Bit of a misconception. PS2 can play PS1 games with component cables with similar quality to the PS1's RGB. It's just that most PS1 games are 240p and a lot of TVs don't support that especially through HDMI.
Yup. Component support is also patchy. My old TV did support 240p over component...and it looked pretty damn amazing. These days I'm looking to get an oldschool CRT setup though.
Indeed. Why some HDTV's don't work PS1 game over component cables is because some TVs don't support 240p over component output. MY Samsung UHD actually passes 240p and converts it to 480p very well without using my XRGB mini.
7:42 You can have both actually. A lot of people don't realize this, but the PS2 DOES support 480p and 1080i over RGB SCART. The trouble is that it uses a rather obscure way of doing it. The PS2 usually uses RGB Sync on Luma or Sync on Composite, meaning that the sync information is carried with the S-video luma wire or composite video wire. When 480p is enabled, the console switches over to RGsB or Sync on Green, meaning that the sync information is bundled with the green colour information. Most TVs and scalers don't understand Sync on Green. The only one I know that supports it is the OSSC. The Framemeister and the cheap SCART to HDMI can't understand sync on green.
Old computer screens did support sync on green, that is why it was made for, to use with VGA Adaptor and PS2 Linux, the only disc who is natively compatible with VGA
the one by Metal Jesus Rocks is far better... more side by side comparison...+ this cable has been available ( in the US... Pound don't ship to Europe direct) for quite some time now
It's a fair mistake - TVs that support 240p over component are so few and far between that the difference between these statements is basically pedantry.
Ok, you convinced me to finally buy this cable specifically for PS1 games on PS2. For such an affordable price it sure is worth it to upgrade from composite (my TV doesn't support 240p through component).
Looking back at this product. I wish they treated it as a component cable but had the built in upscaler. That way you'd have PS1 support as well as progressive scan support for PS2 games.
It's not just the brightness that is wrong with this Pound cable, it's also the gamma and the saturation. The last two are completely off, which is what makes the cable totally not worth it.
Just found out there is an official PS2 composite cable that wasn't sold with the PS2. It has gold tips on the wires it's called the Sony SCPH-10500 you can only find by searching for it that way. It's gonna be great on my CRT TV
even while playing PS1 titles with the pound cable, while the image is clear and focused, I have noticed that the Pound cable had given a very dark and the reds were oversaturated as all hell, essentially making this whole thing pointless, and making me go back to conponent.
This is why component cables are the best option HDMI also F up the widescreen if the game already has widescreen... those 200 480p games some are widescreen especially the PAL version have options at start of the game
Hey, I'm interested in that alternative too, can you tell me which one you have and how does it come its better than pound? Dont get me wrong, I mean isn't it technically the same, as the pound is already a compoment to hdmi converter and upscaler? I would use it for PS1 and PS2 games on the PS2 on a 4K LG television. Got no other option. Would it work? Thank you in advance.
great video adam, im pretty sure gt4's 1080i setting isn't available in the europe version unfortunately - why did europe always get worser video options during the sixth gen haha like the gamecube
I was going to say that PS2s can play PS1 games through component, but only in 240p, and most modern T.V.s don't support it, but thankfully someone else said it. I'm just lucky that I have a pretty good Modern TV that still natively supports 240p. It's a 27" Samsung T.V. that was made in, I think, the early 2010s, when 4K was new but not a lot of people had it. I just want to say though that the internal scaler on my T.V. is a powerhouse and way better than anybody would think. It not only natively supports 240p, but it also handles games like Silent Hill 1 (Probably my favorite game on PS1) that change resolutions on the fly so well that I didn't even know that it was a problem until I saw that it was online.
Gran Turismo was not the only PS2 game to use 1080i. Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria also supported it, although Japanese release only. I recently got a PS2 RGB Scart cable and have it hooked up to my Sony 1954Q PVM. Looks really nice. Tried SOTN and that looks fantastic as well.
1080i in GT4 is just upscaled picture. Even 480p looks much better on my TV (simply because my upsclaing is much better compared to soft PS2 upscaling).
I wish there was an easy way for you guys in the US to import TVs from the UK. Our TVs still do a great job of handling SD signals. We didn't get component in the mainstream until HDMI was a thing so a lot of people still used SD devices. This meant that TVs needed to be good at supporting SD well for longer to get people to transition from CRT to flat screens. Seriously our legacy technology support is insane. Component is still widely supported as standard with many TVs supporting 240p/288p over component. We still get built in SCART on our TVs as well and it actually looks good (provided the TV isn't cheap shit).
@@AdamKoralik Oh very true. 50hz slowdown, removal of 480p options from most 6th gen games, the aforementioned late arrival of component, borders resulting from 288p/576i... The list could go on. American consoles with a current UK TV would be the ideal setup IMO if it wasn't such a hassle to acquire.
5:49 I can say even back in the day I noticed it, specifically with Chaos Legion. I use to have to sit with my eyes practically touching the CRT tube to make out what was on the screen. A lot going on and looked blurry as all hell.
I use to have a couple fat PS2s but those are long gone. Thank goodness I can just play my games on my PS3 which has no issues playing any ps1 or ps2 game through hdmi.
It'll do a much better job than this cable anyways. This cable really should've been marketed as mainly for psx and just happen to work on ps2 instead of vice verse. It's gorgeous for psx
I agree but a lot of tv manufacturers are doing away with Component inputs unfortunately. I was looking at a tv and all it had was composite and obviously HDMI :/
@@deafbyhiphop Yeah I got a 36 Sony trinitron HDCRT with an HDMI port in my basement that i use for my SNES and Mega Drive but id really like to get a SD Trinitron but I never see them on Offer Up or Craigslist anymore. At least not the ones with Component inputs
Its so annoying that TV manufacturers have ditched the component input standard. I have 2 Panasonic Plasma's that both have component inputs and they display ps1 and ps2 games just fine. Im kind of screwed when i need a new tv as the majority of these converter boxes etc just don't do a good enough job.
