Who doesn't know Playstation? The Playstation 2 is one of the most popular game consoles in the world. However, it turns out that there are still many people who are confused about how to attach this console to their TV. The reason is that most recent TVs no longer have ports compatible with Playstation 2 AV cables. Luckily, there are still many ways to connect Playstation 2 to your TV and you can choose the way that suits you best.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Connecting the Playstation 2
Step 1. Check the input on your TV
There are several ways to connect your Playstation2 to a TV or receiver, depending on the input available. The input is different, the image quality is different. The inputs can generally be found on the back of the TV. However, there are also TVs that provide input on the side or front of the TV.
- Composite/Stereo AV – This input is the most common way to connect a Playstation 2 to your TV, receiver or VCR. The composite cable has three plugs, each colored yellow (video), red and white (audio). This cable is included with all new Playstation 2 console models. Newer HDTVs may no longer be compatible with this input.
- Components/YCbCr - This input is the best way to connect your Playstation 2 to the newest TV because almost all TV types have this input. This input also provides the best picture quality for the PS 2. The component cable consists of five plugs: red, blue and green (video) and red and white (audio). Component cables are not included in the new Playstation 2 purchase package so must be purchased separately. Make sure the component cable purchased is compatible with your Playstation 2. It is highly recommended to first try directly at the store before buying the cable.
- S-Video - This type of input is rarely found in newer TVs. The resulting image is better than composite cables, but still worse than component cables. S-Video cables are generally yellow in color and have more pins than standard AV plugs. Playstation 2 compatible S-Video has a yellow video jack, and a red and white audio jack.
- RF - This input is the worst way to connect your Playstation 2 to a TV or VCR, as the resulting image is very blurry. RF is connected to the coaxial input of the TV or VCR (input for inserting an antenna or satellite dish). Unless there is no other choice, this method is not recommended.
Step 2. Choose the right cable
- If you bought a new Playstation 2, the composite cable should have come with your console. Otherwise, you can order directly from Sony or search in game stores either in person or online. Make sure the cable you order / buy is compatible with your Playstation 2. Again, it is recommended to try directly the cable that will be purchased with your Playstation 2.
- The Playstation 2 video cable is compatible for all Playstation 2 models.
Step 3. Place your Playstation 2 near the TV or receiver
Make sure you put your Playstation 2 in a place that has enough space. Avoid placing your console on or under other electronic devices. Make sure your console is close enough to the TV/receiver so that the video and power cables don't stretch too much
Step 4. Connect the video cable to the back of the Playstation 2
All Playstation 2 models have the same port for connecting the Playstation 2 video cable. For the fat Playstation 2 model, it's in the lower right corner of the back of the console, and for the slim model it's on the right side of the back of the console, right next to the power connection and says "MULTI-OUT AV"
Step 5. Connect the other end of the video cable to your TV
- Mark the inputs you connect to make it easier to find the right input when the TV is turned on. Match the color of the plug with its input.
- The audio connection (red and white) may be offset from the video input on the TV. If your TV only supports mono sound, then just use a white cable.
- When connecting the component cables, you will find two red wires. One is the video cable and the other is the audio cable. If the cable is laid down, the color order of the plugs should be: red, blue, green (video set), white (audio set).
- If your TV only has component cable inputs, and you only have composite cables, you can still connect your Playstation 2 to the TV. Connect the red and white audio cables as usual, while for the video cable connect the green plug to the yellow port.
- If you are in Europe, you will need a Euro-AV connector to connect a composite cable to the SCART socket on the TV. This connector is bundled with the new Playstation consoles in Europe.
Step 6. Connect the digital audio cable (optional)
If you have a 5.1 surround sound system, you can connect the Digital Out (Optical) audio port on the PS2 to the receiver using a TOSLINK cable. This can only be done if you have the necessary sound system and equipment. The Digital Out (Optical) port can be found next to the video port on the back of the Playstation 2
Step 7. Connect the Playstation 2 power cable
- Playstation 2 fat and slim models have a different power cable. On the fat model, connect the plug that looks like the number 8 sleeper to the back of the Playstation 2, then plug the other end into the power socket. On slim models, connect the power cable to the yellow “DC IN” jack on the back of the PS2, plug it into the power brick, then plug the other end into a power socket.
- Make sure the cable is still a little loose so that the joint doesn't stretch too much.
Step 8. Connect the Ethernet cable (optional)
- Some PS2 games can be played online, and an internet connection via an Ethernet cable is required to use them. The slim PS2 already has an Ethernet adapter, but the fat PS2 requires an additional network adapter.
- You cannot perform network setup in the console. It's your game that manages the network when the internet connection starts.
- Many PS2 games whose online multiplayer function cannot be played because the servers have closed.
Part 2 of 2: Playing Playstation 2
Step 1. Connect the controller to the Playstation 2
You can use the original Playstation 2 controller (which is called the Dualshock 2) or a controller made by another company that is compatible with the PS2. All new Playstation 2s come bundled with a DualShock 2. The PS1 controller can't always be used to play PS2, but the PS1 controller can be used to play PS1 games
Step 2. Insert a memory card (optional)
- You need a memory card to save your game progress, The original memory card has a size of 8 MB. You can buy pirated memory cards with larger capacities, but these cards are easily damaged. Actually, there are native memory cards with capacities of 16 MB and 32 MB. You can save your games without a memory card via an additional hard-drive. However, you will still need a memory card to install the hard-drive software
- Without a memory card and HDD, you can still play games on the PS2. However, all progress in your game will be lost when changing games or the console is turned off.
- The slot for inserting the memory card is above the slot for inserting the controller. Make sure the label on the memory card is facing up when it is inserted.
Step 3. Set the TV to the correct input
Turn on the TV and change it to the input connected to the Playstation 2. If the PS2 is connected to a VCR or receiver, make sure the VCR/receiver is on the correct setting, and the TV is at the input connected to the VCR/receiver
Step 4. Turn on the PS2
Press the " power " button on the front of the Playstation 2. The illuminated light should be green, and if the TV is on the correct input, the Playstation 2 logo will appear on the screen. If no games have been entered, you will be taken to the PS2 system menu. If any game is entered, your game will start automatically
Step 5. Enter the game
- Press the " eject " button on the front of the PS2 to eject the CD case (fat model) or open the CD cover (slim model). Place your game in the case, then close the CD cover or press the " eject " button again.
- Do not remove the game CD while the game is in progress. Your game may stop before it's saved first.
- Be careful when ejecting/inserting game CDs. Do not let it touch the surface of your game CD. This protects your game CD from damage and scratches, so your game will last longer.
Step 6. Start the game with progressive scan mode (only for components)
- If your Playstation 2 is connected with a component cable, you can enable progressive scan mode (480p). With this mode you can play with clearer images, but only a few games support this mode. Press and hold the X button after the Playstation 2 logo appears when starting the game. If your game supports progressive scan, a message will appear about how to activate the mode. There is no system setting for progressive scan.
- For a complete list of games that support progressive scan, see this Wikipedia page.
