[malletmk2]

I got the old fat PS2 silver model. Is there a way of getting PAL games to be played on 60hz? As I got the PAL version of persona 3 FES and it does play in 50hz
My 21 inch CRT does support 60hz.

I heard something called the HD xploder will fix the 60hz issue?

[gunrock]

In short, no. Unless the game has a 60hz mode (like Shadow of The Colussus), somewhere in the options, you're a bit stuffed.

[ploder]

It is theoretically possible to play any game at 60Hz on a PAL PS2 using a cheat disc, usually either Action Replay or Xploder. This is possible because it's not a hardware restraint since all PS2s are capable of playing games at 60Hz (as far as I'm aware). It's just that those naughty developers didn't take time to implement it for PAL games.

Through codes you are able to force the PS2 to output any game at 60Hz. Furthermore you can use codes to adjust the picture on screen if the game does not have a screen adjust option. I'm not sure if the PS2 can output PAL 60Hz (I don't think it can) so the method I describe will force NTSC 60Hz out of a PAL PS2 (at least that is what I think is happening). You'll need a screen capable of 60Hz playback and and outputting an NTSC signal (most will) If the picture on your screen is black and white then you'll need a proper RGB scart lead like the Blaze Ultimate Scart cable to fix that (most TVs have at least one RGB enabled scart socket)

Anyways, you need to decide whether your desire to play games at 60Hz justifies buying a cheat disc. Both the Xploder and ARMAX are pretty cheap these days.

Action Replay Max (PS2): Amazon.co.uk: PC & Video Games

Xploder V5: Cheat System(PS2): Amazon.co.uk: PC & Video Games

I'll talk about the Xploder since this is the one I own and use regularly to play games at 60Hz. For games without inbuilt 60Hz options there are many ways to achieve the same result with an Xploder:

1. Use the inbuilt Game Accelerator and look at the game's options menu to see if there is a screen adjust.

2. Use the inbuilt Game Accelerator in conjunction with an X/Y fix code.

3. Don't use the inbuilt Game Accelerator, use a 60Hz code/PAL2NTSC code instead and use the game's screen adjust option where available.

4. Don't use the inbuilt Game Accelerator, use a 60Hz code/PAL2NTSC code instead in conjunction with an X/Y fix code.

To my knowledge the Action Replay doesn't have a Game Accelerator option like Xploder so you are limited to options 3 and 4. The Game Accelerator option basically forces the game to run at 60Hz. Unfortunately, there is no auto screen adjust so the picture on the screen will be way off centre (a few inches too low). You also need to be aware in that forcing 60Hz is likely to cause skipping and out of sync voices in FMV. It can also cause the game to crash, but no damage will be caused to the PS2. It really depends on the game how successful it will be. As an example I'm playing Shadow Hearts Covenant at the moment full screen 60Hz and the FMV freezes. Luckily the game allows you to pause and skip FMV so all is sweet.

Now, on to the codes. As I have described above the codes you will be wanting are named 60Hz code / PAL2NTSC and X-fix / Y-fix. These types of codes can be found on cheat sites like:

The European Codebase
European CodeBase

If you can't find the codes you need there then you can find them yourself through code hacking. Everything you need to know about that can be found at the following site and its accompanying forum:

Codemasters Project: News

If you need any more help just ask.

[malletmk2]

thanks for the reply and PM reminder.
I actually have a action reply Max that I brought some time ago. the Max like you say, doesnt have the Game Accelerator option. I did try option 3 and 4 but its really hard to figure what I need to do. as the tool I used where:
code seek - I used this to get the elf code and the master code. But I could be putting the wrong input to output mode when I put this in omniconvert
Playing PAL PS2 games on an NTSC PS2


If you do know any easy guides, please let me know.


-Malletmk2

[fallenangle]

A PAL PS2 indeed outputting a genuine NTSC signal at 60Hz (despite some PAL games calling their 60Hz option PAL60).

Reading the problems here about forcing 50Hz games to 60Hz using AR/Xploder I have to ask: why take this route? I've read reviews of systems for forcing 'HD' out of the PS2 but produces severely letterboxed results. The suggestions here sound just as unsatisfactory,

It should be remembered that only in those cases where cost cutting developers haven't properly optimised the game for PAL does playing at 60Hz offer any real advantage unless you are particularly sensitive to 50Hz flicker.

Wouldn't it be easier and better to import a US NTSC copy of the game and use the Swap-Magic system? It is not 100% compatible with all games (including those on dual-layer DVD) but with a large number of mainstream PS2 titles it usually works perfectly and by the sound of it better and with less hassle than using AR/Xploder.

[ploder]

thanks for the reply and PM reminder.
I actually have a action reply Max that I brought some time ago.

