Optimizing PS2 games to 480p (progressive) and 240p gsm hdtv

[d123456]

ps2rd is just a very easy and small utility you run on your ps2 to enable the raw codes for widescreen. Do you have this elf running on your ps2? I will guide you through it if you have any errors or questions.
I also updated the list of games on the main page. Many new additions! enjoy

[d123456]

By request I have uploaded an .xls spreadsheet file with the latest list of tested games. Some new additions.

[SGGG2]

Does anyone know what hex values the ps2force480p program uses? I've tried three different computers (2 Xp, 1 Win 7) and the program quits immediately on launch. Gradius V looks amazing with the Hd Xploder boot disc, but for some reason GSM boots it into fake 480p both on and off the hard drive.

And has anyone had any luck running games in 480p and widescreen? I've widescreen patched Forbidden Siren 2 and Zone of the Enders 2 successively, and it works great at native 480i, and ZOE even booted into 240p widescreen with GSM, but at 480p it's 4:3 at best, and the pixels look more squashed than normal. I'm guessing the renderings correct and you need to stretch the image with another video processor...

EDIT: Turns out ps2force480p is a command line program, that I can't sort out as of just yet. Forbidden Siren 2 patched to widescreen and booted into 480p looks correct when upscaled and then stretched to full 16:9 with the Optoma HD3000 upscaler, Zone of the Enders 2 (widescreen) looses the wider FOV booted into 480p, stretching to full screen makes everything look too wide. I think I'll pick up the PS3 version now that it's been patched, I sold my 360 copy in disgust at the poor performance.

[d123456]

I never had any luck with ps2force480p
As for widescreen and 480p at the same time?
I did this with these 480i 4:3 games:
The King of Route 66 in 480p 16:9
Fate/Unlimited Codes in 480p 16:9

[SGGG2]

Ah, so this answers my question. I had no idea there were that many variables!

http://psx-scene.com/forums/f291/frame- ... ty-111435/

[Mad_Hatter]

I was suggested to use this thread for my question. Basically, in the "Best Connections" thread it says this for PS2:

Best non-modded solution: VGA via SoG/Blaze/Xploder bootdisk for games that can be forced into 480p
Second best non-modded solution: Component
Third best non-modded solution: RGB
Best modded solution: Universal VGA cable


I currently use component. I have no interest in modding consoles (i like to keep them virgin) and I usually just like to output the native picture, so the Universal VGA Cable is something I have to pass on.

What about the "VGA via SoG/Blaze/Xploder"? Is that something you think will interest me?

It says that it can force games into 480p and looks like a bootdisk is required, so I am not sure if that would satisfy the native picture I usually desire?

Would using that method actually output the best native picture? Or is it altering the picture (making component the best method for a native picture)?

[theclaw]

The same basic effect as Dreamcast boot discs, you're temporarily setting 480p without modified hardware. Doesn't have to be VGA. Component still benefits from less interlace artifacts.

[Anapan]

The Blaze boot disc will force a video mode that doesn't use interlacing. This results in a true progressive scan picture for every frame. That's the best quality picture @ native resolution.

Also, booting a PS2 with a memory card containing MCBoot doesn't involve any hardware modding. As soon as you boot it without the memory card it's back to stock, but if you have one of those memory cards you can run GS Mode selector (GSM), or elf forms of the boot disks mentioned before running a game to have your PS2's video output forced into 480P.

[Mad_Hatter]

Thanks guys! I guess my last question is if Sony designed the console with VGA output in mind, as well if the game creators making their games with VGA output in mind?

[Anapan]

While tbey did make it a possibility (rgb), and there was an official linux dev kit which came with a VGA cable, no official commercial VGA cable was made available, and the sync signal is output through the green chroma pin. That means you need a 3rd party or homebrew cable. The easiest method of doing that now is through an arcadeforge Sync-Strike and a SCART to VGA pigtail. Even still, you need to force a progressive video mode to run that setup on most VGA capable displays.