Your Playstation 2 isn’t working most of the time or not at all and your wondering why? More than likely, if your disks look as if there nothing wrong with them and you’re getting those nasty “Disk-Read-Errors” on more than one disk then it is probably one or two laser problems that is the culprit. Either your laser voltage needs to be adjusted or dust and dirt are obstructing your laser, or both. The way I see it, you have two options if you want to repair your PS2.

For a fraction of the cost you can download the Professional Playstation 2 Repair Guide and quickly learn to fix your PS2 game console yourself using the easy step-by-step directions. No problem is too complex. Here’s just a sampling of what the guide will teach you: Adjust Voltage, Clean the Laser, Fix Squeaking and Clicking Sounds, Repair DVD and CD Reading Errors and much more. Not only will you master repairing your own console, but as an added benefit, you can start professionally repairing other people’s Playstation 2 consoles in your spare time for money! The Playstation 2 Repair Guide was written for people who are complete novices in electronics.

Please check this link for complete tutorial
The Video: Click here/here

Ever wonder why Microsoft hasn’t released an HDMI cable for the Xbox 360, or whether the AV port was really capable of digital out? Well, here’s your answer: engadget landed pictures of what appears to be the second Xbox 360 — the Xbox 360 v2, if you will — codenamed Zephyr. (The original Xbox 360, if you recall, was codenamed Xenon.)

According to Engadget, Microsoft has been busying itself with a new version of the Xbox 360. The team has snapped some sneaky pics of the new console that was previously only thought to boast a die shrink for its Xenos GPU and tri-cored IBM CPU. This provides lower power, less heat and hopefully a better console life-span.

It appears that Microsoft has decided it needs to keep up with the Jones’ (Sony) and integrate a HDMI port as well as the standard analogue A/V port. Not pictured is the all new, larger 120GB hard disk (twice that of Sony’s 60GB PS3) that may or may not come with the package. This means users can use the Live Marketplace to download a lot more stuff without having to resort to deleting things left, right and centre – a problem made all the more worse since Microsoft has starts its movie, TV and music download services.

The question is, despite the new console features, will it require people buying a Zephyr to have a HDMI/HDCP enabled TV to watch HD-DVD and High-Definition content? Up until now, thanks to the recent Xbox Live update, Microsoft has enabled people to use the analogue component and VGA connections to watch their movies in HD, essentially DRM-free. Could this mean more people seek out the version 1 console in DRM-free preference?

There’s no word yet on whether or not the new HDD will come inside the new bundle, but its regardless a welcomed change for Xbox enthusiasts. One much needed upgrade that has no word of actually coming to light is an internal HD-DVD drive. It’d make the package a lot cleaner, but appears to have missed the boat on this revision.

Will this make the version 1 consoles cheaper since it offers fewer options? Despite the fact the new console should be cheaper to make on a 65nm, including HDMI means Microsoft has to pay royalties on every console sold. Add into the fact it will need a separate firmware to the version 1 consoles and you’ve increased the work, and cost, on your development team.

The 65nm process is said to be delayed for several months, so it may be until 2nd or 3rd quarter before we can get a hold of it. That wait might mean Sony will get a better foothold on this market before Zephyr sees the sales floor…providing, of course, that the PS3 can get some games out worth playing.

Prices are expected to remain the same on the console to keep the competition with Sony and Nintendo stiff, and these changes are expected to hit the shelves soon. No official word has been released yet, however.

Introducing Nintendo Wii…

Nintendo’s new generation console, which was formerly codenamed Revolution, is now simply named Wii. For the record, it’s pronounced like “we,” despite the different and deliberately odd spelling. Nintendo announced the official name of Wii on April 27, 2006.

The Wii brand is designed to accentuate the console’s unique controller (as represented by the ‘ii’ in the title) and its ability to bring gamers of all types together, hence the name “we.”

The Wii system is the fruit of a new Nintendo philosophy that is determined to emphasize original and fresh gameplay endeavors over dramatically enhanced graphic presentations. Where as both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are designed from the ground up to deliver more detailed, high-definition graphics, Wii’s biggest innovation lies with a potentially revolutionary new controllerand not raw horsepower. It is this controller, dubbed the Wii remote (or Wii-mote for short), which truly distinguishes the Big N’s new platform from its competitors.

Hardware

Wii retail display boxes

The Wii console is Nintendo’s smallest home unit yet; measuring 44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall, and 225.6 mm deep). It is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together (approx. 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm). It also weighs 1.74kg(3.84 pounds), which makes it the lightest of the three current-gen consoles. The console can be placed either horizontally or vertically. The prefix for the numbering scheme of the system and its parts and accessories is “RVL-”, after its project code name of “Revolution”.