I wonder if it would ever be possible for these ps2 HDMI devices to have up scaling options like the PCSX2 ps2 emulator, like the HDMI device can have software and an interface where u could select your own resolution, probably would be hella expensive though
So I binge watch a lot of the videos on this channel and I went to watch the review or whatever on the cheaper device and Adams beard was out of control and it made me realize we have come a long way since then
You're better off using the 60gb(HHD can be upgraded) ps3 it will upscale ps1 and ps2 game to 1080p and it has anti-asling options and you can play those games wirelessly. You dont lose the surround sound if you use one
Good news for me! I don't own a PS2 and was looking for a review on this product and how it works with the original Playstation. sounds like it works well! I'm sold. Thanks Adam.
6:37 PS1 games CAN run over component, they can even run over that HDMI adapter (if you have the one that supports 240p). If component isn't working with PS1 games, the problem is you have a TV that doesn't support 240p over component. Hell, I did a whole video on how to overcome the compatibility issues of TVs that don't support 240p or 288p when using the HDMI adapter: ua-cam.com/video/W9sNKqpOkaw/v-deo.html
Bit of a misconception #2. Ps2 is able to display hd/progressive scan in RGB but then sync is switched from composite to sync on green, which most of displays don't support.
So I noticed when you spoke about the difference between the Pound cable and component, you mentioned that the brightness looks different. I think this is a difference in color range, not the cables itself. With SD/480 using Rec. 601, you're locked to a "limited color spectrum". HD content uses the Rec. 709 standard, which allows video signals to have a slightly wider color pallet, darker blacks, and brighter whites. RGB actually uses much closer to the full color spectrum of Rec. 709, and thus, what you're seeing is the image looking closer to what is actually coming off the video chip. Component cables themselves limit the color space so that the "newer" TVs at the time didn't lose their shit over the conflicting standards. Basically, if you need coming in more layman terms, the Pound cable to giving you a signal much closer to what the PS2's video chip is spitting out, rather than the degradation component cables do by design. This is why your PS3 footage looks much, much closer to what the Pound cable was putting out color and brightness wise.
I always used composite cables for my ps1 and ps2 since Iaunch (literally just found out about component cables). I just ordered the pound cable since my current tv does not have component ports. I think I will enjoy the jump from composite to this cable :D
Wow that launch PS3 footage through the Mcable looks beautiful. I'd really love to import an a North American Launch PS3 for playing PS2 games (I'm in the UK) but they're so unreliable and expensive to ship that I'm not sure I ever will. Region coding wouldn't be much of an issue though as most of my PS2 collection is imported from the US anyway for greater 60HZ and progressive scan compatibility.
So does this cable have input lag ? Because I'm debating whether I should get the HD resolution cables or this one because the input lag is horrendous with component cables on my TV. Because I use component cables for a Wii and it works perfectly fine but not with a PlayStation 2 for some reason.
I have to reduce the interal ps3 resolution when i play ps2 games + mClassic to get the best image quality? Because when i test, for instance, Shadow of the Colossus (which has progressive scan) and add the mClassic in the mix, i don't see any improvement (and i SEE improvement when using mClassic + wii games on wii u). I just don't know how to improve ps2 games on Backward compatible PS3 :/
I'm a diehard PS1/PS2 fan, I have 2 different versions of Monster component cables for PS2/PS3, and the PS2 just was not made for modern televisions, it has outlines and jaggies out the ying-yang. I'm so mad I nvr bought a frame meister(and even then). Actually, at least with my component cables, every PS1 game I play on PS2 works with modern televisions and actually looks quite nice, razor sharp, no issues really, just make sure you're in 4:3. Didn't even notice the input lag (however much there is). Kinda weird how PS1 games play better on modern TV'S through a PS2 than the PS2's own games. Oh, and Jackass PS2 is the other game that runs in 1080, and I think it's 1080p but it's probably 1080i, but it's the only other game I know that has that.
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never had a TV that wouldn't support 480i over HDMI or trouble with PS1 games on PS2 with component cables. I've only seen the later issue once on a friend's TV.
Hey buddy. First time watching. Thx for your take on the cable. I have a question and maybe you can help me out here. Does it matter if I'm using a PAL PS2/PS1 or an NTSC version of these consoles? As a European I want to make sure that I can use it before buying.
@@AdamKoralik I think so, too. But I was hoping that you have hard evidence for it. No problem though, of course. Thanks a lot for your quick response! I appreciate that. 😊 If I ever test a cable myself I will update you here. Have a good day 👋
@@AdamKoralik Hey buddy. I had the chance to test the cable with my PAL PS2 and PS1 and as I promised, here is an update. Short version: It works. Video and audio are there. Long version: On my pal ps2 I had the issue that all pal games that run exclusively on pal mode (50hz/576i) the picture outputed by the cable was zoomed in and would cut of areas on top and bottom. This wasn't an issue of the ps2's video output settings or my tv, I tested everything. The image itself is not displayed correctly (for example in the pal version of god of war the blade on the top left corner that contains the healthbar etc is cut of a decent chunk) . Also, just to be clear, I do not mean the stretching thing that this cable does that you have to fix with your tv settings. PS1 pal games on the other hand run good and issue free on pal ps2 and ps1 consoles (tested games were herc's adventures and frogger) There is one solution for certain ps2 games that fixes the zooming issue. And that is the ntsc mode that came with certain pal ps2 games. I tested it with resident evil 4 (pal) and killzone (pal). Both of these games have a optional ntsc/60hz mode that you can switch on in game. That combined with the 16:9 output option of the ps2 results in a great 720p wide-screen experience with perfectly rounded buttons in menus. 😅 I guess that although this cable works with every ps2 it was designed to work with 480i/60hz signals and it therefore treats 576i/50hz signal as if they were ntsc, resulting in a uncorrect zoomed in image (imo at least). So I conclude that this cable is not a plug n play solution for pal ps2 consoles. For ps1 pal consoles it is. Have a nice day. 🤘
hi adam, just wanted to say great vid. Also while many had issues with brightness, including me, i had MAJOR issues with the softness. Like i mentioned in a earlier vid my tv sony bravia handeld component amazing through a basic component to hdmi converter, but the ps2 hdmi was so soft bumped up my sharpness from 60...to max 100 😔 & its still super soft. any way great vid 👌
A direct comparison between the Pound-cable and the PS2 HDMI-Adapter (the one which works with HD-modes), produces a better visual quality if the games are forced to 1080i via "GSM"... That function is also implemented in "OPL" ("Open PS2 Loader") 's "per-game-settings"!!!
