PS2 and Surround Sound: How to get it to work

[Nemesis]

For the 2 others out there who needed this.

This is for all you out there running a Playstation 2 as part of you HT. In my case, as my DVD player but:o. Seems default settings don't pump out DD and DTS. Here's how I fixed mine.

Disclaimer: I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY IF FOR SOME REASON THIS DAMAGES YOUR PS2, RECEIEVER, SPEAKERS, OR ANY OTHER PART OF YOUR HT.

For those using an older PS2 (again like me), make sure you've already got a 2.00 or higher version of the DVD driver (see my note below). Otehrwise if and when you update you'll have to repeat this process again. And you can't use teh Sony PS2 remote and IR receiver. Do an "auto search" for the code if you want to use this with a universal remote. EDIT you need the update to run the IR receiever, which is obviously required to program you PS2 on your universal remote.

1. GO to system configuration. Check to make sure "Digital Out" is on. The PS2 will now pump out PCM data. You do know you need an optical cable, right?

2. IMPORTANT! UNPLUG THE OPTICLE CABLE FROM EITHER THE PS2 OR YOUR RECEIVER. Or both.

Why do I need to do this, you may ask. Seems the PS2 does something "weird" when you switch on DD and/or DTS Out. Seems it makes your speakers make a very loud sound of metal on metal. Almost like the plunger of a pinball machine. This shouldn't happen with with built in format decoders, so says teh PS2 manual. But it does unless you unplug the optical cable.

I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY IF FOR SOME REASON THIS DAMAGES YOUR PS2, RECEIEVER, SPEAKERS, OR ANY OTHER PART OF YOUR HT.

3. Load up any DVD. Not sure why Sony doesn't let you fix this from the system config screen but that's me.

4. Bring up the user Control Pannel (the Select button). Select the Setup icon (it's on teh right side, teh briefcase icon).

5. Audio Setup: DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) <make sure is on>: Dobly Digital, DTS

Turn on which format(s) you want to allow the PS2 to pump out. You can turn both on and never have to come back here. Now it will function like a normal DVD player (after setup) in that you'll be able to listen to what ever format(s) your DVD can pump out.

That's it. From my experiance of using my PS2 as my DVD player.

Enjoy.

Note this was done on a first generation American PS2, Model # SCPH30001. This and the later 3500 GT model do not work with teh newer/better remotes. These models should have the updated drivers installed (albeit on a memory card) from the update CD included with the older remotes. Mine is SCPH-10171/97042. You'll have at least 2.00 now for DVD driver. Now it functions like a DVD player circa 2001 (insetad of 2000);)

[bknauss]

I never had this problem with an older version of PS2 (probably not first gen). I just went to the setup menu, switched over to DD/DTS, and called it a day.

[Toxis]

or you could just buy a DVD player for $100 and have twice the quality of a PS2 for DVD's. Much easier...

[bknauss]

If you're low on money, or low on space (or both if you're a college student in a dorm room), using hte PS2 asa DVD player is a good option :) I know since I did that for a while.

[Nemesis]

Its is a good option, especially with the remote. Room is not really an issue, but I haven't found one that I liked that I thought was worth the money. It seems they're all practically disposible now adays unless you want to buy a recorder. First one my family bought (not counting PS2) lasted a year and a day (my dad still had the recipt somewhere and checked). We bought a Panasonic recorder over the summer and it doesn't seem cheap (good deal too).

PS2 is convienent for me, doesn't need anymore money (aside from the replacemnt component cable, but that's cuz I went cheap on the 1st one), works, and I can practically operate it in my sleep. Oh and it's outlasted 3 VCRs, 2 CD players, and 1 DVD player;) .