hardware and accessories

Disclaimer: This review is being written primarily with HDTV owners in mind.

Anyhow, first thing's first: people with standard televisions will notice little to no difference using component video cables. I've tried this firsthand using many sets from Sony (their XBR line), Toshiba, and Panasonic non-HDTV direct-view televisions with color difference ("component") inputs, and have had to really look hard to notice a difference (if any at all), between component and S-Video. Half of the perceived difference, I believe, is due to a mental expectation that the image will be inherently better. ....

However, using an HDTV direct-view set, such as the Panasonic CT-34WX50, CT-36HX40, Sampo SME-34WHD5, et al., as well as some of the better-quality front-projection and rear-projection HDTV units, result in a subtle, yet discernable difference and is the only way to go, IMO. .... Combined with a digital TosLink cable for PS2 audio, and you have an excellent video game and movie-watching unit. However, why would anyone use the PS2 as a DVD player on an HDTV when you can buy a 3/2-pulldown progressive-scan DVD player that will yield spectacular and superior results?

Not sure, but HDTV owners should purchase these cables to maximize their PS2 to the fullest. Standard TV owners should just stick with S-Video, such as the PS2 S-Video offering from Monster Cable.

I recently tested both Monster's Component cables and Sony's Component Cables and kept the Sony. I have a 53" Hitachi Ditgital HDTV and the difference between the A/V Cables included with the PS2 and the Sony Component cables is night and day! Huge difference, but like the other reviews, you can only really tell on high-end HDTVs, so if you have a regular tv, I would suggest using S-Video or the A/V cables already included with the PS2. DVD's are also great for the component cables, the picture is crystal clear and fantastic compared to the A/V or S-Video connections.

As for the Sony v. Monster comparison, I saw very little difference between the two except that with the Monster Cable, you pay $20 more and GET NO SOUND connection which costs more. But if you have a great sound system set up, and can afford the Monster Cables AND the Optical Digital Audio cables, then buy the best.

Just to re-iterate another review, the quality levels are as follows:
1) Component Video Cables
2) S-Video Cables
3) A/V Cables

But remember, chances are you won't see much of a difference unless you have a High End TV with HDTV or Digital interface, otherwise stick with what you have.

One last comment, make sure you change the PS2 SET-UP (in the configuration screen, with no disc loaded, but the power on) from A/V to Component cables, otherwise you'll get no picture and no sound at all!!!

I just bought the component AV cable from a 3rd party company and already has the S/video cables (3rd party too) . I've read that AV component it's much better than S video, and tha's why I bought it. But is not!. AV component seems to be a little better than standard AV cables (RCA). S video gives an extraordinary brilliance to images. Video Component looks opaque, maybe Monster cables works better. In summary:
1- S/Video
2- AV component
3- Standar Av cables (rca)

Could it be 'cause they are 3rd party.