Xploder HDTV Player for PS2 HD gaming and DVD upscaling
Last week we reported on the Xploder PS2 HD upscaler, but didn't have a huge amount of detail on it. It's obviously caused quite a stir, though, and as such Fire International have decided to combine the technology with their DVD Movie Player to create the 'ultimate PS2 upgrade' - the Xploder HDTV Player.
They've also released a FAQ which covers many of the questions asked about the unit.
The main points:
- The HDTV Player doesn't change games code.
- It doesn't use additional hardware
- Games operate at their native resolution so there's no slowdown by using the Xploder
- The PS2 can already output 480p, 720p and 1080i modees via component output, as well as VESA modes 640 x 480, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768 and 1280 x 1024 at a variety of Hz rates.
- 480p is the recommended mode for optimum performance and to avoid distortion and stretching
- HDTVs do upconvert signals but doing that on interlaced signals leads to artefacts. The Xploder sends frames in progressive mode where possible.
- The Xploder has been tested with thousands of games.
- DVDs can be played in 720p and 1080i mode, but on most TVs 480p mode is recommended.
So there you go - a unit bringing more life to the PS2 in a Hi-def age.
The unit's coming in September and will be priced at just £29.99
Via Hexus.net













Blaze released a very similar piece of software 3 years ago called the Blaze VGA Adapter.
This used a piece of software to force the PS2 to run in 480p VGA.
A lot of PS2 games run at this resolution but do not have the prog scan option available.
This software hack was quite successful with some titles, but not with others.
Posted by: Nick Laslett | August 12, 2006 11:07 AM