Just wanted to add to Chuck's number 4 NTSC/PAL section:
Patching works, just that its not an exact science and may not get every conversion right.
If you dont wanna buy an expensive converter just to play your PAL games then the free patches at this site are for you:
http://ps2chimps.ps2newz.net/
Most game patches are there but not all. If you cant find your game there, then try to find another place yourself.
NOTE: TRANSLATION PATCHES HAVE MAINLY ONLY BEEN DONE FOR WINNING ELEVEN GAMES!
Tyler!