This HDMI Mod Makes The PlayStation 2 Look GORGEOUS!

This HDMI Mod Makes The PlayStation 2 Look Gorgeous! | PixelFX RetroGEM

PixelFX just released their long awaited HDMI mod for the PlayStation 2! It’s called the RetroGEM and it enables the PS2 to output high quality, lag-free, and properly scaled video to your modern HDTV! So does this new HDMI mod live up to the hype? Let’s find out!

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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
3:09 RetroGEM PS2 Kit Parts
5:05 RetroGEM PS2 Install Tutorial
17:35 RetroGEM PS2 Compatibility
18:08 RetroGEM PS2 Features
23:51 RetroGEM PS2 Video Output Comparison PS2 and PS1
24:43 Pros and Cons
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Disclaimer: This video is only for entertainment purposes. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or from the information in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and is to be used at the discretion of the end user/viewer and not Macho Nacho Productions or Tito Perez. If you are uncertain about any step of the process or feel unsure about your skill level, seek a more authoritative source.

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#PS2 #RetroGEM #MachoNachoProductions

[jkarakizi]

This is definitely by far the best HDMI mod I've seen so far! - But as an Australian, it's completely out of the question. If the mod costs $190-USD then that converts to something like $290-AUD and thats not even including the exchange rate fees or delivery. I could personally never justify spending that kind of money on something like this.

EDIT: Never mind just found out that the "Shiny" version is just a software lock on the "Basic" version. - Scum move. No longer care, no longer interested.

[kanuh]

My Sony CRT WEGA TV: "Look What They Need to Mimic a Fraction of My Power"

[Krilium]

Software locks? This product went from S tier to F tier instantly in my mind.

[justinmoran]

You would think that for $190.00, they would 3d print the fitment block to keep the hdmi port uniform with the other connections. If you look at the final reveal before he plugs the hdmi into the port, it's crooked to the point that it's an eyesore. Awesome video sir, but the price and their quality is a no go for me

[micksam]

With the lack of 1080i support, the weird software locks, and the fact that component cables still provide pretty dang clear video, I think I'll stick with my component cables for now. Great video as always though!

[Omicron]

Yeah idk man I don't feel too good about locking software features behind a paywall like that. If they were selling an actual slimmed down version of the hardware or were only selling the shiny edition it would feel less offensive, but presented the way it is here evokes the same feelings and arguments we had back when Disc Locked Content was the big controversial videogame thing.

[jdigi]

I would have bought this immediately but I'm having second thoughts seeing basic features like 1080p locked behind a paywall. Obviously they feel they can still make money selling the basic version at $99, so charging nearly double the price for those who just want 1 step higher in resolution feels like a scam. Its not like he's putting features that took a lot of R&D behind the paywall

[anthonym]

Man I was really looking forward to seeing what this kit had to offer. Its too bad that even after coughing up $120, you get all the hardware but not all the features. Really hoping they rethink the whole "$70 license for a mod you already paid for" thing. I'm all for supporting small businesses, but not when they pull things like this.

[ScottX]

The installation process was very impressive to see! Having installed several Modbo chips myself I know how difficult and frustrating PS2's can be to work on but filming the whole process whilst being able to clearly see what you're doing must have been even more challenging.

Having said that I still think using a PS2 on a CRT is the way to go, no amount of upscaling, filters, etc will make the PS2 look as good on a flat screen compared to the display tech it was designed for. If you're wanting a sharper/cleaner look running a PS2 on a PVM will get you a very sharp and crisp image! Otherwise a nicer consumer grade CRT is still the best choice for PS2 in my opinion.

[JPXChannel]

software paywall? that's horrible, a product like that shouldn't be supported

[ChuckLopez]

So the "shiny edition" is locked within the hardware and you have to pay to unlock these features? Wow

[SonicManEXE]

Not having 1080p on the basic edition is a huge letdown. I agree that using something like a RetroTink with this would be an awesome way to play, but I think that for the (comparatively) plug and play solution of installing the mod and just running it, not having 1080p is a big deal, especially considering that a lot of people have 4K TVs now.

[Flynn]

Honestly $190 for the Shiny Edition vs $120 for the regular is just obscene, especially since they're literally the exact same hardware and the "premium" features are all implemented in software. No, it is not reasonable to charge $70 extra for 1080p and motion adaptive deinterlacing, both of which the hardware can ALREADY DO and are solely locked out by the proprietary software.

Imagine if this had been how PS1 modchips worked. Imagine if you got charged $30 for a PS1 modchip that lets you play backups from YOUR region, but you had to pay $90 for it to let you play backups from OTHER regions. That would be absurd, right?

[tigransafaryan]

Software locking a hardware you bought is very bad business practice. It's offensive and scammy.

[soulreaperxx]

Would have liked to see you try the smoothing settings. One reason I prefer emulation over modding PS2s is that the internal rendering resolution can be set much higher than a PS2 can do so aliasing is not a problem at all in emulation.

[AndyGogo]

Charging more for non hardware features is crazy, hope the devs change their minds on this one

[robertzieg]

Spend the money on the backwards compatible PS3 you will be much happier, and it will be a positive experience. Soldering the contacts on those flex cables is a real bastard with lead free solder, not to mention the higher temperature needed to flow the solder can easily damage the ribbon cable. I wouldn't attempt this without a microscope and 60/40 rosin core solder. Tito is really gifted when it comes to soldering and makes it look really easy.

[RichardLBartlett]

I recall there were certain games on the PS2 where you had to hold a combination of buttons on the controller during boot in order to enable progressive scan. It would be nice if that process were automatic.

[BarbaricAvatar]

Choices: This kit which requires you to hope that your PS2 has a better than average lifespan and won't die after 5 years regular use. Plus requires a steady hand and manual labor with a $100 entry fee.
Or a decent converter for half the price, the same output quality and can be transferred to the next PS2 when the current one inevitably dies.

[Mchenrygames]

Another great video as usual. Hats off for the installation work. I felt like Homer Simpson watching the foundation repair tape.