When you put it in your component cables you put in all the cables in a line in the back of the TV and the video cable is in its own row by itself and then you have to go through the TV and you have to set the input to component it will pop up in the input menu and then you push on that and that should make a major difference and then you have to go into your your PS2 and you have to set it for the the yellow green blue mode and then it will not look not blurry at all.......
I am also going to add I can play ps1 games through component on my ps2 via ossc. Idk of it's because my tv can accept 240P or the ossc making it happen but i do play alot of tekken/2/3 and soul edge and not mutch else.
@@AdamKoralik its all good i think i ran into a similar problem at a buddies house when i first got the ossc. Couldnt play a silent hill game of sorts on his lcd. Maybe itvwasnt compatible with pass through of 240p or 480i
Actually, PS1 games (and the handful of 240p PS2 games) work fine via component. Most devices just don‘t accept that resolution via component. Send that signal through an OSSC (and maybe Framemeister? I don‘t know about that one) and it works fine.
Hello Adam, is there any other modern alternatives? Maybe something you can make a updated video on? I have been struggling to find a solution for playing my PS2 games on my TV that overall fills the aspect ratio. It isn't anything 4K over very modern, but it doesn't include component either. I have purchased a multitude of component converters and HDMI converters and to no avail, no solution. The closest to a proper solution was the Koopman-Tech component converter that by default had a aspect ratio that filled in most of my TV, and didn't appear to be stretched. The problem was: It overall had a terrible build quality, and often would have issue displaying the image either right from the box or after use of only a few days. So I would like to know if there is a modern solution that doesn't stretch the image, but fills in the screen better. 4:3 isn't terrible, but I feel the image is too compact, which makes it more difficult to see.
I have a Sony 720p lcd tv that has a ps2 built into the base of the tv (22px300 is the model number) ps1 and ps2 look fine to me, I’m not over analysing them.
Kidboy A.G. I like it. Got a Wii u, PS3 and Xbox 360 hooked up to it (they look fine at 720p) and also a PlayStation tv (the little Vita thing) and a Raspberry pi. It means a lot of things are playable there without taking up too much room.
@@JustinCardiff Yeah I also have a nice 32" Sony Bravia 720p TV from 2014 and PS3 games are very nice on it. Nintendo Switch looks good too. I really want a PSTV and mod it as well lol.
Kidboy A.G. Apparently the tv was out in 2010 (so after the PS3) and only cost £200. I didn’t know about it at the time, seems like it would have been a bargain then.
@@JustinCardiff I saw a video the other day about that TV. I'm looking to make a setup for my Ps2, Ps1, maybe even an og Xbox and I came across it. My 26 inch Dynex (720p) doesn't have that many Hdmi slots which is why I'm looking into the Sony's from that era.
Yeah, the PS3 looks the best here, but I have to say, I think the "darkness" of these cables helps, because the native signal seems quite flat and lacks contrast, whilst the cables add a lot of that in without making it that dark. Now fair, I'm only comparing the footage here, but still, the cable ain't doing a bad job all things considered.
I just tried it on my original Playstation. HOLY CRAP! It is BEAUTIFUL. I'm going to just use component on my PS2 and use the Pound cable on my original! WHAT A PICTURE! (admittedly, my TV for these consoles is a no-name Wal Mart 32" 720p).
Mr. Koralik, Last night I did some testing with all formats on me PlayStation 2, this might give you an idea of what to expect; Component YPbPr in 480p was so close to beating 480p RGB SCART, SCART has slightly better colors and sharpness, and when both are in 480i, RGB SCART definitely looks best, especially since the PS2’s YPbPr video is considered to be the worst (according to many retro gamers), leaving RGB SCART to be the best format to use for the PS2 so far. PS2 to HDMI in 480i and 480p looks noisy than Component YPbPr no matter what resolution. Component YPbPr and PS2 to HDMI in 480p beats out S-Video, but when both are in 480i, to my surprise, S-Video holds up well against both of them, they tend to look darker than S-Video, at least only when they are in 480i. This is where the Pound HDMI gets thrown in the ring, Pound HDMI still looks worse than S-Video, and surprisingly, Pound HDMI is surprisingly not as bright as Composite AV, but Pound has more sharpness than Composite. And lastly, Composite AV definitely looks less noisy than RF, leaving RF to be the worst format to use for the PS2 so far. RGB SCART>Component YPbPr>PS2 to HDMI>S-Video>Pound HDMI>Composite AV>RF Personally I use RGB SCART on my 4K TV and S-Video on my CRT.
