Sony's PlayStation 2 Date posted: 15 December 2002 Written By: Bjorn Introduction With the ever-maddening pace of development and popularity in the high-tech world of PCs, the Internet, video games and home theater, the word "convergence" has actually started to mean something. A one-box solution to all your entertainment needs (DVD, Internet, video games, CDs) is Sony's aim for the PlayStation 2 (PS2). Riding on the staggering success of their first generation gaming system, PlayStation (PSX), Sony decided to evolve their CD-ROM based system many steps further. Graphics/gameplay power has been dramatically elevated, DVD-Video playback capability is now on-board (the games are, in fact, DVD-based), CD playback returns and, eventually, PS2 owners will be able to enjoy broadband Internet connectivity for both surfing the Net and playing games with friends on-line. Sony is on the right track with the PS2 to succeed in the monumental task of achieving convergence while leaving both high-tech entertainment geeks (like yours truly) and casual video gamers begging for more. The Box Packed in an unassuming (but beautiful) electric blue box, the PS2 is a sleek, black, industrial-looking contraption. However, the laser-sharp, purple-blue PS2 logo and stylishly embossed Compact Disc, DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, Dolby Digital and DTS logos on the top panel assure you that this an entertainment device of some power. The unit seems heavier than any of its competitors and feels much more solid than the first Playstation. The PSX had a flip-up door to load discs, while the PS2 has a sturdy motorized drawer. Also new for the PS2 are two USB ports (for connecting peripherals like a keyboard or a mouse) and an IEEE 1394 (aka FireWire) input/output connection for broadband Internet connectivity - Sony calls this i.LINK. This feature will allow for Internet surfing and the ability to play games with other PS2 owners on Sony's network once it's up and working. Sony hopes to have its network on-line sometime 2003-2004, and will require a monthly subscription fee to access it. An expansion port, located on the rear of the unit, will accept a future accessory hard disk.   Connect It! Connection to your television can be done by either composite, S-Video, or component video cabling. Video output and analog audio outputs are integrated into one bundle via an A/V Multi-Out. On tap for both video gaming and DVD playback is an optical digital output that can pass Dolby Digital and DTS bit-streams from corresponding discs. Included with the PS2 is a set of composite video/analog audio cables. But if you have the ability to take advantage of S-Video or component video connections, do it! The extra amount of detail afforded by the latter connections is worth every penny that the cables will cost you. On the Gaming front On the gaming front, control pad jockeys can plug into one of two control pad ports, which support both the first-gen DualShock controller and the new DualShock 2 controller. If you're into role playing games, or setting up a season in Madden NFL 2002, there's also room on-board for two memory cards. Keep in mind that original PSX games can only be saved on first-gen memory cards, and PS2 games can only be saved on the new 8MB memory cards, so keep one of each handy if you just can't you want to keep playing the classics from the first Playstation.   Overview Video Games (Video/Audio): The graphics are unbelievable. No question about it. Game audio is usually impressive as well, depending on the artistic choices of the programmers. DVD-Video (Video/Audio): There are a couple of built-in video "tweaks" that can be applied to DVD playback on the PS2, that can both help and hurt the picture. Darker scenes seem to be portrayed a bit too dark, with slight smearing, but this is so minor that it will likely not be noticed by most people. Music CDs (Audio): Imaging and clarity are very good compared with most budget-priced, mainstream CD players. However, both imaging and clarity break down somewhat when compared to a higher-end Sony ES CD player, for example. The output level from the analog jacks is very low, requiring a higher volume setting than normal. Value/Overall: At 259,00 Euro, the PS2 isn't cheap, especially considering its competitors Microsoft's "X-Box" (which goes around the same price) and of course the lower priced NON-DVD game console from Nintendo, their "Game Cube" - a system close in gameplay and graphics power. The bottom line is that for 259,00 Euro, you're getting one of the best video game console experience systems with A HUGE offering of different videogames today genres which lacks a bit with its 2 competitors. A DVD player on par with most mass-market units, a decent CD player, plus Internet connectivity for surfing and gaming with your best friends thousands of miles away. Specs and Features Performance Features: PAL, supports PlayStation 2 and PlayStation software, Region-2 DVD-Video playback, Dolby Digital/DTS pass-through, compact disc playback, compatible with broadband Internet service Output Terminals: Integrated A/V Multi-Out compatible with composite, S-Video or component video (Integrated A/V Multi-Out connections contain 2-channel analog audio outputs), optical digital audio Input Terminals: Two controller pad ports (compatible with DualShock and DualShock 2 controllers), two memory card ports (compatible with PlayStation cards and 8MB PlayStation 2 cards), two USB ports, expansion bay for hard disk drive Input/Output Terminal: S400 i.LINK (IEEE 1394 FireWire) up to 400 Mbps Included Accessories: One DualShock 2 analog controller, integrated composite video/analog audio cable, AC power cord, instruction manual Recommended Accessories: 8MB PlayStation 2 memory card, S-Video or component video cabling, second DualShock 2 analog controller Physical Properties: 12"/3.125"/7.25" (W/H/D), 5 lb. 5 oz. PlayStation 2, X-box or GameCube ? As a consumer, sometimes it's hard to choose the best system that would suit you right at a reasonable price. When the PS2 was initial shipped gamers had to lay down alot of money if they wanted to have one. Now with Microsofts X-Box, Sony wisely lowered their price to be competitive against Microsoft which was offering basicly the same but with more features and goodies. Then few months later, Nintendo came up with their GameCube system. Which after all was a truly games station. No DVD and hardly any tech features. So if you are planning to buy a new console system for Christmas, don't let Sony's PlayStation 2 out. It has a very, if not the best, offering on video games. A huge market to choose from comparing to the 2 other brands but it's not that "new". Still while Sony has proven to be a strong leader in home entertainment and games, you sure won't be dissapointed at all! 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