Finally, a PS2 HDMI mod! Get the best possible video from your PS2 with the PixelFX Retro Gem!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
- The PS2 is one of the greatest consoles of all time, with a huge library of games that made a lasting impression on modern gaming. The video output of the PS2 is typically 480i which can look bad on a modern display due to poor deinterlacing. On this week's Fix it Friday, we upgrade the PS2 with PixelFX's latest mod, the Retro Gem! This mod provides the best possible video and audio from the PS2 through HDMI, with resolutions as high as 1440p.
Check out 1uprestoration... for more video game console repairs and mods!
/ 1uprestorations
/ 1uprestorations
/ 1uprestorations
Parts:
Retro Gem: www.pixelfx.co...
Install docs: docs.pixelfx.c...
Jumper settings: docs.pixelfx.c...
_______________
Join the LI Retro Gaming Fun Club and get awesome physical and digital rewards, as well as access to our Discord! / liretro
____________
If you would like to support us, please shop at the following links! There is no additional cost and we get a small commission from the sale.
Castlemania Games
castlemaniagam...
Stone Age Gamer
stoneagegamer.com?afmc=1uprestorations
Retro Gaming Cables UK
www.retrogamin...
![PURPEECH - นี่ฉันเองคนที่... (It's me) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NuhHd0hOOg8/mqdefault.jpg)
Dear God...this was one of the hardest soldering jobs I've ever done, but I got it done and it's beautiful! The PS2 install is NOT for beginners!
Hell yeah! Excellent work and it’s definitely not for beginners
@@LIRetroGaming I consider myself a beginner but I’ve got 20 years on mods /soldering under my belt/belly(lol). This is great honor and challenge since the stealth mod on psx. I look forward to this and documenting to share with the community. Let’s go gamers!
@@WhoaMykeypost a video if you can!
@@francocavecchia8246 will do
I've done soldering on fairly small stuff, but this micro soldering really scares me. But man do I wanna try it.
I had a blast working on PS2 at Sony in 2001. Had the time of my life.
That’s amazing, everyone on the PS2 dev team made something really special
😂😂😂😂
26:50 very short dark screen for one scene
Thanks for the always very detailed videos!
was just about to say this
Sorry for that, I missed it after the final edit!
Good installation process ... Thank U for sharing the footage ... Need to point out a few things, from my POV anyway:
1) PixelFX needs to tailor this mod, in order to fit specific PS2 models - and i am talking about different series, like 30000, 35000, 39000 (like yours), 50000 e.t.c... Since U still need a donor console - even just the PSU & RF Shield - to perform this MOD, it isn't an optimal solution for most folks ... Yes, the PS2 is the most common home console, but if U need donor parts to perform the mod, it is a big minus ...
2) From a mechanical standpoint, RF shield, pin & socket trimming may not be a difficult task to perform, but there are still required for the mod, thus altering the console's originality to some extend .. Most mods i have seen so far on retro consoles, regarding adding native HDMI support & socket, are way less intrusive than this mod ...
Overall, i do hope they improve their product on future revisions ... I am aware than many (and i mean many) retro gamers have been waiting patiently for a PS2 HDMI mod over the years ... But this needs to be improved upon ...
Just my two cents here, good vid, yet again 👍
They designed it to be a very generic board that can be used on many consoles, so I doubt they'd want to go more specific.
Thanks, glad that you enjoyed the video! One other option for the power supply is to use a modern replacement called the RePS2 and that would make the install a little easier
Have they said why the older power supply is incompatible? Is it a clearance issue? I would rather buy a consol specific kit so i dont have to replace the power supply altogether, though with as old as it is it would proba ly be a good idea to replace the caps.
