This is the product: http://www.xploder.net/products/148/Xploder-HDTV-Player.htm I'm hoping someone here can tell me how well this thing works and possibly a place to find it cheaply. I just bought a Bestbuy "manager's clearance" 30" Widescreen CRT HDTV (max. 1080i, no HDMI). The picture quality is pretty good and it works well on old systems too (bonus). Then I remembered the Xploder HD Disc and since it comes with a component cable I wondered if it was worth buying. Also, has anyone used it with VGA? Thanks in advance!
Does it work on the PS3? I didn't see anything on it that says it wouldn't work on it. Edit: Nevermind, I see that it doesn't work in the FAQ section. If only I kept my old PS2...
Here's a rather short review: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/02/15/review_xploder_playstation_2_hdtv_player/
Thanks, I have read a few reviews but I was hoping for someone to reply that had hands on experience with it.
It might be a bit late for a reply, but I've tested the Xploder HDTV with the PS2 Linux VGA adapter and I can say it works quite fine. Most NTSC and PAL-60 games run fine with the setting 640x480@60Hz. Unfortunately PAL-50 games do crash or the image is distorted or stretched because you cannot select a 50Hz VGA mode. Anyway as you live in the USA I think it's a cheap and good solution to play PS2 games on a VGA Monitor. The picture quality is much better compared to those cheap VGA converters. However you need to find that VGA adapter because it's not bundled with the HDTV software. I used the VGA adapter from the PS2 Linux kit.
But then for the PS2 Linux adapter you need a SoG compatible monitor as it won't strip sync from green for you.
The easiest solution i've found for those wary of soldering together a sync separator is the following. It works for ANY vga display that supports composite sync (h/v sync on the horizontal pin- which is quite common nowdays): Parts list 3rd party composite/component multiav cable (must have both sets of connectors to work) or official component multiav cable AND official guncon adapter bnc4/5 vga cable bnc to rca couplers connect as follows: multiav R -> coupler -> VGA R multiav G -> coupler -> VGA G multiav B -> coupler -> VGA B multiav C -> coupler -> VGA H (this is the key here- as the composite line carries sync information as well as composite video, the internal composite sync separator in your display will ignore the composite video data, and only care about the sync data) feel free to use a splitter on the composite line before the coupler to a normal video input if you want to see video that is not vga before you load up the blaze adapter (or ps2 linux for that matter) Of course, I still recommend that people add a proper sync on green separator to their displays, a kvm, or a passthrough hd15 adapter instead, as it adds usefulness and reduces cable clutter. That, and the circuit is incredibly simple.
as a side note or two, if your vga display supports 15khz mode, you can use the above mentioned method, and don't need a blaze disc. also, if you have 15khz support, original playstation will work as well. Unlike the ps2, sony does not output SOG, so this is necessary if you wish to pass sync to a vga-connector supporting display.
that's a great hint, thanks. My personal experience is that a lot of LCD monitors do support sync on green and most times old CRT monitors do not support it. edit: I've just found another interesting solution for all people who do not have a monitor which does support SOG. Instead of buying all these cables and adapters you could use the Neoya X2VGA2 converter which can convert 480p, 720p, 1080i component signals to VGA. According to the manufacturer's website the converter converts signals in their native form and not on the basis of traditional TV signals. It does not support 480i, but the Xploder HDTV can force games to run in 480p. However I have no idea if this conversion is really pixel perfect. Probably someone can tell us more?
the xploder works great with component from what I remember, and a vga monitor if it has sog. Also the X2VGA2 works fantastic I have used it with the ps2, xbox, gamecube, 360 and wii. The picture quality is great.
