There are a few different ways to connect your PlayStation 2 to your television. You can use a component cable or HDMI adapter, both of which are inexpensive and effective. If you are unsure which of these two options is best for your needs, you can always contact a professional to help you out!
A Composite/Stereo AV – This is the most common method for connecting a PlayStation 2 to a TV, receiver or VCR. This cable uses three plugs: Yellow (Video) and Red and White (Audio). It comes packaged with most new PlayStation 2 models, but it may not work with some HDTVs.
You can also connect a PS2 to your television using a coaxial cable. This method works well for older tube TVs as well as flat-screen TVs. Just make sure that the RF input on your PlayStation 2 is fully switched on and that your television has an RF reception mode set to analogue.
If you are connecting your PlayStation 2 to a newer flat-screen television, you can use an HDMI adapter. This device converts analog signals to digital and supports all display modes on the console. It is available for around $16 and is compatible with most modern televisions.
A DVI-Compatible Converter – If you have a DVI-enabled monitor, this will give you the most accurate picture possible. However, not all monitors can support 480p natively, so you will need to enable progressive scan on your PlayStation 2.
USB Ports – If you want to connect a USB mouse or keyboard to your console, you will need to obtain an official PlayStation 2 USB cable. These cables are available from most hardware stores and should be inexpensive.
Alternatively, you can use a USB 2.0 port on your computer to connect the PlayStation 2 if you have one. This will allow you to play games with high-bandwidth graphics and audio.
You can also connect a PlayStation 2 to your TV through a wireless connection. This method is a great way to get your kids involved in the gaming experience and to keep them entertained while you are away from home.
A DualShock 2 Controller – Every new PlayStation 2 model comes with a DualShock 2 controller, but you can also purchase third-party PlayStation 2 controllers that are designed for the console. The DualShock 2 is a comfortable and versatile controller for your favorite games.
If you do not have a DualShock 2 or any other PlayStation 2 controller, you can use a standard video game controller that is compatible with the PlayStation 2. All of these are available for under $20 and will be more than enough for most gamers.
An HDMI Adapter – This is a cheap and easy option to connect your PlayStation 2 to a new TV. The converter will convert your PlayStation 2’s video output to a HDMI signal and will upscale the video resolution to Full HD 1080p.
The only disadvantage to this is that the converter will not give you complete HD quality, so you can expect only a slightly better picture than if you had connected your PlayStation 2 directly to your TV. This is a great option for people who are just getting started with gaming and do not have a lot of money to spend on a new TV.
