Xploder HDTV Player

[skipper]

Has anyone tried the Xploder HDTV Player?
http://www.xploder.net/products/148/Xploder-HDTV-Player.htm
If so, with what TV, and with what games (Wipeout Fusion)?
While on the topic of things HD, and enhanced definition, who here is using component cables to hook up their PS2, and is there a noiceable difference?
I see in the options for Shadow of the Colossus there is a progressive mode available when using component cables.
Lastly, can anyone give me advice on connecting a PS2 to a VGA monitor?
Thanks.

[rdmx]

Yeah, I want to connect my PS2 to a VGA monitor too.

I use component cables for my PS2 but the TV is rubbish. On a better TV there is presumably a noticable difference.

EDIT: Yay! 100th post! I'd like to thank blah blah blah...

[ronfar623]

I've haven't had much experience with the Xploder HDTV player yet, but you can cobble together a "VGA adapter" for the PS2 pretty easily with an ordinary set of PS2 component cables, and a 3 RCA to DB15 adapter, sometimes called a breakout cable. I've seen them for as low as $0.80 USD on eBay; typing "RCA to DB15" should get you a good list. Just make sure there's a male VGA plug on one end, and three female red, green and blue RCA plugs on the other (or just adapt the gender to fit your need).

Your monitor must support sync-on-green mode for this to work. You can check your monitor against a database of tested-working displays by visiting http://playstation2-linux.com/sog.php

Once you've got the cables set, in the system options menu of the PS2 (accessible by turning the system on without a game in the tray) change the component output from Y/Pr/Pb to RGB, and hook it up to your VGA monitor.

Now here's where it gets tricky (and where the Xploder HDTV disc could really help), you will only get a display on your monitor when the system is running in progressive scan (e.g. 480p). Unfortunately, not all games do this, and I don't think any do by default, only by activation. Apparently the Xploder disc forces progressive scan in all games, so theoretically you wouldn't have a problem.

Alternatively, if your game supports the "hold triangle and X on boot" trick to force progressive scan, you'd be set. Otherwise you would need to memorize the menu layouts so you could navigate them blind and enable progressive scan. :blarg

Once you finally get it working, the difference is amazing. In fact, the image on a VGA monitor is almost too clean. 'Course maybe I'm just too used to seeing games in 1024x768 with full antialiasing on the same display. :D

[infoxicated]

Howdy - welcome, etc. :)

I usually check on here: http://144.92.43.200/hdg/hdg.asp?submit=ShowGames

To see if a game I have can be improved by the Triangle & X trick, but so far I haven't had any success - mostly due to them hamstringing the PAL version , for some reason.