Uhh it’s an adapter that allows you to convert analog to digital. Here’s a picture of it if you don’t know what it looks like www.amazon.com/PS2-Converter-Supports-Display-Modes-3-5mm/dp/B01D2SSDMI/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1546727185&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=PS2+to+HDMI&psc=1
PS1 by old machine with 4:3 aspect ratio Crt TV, so HDMI output is vertical on LED TV, PS2 from 4:3 ratio Crt TV is vertical on HDMI LED TV, in 2006 PS2 supported Full Widescreen or HDMI on LED TV
This does the job for me. The darkness is somewhat cured by changing the RGB range to full on my LG C8, the picture looks great for what this is. I used to have a framemeister but sold it because I was only using it with PS2 and needed money at the time. Obviously the framemeister is superior, but I’m not sure if it is £400+ superior if I’m honest, unless you have multiple other systems to connect and take advantage.
The problem with it not supporting progressive scan but forcing an upscaler is that 480i upscales TERRIBLY. I think they should have a separate cable specifically for non-upscaled ps2 content for people who have TVs that support 480i through HDMI
I can understand what your saying, but the graphics after being compressed for/through youtube for video, it all look like different shades of blurry. I'll take your word for it though :)
Looks nice on PS3 MCable. I emulate them upscaled because it's convenient. I "do" have all the consoles, but I don't have the space to set up everything.
19:58 Interleaving visually observable at her nose (and along the whole time/scene)! PS3 really looked amazing! I hope the PS2HDMI can do that with 0/less lag and possibly even some improvements!
The Pound HDMI cable is probably darker because you are used to a more brighter and washed out component signal which you set your TV brightness darker for in the first place. Now Pound HDMI uses the RGB output signal which has a deeper and better color accuracy by default. SCART (RGB) was next to composite our standard in Europe and the downside is no progressive mode.
The PS3 launch is the clear winner plus you can play any ps1 game remotely via psp which I did a lot. The only problem is the disk has to be in the system and games that require dual joystick was problematic, other than that it was great. Also the ylod was a big issue with these consoles
Bit of a misconception. PS2 can play PS1 games with component cables with similar quality to the PS1's RGB. It's just that most PS1 games are 240p and a lot of TVs don't support that especially through HDMI.
This! If you use any kind of intermediate scaler or a proper tv it can function with component.
I can't take credit for knowing that for a long time. MLIG talked about it. That's why I'd get a CRT with component.
Yup. Component support is also patchy. My old TV did support 240p over component...and it looked pretty damn amazing. These days I'm looking to get an oldschool CRT setup though.
Indeed. Why some HDTV's don't work PS1 game over component cables is because some TVs don't support 240p over component output. MY Samsung UHD actually passes 240p and converts it to 480p very well without using my XRGB mini.
@@Waifu4Life I heard Vizio's and Samsung's TVs handle 240p well.
7:42 You can have both actually. A lot of people don't realize this, but the PS2 DOES support 480p and 1080i over RGB SCART. The trouble is that it uses a rather obscure way of doing it. The PS2 usually uses RGB Sync on Luma or Sync on Composite, meaning that the sync information is carried with the S-video luma wire or composite video wire. When 480p is enabled, the console switches over to RGsB or Sync on Green, meaning that the sync information is bundled with the green colour information. Most TVs and scalers don't understand Sync on Green. The only one I know that supports it is the OSSC. The Framemeister and the cheap SCART to HDMI can't understand sync on green.
Old computer screens did support sync on green, that is why it was made for, to use with VGA Adaptor and PS2 Linux, the only disc who is natively compatible with VGA
I watched so many reviews of this cable on UA-cam and by far this is the best and most informative review 👍
the one by Metal Jesus Rocks is far better... more side by side comparison...+ this cable has been available ( in the US... Pound don't ship to Europe direct) for quite some time now
"HOW DARE YOU NOT LIKE CAKE ADAM!"
Adam Koralik The Cable Guy
Haven't seen your videos in like 3 years and I remember you saying "video quality is not the same as graphics" and you still always say it!
Welcome back.
Actually Component cables work with ps1 games but it's dependent on if your tv allows 240p on component.
Yeah, that's what people have been telling me. Color me surprised.
It's a fair mistake - TVs that support 240p over component are so few and far between that the difference between these statements is basically pedantry.
I heard Samsung tv usually support it
Exactly
@metroidfan220 Samsung HD TV support 240p over component. They are not so rare.
Can’t wait for the ps2 classic!the ps1 classic was the system of the year!!!....said no one ever
It is if you add a usb drive and in turn add 300 games. I’ve barely put mine down since doing that.
not gonna lie, you had me in that first half
Ps1 classic is amazing if you mod it… I have dozens of games on it
I gave mine away to a friend. My eyes cannot handle that low resolution now that I am old.
Honestly its really entertaining to see what the 6th gen console video interface is actually capable of
I played the hell out of ps2 back in the day, definitely my fave system ever!!
I talk about videos cables on my education channel and you'll be surprised how many get offended when you say AV cables suck
I know this is an older video, but, just happened to come across this exact cable in a thrift store today,had to grab it
Always love going back to Adams vids. Wealth of Knowledge.
Ok, you convinced me to finally buy this cable specifically for PS1 games on PS2. For such an affordable price it sure is worth it to upgrade from composite (my TV doesn't support 240p through component).
Looking back at this product. I wish they treated it as a component cable but had the built in upscaler. That way you'd have PS1 support as well as progressive scan support for PS2 games.
Every time Adam opens a package during filming, it looks as though he’s been waiting all mfin day to open that package
Actually, some times it can literally be months.
It's not just the brightness that is wrong with this Pound cable, it's also the gamma and the saturation. The last two are completely off, which is what makes the cable totally not worth it.