🤌✏️📌👍 Very much agree. I'd, specifically, made my PS2 selections from among opportunities for the 3900x model, especially, because they were the most *_gaming_* feature-rich and last revision to have the hardware included for iLink/s400 Firewire system-linking for, albeit a sparse number and, yet, notable titles almost all of which I still enjoy with other players = there has been no means of emulating iLink, otherwise, since. Even though the 3900x lacks the relatively minor integration of the IR receiver sensor (what the 5000x model added), even _that_ feature simply requires a cheap IR receiver dongle plugged into the controller port of pre-5000x models and that remote feature really only serves out of use DVD viewing which, by now, most console owners avoid to preserve the aging optical drive. Beyond, the slim PS2s, IMO, are simply more compact for and more easily powered off of automotive 12V ACC jack power via the long available DC to DC power adapter that's been around since nearly the launch of the slim. Who wants to harvest shielding, etc.? This design should have had further review and market research and, especially, avoidance of addiitional required salvaging of parts cannibalized off of other models.
Oh, also! In case you didn't know, there's a nice cheap noctua fan mount for the ps2 now. Highly highly recommended if that's your personal unit
Nice! This is my personal console so I would grab that as well
I can’t wait to get mine ordered so I can send it to you for install ❤
Do you offer an install service?
Perfect timing for this video. I wanted to do something like this for my Playstation.
Really, it needs skills for this mod.
How did you do soldering that smooth?
I tried this and ended up by messing up 16pin resistor. XP
I really respect to your soldering skills.
Thanks, I appreciate that. It takes a lot of time and patience to get comfortable with installing these types of mods
Awesome video, as usual. Love watching your vids!
Nice to see that leaded solder works fine, I wasn't very keen on switching to unleaded for the PS2. Were you using 350C when doing all the soldering?
Yeah, I was using 350c for the install and it’s much better to use leaded solder
I don't know if it's a marketing campaign, but magically everybody uses this mod and is the "best".
If anyone doesn't have the money (because it's very expensive and doesn't worth the money), or the skills, can buy a 2€ converted which is connected directly to the PS2 output and with OPL you can set the resolution up to 720p-1080i. Maybe it's not as good as this mod, but costs 50-100 times less and doesn't need to modify the console.
“Best” was just my subjective opinion, but you’re right that you can enjoy PS2 lots of different ways and for little money or even free. The important thing is to enjoy the games. I’m very happy with this mod on my personal console, but it’s only the “best” for me and not for everyone
I decided after seeing this I will have a professional install it lol , I can't wait to HDMI mod my PS2
i think jax and dexter is a good one for the RT5X new 2:2 pulldown, too bad i still gotta deal with the ps2 noisy analog though lol
Lol I hear you. I love the rt5x
PS2 is one of my favorite consoles of all time since i was playing awesome PS2 games such as Guitar Hero 1 and 2, Sly Cooper and God of War 1 and 2. 😉
Hell yeah, it’s one of my favorites and there’s so much to enjoy on that console
My Slim is on its way to you! Perhaps mine will be in a video! It's Silver....so you know ❤️
Awesome, looking forward to it!
@@LIRetroGamingwait is my console going to be safe? It was delivered today at your steps. ❤️ (wasn't sure if you were away)
damn that looked hella hard
It’s tough, definitely not for a beginner
Exelente aporte!!! Me encantan las modificaciones. Saludos desde Guatemala
I’m one of those people who broke their ps2 trying to clean it out. It broke my heart and discouraged me from modding and cleaning machines but I’ve gotten over it now and have successfully modded quite a few consoles. This is one mod I want to do more than anything but really scared of breaking another ps2 or wasting money on the retro gem because it’s quite pricy. Is there another HDMI mod for another console that would be a bit easier, and possibly help practice for this one?
Your profile pic is almost the same as Masahiro Sakurai's (director for Smash) so for a split-second I thought he somehow got into modding Sony consoles lmao
Supongo que los juegos de ps1 también se verían bien usando una ps2 con ese mod verdad?
Yes it also works with ps1 games
I get wanting to do these kinds of mods, and wanting the best from an old game system on modern displays.
But anything old enough that doesn’t do digital output natively, aren’t you just adding a bunch of input lag and visual artifacts with something that is effectively an internal A/D scaler?
Why not do an RGB/scart mod instead (on a CRT, it will look awesome), or use an external scaler that functions on multiple screens and devices? Plus the PS2 probably supports component, which is basically RGB anyway.