That is great news because you could potentially be enjoying your 50Hz games @ 60Hz without any additional cost. So it is just a matter of the know how, which I will try to explain. I don't know your level of knowledge so you can ask about anything that doesn't make sense okay?

I did try option 3 and 4 but its really hard to figure what I need to do. as the tool I used where:
code seek - I used this to get the elf code and the master code.

Codeseek is a useful tool, but it is not useful in all situations. I find that for 60Hz and Y/X fix it is very useful. For master codes it does not have a high success rate. But that doesn't matter because we will find one for ourselves. As I said at the start code hacking is hit and miss even if you are good at it. Don't pay any attention to that afterdawn forum topic for now...

Stage 1 is getting a master code. A master code allows you to hook into the PS2s functions as they are being executed. The easiest way of getting a master code for a beginner is to find someone else's. So since you have the ARMAX go here:

Codejunkies - Cheat Codes for PS2, X-box & Gamecube

or

European CodeBase

and find codes for your game (Persona 3 FES I presume?) Make sure they are PAL region codes for now. Test these codes so see if they work. If they work then you know the master code works too. Write it down somewhere.

Stage 2 is finding the 60Hz / PAL2NTSC code. The easiest way is to find this using Code seek. So put your PS2 disc into a DVD drive and drop that file called SLES_xxxx into code seek making sure to select PAL2NTSC. Got a code? Good.

Stage 3 is to encrypt the code for your particular cheat disc. Certain cheat disc makers use particular encryption schemes in an attempt to lock codes to their product so you will think "Wow, this product has more codes so I'll buy it". But this is nonsense because all codes are displayed in Hexadecimal to the PS2. Some cheat discs like Xploder can read raw hexadecimal so you don't need encryption, but others like ARMAX (?) don't accept raw hex addresses so you have to convert.

Open Omiconvert (which is the best code conversion tool) and select:

Input > Unencrypted > Standard

then

Output > Action Replay > Max

then copy paste the PAL2NTSC code into input and press convert in the lower left hand corner. Your ARMAX compatible code should appear in the right hand window. Test this code with your working master code and notice whether there is any change in screen position and speed. Come back and report your results to me and I'll continue.....

Reading the problems here about forcing 50Hz games to 60Hz using AR/Xploder I have to ask: why take this route?

Because it is the cheapest option. Also, it is very interesting to find an alternative way to get what we want, wich is full screen and full speed games.

only in those cases where cost cutting developers haven't properly optimised the game for PAL does playing at 60Hz offer any real advantage unless you are particularly sensitive to 50Hz flicker.

It's not just the flicker but the drop in speed (around 17% I think) I find the difference between the two very noticeable, but I don't know whether I am the average person.

I've read reviews of systems for forcing 'HD' out of the PS2 but produces severely letter boxed results. The suggestions here sound just as unsatisfactory

I can't speak about forcing HD because I have no experience of it, but I find forcing 60Hz very satisfactory and relatively easy. My description is long but in practice it takes little time at all. In most cases you can get a picture that is preferable to 50Hz letter boxed. With the right Y-fix code you can get the picture to be bigger than that of a game running on an NTSC PS2 with absolutely no letter boxing. For some games (like Digital Devil Saga) this stretching looks better. There is also no need to insert anything other than a disc into the PS2. It is my preferred choice because it is cheap and utilises something a lot of people already have.

[malletmk2]

Thank you very much for the helpful guide
the master code works which I got from uk.codejunkies.com but when I put the PAL2NTSC in ARM the code says this cheat is for wrong game.
Cheat Codes for Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES on Action Replay MAX - Codejunkies

However, I got my master code using codeseek and then put that code in Omiconvert to convert use for action replay max. after that, I then the same with the PAL2NTSC. But, when it says to insert the game, and press X. it doesnt seem to load and just shows a black screen.
I also double checked Omiconvert settings. arm region settings is set to PAL.

When I did initially get my elf file on the codeseek app. I was given 6 different lines of master codes. It looked like this:

***** Potential Master Codes *****

SType Address Curr Op Potential Code
ENP: 00000000 00000000 F0100008 0000000E
ENP: 00000000 00000000 F0100008 000001FD


MNJ: 001950EC 0C1491FA F01950EC 0000000E
MNJ: 001950EC 0C1491FA F01950EC 000001FD


3JL: 00100208 0C065438 F0100208 0000000E
3JL: 00100208 0C065438 F0100208 000001FD

I have been coping the codes from the potential code column and encrypt the code with Omiconvert. and I think I have tried all six. Is there any reason why it would not load up?

[ploder]

the master code works which I got from uk.codejunkies.com but when I put the PAL2NTSC in ARM the code says this cheat is for wrong game.......
However, I got my master code using codeseek

First of all stick with the working master code you found. Don't try and find new master codes using codeseek just yet otherwise it will over-complicate.

