Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This remote control converts a Play Station 2 console into a full-featured DVD player.It does this in two ways.First, it improves upon the existing PS2 DVD Player software.For my unit, the version of DVD player jumped from 1.30U to 2.10U.Second, it provides a wireless remote control with every function you could want plus a few.
The package ships with an instruction manual, the DVD Player 2.1 disk, two AAA batteries, a small stub IR receiver.The first disappointment is that the receiver is NOT a passthrough.Fortunately, it is designed to fit the second controller slot.Swapping the stub for a controller is only an issue then for two player games.
The remote control has some other disappointments.The DVD Player 2.1 software, essentially a firmware update, installs on a memory card and consumes a lot of real estate in the process.It only works with memory slot 1 and the entire copy takes 2.2MB, a quarter of the card's capacity.In an era where the most basic computer devices are all 'flashable,' it's a mystery why Sony didn't keep a more careful eye on future revisions.After all, I have flashed my computer motherboard, DVD player, and home network equipment with firmware updates.All of these devices carried some fashion EPROM (electronically programmable memory).And they all sold for less than a Sony Playstation, so it's hard to blame this short sitedness on cost.It's a mystery why Sony didn't forsee a similar eprom need in their console (read poor planning).Instead of flashing an internal chip then, Sony forces us to copy a new copy to a memory card, making the existing ROM so much silicon gathering dust.The DVD Player 2.1 software can be manipulated just like any other saved game.You can delete and copy it back at will.The remote will work without it too, although without the software to support it most buttons won't work as advertised.
Luckily, the improvements are significant and probably offset the disappointments enough to make this a good purchase.The new remote control and player software are feature rich adding many needed improvements to the DVD playback on the PS2.The most anticipated difference for me was the multi-speed scan.With the new player, it is now possible to scan through a DVD at 2x 4x and 8x speeds.The next best feature is an actual time clock, showing chapter progress time, remaining time, feature progress time and remaining time.The original player only showed chapter stops.Sonylayed out the DVD remote buttons in a logical and clear fashion.It includes every button you could want in a decent arrangement.Even chapter selection is there.The remote is a hybrid, including all of the shock controller buttons with the exception of only the analog sticks.It's nice - it rivals any other DVD remote.I read one review that said you could control power with this remote.This is not true.There is no labeled on/off button nor does the manual mention it. Other esoteric features are repeat (is this for a video store?) and shuffle (?), which are questionable even for concert DVDs.Maybe someone out there can find purpose to them.
I've never had any trouble with DVD playback having successfully watched dozens of titles on the PS2 now.Other people have complained about incompatible DVDs in the past.The new player software may address these issues.Sony claims this unit is compatible with any disk stamped with the DVD logo.I'm guessing it's a region 1 player and not region free, although I can't verify this for sure.I'm sure a hack is on its way if not already available.
Overall, it's a good purchase.The $20 ranks it among the cheapest accessories.It does it's job very well and transforms the console into a decent DVD player.But the real complaint, the one that ranks it at four stars, is that Sony didn't get it right the first time.Perhaps they underestimated the demand for DVD playback.I'm convinced it won't be long before some electronics genius burns the player to a ROM and sells it as a 'mod chip.'Until then, Sony is the only act in town that can provide these improvements.Actually, there's probably a way to distribute the new player via a Game Shark.Legality is at stake of course.
Bottom line: if a remote is a must have, this is the only one to consider.
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Product Description:
Play your favorite movies without any wires or other hassles! Modeled to match the sleek design of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the DVD Remote has all the features of a standard controller plus enhanced DVD capabilities.Discover even more DVD features with an updated version of the PlayStation 2 DVD driver for use with the DVD Remote Control - Slow Motion, Chapter Program, A=B Repeat, Shuffle, Repeat, and Three-Speed Scan are all accessible at the push of a button, as are all of the basic PlayStation 2 DVD functions such as Audio Track selection, Subtitle display, and Multi-Angle options.Two new buttons, the "Open/Close" button (opens and closes the disk tray from the remote) and the "Reset" button (duplicates the function of the Reset button located on the front of the PlayStation 2 console).Label text for the "Title" and "DVD Menu" buttons on the old remote has been changed to "Top Menu" and "Menu" respectively on the new remote. Functionality of these buttons remains unchanged.The new DVD remote will not be compatible with PlayStation 2 consoles having model numbers beginning with SCPH-30xxx, SCPH-35xxx, or SCPH-39xxx unless you already have an IR receiver (SCPH-10160). For PlayStation 2 console model numbers SCPH-30001 and SCPH-35001, you will need a copy of the DVD remote control software disc and a Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2).
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