The new generation of games consoles including the Sony Playstation 2 are not just expensive games consoles, but also double as fully-featured DVD players, further helping to increase the penetration of players into UK (and worldwide) homes.
Out of the box, the Sony Playstation 2 is a Dolby Digital/DTS compatible player, with an optical digital output and a choice of different video cables. Control is via the gamepad, or you can buy a DVD remote control handset, from either Sony or a number of third parties. Whilst the gamepad is fairly usable when you figure out what each button does, a remote control is the way to go if you're serious about using the machine as a DVD player.
When DVD was launched, the film studios and distributors wanted to keep a very tight hold on what was released where and when. This was done for a number of reasons, but it's mainly down to two things - marketing and rights. For more information on Region Coding, and it's "stronger" revision called RCE, check out the uk.media.dvd Frequently Asked Questions.There are various reasons why regional coding is so unpopular - DVDs get released a lot later over here; films are often cut over here (although this is improving now); DVDs are often released with less extras over here (no DTS, commentaries, documentaries etc); there's more available in Region 1 (although this is now improving) and finally it is usually MUCH cheaper to buy a Region 1 copy than a Region 2 version (especially now with the new £25 price-point for double-disc packs).
Consequently multi-region modifications, whether by chip or handset hack are an essential item for those who want to get the most out of their DVD player. Those buying a shiny new Sony Playstation 2 can also play imported discs without having to make any modifications to the hardware which would invalidate the warranty with the DVD Region X.
Datel have been making gadgets for computers and consoles for years. Although best known for the Action Replay line of cartridges, they started off making interfaces for the trusty Sinclair Spectrum - and they were good at it too, because the ones I've got still work!The DVD Region X is an idiot-proof way of turning your UK Sony Playstation 2 console into a multi-region DVD player. The gadget has a retail price of £19.99 - the cost of a DVD and far less than having a player chipped. It is available from various retailers including Electronics Boutique and Game, or from Datel's website - CodeJunkies.
The shiny box contains a blue DVD Region X CD and a black DVD Region X "Key". There are no instructions inside - just a brief couple of lines on the back of the box. It's so easy to use that anyone who needs instructions shouldn't really be using a state of the art games console!
1. With the console switched off/in standby, insert the Region X key into either memory card slot. I left my 8mb card in slot 1 and put the key into slot 2 (and left it there as it doesn't interfere with any of my games);
2. Put in the Region X CD and turn on the console. A menu appears with a choice of Regions 1 to 6;
3. Select the appropriate region with the gamepad or remote control (if you've bought one) and press X;
4. The disc tray opens - remove the Region X CD, replace it with your DVD and close the tray;
5. Select the DVD from the console's browser and press X;
6. Sit back and enjoy the movie!
| Picture formats and connections |
There are two things to bear in mind about playing anything other than Region 2 PAL DVDs in your Playstation 2.The video output of the console will be in NTSC when viewing Region 1 discs, so your television must be multi-standard (although most TVs purchased in the last few years almost certainly will be, and most decent quality sets purchased in the last ten years should be).
Region 0 discs can be played without DVD Region X, but again, the picture might be in NTSC depending on which country the disc is from. Some music, special interest and adult movies etc are Region 0.
It's also worth getting a S-Video lead if your TV has the appropriate input - the picture quality is significantly better than with the composite/SCART combination lead supplied with the console - and games will look better too!
For the purposes of this review I successfully played a number of Region 1 discs - French Connection (5 Star Edition), Miss Congeniality, Independence Day (5 Star Edition), Die Hard (5 Star Edition) and Charlie's Angels (which is a RCE disc). A friend of mine has also tried my copies of Leon (Uncut International Edition), Terminator 2 (Ultimate Edition), Predator and Robocop (Director's Cut) with his DVD Region X.
I tried the DVD Region X with my Sony Wega 32" Widescreen TV using both the standard composite/SCART lead and a S-Video lead. When using the S-Video lead, the picture quality on Region 1 discs is comparable to that of my Pioneer DV525 DVD player that I normally use to watch movies. When using the composite/SCART lead, the picture is nowhere near as crisp and is a little fuzzy in places.I also tried a couple of the discs on my Sharp projector, again using the S-Video lead, and again they displayed perfectly.
Overall, DVD Region X is an easy to use and cheap method of turning your Sony Playstation 2 into a multi-region DVD player with the benefit of not requiring any modifications which might invalidate your guarantee.So if you want to watch some of the uncut, feature laden Region 1 DVD titles on your console, but don't want to mess around, this is the best solution.
I've rated the product as 10/10 for value as it is considerably cheaper than a multi-region modification for a DVD player that can't be remote hacked and 10/10 for features as it does exactly what it is supposed to with no problems.
Chris Cox
| Build | Features | Value | Overall |
 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