So to clarify stick with:

Master code (must be on)
J1WK-VJ56-QZBVN
3GXG-GDUA-QYM1H

from UK codejunkies which you said works with the codes on that site. Is the game actually booting and codes working though? Please note that I am totally relient on you to tell me precisely what is happening since I do not have ARMAX nor Persona 3: FES. I am also presuming you know how to use the ARMAX correctly.

It sounds like there may be a problem with the game ID encryption. The ARMAX encrypts the game's ID in its codes (auto-generating a first line) Therefore if you try and encrypt raw codes without the game's id you'll get faulty codes. Whenever we convert to ARMAX we need the Game ID (but not the other way round)

Persona 3: FES Game ID = 0A7C

You can find a game's ID by copying and pasting any working code into Omniconvert (input ARMAX, output unencrypted standard) and pressing convert. The game's ID will pop up in the box in the middle. Go ahead and try it with the codes on UK Codejunkies for Persona 3: FES. You'll get 0A7C because this has been encrypted in the top line of each code

Therefore 0A7C should be in the Omniconvert Game ID box at all times when converting, also make 100% sure that:

Options >ARMAX Region > PAL
Options > AR MAX Verifiers > Automatic

To save some time does the following code work with the above master code?

PAL2NTSC
WEAX-YCBN-HJUER
GD1C-R9XF-9KT3W


__________________________________________________ _______
To save time I'll post some more codes you may need if Persona 3: FES doesn't have a screen adjust option. Please don't go onto use these unless the PAL2NTSC code works. Bear in mind that some games can be difficult to get more exotic codes for. You may follow all the guides but there are always games or cheat devices that refuse to play nice and stump even the more experienced code hackers.

Potential Y-fix
T13B-17QD-KH9DQ
9JEN-XCHT-M95F1
1V2R-W7ZP-985FK

Potential X-Fix
K3FU-8X38-WE77F
5HWN-7VR4-BPUD5
HKA9-ZD3E-1ZPPA

[malletmk2]

Originally Posted by ploder

First of all stick with the working master code you found. Don't try and find new master codes using codeseek just yet otherwise it will over-complicate.

So to clarify stick with:

Master code (must be on)
J1WK-VJ56-QZBVN
3GXG-GDUA-QYM1H

from UK codejunkies which you said works with the codes on that site. Is the game actually booting and codes working though? Please note that I am totally relient on you to tell me precisely what is happening since I do not have ARMAX nor Persona 3: FES. I am also presuming you know how to use the ARMAX correctly.

It sounds like there may be a problem with the game ID encryption. The ARMAX encrypts the game's ID in its codes (auto-generating a first line) Therefore if you try and encrypt raw codes without the game's id you'll get faulty codes. Whenever we convert to ARMAX we need the Game ID (but not the other way round)

Persona 3: FES Game ID = 0A7C

You can find a game's ID by copying and pasting any working code into Omniconvert (input ARMAX, output unencrypted standard) and pressing convert. The game's ID will pop up in the box in the middle. Go ahead and try it with the codes on UK Codejunkies for Persona 3: FES. You'll get 0A7C because this has been encrypted in the top line of each code

Therefore 0A7C should be in the Omniconvert Game ID box at all times when converting, also make 100% sure that:

Options >ARMAX Region > PAL
Options > AR MAX Verifiers > Automatic

To save some time does the following code work with the above master code?

PAL2NTSC
WEAX-YCBN-HJUER
GD1C-R9XF-9KT3W

When I originally put the master code and pal2ntsc code from last time, it wouldnt boot up after you put the codes. However, going back in the Omniconvert verifier was left on Manual and that could have been the problem when I getting the pal2ntsc code.
when I put in the the master code from UK codejunkies and the PAL2NTSC code you kindly provided now loads but there is no change on the speed and still plays on pal 50hz.

I dont think the ARM is up for the job on getting 60hz on some games. I am not sure if I should go out and buy the xploder v5 or the xploder HDTV player? knowing that either one of them might not work.

[fallenangle]

Or alternatively do what I suggested - set up your PS2 for Swap-Magic and import the US NTSC version of the game assuming it is compatible of course. Some games and dual-layer based ones in particular aren't. But if it works you'll have no audio or other trouble and, by the sound of it, will be a simpler solution than by using AR to force 60Hz out of game that wasn't designed for that refresh rate.

BTW the whole point about a fully optimised PAL50 game is that it runs full screen and with no speed drop, the only issue is that 50Hz flicker too which some people are sensitive. But even then it might not be a problem as I can confirm from my own set-up. If you have a good 100Hz (or even 75Hz) capable TV which removes the flicker it means those optimised PAL games will look and play just as well as their 60Hz equivalents.

