (default) - French - German - Italian - Spanish - Dutch - Danish - Swedish - Finnish - Norwegian - Portuguese - Russian - Chinese - Japanese - Language Options -> - Afar - Abkhazian - Afrikaans - Amharic - Arabic - Assamese - Aymara - Azerbaijani - Bashkir - Byelorussian - Bulgarian - Bihari - Bislama - Bengali; Bangla - Tibetan - Breton - Catalan - Corsican - Czech - Welsh - Danish - German - Bhutani - Greek - English - Esperanto - Spanish - Estonian - Basque - Persian - Finnish - Fiji - Faroese - French - Frisian - Irish - Scots Gaelic - Galician - Guarani - Gujarati - Hausa - Hindi - Croatian - Hungarian - Armenian - Interlingua - Interlingue - Inupiak - Indonesian - Icelandic - Italian - Hebrew - Japanese - Yiddish - Javanese - Georgian - Kazakh - Greenlandic - Cambodian - Kannada - Korean - Kashmiri - Kurdish - Kirghiz - Latin - Lingala - Laothian - Lithuanian - Latvian; Lettish - Malagasy - Maori - Macedonian - Malayalam - Mongolian - Moldavian - Marathi - Malay - Maltese - Burmese - Nauru - Nepali - Dutch - Norwegian - Occitan - (Afan)Oromo - Oriya - Punjabi - Polish - Pashto; Pushto - Portuguese - Quechua - Rhaeto-Romance - Kirundi - Romanian - Russian - Kinyarwanda - Sanskrit - Sindhi - Sangho - Serbo-Croatian - Singhalese - Slovak - Slovenian - Samoan - Shona - Somali - Albanian - Serbian - Siswati - Sesotha - Sundanese - Swedish - Swahili - Tamil - Telegu - Tajik - Thai - Tigrinya - Turkmen - Tagalog - Setswana - Tonga - Turkish - Tsonga - Tatar - Twi - Ukranian - Urdu - Uzhek - Vietnamese - Volapuk - Wolof - Xhosa - Yoruba - Chinese - Zulu - Audio - English (default) - French - German - Italian - Spanish - Dutch - Danish - Swedish - Finnish - Norwegian - Portuguese - Russian - Chinese - Japanese - Language Options -> - Afar - Abkhazian - Afrikaans - Amharic - Arabic - Assamese - Aymara - Azerbaijani - Bashkir - Byelorussian - Bulgarian - Bihari - Bislama - Bengali; Bangla - Tibetan - Breton - Catalan - Corsican - Czech - Welsh - Danish - German - Bhutani - Greek - English - Esperanto - Spanish - Estonian - Basque - Persian - Finnish - Fiji - Faroese - French - Frisian - Irish - Scots Gaelic - Galician - Guarani - Gujarati - Hausa - Hindi - Croatian - Hungarian - Armenian - Interlingua - Interlingue - Inupiak - Indonesian - Icelandic - Italian - Hebrew - Japanese - Yiddish - Javanese - Georgian - Kazakh - Greenlandic - Cambodian - Kannada - Korean - Kashmiri - Kurdish - Kirghiz - Latin - Lingala - Laothian - Lithuanian - Latvian; Lettish - Malagasy - Maori - Macedonian - Malayalam - Mongolian - Moldavian - Marathi - Malay - Maltese - Burmese - Nauru - Nepali - Dutch - Norwegian - Occitan - (Afan)Oromo - Oriya - Punjabi - Polish - Pashto; Pushto - Portuguese - Quechua - Rhaeto-Romance - Kirundi - Romanian - Russian - Kinyarwanda - Sanskrit - Sindhi - Sangho - Serbo-Croatian - Singhalese - Slovak - Slovenian - Samoan - Shona - Somali - Albanian - Serbian - Siswati - Sesotha - Sundanese - Swedish - Swahili - Tamil - Telegu - Tajik - Thai - Tigrinya - Turkmen - Tagalog - Setswana - Tonga - Turkish - Tsonga - Tatar - Twi - Ukranian - Urdu - Uzhek - Vietnamese - Volapuk - Wolof - Xhosa - Yoruba - Chinese - Zulu - Subtitles - Audio Follow - English (default) - French - German - Italian - Spanish - Dutch - Danish - Swedish - Finnish - Norwegian - Portuguese - Russian - Chinese - Japanese - Language Options -> - Afar - Abkhazian - Afrikaans - Amharic - Arabic - Assamese - Aymara - Azerbaijani - Bashkir - Byelorussian - Bulgarian - Bihari - Bislama - Bengali; Bangla - Tibetan - Breton - Catalan - Corsican - Czech - Welsh - Danish - German - Bhutani - Greek - English - Esperanto - Spanish - Estonian - Basque - Persian - Finnish - Fiji - Faroese - French - Frisian - Irish - Scots Gaelic - Galician - Guarani - Gujarati - Hausa - Hindi - Croatian - Hungarian - Armenian - Interlingua - Interlingue - Inupiak - Indonesian - Icelandic - Italian - Hebrew - Japanese - Yiddish - Javanese - Georgian - Kazakh - Greenlandic - Cambodian - Kannada - Korean - Kashmiri - Kurdish - Kirghiz - Latin - Lingala - Laothian - Lithuanian - Latvian; Lettish - Malagasy - Maori - Macedonian - Malayalam - Mongolian - Moldavian - Marathi - Malay - Maltese - Burmese - Nauru - Nepali - Dutch - Norwegian - Occitan - (Afan)Oromo - Oriya - Punjabi - Polish - Pashto; Pushto - Portuguese - Quechua - Rhaeto-Romance - Kirundi - Romanian - Russian - Kinyarwanda - Sanskrit - Sindhi - Sangho - Serbo-Croatian - Singhalese - Slovak - Slovenian - Samoan - Shona - Somali - Albanian - Serbian - Siswati - Sesotha - Sundanese - Swedish - Swahili - Tamil - Telegu - Tajik - Thai - Tigrinya - Turkmen - Tagalog - Setswana - Tonga - Turkish - Tsonga - Tatar - Twi - Ukranian - Urdu - Uzhek - Vietnamese - Volapuk - Wolof - Xhosa - Yoruba - Chinese - Zulu Screen Setup: - TV Type - 16:9 (default) - 4:3 Letter Box - 4:3 PAN SCAN - DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) - Off (default) - DNR1 - DNR2 - Outline Sharpening - +2 - +1 - 0 (default) - -1 - -2 - Display - On (default) - Off Custom Setup: - Pause Mode - Auto (default) - Frame - Parental Control Audio Setup: - Audio Digital Out - DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) - On (default) - Off - Dolby Digital - On - Off (default) - DTS (Digital Theatre System) - On - Off (default) - MPEG - On - Off (default) - Audio Track Auto Select Mode - On - Off (default) - DVD Volume - +2 - +1 - Standard (default) ===================== Caring For The System ===================== 1. Console - Do not try to put your fingers inside the memory card slots. - Do not expose the console to excessive smoke or dust particles. - Turn the power off if you need to clean the console. - The ventilation system can be cleaned with a low-powered vacuum cleaner when it is dirty. - When not in use for an extended period, unplug all peripherals and store it in a room temperature place. - Do not modify the console if you do not know what you are doing (It is still illegal). 2. Dual Shock 2 Analog Controller - Gently plug the controller in and out the controller port. - Do not pull the controller by the cord. - Do not pull or throw the controller when you are angry. - Do not use the vibration function on any other part of your body except the hand. - When not in use for an extended period, remove it from the console and store it in a room temperature place. - Do not open up the controller for modification. 3. 8MB Memory Card - Gently plug the memory card in and out the memory card slot. - Do not remove the memory card when you are saving or loading. The game data might corrupt or the memory card could not be used. - Do not blow into the opening of the memory card. - You might want to delete some obsolete data by going in the Browser menu. - When not in use for an extended period, remove it from the console and store it in a room temperature place or inside the case (like the PlayStation memory card casing). - Do not open up the memory card for modification. 4. Disc tray/Laser - You may use the cleaning disc that is available out there. In the instruction manual, it says that this method can damage the laser. Try it at your own risk. - If you want to clean the laser without using the cleaning disc method, you need to open up the console to clean it. I think different models have different ways of accessing to the laser lens. Generally, you have to take out all the protective covers and screws that are at the bottom of the console. After that, take off the upper side of the console. Remove all wires and parts that are on top of the laser lens. Clean the lens (circular motion) with rubbing alcohol and dry it when you are done. Assemble everything back in its original position. Try it at your own risk. Please note that the Japanese console might not be the same with the American console in some ways. - Do not use any irregularly shaped disc or put any foreign objects on the disc tray. 5. Ports/Slots - Do not poke the ports and slots. - Do not blow into the ports and slots. 