I have the ps3 fat model 60gb model took out the drive and out a 160gb in it Love it
Just found out there is an official PS2 composite cable that wasn't sold with the PS2. It has gold tips on the wires it's called the Sony SCPH-10500 you can only find by searching for it that way. It's gonna be great on my CRT TV
even while playing PS1 titles with the pound cable, while the image is clear and focused, I have noticed that the Pound cable had given a very dark and the reds were oversaturated as all hell, essentially making this whole thing pointless, and making me go back to conponent.
Adam has the best game splaining videos. You should have a million subs by now. You deserve it!
Another informative and interesting video, thanks Adam!
This is why component cables are the best option HDMI also F up the widescreen if the game already has widescreen... those 200 480p games some are widescreen especially the PAL version have options at start of the game
Component cable for life.
RGB Scart!
I just got a component to HDMI upscaler. I found the video quality and compatibility to be way better, and ps1 games work.
Hey, I'm interested in that alternative too, can you tell me which one you have and how does it come its better than pound? Dont get me wrong, I mean isn't it technically the same, as the pound is already a compoment to hdmi converter and upscaler? I would use it for PS1 and PS2 games on the PS2 on a 4K LG television. Got no other option. Would it work? Thank you in advance.
I'm currently running PS2 RGB through my ONKYO Receiver HDMI to TV. The big problem I have is sound, its so bad I have to turn it down.
great video adam, im pretty sure gt4's 1080i setting isn't available in the europe version unfortunately - why did europe always get worser video options during the sixth gen haha like the gamecube
I was going to say that PS2s can play PS1 games through component, but only in 240p, and most modern T.V.s don't support it, but thankfully someone else said it. I'm just lucky that I have a pretty good Modern TV that still natively supports 240p. It's a 27" Samsung T.V. that was made in, I think, the early 2010s, when 4K was new but not a lot of people had it. I just want to say though that the internal scaler on my T.V. is a powerhouse and way better than anybody would think. It not only natively supports 240p, but it also handles games like Silent Hill 1 (Probably my favorite game on PS1) that change resolutions on the fly so well that I didn't even know that it was a problem until I saw that it was online.
Gran Turismo was not the only PS2 game to use 1080i. Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria also supported it, although Japanese release only.
I recently got a PS2 RGB Scart cable and have it hooked up to my Sony 1954Q PVM. Looks really nice. Tried SOTN and that looks fantastic as well.
not only Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria supports 1080i, it runs dithering free in this mode , which is heavily present on gt4 in 1080i
1080i in GT4 is just upscaled picture. Even 480p looks much better on my TV (simply because my upsclaing is much better compared to soft PS2 upscaling).
I wish there was an easy way for you guys in the US to import TVs from the UK. Our TVs still do a great job of handling SD signals. We didn't get component in the mainstream until HDMI was a thing so a lot of people still used SD devices. This meant that TVs needed to be good at supporting SD well for longer to get people to transition from CRT to flat screens.
Seriously our legacy technology support is insane. Component is still widely supported as standard with many TVs supporting 240p/288p over component. We still get built in SCART on our TVs as well and it actually looks good (provided the TV isn't cheap shit).
@@AdamKoralik Oh very true. 50hz slowdown, removal of 480p options from most 6th gen games, the aforementioned late arrival of component, borders resulting from 288p/576i... The list could go on.
American consoles with a current UK TV would be the ideal setup IMO if it wasn't such a hassle to acquire.
5:49 I can say even back in the day I noticed it, specifically with Chaos Legion. I use to have to sit with my eyes practically touching the CRT tube to make out what was on the screen. A lot going on and looked blurry as all hell.
I use to have a couple fat PS2s but those are long gone. Thank goodness I can just play my games on my PS3 which has no issues playing any ps1 or ps2 game through hdmi.
Yup I'm getting that cable for my ps1 and will test it on my ps2. Will also try it along side of my component to HDMI converter.
I love it with my ps1, but I don't use it on ps2. It's just nowhere near as good as the component cables
I'm happy with just some ps3 component cables for the ps2.
It'll do a much better job than this cable anyways. This cable really should've been marketed as mainly for psx and just happen to work on ps2 instead of vice verse. It's gorgeous for psx
I agree but a lot of tv manufacturers are doing away with Component inputs unfortunately. I was looking at a tv and all it had was composite and obviously HDMI :/
Nicholas Cheney time to get a old school crt for your old consoles.
@@deafbyhiphop Yeah I got a 36 Sony trinitron HDCRT with an HDMI port in my basement that i use for my SNES and Mega Drive but id really like to get a SD Trinitron but I never see them on Offer Up or Craigslist anymore. At least not the ones with Component inputs
Component cables on a CRT for PS1 games through a PS2 is by far the best resolution you will find without breaking the bank
If you want to play PS1 games with component cables, run GSM with the SDTV PAL/NTSC modes enabled.
Its so annoying that TV manufacturers have ditched the component input standard. I have 2 Panasonic Plasma's that both have component inputs and they display ps1 and ps2 games just fine. Im kind of screwed when i need a new tv as the majority of these converter boxes etc just don't do a good enough job.
What do you think of the ossc or some of the retrotink products?
I wonder if it would ever be possible for these ps2 HDMI devices to have up scaling options like the PCSX2 ps2 emulator, like the HDMI device can have software and an interface where u could select your own resolution, probably would be hella expensive though
So I binge watch a lot of the videos on this channel and I went to watch the review or whatever on the cheaper device and Adams beard was out of control and it made me realize we have come a long way since then
You're better off using the 60gb(HHD can be upgraded) ps3 it will upscale ps1 and ps2 game to 1080p and it has anti-asling options and you can play those games wirelessly. You dont lose the surround sound if you use one
Good news for me! I don't own a PS2 and was looking for a review on this product and how it works with the original Playstation. sounds like it works well! I'm sold. Thanks Adam.
