Want to buy an Xbox or PS2...which one?

[Ron-P]

I'd like a gaming machine to hook up in the theater. I went to Best Buy and talked with an employee who knew Jack. So here I am, I want one that does 5.1 surround and has, at minimum, an S-vid connection perfer one with component.
My biggest question is how these would look on my 85" screen via my front projector.

Tips, suggestions, pros, cons of the machines.

I know new models of both are comming. The BB employee said prices will soon drop on the old units so I want to buy one when they drop.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

IF you're integrating this into your theater, then XBOX all the way - no question.

This is a topic of hot debate for many people, but most will agree that XBOX has better graphics, and will do DD 5.1 and HD games...

[bknauss]

Couple things:
-Depending on what you budget is and how long you can hold off, the next gen of consoles are coming out starting this fall. Didn't know if you might be interested.

-Xbox definitely has the better sound. It has true DD 5.1 output in games as opposed to PS2 doing Pro Logic II at best. The 5.1 makes a huge difference during games like Halo.

-PS2 and Xbox both have cables that allow for component video out.

[bobman1235]

Originally posted by bknauss
-Xbox definitely has the better sound. It has true DD 5.1 output in games as opposed to PS2 doing Pro Logic II at best. The 5.1 makes a huge difference during games like Halo.


I have at least once game (SSX 3) for the PS2 that has full DTS sound, and most other games I play have at least Dolby Digital. So while there may be MORE games for the XBOX that have digital sound, there are still a good amount for the PS2 that have it as well.

[bknauss]

The PS2 cannot handle in game discrete 5.1 (they left out the hardware for it). As an example, if you play a game and look at a person shooting a machine gun, if you turn around 135 degrees either way, you'll notice the machine gun sound is now coming from either the left rear or right rear depending on which way you turned. The PS2 will matrix the sort of thing on the rears and it doesn't sound nearly as good or as exact.

So yes, you are correct that those games have DTS and DD, but they're not discrete 5.1 and will never be on the PS2 (I was pretty bummed when I heard about this).

[danger boy]

I'd wait for the next generation of console(s) myself.. the PS2 is pretty much outdated by todays standards.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Originally posted by Ron-P
I know new models of both are comming. The BB employee said prices will soon drop on the old units so I want to buy one when they drop.
Did you guys miss this???

[faster100]

yeah, i'm guessing Ron's not a game nut or he would have a console already and just wants to test the waters on the cheaper... I'm sure the new consoles will run what upwards of 3 -400 bucks.... NOT me, :D

[Ron-P]

Exactly. I enjoy some gaming from time to time, nothing life changing here. The current Xbox would work fine for me and that is the direction I'm leaning.

Has anyone played these games on a front projector? If it looks like crap I don't even want to waste my time to try it out.

[bknauss]

Originally posted by Polkmaniac
Did you guys miss this???

Yes I did! :)

Ron, I would head over to www.avsforum.com and check out the front projector forums along with the home theater gaming forums. Tons of knowledge there that should answer any question you could ever think of. From what I've seen, even sub-$2000 FP make video games look good.

[Willow]

I own the xbox and say go with it over PS2. For my past Bday my wife borrowed a projector. I hooked up the PS2 to it and It looked good (I didn't have a screen just the wall) I wish I would have had the xbox at that time. But my vote for overall is xbox. Better sound graphics faster processor.

[mantis]

Ron Get a Xbox and don't look back

I own both and the Xbox is much better. Audio and video as well

Dan

[Mjr7531]

I'd say go for PS2 because it has a *much* larger game library. You can delve into the PS1 game library and once the PS2 goes out of date, the games you have now will work with the PS3, no other gaming console has this type of compatibility save gameboy (classic/pocket, color, advance.)

[Mjr7531]

I'd say go for PS2 because it has a *much* larger game library. You can delve into the PS1 game library and once the PS2 goes out of date, the games you have now will work with the PS3, no other gaming console has this type of compatibility save gameboy (classic/pocket, color, advance.)
To put my views onto the field, I'm buying an SNES and N64 soon because they don't have as much flash-bang effects and more fun gameplay.

[anonymouse]

A modded Xbox with xbox media center (xbmc) is amazing. I play just a few games, and use the box as a media center mostly. Very happy with it

[avelanchefan]

Anony,

Agreed, my XB is modded, love the media center. You hear the Xbox 360 is going to incorporate their own media center?

Gates let it slip one time to a European reporter that he loved playing with Xbox Media Center, the reporter said you had to have a modded Xbox to have the media center, Gates promptly changed the subject.

So it does not surprise me to see it on the 360, I just hope Bill used the same fellas that made XBMC.

[aaharvel]

i'll take an 8bit Nintendo with The Legend Of Zelda. YEEHAAAHHHH!!!!!!!

[landry_p2000]

Xbox, hands down.

Pros: better graphics, built in hard drive for memory( no cards to buy), true dolby digital surround, music can be saved to the hard drive and listened to while you play, and most important reasons are HALO & HALO 2.

Cons: bigger and heavier than the PS2, but who cares?

PS2, no way!

Pros: Larger game base than Xbox, and more compact console.

Cons: longer loading time (in my experience of having both), you have to buy the memory cards to save your games, you also have to buy a multi-tap to game with more than 2 people at once. I could keep going, but I think this clears it up good enough.;)

(Just my 2 cents)

[Ron-P]

Thanks guys, looks like the Xbox is the way to go. It was the direction I was leaning even before starting this thread. As soon as I see the price drop on these, I'm buying.

[bknauss]

Originally posted by aaharvel
i'll take an 8bit Nintendo with The Legend Of Zelda. YEEHAAAHHHH!!!!!!!

That's what NES emulators for the PC are for :)

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by bknauss
That's what NES emulators for the PC are for :)

I'm playing it on my PDA at work right now. :D