6. Disc - Do not touch the surface of the disc. - Do not write on the disc. - Clean the disc when it is dirty. Take any soft cloth or a lint-free cloth and spread it with rubbing alcohol. You should rub the disc from the inside to the outside. Do not rub it with circular motions. - Do not expose the disc to heat source or highly electromagnetic places. - When not in use for an extended period, remove it from the console and store it in their cases. =============== Troubleshooting =============== 1. Console/Video/Audio - If the console cannot turn on, try checking the AC power cord if it is connected properly. If it is, the power adaptor or the socket outlet might be damaged. If that is not the case, you might have used the console for an extensive period of time (let it rest). Check if the power output (Different volts for different consoles in different regions) is meant for your console. - When the console is running but you can only see a blank screen or distorted images, try reconnecting all video connections on both ends. You could try another set of cables if that does not work. The problem also arises if you did not get a compatible system that works with the television. For PAL televisions, you should get the PAL PlayStation®2. For NTSC televisions, you should get the NTSC PlayStation®2. - There will be no sound coming out from the speakers if the cables are not plugged correctly. Try reconnecting everything and check if you speakers' volume is turned on. If the game has a volume setting, turn it on. - Modified consoles might not work as well as they are originally intended to. Try consulting an expert or get a new PlayStation®2. 2. Controller - The controller does not work, responded slowly, the vibration function, pressure sensitive, analog sticks or all the other functions are not working. This is probably the controller might not be plugged properly or it is worn-out. - Try configuring the game. - Check if the controller is plugged properly. - There is a possibility that it is damaged. Try contacting the dealer or get a new one. - Please take note that the PlayStation controller and the Dual Shock analog controller do not work properly with all PlayStation®2 games. 3. Memory Card - Game data cannot be saved if you are using the wrong memory card. Only the 8MB Memory Card can save PlayStation®2 game data and only the Memory Card can save PlayStation game data. - Make sure the memory card is inserted properly. - Try using another memory card. - Check if the memory card is plugged properly. - There is a possibility that it is damaged. Try contacting the dealer or get a new one. 4. Multitap - Check if the controllers and memory cards are meant for it or not. - Check if the Multitap is plugged properly. - There is a possibility that it is damaged. Try contacting the dealer or get a new one. 5. Network Adaptor - You might be using the wrong type of cable if you cannot connect. Try reconnecting all the connections. - Your given information might be wrong. Check if the information is correct. - Reset every device if you have any problem connecting. To reset, turn off all the devices and unplug them all. Leave them for a short period before connecting them back. You might need to delete the online setup from the memory card and start all over again. - Your internet connection has expired or your ISP is doing maintenance work. - Ask your ISP if there is any problem or restriction on your connection. - Consult a networking expert to help you. - There is a possibility that it is damaged. Try contacting the dealer or get a new one. 6. Disc tray/Laser - The disc tray cannot open if you have not turn the console on. - Make sure nothing is obstructing the disc tray from ejecting. - Adjust the voltage if you think that is the cause of the problem. I think different models have different ways of accessing to the laser control screws. Generally, you have to take out all the protective covers and screws that are at the bottom of the console. After that, take off the upper side of the console. The laser control screws are on a small amber circuit board. When the front of the PlayStation®2 is facing you, the silver screw on the left controls the voltage for CD reading while the silver screw on the right controls the voltage for DVD reading. Make sure nothing else is in contact with the circuit board. Turning the screw clockwise to increase the voltage. Turning the screw counter-clockwise to decrease the voltage. The laser could be damaged if too much voltage is provided. Keep on adjusting and load a game to test. When you have the appropriate voltage, assemble everything back in its original position. Please note that the Japanese console might not be the same with the American console in some ways. Try it at your own risk. - If you have a damaged lens, you might need to replace it. 7. Ports/Slots - If the peripheral that is inserted does not work, check if it is inserted properly. The peripheral might not meant to be use on that particular port or it is not compatible with the console. - Check if there is any dirt or dust particles. 