I found pound cable dark as well but cause it only runs rgb I changed rgb to full format on tv hdmi option, picture improved perfectly.
Just got one for my dreamcast. So much better than composite. Eventually want to get the DCHDMI board but this is awesome for now.
I've noticed every time you do a video on the ps2, the darth Vader hoodie makes a cheeky appearance
I love the idea of being able to have a hdmi switch with all my old consoles. I know they won't look like I remember but that doesn't bother me
Maybe time for a much anticipated Pound vs Hyperkin vs Levelhike PS2/PS1 link cable showdown?
That’s a badass hoodie bro. : )
Ironically, the Pound cable was brighter than that knockoff PS2 HDMI adapter. (for me at least)
Thank you for showing the mcable for PS2 games on the PS3! I'm gonna buy it now. Cheers Adam!
Yep! But remember, that game supported progressive scan which is important for it to look THAT good.
6:37 PS1 games CAN run over component, they can even run over that HDMI adapter (if you have the one that supports 240p). If component isn't working with PS1 games, the problem is you have a TV that doesn't support 240p over component. Hell, I did a whole video on how to overcome the compatibility issues of TVs that don't support 240p or 288p when using the HDMI adapter: ua-cam.com/video/W9sNKqpOkaw/v-deo.html
Yep, trust me, enough people have told me. I had no idea, my mistake.
You're never allowed to be wrong on the internet, Adam.
Amazing work Adam!!! Congrats!! Thank you for your video!
Dude, your awesome your channel is fantastic and you talk that talk - phenomenal 😄👍.
Great video. I think a fair assessment. Have a great Christmas, dude.
Bit of a misconception #2. Ps2 is able to display hd/progressive scan in RGB but then sync is switched from composite to sync on green, which most of displays don't support.
21:16-21:22
HEN: allow me to introduce myself...
I have one, but I’ve only used it with my PSONE. I thought it looked great for that.
So I noticed when you spoke about the difference between the Pound cable and component, you mentioned that the brightness looks different. I think this is a difference in color range, not the cables itself. With SD/480 using Rec. 601, you're locked to a "limited color spectrum". HD content uses the Rec. 709 standard, which allows video signals to have a slightly wider color pallet, darker blacks, and brighter whites. RGB actually uses much closer to the full color spectrum of Rec. 709, and thus, what you're seeing is the image looking closer to what is actually coming off the video chip. Component cables themselves limit the color space so that the "newer" TVs at the time didn't lose their shit over the conflicting standards.
Basically, if you need coming in more layman terms, the Pound cable to giving you a signal much closer to what the PS2's video chip is spitting out, rather than the degradation component cables do by design. This is why your PS3 footage looks much, much closer to what the Pound cable was putting out color and brightness wise.
I dont know if i ever told you??that i love ur channel and ur Vader jacket !!
I just picked this cable up today. Thanks for the review my man. Appreciate the honesty & depth you went into. Great video Adam. Cheers!
Appreciate the profile picture, Max Payne forever..
I always used composite cables for my ps1 and ps2 since Iaunch (literally just found out about component cables).
I just ordered the pound cable since my current tv does not have component ports. I think I will enjoy the jump from composite to this cable :D
Well, as long as you're happy.
Wow that launch PS3 footage through the Mcable looks beautiful. I'd really love to import an a North American Launch PS3 for playing PS2 games (I'm in the UK) but they're so unreliable and expensive to ship that I'm not sure I ever will. Region coding wouldn't be much of an issue though as most of my PS2 collection is imported from the US anyway for greater 60HZ and progressive scan compatibility.
I use my PS2 Fat with a Cheapo RGB Scart cable straight to my 29" Sony Trinitron and it simply looks amazing !!
Any game I throw at it looks beautiful
Well, as long as you're happy with it.
So does this cable have input lag ? Because I'm debating whether I should get the HD resolution cables or this one because the input lag is horrendous with component cables on my TV. Because I use component cables for a Wii and it works perfectly fine but not with a PlayStation 2 for some reason.
I have to reduce the interal ps3 resolution when i play ps2 games + mClassic to get the best image quality? Because when i test, for instance, Shadow of the Colossus (which has progressive scan) and add the mClassic in the mix, i don't see any improvement (and i SEE improvement when using mClassic + wii games on wii u).
I just don't know how to improve ps2 games on Backward compatible PS3 :/
Set the PS3 to 720p.
PS2 emulation on PC looks awesome.
I'm a diehard PS1/PS2 fan, I have 2 different versions of Monster component cables for PS2/PS3, and the PS2 just was not made for modern televisions, it has outlines and jaggies out the ying-yang. I'm so mad I nvr bought a frame meister(and even then).
Actually, at least with my component cables, every PS1 game I play on PS2 works with modern televisions and actually looks quite nice, razor sharp, no issues really, just make sure you're in 4:3. Didn't even notice the input lag (however much there is). Kinda weird how PS1 games play better on modern TV'S through a PS2 than the PS2's own games.
Oh, and Jackass PS2 is the other game that runs in 1080, and I think it's 1080p but it's probably 1080i, but it's the only other game I know that has that.
I fixed this by playing my PS1 on my PS3.
Now I remember, it was the Dreamcast video I saw, and not this ps2 one I saw a month ago. 😆
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never had a TV that wouldn't support 480i over HDMI or trouble with PS1 games on PS2 with component cables. I've only seen the later issue once on a friend's TV.
Hey buddy. First time watching. Thx for your take on the cable. I have a question and maybe you can help me out here. Does it matter if I'm using a PAL PS2/PS1 or an NTSC version of these consoles? As a European I want to make sure that I can use it before buying.
