I have a Sony PC monitor that only has a VGA port and was wondering how I'd go about hooking my PS2 up to it. I have component cables and heard you can convert it, but do I require one of those expensive boxes? or would something like this work?
The only PS2s with VGA output capability are the TOOLs, I'm pretty sure. It also seems like the only way to get true VGA is through an upscaler, which is one of those expensive boxes, lol. Not sure which exact one you'd need, but the majority of people have good luck with XRGB Minis.
I have a component to VGA convertor box that I use for certain consoles. It isn't an upscaler; it just converts from component to RGBHV. It works with the PS2, but only with games that support 480p or higher (which is not that many). The convertor I have doesn't work with games that output 480i, unless you have a display that can accept 480i over VGA. I've tried Tekken 4 and Tourist Trophy with the convertor, and they both look really good. I've been meaning to try Gran Turismo 4. Personally, I mostly play PS2 games over RGB on my PVM. It's interlaced, but the PS2's RGB video output is really good. There are ways to force games to run in 480p I think, but it seems like it isn't really worth the effort.
All PlayStation 2 consoles can do it, unless the OP wants to get VGA output from retail games... which no PlayStation 2 will do natively; either GSM or a physical signal converter is required. GSM requires no additional hardware (other than the cable), but it does not have a perfect compaibility with games. If VGA output (either natively or via GSM) is used: the only thing is that you have to come up with your own cable, unless you have the PS2Linux kit (which seems to provide a cable). A screen that supports SoG is required, otherwise the cable would have to contain some electronics (sync stripper). There are games that support progressive scanning, natively.
I have the Xploder HD Player package. It converts PS2 games to 480p and higher, even games that do not normally have a 480p mode. It also has a feature to convert the games to VGA but only the RGB Sync on Green mode monitors with included PS2 to VGA/RCA audio adapter cable. Best bet is to get a Component to VGA conversion box. Cables alone will not do it unless you had the above kit and specialized monitor.