8. Disc - If your console is making weird noise when it is reading the disc, chances are that the disc is scratched. Try to get rid of the scratches. - Try realigning the console to be standing in a vertical position instead of the horizontal position. - Poor audio and video might be caused by your dirty disc. Try cleaning it before you use it again. - There is a possibility that it is damaged. Try contacting the dealer or get a new one. 9. Disc Read Error/DVD playback - Try the Diagnosis mode. - Try rotating the console into a vertical position. - Try resetting the console a few times. This happens when data is not removed from the memory buffer. It prevents other data to be inputted and cause this error. Resetting the console clears those data. This happens rarely. - Modified consoles might have this problem. Consult an expert. - Check if the DVD disc is meant for your region or not. - Check if the rating setting for the DVD is turned on. If it is, just turn it off. 10. Send to SONY - If all the above does not help you, try consulting an expert before sending the console to Sony. It might be troublesome and time consuming if you send it to them. ============= Miscellaneous ============= 1. Third party peripherals Quite a number of third party peripherals have come out for the PlayStation®2 console. Some controllers have turbo function, memory input, allowing seven or more buttons to be pressed at the same time, remote (infrared) function, a small view screen/panel/monitor attached to the controller, and/or a cooling system at the side grips for those who sweat a lot when playing games. Dancing pads and driving consoles are also being sold. You have to check if they are supported by the PlayStation®2 console. Bigger capacities memory card has also come out and some even have LED on it. There is also software that are sold which enables you to play other region DVD, play MP3, etc. A variety of colours and designs for all the peripherals including the console have also been sold. Depending on where you live, there are many manufacturers out there trying to sell their products. They might have better functions, but their quality might not be so good. Think if the price is worth it before buying the product. The popular third party peripherals manufacturers are Mad Catz and Pelican. 2. Adding a mod chip to your console There are a few mod chips available out there to play disc from different regions. Always think twice before opening up your console as the warranty will be void. If you modify the console, it will be illegal (laws that prohibit manipulation of registered electronic devices). If you still plan to modify it, always ask an expert to do it. The popular mod chips that I know are the Messiah mod chips. There are also 'mod chips' that come in the form of boot disc and USB compatible devices. ======= Credits ======= xyqyx - For writing this FAQ. ZTWC (Eizaz) - For giving me a lot of information. Sony Computer Entertainment - For making the PlayStation®2 a big success. Jeff "CJayC" Veesay - For posting this FAQ. FAQ writers - For contributing their work to help people. - For helping me in my FAQs. Everybody - Whoever who has contributed a little bit in this FAQ. - Those that I have forgotten to mention. ========= Copyright ========= This document is Copyright 2004 xyqyx. It may not be reproduced under any circumstances. It may not be placed in any other web site outside of GameFAQs. This document cannot be distributed in any form at all. Use of this guide on any other places is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.