I don't have a PAL PS2 to test, but as it seems to just convert whatever to 720p, it SHOULD work.
@@AdamKoralik I think so, too. But I was hoping that you have hard evidence for it. No problem though, of course. Thanks a lot for your quick response! I appreciate that. 😊
If I ever test a cable myself I will update you here. Have a good day 👋
@@AdamKoralik Hey buddy. I had the chance to test the cable with my PAL PS2 and PS1 and as I promised, here is an update.
Short version: It works. Video and audio are there.
Long version: On my pal ps2 I had the issue that all pal games that run exclusively on pal mode (50hz/576i) the picture outputed by the cable was zoomed in and would cut of areas on top and bottom. This wasn't an issue of the ps2's video output settings or my tv, I tested everything. The image itself is not displayed correctly (for example in the pal version of god of war the blade on the top left corner that contains the healthbar etc is cut of a decent chunk) . Also, just to be clear, I do not mean the stretching thing that this cable does that you have to fix with your tv settings.
PS1 pal games on the other hand run good and issue free on pal ps2 and ps1 consoles (tested games were herc's adventures and frogger)
There is one solution for certain ps2 games that fixes the zooming issue. And that is the ntsc mode that came with certain pal ps2 games. I tested it with resident evil 4 (pal) and killzone (pal). Both of these games have a optional ntsc/60hz mode that you can switch on in game. That combined with the 16:9 output option of the ps2 results in a great 720p wide-screen experience with perfectly rounded buttons in menus. 😅
I guess that although this cable works with every ps2 it was designed to work with 480i/60hz signals and it therefore treats 576i/50hz signal as if they were ntsc, resulting in a uncorrect zoomed in image (imo at least).
So I conclude that this cable is not a plug n play solution for pal ps2 consoles. For ps1 pal consoles it is.
Have a nice day. 🤘
hi adam, just wanted to say great vid. Also while many had issues with brightness, including me, i had MAJOR issues with the softness. Like i mentioned in a earlier vid my tv sony bravia handeld component amazing through a basic component to hdmi converter, but the ps2 hdmi was so soft bumped up my sharpness from 60...to max 100 😔 & its still super soft. any way great vid 👌
A direct comparison between the Pound-cable and the PS2 HDMI-Adapter (the one which works with HD-modes), produces a better visual quality if the games are forced to 1080i via "GSM"... That function is also implemented in "OPL" ("Open PS2 Loader") 's "per-game-settings"!!!
When you put it in your component cables you put in all the cables in a line in the back of the TV and the video cable is in its own row by itself and then you have to go through the TV and you have to set the input to component it will pop up in the input menu and then you push on that and that should make a major difference and then you have to go into your your PS2 and you have to set it for the the yellow green blue mode and then it will not look not blurry at all.......
Uh, yeah, we're familiar with how to access component modes on our TVs man.
RGB cables for PS1 and PS2 are different so if ps1 games look better I’m assuming the pound cable is using the specifications for PS1 cables
Imagine what resolution the PS2 would be capable of if you hire Chuck Norris to mod it.
I am also going to add I can play ps1 games through component on my ps2 via ossc. Idk of it's because my tv can accept 240P or the ossc making it happen but i do play alot of tekken/2/3 and soul edge and not mutch else.
Yeah, my bad. Turns out it was a compatibility issue.
@@AdamKoralik its all good i think i ran into a similar problem at a buddies house when i first got the ossc. Couldnt play a silent hill game of sorts on his lcd. Maybe itvwasnt compatible with pass through of 240p or 480i
Awesome video buddy
Yup the cheap ps2 adapter sucks. Failed on two ps2 and two tvs. Has anyone had any luck with these or do I suck?
Actually, PS1 games (and the handful of 240p PS2 games) work fine via component. Most devices just don‘t accept that resolution via component. Send that signal through an OSSC (and maybe Framemeister? I don‘t know about that one) and it works fine.
Yep, people corrected me on this. I had no idea.
Hello Adam, is there any other modern alternatives? Maybe something you can make a updated video on? I have been struggling to find a solution for playing my PS2 games on my TV that overall fills the aspect ratio. It isn't anything 4K over very modern, but it doesn't include component either.
I have purchased a multitude of component converters and HDMI converters and to no avail, no solution. The closest to a proper solution was the Koopman-Tech component converter that by default had a aspect ratio that filled in most of my TV, and didn't appear to be stretched. The problem was: It overall had a terrible build quality, and often would have issue displaying the image either right from the box or after use of only a few days.
So I would like to know if there is a modern solution that doesn't stretch the image, but fills in the screen better. 4:3 isn't terrible, but I feel the image is too compact, which makes it more difficult to see.
See my RetroTink 5X video.
@@AdamKoralik I appreciate the quick response, caught me off guard. Haha.
Happy Christmas. Another cable video... love it🤣
I have a Sony 720p lcd tv that has a ps2 built into the base of the tv (22px300 is the model number) ps1 and ps2 look fine to me, I’m not over analysing them.
Must be nice to have that tv
Kidboy A.G. I like it. Got a Wii u, PS3 and Xbox 360 hooked up to it (they look fine at 720p) and also a PlayStation tv (the little Vita thing) and a Raspberry pi. It means a lot of things are playable there without taking up too much room.
@@JustinCardiff Yeah I also have a nice 32" Sony Bravia 720p TV from 2014 and PS3 games are very nice on it. Nintendo Switch looks good too. I really want a PSTV and mod it as well lol.
Kidboy A.G. Apparently the tv was out in 2010 (so after the PS3) and only cost £200. I didn’t know about it at the time, seems like it would have been a bargain then.
