[charlie_ps2]

Quite simply this.

The laser diodes, DVD in particular, will degrade and eventually fail. The diode itself, which has to lase to produce coherent light, is the size of a grain of sand and its surface temperatur rises in normal operation to around 70 deg C.

If these temperatures are maintained for long periods, i.e. the PS2 is well used, the laser diode degrades and puts out its light at lower power (which is why we recalibrate sometimes for DVD-Rs). The DVD-R has only half (to a quarter) the reflectivity of the pressed DVD and so laser power is vitally important.

If the v3 has only used CDs are has played relatively few DVD games/movies, then the DVD laser diode will probably be in good condition. This appears to be your case.

Most v3s passing through our installation hands have their lasers in degraded condition.