No lag added to any of the Pixel FX products. The flex cables are pulling digital video straight off the video chips and sending it to the HDMI output, so you are getting native digital video. If anything, lag should be less than a stock console because the stock console has a digital to analog converter which allows it to send an analog signal out to your TV (Even though there's really no perceivable lag on a stock console either). No issues with visual artifacts either, thanks to the motion adaptive deinterlacing built in. There's a reason why internal mods like this are pricey. They do things the correct way. This isn't some cheap analog to digital converter jammed inside of a console.
I should have been more clear in the video, but there is no lag whatsoever when you do one of these mods. That being said, PS2 looks great using a scaler like the tink5x and RGB or component cables
I wonder if this mod is compatible with SCPH-30001 version? Has anyone tried to install it in such a console?
I have this early version of PS2 with DMS4 pro chip installed, but I haven't hook it up to my 16:9 Samsung in many years. I'm quite excited about this mod, but it seems not to be compatible with my console. I've sent PixelFX an email, but still haven't heard back from anyone.
They have a compatibility list on their website, and I do not believe that this model is supported
@@LIRetroGaming You're correct. I just got a confirmation from Dan of PixelFX regarding the incompatability issue with such a model. According to him, there is a plan to add support for this model in the future.
Hey, you even have SD2PSX! 🎉 Nice! :-3
I would like to put this in my 30001 model. I would not tackle the soldering…
What temperature do you recommend setting the soldering iron to?
Great vid, would love it for mine but that soldering looks a bit too advanced for me :D Top work as always though
Thanks man! I can always install this for you if you want
@@LIRetroGamingyoooo I would love this installed on mine loool I would pay and ship the thing to ya if you could do it to my ps2
@LIRetroGaming what do you charge for install?
Good vid, you have to play more games some we can see the results of this long video
Yeah, I was pretty tired after getting all of that work finished lol. But there are some good TH-cam reviews that just shows what the retro gem can do
Badass!
Thanks Mike! This was a fun project
I got mine today so i searched your video to get a heads up on what I'm in for, and i didn't even think about it until i saw you removing the optical audio jack-- does the gem route dolby surround or does it only do the basic stereo audio? That's kind of a big deal for me so I'd really like to know.
I’m not sure if it does, but it would make sense if it can also support Dolby surround
Hopefuly there will be an HDMI solution for slim models too.
It is already available and I will make a video about that soon
@@LIRetroGaming Thank you for the info.
@@LIRetroGaminghaha use mine! ❤️ Be there tomorrow.
Wish some one could do this n glasgow
I wonder if it'll work with a 39000 model PS2. That's one of the fat models and the one I have. I also have a slim model PS2 which is a SCPH-70012
Yes, this is actually a 39000 model PS2. The retro gem is also compatible with the slim
Awesome video! What temperature do you use when soldering?
Normally I use 750 Fahrenheit
@@LIRetroGamingThanks.
Thank you so much for this video! It was really informative and helpful :) I just have one question regarding disc-based region unlocking with this digital mod. The PS1Digital made by the same team has built in PSNEE support, which makes a ps1 consoles region free for disc-based games after the ps1digital is installed, removing the need to also install a separate modchip in ps1 consoles compatible with the ps1digital. Does the retrogem similarly have PSNEE support or equivalent to also make any ps2 it's installed in region free for pal and ntsc disc games? I haven't been able to find any information elsewhere suggesting it does or doesn't. Thank you again for the fantastic video!
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! The retro gem doesn’t have a region free feature for the ps2, but that being said there’s a region free softmod called Mechapwn that’s very easy to use with the ps2
@@LIRetroGaming Thank you so much for letting me know! :) Unfortunately my two ps2s aren't compatible with Mechapwn (both are PAL 3900 models) but fortunately one of them has a modchip in it so if i get this digital mod someday i now know it's best to put it in that one instead of my unmodified ps2 :)
George, you may have mentioned it in the video and I missed it, but with the Retro Gem on PS2 (or any Retro Gem compatible console) is it possible to retain the ability to use Composite in addition to HDMI or once the mod is installed, it’s HDMI only?
Thankfully all the analog video signals are preserved, so you will get composite, s video, and RGB in addition to HDMI
So when doing the final steps you have to sacrifice the optical port. It’s a big deal for those that want to and like running sound thru surround sound.