@@JustinCardiff I saw a video the other day about that TV. I'm looking to make a setup for my Ps2, Ps1, maybe even an og Xbox and I came across it. My 26 inch Dynex (720p) doesn't have that many Hdmi slots which is why I'm looking into the Sony's from that era.
Yeah, the PS3 looks the best here, but I have to say, I think the "darkness" of these cables helps, because the native signal seems quite flat and lacks contrast, whilst the cables add a lot of that in without making it that dark. Now fair, I'm only comparing the footage here, but still, the cable ain't doing a bad job all things considered.
Do you think you'll be trying out the RAD2x cables? I'd love to see your take on those when they come out.
I'm game.
I just tried it on my original Playstation. HOLY CRAP! It is BEAUTIFUL. I'm going to just use component on my PS2 and use the Pound cable on my original! WHAT A PICTURE! (admittedly, my TV for these consoles is a no-name Wal Mart 32" 720p).
Technically you can use progressive scan over RGB with the RGsB method, but it’s incredibly difficult for it to work on an HDTV.
Unfamiliar.
Adam Koralik It’s briefly mentioned in My Life in Gaming’s PS2 RGB video.
ua-cam.com/video/brMW6KFue-I/v-deo.html
Mr. Koralik, Last night I did some testing with all formats on me PlayStation 2, this might give you an idea of what to expect; Component YPbPr in 480p was so close to beating 480p RGB SCART, SCART has slightly better colors and sharpness, and when both are in 480i, RGB SCART definitely looks best, especially since the PS2’s YPbPr video is considered to be the worst (according to many retro gamers), leaving RGB SCART to be the best format to use for the PS2 so far. PS2 to HDMI in 480i and 480p looks noisy than Component YPbPr no matter what resolution. Component YPbPr and PS2 to HDMI in 480p beats out S-Video, but when both are in 480i, to my surprise, S-Video holds up well against both of them, they tend to look darker than S-Video, at least only when they are in 480i. This is where the Pound HDMI gets thrown in the ring, Pound HDMI still looks worse than S-Video, and surprisingly, Pound HDMI is surprisingly not as bright as Composite AV, but Pound has more sharpness than Composite. And lastly, Composite AV definitely looks less noisy than RF, leaving RF to be the worst format to use for the PS2 so far.
RGB SCART>Component YPbPr>PS2 to HDMI>S-Video>Pound HDMI>Composite AV>RF
Personally I use RGB SCART on my 4K TV and S-Video on my CRT.
What would the ps2 to hdmi be exactly?
Uhh it’s an adapter that allows you to convert analog to digital. Here’s a picture of it if you don’t know what it looks like www.amazon.com/PS2-Converter-Supports-Display-Modes-3-5mm/dp/B01D2SSDMI/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1546727185&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=PS2+to+HDMI&psc=1
Revenge120 ok well I just thought it actually had a name or a brand, didn’t know it was just PS2 to HDMI.
Damn , thanks i was looking for a video or any info about ps2hdmi compared to the pound hdmi. Thanks for the tests!
Greiga Beast Yeah no problem
I got lucky on my TV that it supports 16×9 to 4:3 and change the brightness of the hdmi darkness level
So what is the best way to make your ps2 look as good as possible on a 4k tv that doesn't have component cable ports?
See my video on the RetroTink 2X M.
@@AdamKoralik thanks
PS1 by old machine with 4:3 aspect ratio Crt TV, so HDMI output is vertical on LED TV, PS2 from 4:3 ratio Crt TV is vertical on HDMI LED TV, in 2006 PS2 supported Full Widescreen or HDMI on LED TV
This does the job for me. The darkness is somewhat cured by changing the RGB range to full on my LG C8, the picture looks great for what this is. I used to have a framemeister but sold it because I was only using it with PS2 and needed money at the time. Obviously the framemeister is superior, but I’m not sure if it is £400+ superior if I’m honest, unless you have multiple other systems to connect and take advantage.
The problem with it not supporting progressive scan but forcing an upscaler is that 480i upscales TERRIBLY. I think they should have a separate cable specifically for non-upscaled ps2 content for people who have TVs that support 480i through HDMI
You then have a different problem, you've created a device where most people buying it can't use it.
Adam, bae you did it again! A great video, that is!
Hello Adam, will you be giving badges for subscribed members? I share this as a thought. Happy Holidays bae!
Actually, using the PS2 to play PS1 games over component while hooked up to the OSSC is probably one of the best ways to play those games.
So... what does the Pound cable look like connected to the multi out of the PS3 running PS2 games? Hmmm..
Why would you bother?
I can understand what your saying, but the graphics after being compressed for/through youtube for video, it all look like different shades of blurry. I'll take your word for it though :)
I was extremely impressed with how haunting ground looked on the backwards compatible PS3 using the mcable. Damn.
Looks nice on PS3 MCable. I emulate them upscaled because it's convenient. I "do" have all the consoles, but I don't have the space to set up everything.
19:58 Interleaving visually observable at her nose (and along the whole time/scene)!
PS3 really looked amazing! I hope the PS2HDMI can do that with 0/less lag and possibly even some improvements!
pound cable for ps1 vs HD retrovision cables for ps1? any idea what is better?
I love your hoodie.
The Pound HDMI cable is probably darker because you are used to a more brighter and washed out component signal which you set your TV brightness darker for in the first place. Now Pound HDMI uses the RGB output signal which has a deeper and better color accuracy by default. SCART (RGB) was next to composite our standard in Europe and the downside is no progressive mode.
The PS3 launch is the clear winner plus you can play any ps1 game remotely via psp which I did a lot. The only problem is the disk has to be in the system and games that require dual joystick was problematic, other than that it was great. Also the ylod was a big issue with these consoles