The front of the console features an illuminated slot-loading optical media drive that accepts both 12cm Wii game discs and 8cm Nintendo GameCube discs. The blue light in the Disc slot illuminates briefly when the console is turned on, flashes when new data such as messages have been received from WiiConnect24, and remains on if the WiiConnect24 “Slot Illumination” setting is set to “Bright” or “Dim”. The disc slot light does not stay illuminated during game play or when using other features of the Wii console. Two USB ports are located at its rear, and an SD card slot hides behind the cover on the front of the console. However, the usefulness of the SD slot remains in question since, although it can be used to backup saved game data and downloaded Virtual Console games, Virtual Console data cannot be restored to any system except the unit of origin, presumably as a rudimentary form of digital rights management. Also, to utilize SD slot, a software update must be downloaded, so game saves cannot be transferred to or from a system which has not been connected to the internet.

Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in various colors, including white, black, silver, lime green, and red, but initially it is only available in white. At E3 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue. Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch, mostly in the Nintendo branding used and button placements.

The launch Wii package includes the console, a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically, a circular clear stabilizer for the main stand, one Wii Remote, one Nunchuk attachment, one Sensor Bar, a removable stand for the sensor bar, one external main power adapter, two AA batteries, AV cables (component video and other types of cables are available separately), and (in all regions excluding Japan) a copy of Wii Sports.

A Nintendo spokesperson has confirmed that Nintendo plans to release a version of the console with DVD-Video playback capabilities in Japan, but that release in other territories is not currently planned. This corroborates an earlier press release by digital media company Sonic Solutions, stating that Nintendo had chosen their CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator software engine to provide this functionality. Even though software will be used to enable DVD-Video functionality, it apparently “requires more than a firmware upgrade” and cannot therefore be implemented through the WiiConnect24 network.

Wii Channels

The operating system interface for the console is designed around the concept of television channels, with a Wii Menu used to access them. Separate channels are graphically displayed in a grid, and are navigated using the pointer capability of the Wii Remote. There are eight primary channels: the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, News Channel, Forecast Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Internet Channel and Virtual Console Channel(s).

Backward compatibility

The top of the Wii consoleThe Wii console is backward compatible with all Nintendo GameCube software and most GameCube peripherals. This backwards compatibility is achieved with the help of the slot-loading drive being able to accept GameCube discs, and a set of four GameCube controller ports and two Memory Card slots, concealed by flip-open panels. A GameCube controller is required to play GameCube games, as neither the Wii Remote nor the Classic Controller functions in this capacity. A GameCube memory card is also necessary if you want to save, as the Wii internal flash memory will not save GameCube games. Nintendo has stated that the Wii console is not compatible with the GameCube modem adapter, broadband adapter, Game Boy Player, AV cable, or AC adaptor.

Nintendo DS connectivity

The Wii console supports wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS. Shigeru Miyamoto said Nintendo was still working out when features using this connectivity would be available, but that it would be soon after the launch of the system, due to the popularity of the Nintendo DS. At Nintendo’s corporate policy meeting in June 2006, Satoru Iwata explained that the DS uses its wireless connectivity to communicate with Wii and that no further accessories are needed.

The connectivity allows the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS’ microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first example Nintendo has given of a game using Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is that of Pokémon Battle Revolution. Players with either Pokémon Diamond or Pearl are able to play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with the Nintendo DS as a controller.

It has also been confirmed that the Nintendo DS is able to play game demos downloaded from the Wii console which they would receive from Nintendo, similar to a DS Download Station. The console is also able to expand Nintendo DS games.

Online connectivity

Main articles: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console (Wii), and
Internet Channel (Wii)

The Wii console is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Nintendo has stated that the console implements standard Wi-Fi protocols. Wireless encryption by WEP, WPA (TKIP), WPA (AES), and WPA2 (AES) are supported. Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo does not charge fees for playing via the service and the Friend Code system controls how players connect to one another. This system also implements console-based software such as the Wii Message Board, for which a feature is being considered for alerting registered friends for the Wii Message Board about new games that have been purchased.

The service has several features for the Wii console, such as the Virtual Console, WiiConnect24 and Wii Browser. The console can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. Battalion Wars 2 first demonstrated this feature, for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions. Nintendo announced two Wi-Fi enabled games at LGC 2006 in Leipzig: Mario Strikers Charged, and Battalion Wars 2. Although the console features an online mode, Nintendo has not provided the programming tools for 3rd party developers yet, meaning that only first party Wii games are online so far.