Yes that is correct, although I don’t know if it’s possible to get surround sound through hdmi as well
@@LIRetroGaming I'd also be very interested to know if surround sound is supported via hdmi, or if its stereo only.
Great install! I’ll be tackling this with my 55000 next week.
Did you have the link or part number for the replacement crystal oscillator? Can’t seem to find it anywhere 🙂
Google ecs-184-18-23a-en-tr. It's also listed on the official pixelfx PS2 fat support page. I thought he was going to post it in the description but, I got you.
You can find it here docs.pixelfx.co/GEM-PS2FAT-Installation.html
I didn't see that, my bad. I thought you'd put a mouser or digikey link in the description.@@LIRetroGaming
Does this mod is compatible with the early versions of ps2 fat (SCPH 30000) ?
Yes its for all fat and slims
my colors during the composite test were bluish :(
That sounds like a short between some of the RGB data lines. Use a multimeter to test for shorts between pins
Nice mod but I'm not a fan of trimming the power supply pins and plastic spacer.
I hear you. The trimming is not necessary if you use a 50000 series ps2
AWESOME
So how does the Retrotink 4k / 5x pro compare to this mod ? from what i have seen the Retrotink is awesome (and no soldering and portable ?
There are a few scalers that can do a very good job with the ps2 including the Tink 5x/4k, the OSSC pro, and the Morph. If you have those scalers already then it would probably not be worth it to hdmi mod a ps2
@@LIRetroGaming I broke down, ordered the 5x pro and decided that i wont do any more of the intense soldering mods. Buying the 5x will allow me to have the benefit of multi consoles/home computers capable of achieving a pretty well perfect image, and based over the cost of the 5x the cost saving benefits spread across all the consoles makes for a cheap safe install
i can use one good shielded cable set up for RGB etc and i will make small adapters that fit into the source console, this will save the added expense of buying multiple cables., the cost of cables for all these consoles is not cheap @@LIRetroGaming
Ok who let Ben Shapiro talk to Saddam Hussein in the spirit dimension for PS2 advice?
Best comment ever. I have no idea what any of that meant, but hey why not let Ben Shapiro talk to Saddam in the spirit dimension?
there is no visible difference between component RGP cable and this retro gem fix
Depends on how the component cables are made and how they are connected to the tv. Quality cables connected to a scaler like the tink5x will give you a similar result
Would this work on a fat ps2 that has a broken av output? plays and displays ps1 games as well?
Yes this would work. And yes ps1 games also work
Does this work on monitors as well ? Or only TVS ?With the retro gem 💎 shiny ✨ ps 2 ?
It will work on a computer monitor as well
I was given one by a good friend for the ps2 fat but I've never done soldering and don't know anyone I'm lost on this what should I do?
This is definitely the kind of thing that a professional needs to do. I take these orders and you can always reach me at 1uprestorations.com
@@LIRetroGamingthank you I've been looking but everyone seems to skip or over look things when it comes to this beauty your a god send
is there a huge difference between Component output and this HDMI Mod? it's not the same but I have an N64 with a N64 Digital HDMI Mod and a Component modded N64 and the difference is very minor
It depends on how you are using the component cables. If they are connected to a premium scaler like the retrotink5x, then it should be very similar. But if they are going straight to the tv or to an OSSC, then this would look better
Should I send it to you to have it modified? Can I do this even if l live in Europe?
Can you compare the image quality to a backwards compatible PS3?
I need to get a backwards compatible ps3 to compare, but I have heard from friends that the retro gem looks noticeably better than the ps3
@@LIRetroGaming Wouldn't surprise me. My PS2 connected to a Retrotink 5x looks noticeably sharper than my CECHA01 (although more noisy obviously). My guess is the deinterlacing algorithm Sony used back then simply wasn't as good as more modern methods.
@@MichaelM28yeah the deinterlacing is comparable to a stable Bob Weave Blend. I will say sometimes I'll notice lines with motion adaptive they sneak in on the main character of say Sly or Jak. Where as Bob Blend Weave combo the shaking of the picture is a blurry but line free character. I have the A01 and E01 and man the E01 if the game is compatible is BETTER than Retro5X. But like I said compatibility is rough. Sometimes I wonder if the A01 deinterlacing is just a noisier version of motion adaptive.