The only problem, of course, is knowing which PAL 50 games are fully optimised. Obviously the matter is increasingly irrelevant now but why developers who took the time to fully optimise their PAL games didn't properly advertise the fact is a mystery. But why Sony allows/allowed the release of any unoptimsed PAL 50 games without a 60Hz option (and often removed prog scan options even when they did) are the more pertinent questions?

[ploder]

When I originally put the master code and pal2ntsc code from last time, it wouldnt boot up after you put the codes.

I'm sorry that you're having trouble with forcing 60Hz malletmk2. I'm a little unclear on whether those codes from codejunkies work. Try just the master code and a couple of cheats on Uk Codejunkies. Does that work?

Obviously, if it is a dud master code then no codes will work let alone PAL2NTSC. I've been trying to keep it simple up until now, but I think you should know that:

1. On rare occasions a PAL2NTSC code won't work (which is when Xploder's force 60Hz is extremely useful)
2. Not all master codes are compatible with PAL2NTSC codes.
3. Sometimes you'll even get master codes that work with PAL2NTSC but not Y-fix codes (I've come across this with Digital Devil Saga)
4. Some games are very difficult to hack (likle Valkyrie Profile 2 where virtually no codes work and make people want to tear their hair out lol)

It's really trial and error, although in most games it isn't that tough.

I dont think the ARM is up for the job on getting 60hz on some games. I am not sure if I should go out and buy the xploder v5 or the xploder HDTV player? knowing that either one of them might not work.

As I said I only know about the ARMAX in theory because I only own Xploder and all my experience is geared towards that cheat device. In theory your device should be capable, but there could be a number of different things that could be wrong which are not easily diagnosed on a forum I hope you'll appreciate. I personally wouldn't buy anything else because I don't have much money, so it's a decision you'll have to make depending on how badly you want to play 60Hz. Fallenangle gives good advice, although for me, importing an NTSC copy and swap magic is not worth it.

BTW the whole point about a fully optimised PAL50 game is that it runs full screen and with no speed drop

I thought fully optimised PAL50 games were still running at 50Hz but at full screen instead of letter-boxed or have I got it wrong?

[fallenangle]

It is correct that an unoptimised port of a 60Hz game on a 50Hz display will run at that roughly 17% slower rate. But in a fully optimised PAL game the whole thing has been re-mastered for 50Hz. That means full screen 576i and, whilst there is the 50Hz flicker to consider, the actual animation of the game will be running at the same speed as a 60Hz game on a 60Hz display.

A ball dropping for one second in a game will travel the same on screen distance in both cases. The only difference is the number of fields/frames that make up that one second animation sequence.

What you're describing is referred to as a partially optimised PAL50 game. As I understand it that is is one where they've just unsquashed the smaller 480i NTSC image area. It is thus shown in its intended full screen size ie. without top/bottom borders on a 576i PAL display. However the frame rate hasn't been adjusted so, as you said, it still runs slower in comparison to the NTSC versions.

[rasper121]

only way i ever got 60hz to play from older ps2 was using the Action replay disc. didnt really notice difference on any game except for tekken 3.

[ploder]

It's like the difference between mp3 and wav. Some people notice the difference others don't. I personally see a big difference and the flicker that usually goes along with 50Hz vanishes too. That and I despise big black borders and don't see why PAL gamers in this day and age must get inferior products

[malletmk2]

Totally forgot about the HD Loader and HD advance. There just software to load onto the PS2 hardrive. I think it works by dumping the original games onto the PS2 hardrive.
I am not 100% sure if either softwares boost the games to 60HZ?

[ploder]

Originally Posted by malletmk2

Totally forgot about the HD Loader and HD advance. There just software to load onto the PS2 hardrive. I think it works by dumping the original games onto the PS2 hardrive.
I am not 100% sure if either softwares boost the games to 60HZ?

Long time no see. From my knowledge running games from the HD (presuming you have the means to do so) would not in itself boost the running speed. I don't think that that software lets you change the video mode either. What it may do however is to reduce load times. However, if you have an image on a hard drive perhaps you can patch it to NTSC using ps2_pal2ntsc_yfix?
http://sksapps.com/index.php?page=ypatch.html

It's funny you should return now because I have been looking at a new option that is far more powerful than a cheat disc on its own or anything that has come before:

Free McBoot Home

With this the possibilities are endless. You could patch your game to be NTSC 60Hz and then run it without the need for a modchip/swapmagic or any warranty voiding shenanigans whatsoever all through a memory card.

[malletmk2]

That sounds really cool. But how permanent is that new menu system? can you easily revert back to the old PS2 menu?

[ploder]

It doesn't do anything permanent to your PS2 so it is impossible to damage, just intercepts the normal menu and gives you access to its own programs which are stored on memory card. From what I have read of it you just need to format the memory card and it goes back to being a normal memory card. Not sure why you'd want to do that though as everything from before is there plus a lot more. Anyway, just have fun with it and see if you can achieve what you want.