Firmware

The Wii console requires firmware updates from time to time. As reported by IGN, it was discovered that to use the Online Channels, a firmware update was required. Some earlier produced units were reportedly shipped with older firmware, and had some problems. Most units, however, shipped with the latest version.

The first firmware update for the Wii console via the WiiConnect24 feature caused a small portion of units to become unusable. This forced users to either send the unit to Nintendo for repairs where saved data was retained, or exchange it for a free replacement. The latter option had a faster turn around time but led to a loss of saved data.

The latest firmware version for Wii Consoles is 2.0. A letter ‘U’, ‘J’, or ‘E’ follows the version number, signifying an NTSC US, NTSC Japan, or PAL region console.

Wii controller

Nintendo’s official Wii site has opened with more info on the controller. They confirm the use of accelerometers in the Nunchuck: “The Nunchuk controller and the accelerometer contained within it are the next leap in gaming.” That being said, they also state that: “Both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers include a three-axis motion sensor.” This would lead one to believe that both the Wiimote and the Nunchuck use the same sensors, confirmed as accelerometers.

They also have a visual breakdown of the different functions of the Wiimote controller, notice that the “Wave” and the “Point” are two seperate functions. Also of interest is the use of the word “Wave” to describe the movement portion of the controller, the way the sword-swinging worked at E3 could best be described as reading fast waving movements rather than true freehand control.

PLAYSTATION 3 Computer entertainment system unleashes a brilliant, high-definition entertainment experience.

As its digital soul, the Cell Broadband Engine represents a tour de force in parallel processing, which means a gaming experience that is beyond what you know today. Its built-in Blu-ray Disc drive delivers a whole new generation in high-definition gaming and unmatched digital media storage. Whether it’s gaming, Blu-ray movies, music or online services, PLAYSTATION3 invites you to Play Beyond.

High-Definition Capabilities

Enjoy high-definition entertainment, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) means you can use your PLAYSTATION3 with High-Definition displays as well as conventional or standard TVs.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

The PLAYSTATION 3 comes with either a 20GB or 60GB removable hard disk drive (HDD).

System Interoperability

PLAYSTATION 3 and PSP (PlayStation Portable) play nice together. Easily exchange media like photos, videos and music from your PLAYSTATION3 system to your PSP system. And get ready to witness an explosion in creativity as developers take on the challenge of integrating the PSP system into PLAYSTATION3 games.

Backwards Compatibility

Sony stated every PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game that observes its respective system’s TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist) will be playable on PS3 at launch. SCE president Ken Kutaragi asked developers to adhere to the TRC to facilitate compatibility with future PlayStations, stating that the company was having some difficulty getting backward compatibility with games that had not followed the TRCs. It has been confirmed that initial PS3 units include the CPU/rasterizer combination chip used in slim PS2 (EE+GS) to achieve backward compatibility.

The PlayStation 3 does not include interfaces for legacy PlayStation devices, though IGN.com tested a legacy controller using a PS2-to-USB adapter, finding that it is compatible, though most other devices (such as the Guitar Hero controller) may not be compatible. USB devices for PlayStation 2 may be compatible with PlayStation 3. The PS3 supports both the USB Eye Toy camera/webcam and SOCOM Headset for video and voice chat. A memory card adapter is available so users can save their PS/PS2 data on to a virtual memory card in the hard drive. The PlayStation 3 can also use Memory Sticks to store save data for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software.

At least 3% of the games from the previous generations of the PlayStation had problems at launch such as dropped audio, freezes or controller malfunction. Popular games reported to have this glitch include Final Fantasy, Tekken 5, and Gran Turismo. As of 2006-11-16, a firmware upgrade has been posted online by Sony that is intended to address some of these issues.

Cell Broadband Engine

The PLAYSTATION 3 system’s Cell Broadband Engine is the very thing that game developers have always dreamt about. Its unique multi-processing unit design represents a tour de force in parallel processing. The ability to do more of everything at the same time means more enemies, more AI, more explosions, and more realistic game play. Game play that takes into account ragdoll physics and keyframe animation, enemy AI behaving unpredictably, glass cracking based on the size of the object that impacted it, and individual flecks of dust in a beam of sunlight to create a more believable experience. The Cell Broadband Engine has the muscle and horsepower to move beyond artificial intelligence. This is the power that is the digital soul of PLAYSTATION 3.

Blu-ray Disc

Next-generation entertainment needs a next-generation format. Blu-ray Disc (BD) is that format. Just as the DVD offered a technological leap from CDs, Blu-ray Disc is the next leap forward in the advancement of data storage technology and digital entertainment.