Shouldn't a 39k PS2 have leaded solder?
And leadfree should be way later, 70k and later would be my guess?
Surprisingly, that is not the case. The 39000 series definitely uses leaded solder
@@LIRetroGaming that is indeed surprising. Didn't expect that.
I never seen before a PS2 with replaced tarantula capacitors like PS3 😅 why did you replaced them? PS2 doesn't have overheating issues
I didn’t replace any capacitors. Those were original tantalum caps from the factory
@@LIRetroGaming no way, maybe someone else replaced them
Really nice video.
I have to ask…
In the PS2 Fat console you have to desolder and remove the TOSLINK port.
In the official retrogem site section of installation instructions they mention that “ For DTS and Dolby sound needs a special wire routed to the retro GEM”.
From that, I assume they support DTS and Dolby sound through HDMI.
In the PS2 slim versions of the consoles you don’t remove the TOSLINK port. Additionally in the installation instructions they say: “DTS and Dolby digital audio needs an extra wire routed to the GEM board. If you are not concerned with these modes, then this step is optional.”.
In the case of routing the audio through Retrogem, does anyone know if the digital audio is routed only through HDMI or are you able to also use TOSLINK?
Yes it’s possible to add sound from the toslink to the retro gem. Those instructions are on the PixelFX site but this was not yet possible at the time that I made this video
@@LIRetroGamingDoes that mean you lose audio from TOSLINK or is it still functional (after routing to retrogem)? Thank you for your time.
I received a message from PixelFX about the digital audio.
“If you do NOT route the wire. Audio will work in every game by default. However if the game offers DTS in the options menu (like ssx tricky) then this audio will not work when changed to DTS. It will work fine on the normal audio mode.
On the slim, the toslink audio will work at the same time with the GEM.”
From the above I assume it is possible to save the TOSLINK audio port on PS2 Fat Version if you know how to do it…
Keep doing the great job you all do!!!
At 37:03 I see three green transparent bars across the screen. Is that noticeable when playing?
I think that was an issue with the tv itself, this old plasma tv is fine for testing but it’s video output is not great. I have not seen any video glitches since I started using it on my main tv
I want this mod for my ps2 but I'm afraid to attempt such a mod myself. I'm wondering if I could pay someone to do this for me lol.
Yes, I do these installations and you can reach me on my website
@@LIRetroGaming what is the turnaround time?
what crystal oscillator should i use?
You don’t need to replace the crystal oscillator, but there’s a part number on the pixel fx retro gem documentation that can be used to replace the oscillator with a lower profile one
whats the best video output i can get from a ps2 that isnt this... this is quite a bit too complicated and difficult for me as ive never soldered before and even if i learned to i wouldnt trust myself with a week of experience on something this arduous. still, i enjoyed the video, and you did a great job on this mod 👍
Another excellent option for ps2 is to get quality component cables and connect it to a retrotink5x. It should look very similar to this and has no lag as well
@@LIRetroGaming do you know if SCART through an OSSC would look similar in quality?
i have learned that RGB SCART and Component look basically identical if both cables are high quality, huhh (very very slight color differences is all i could see between the two on an OSSC)
RGB SCART and component are equal in quality as long as you get good quality cables, and RGB is usually half the price compared to HD Retrovision cables. The OSSC can do a nice job, but it has limited deinterlacing options compared to the Gem
@@LIRetroGaming I've found RGC component cables for the same price that I've found high quality RGB synconluma SCART cables. Are HD Retrovision component cables better than those two?
A Sony poderia vender o PS2 Fat novamente, com algumas melhorias
still no ODE mod for ps2 yet?
Not yet, but open ps2 loader works very well
Video goes black at 26:51
Yeah sorry about that
i saw that you used a lead and leaded free mixing, is that right?
Yes that’s what I did and the official install docs also stated that this is fine
@@LIRetroGaming how did you mixing lead free solder with leader solder? Where did you find the official instal instructions?
Will It work with a fat ps2 scph-3001R?
Unfortunately no, there’s a compatibility list on the website
RetroTink5 or this?
Really depends on your setup and both are great choices. If you really love a direct hdmi connection, then this is the way to go. But both options will work equally well
Does anyone know where to get a 5000 series power supply and rf shield without getting a donor?
Not really possible. You can also get a RePS2 power supply from game tech usa
just play on pcsx2 4k..no soldering....
And that’s a perfectly awesome way to enjoy those games as well
my only complaint with this is that some or a lot of features are locked behind a paywall, they are on there but you cant use them unless you get the more expensive version, sooner or later the firmware will be jailbroken or a china clone will be made and this will be moot
I didn’t particularly care about the paywall because I thought $200 was fair for all of the features I was getting
funny how most people choose to see it as a "paywall" rather than viewing it as a $200 mod (which is a good price), with the OPTION to pay half, with the only downside being less features (so it's more accessible to more types of people/budgets)...
@@lolztony I think the issue people see, and I fully understand, is the advanced features are only enabled by software. As I understand it the hardware, and therefore production cost, is identical whether you get the basic or shiny edition. So its most definitely a bit of a cash grab to charge significantly more for the shiny edition as its clear it can be sold at a lower cost. The R&D is already done, so its not costing them anything more to produce. I'd almost feel better about it if they only had the shiny version at the higher cost. Actually, what may be better is to offer the retrogem basic as a one size fits all board at the lower cost and then develop console specific boards using the same technology (basically a custom board layout) that makes installation and fitment better that includes the shiny features at the more premium cost. For reference, I own their PS1 Digital, N64 Digital, and DC digital.
@@burgermeyer you see, this kind of response makes sense to a consumer, but it shows a massive ignorance to business. Just because something technically costs very little to produce does NOT mean you should pass that savings on to the consumer. For instance, intel could make a CPU for maybe $10 mass produced, but do you think it’d be profitable for them to sell for $20?? That makes no sense. Imagine all the overhead costs of running a business, manufacturing, and most importantly RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Just because the research and development is “finished” doesn’t mean you need to sell at cost. Imagine being upset that an artist is selling a painting, that took them a week to paint, for $100, but you think it should only cost $15 (the cost of the paint).
Also? You’re assuming that can sell at a lower cost just because they have the basic version at a lower cost, but that’s also a dangerous assumption. Most consoles are sold at a LOSS to the companies like Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and they hope to make money on subscription and games. They have to make that money elsewhere in order to offset the losses. So going back to the GEM, it’s entirely possible that they wouldn’t be able to sell all of their kits at the basic price, because they could very well be losing money on those, but offsetting that loss by people upgrading to the shiny. I don’t expect the average consumer to know all of this, but at the very least try to think further than just your own perspective imo 🤷🏻♂️
@@lolztony yes, all of that could be true. but as a business they also need to keep the average consumer perception in mind. If consumers feel like they are getting screwed that's not good for business no matter how you justify it.
How much do you charge
You can see my rates at 1uprestorations.com
Hey, i am willing to PAY someone pretty well to let me ship my PS2 to them with a retro gem, and they can install it for me and ship it back. I love the PS2 so much, but i am so technologically inept I know I will mess up the installation process. If anyone reading this comment is interested lmk. Thank you :)
I can do this install for you. Message me at my website 1uprestorations,com
how can i just buy one thats inputed by you lol ?
You can contact me at 1uprestorations.com and I can make one for you
What's the advantage of being compatible with different consoles, at least to the consumer? Any reasonable possibility of an external install, or would running longer wires to the components be problematic?
The main advantage to the consumer is that the retro gem can more easily be adapted to work with other consoles, including the Xbox, Wii, nes, snes, genesis, and others. Hopefully this means that more direct hdmi mods will be available soon
Bro I hope you see this and respond . Recently got a ps2 with the 250 games TB1 hard drive for $250 off Mercari highly recommend y’all get those he has a lot of customized ps2 with the preloader and 250 games of your choice. My question is how much would you charge if you could install this and the fan? I’m new and don’t know shit lol and when I get to the preloader and try to change the setting like the color , and video settings it doesn’t save.