With Blu-ray, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system offers game developers unprecedented power to express their creativity and a larger canvas to produce a level of interaction, sophistication and reality that has never existed in gaming. More than an evolution, Blu-ray is a revolution that frees developers from the constraints of storage space and allows them to dream in Blu-ray.

Playstation Network

In response to Microsoft’s successful Xbox Live network, Sony announced a unified online service for the PlayStation 3 console at the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. Sony has confirmed that the service will be always connected, free and include multiplayer support. However, developers are permitted to charge a subscription fee, as is common with MMO games.

The Xfire client can be integrated into games to provide various match-making facilities, at a cost to the publisher.

At the Tokyo Game Show on September 21, 2006 it was revealed that users will be able to download some of the thousands of PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 titles from the PlayStation Network Platform for a fee, starting with those with the smallest game data. The reason to allow this kind of functionality is that Sony wants to allow the users to choose the games of their preference. Ken Kutaragi also announced functionality with other consoles, similar to Nintendo’s upcoming Virtual Console, including confirmed Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16 functionality. However, Sega has replied that Sony has been too hasty with calling it a fact. Sega is currently reviewing the possibilities, but have not yet made a decision on it.

PLAYSTATION Store

Enrich your entertainment experience with free and premium exclusive content from the PLAYSTATION Store. Enjoy a rich and unique selection of downloadable games, from classics to never before seen titles designed specifically for the PLAYSTATION3 system. You can also enhance your disc-based games with game add-ons, such as new levels, maps or weapons. PS one games can be downloaded directly to your PLAYSTATION3 system and then transferred to be played on your PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Friends & Messaging

Use your unique Online ID to stay connected with your PLAYSTATION Network friends. Talk with others during game play, say hello anytime you’re online, or have a video chat with an Eye Toy; USB Camera and headset (each sold separately).

SIXAXIS wireless controller

The PS3 SIXAXIS is a controller that is nearly identical to that of the predecessor’s DualShock. The SIXAXIS features finer analogue sensitivity, more trigger-like R2 and L2 buttons, a PS button, and a USB mini-B port for charging the internal battery and use for wired play. The PlayStation 3 supports up to 7 simultaneous controllers over Bluetooth. The SIXAXIS is named for its ability to detect motion in the full six degrees. However, unlike the previous DualShock, the new controller has no vibration feature. The controller will retail for US$50.

The PlayStation 3 Memory Card Adaptor is a device that allows data to be transferred to and from PlayStation and PlayStation 2 memory cards and to the PlayStation 3’s hard disk. The device is a cable that connects to the PS3’s USB port on one end, and features a legacy PlayStation 2 memory card port on the other end. The adaptor will be available for purchase simultaneously with the console’s launch, at a price of JP¥1500 (including tax) in Japan, and US$14.99 in the United States.

Using Bluetooth, the PlayStation 3 BD Remote allows users to easily control videos and music on Blu-ray Disc and DVD. In Japan, the device will be available starting December 7, 2006, and will cost JP¥3,800. The device will be available in North America in December for US$24.99. However, the PS3 will accept signals only via its Bluetooth Remote and not through the standard IR spectrum, disallowing the use of universal remotes with the system. The Blu-ray Disc movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was to be included with the initial 400,000 release copies of the PS3 in North America.

Official PS3 HDMI cables will retail for US$50. No HDMI cable is included with the PS3 system.

Games

Experience high-definition gaming with PLAYSTATION 3 games!

Multimedia: Music, Photos, Internet,Videos & Movies

PLAYSTATION 3 provides an endless array of multimedia activities, all without even inserting a game.

• CPU Cell Broadband Engine GPU RSX Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM 256MB GDDR3 VRAM HDD 2.5′ Serial ATA (60GB) I/O USB 2.0 X 4
• Memory Stick/SD/CompactFlash Slots Communication Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi*
• Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
• Wireless Controller Bluetooth (up to 7) AV Output Screen size: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• HDMI**: HDMI out – (x1 / HDMI)
• Analog: AV MULTI OUT x 1
• Digital audio: DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1
• Blu-ray/DVD/CD DRIVE “read only”
• Dimensions Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)
• Weight Approximately 5 kg

• CPU Cell Broadband Engine™ GPU RSX Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM 256MB GDDR3 VRAM HDD 2.5′ Serial ATA (20GB) I/O USB 2.0 X 4
• Communication Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T
• Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
• Wireless Controller Bluetooth (up to 7) AV Output Screen size: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• HDMI**: HDMI out – (x1 / HDMI)
• Analog: AV MULTI OUT x 1
• Digital audio: DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1
• Blu-ray/DVD/CD DRIVE “read only”
• Dimensions Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)
• Weight Approximately 5 kg