HELP? DVD's don't work

clumzy · #1 21-02-2003, 12:30

I have a problem and could use some of your expert advice.

I had a Magic 2 installed by a local professional installer, he did 3 at the same time and my 2 friends haven't had any problems.

I don't have the SCPH## handy but I got it in Nov. of 2002 brand new. I think it was SCPH30001?

When I got it back I was able to play CDR's, DVDR's, and original DVD games no problem. Worked great! But right off the bat I noticed that it would NOT play DVD Movies. I used the same boot procedure as booting DVDR games and it would never boot.

Anyways, fast forward to Jan 2003 (3 months of maybe 10 hours of play a week), I started to notice that when playing my Vice City DVDR it would sometimes hit the "Loading" screen. Then one day it began to not load DVDR games sporatically .. sometimes it would, sometimes not. CDR's were fine. So I got worried I took it back to my guy.

His Prognosis:

He tested to make sure he could not load DVDR's or DVD originals. None would boot for him. DVD movies wouldn't either.

He removed the Magic 2 chip and tried to load DVD originals. NO WORKY!

He's in the process of replacing the laser and slider assembly with a used one and try that.

WHAT do you think the problem is? Ever seen this before? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

bighap · #2 21-02-2003, 13:07

I would have tried a laser cleaner before doing anything. If you play 10 hours a day, it has collected a lot of dust. Your dvds never worked becasue you booted them incorrectly. You need to hold reset until the blue light comes on. If you bought your ps2 new in November, I highly doubt you have a 30001, it is probably a 39001. If it is a 30001, your problem doesn't suprise me. v1-v3 ps2s, which yours is if its a 30001, had terrible lasers, which is why your dvd games stopped working.

clumzy · #3 21-02-2003, 14:37

Thanks for the advice, that was 10 hours a week .. not day. 10 hours a day would be full time job, which I already have.

I do boot that way. Standby, press reset to the blue light .. boots DVDs.

And I forgot to mention that the first thing he did was use a laser cleaner disk with the little brushes.

Anyways, I suppose your last point is where the answer lies. If mine is that serial number (I'll have to check) it could be a dead laser. If so then his laser swap will should work.

Thanks for the help, and I'll update if there's more to the mystery!

TRDragster · #4 21-02-2003, 22:22

I have posted recently about my problem with my U.S. V5 with messiah2 that it has problem in booting dvdr games, I was thinking it was a media problem but now I am worried about my laser. there are times that it boots o.k. with dvdr but sometimes it goes with the ps2 logo then hanged. I tried original dvdrom game(metal gear solid2) and boot fine but when I tried dvd video movie it recognized as a ps2 cd then goes back and forth with the ps2 logo. I tried cleaning the lense and no change. I was wondering if calibration is an option for me. I have check a web site on how to but is confusing on those two screws(which is which), any info will be appreciated... thanks

TRD

bighap · #5 21-02-2003, 22:28

TRDragster · #6 21-02-2003, 22:39

Thanks for the info, BTW with my understanding since my ps2 reads cds and not dvd then I just need to adjust the dvd pot, If nothing happen like adjusting the dvd, do you think i have to replace my laser, if yes, can you recommend a site where i could order.

thanks,
TRD

bighap · #7 21-02-2003, 23:11

If the adjustment doesn't help you can get a new laser from www.liksang.com

TRDragster · #8 22-02-2003, 13:03

To charlie or any experts,,
This ps2 of mine is giving me a headache, I tried adjusting the dvd pot but still won't read DVD original movies, I was able to boot dvdrom base orginal games though. Do I have to adjust also the cd pot?. I went to the site but they don't have a laser for v5.

BTW,thanks to bighap

TRD

TRDragster · #9 22-02-2003, 13:07

Clumzy,

I am just wondering if you had any success in fixing yours?

TRD

ottoman · #10 22-02-2003, 16:32

Have played with this a lot on version 4's, and it ain't worth the bother.

Recalibratingthe laser is at best a temporary solution and on my most sucessssssful project it only gave a couple of months extra reading DVD-r.

1. U shouldn't attempt it unlesssss u have an osciilloscope monitoriing what the laser is reading.

2. It is very easy to fry ur laser totally adjustiing it.

3. It ain't just about the laser intensity pot. There is also adjustments for laser height and lazer aziimuth that will also change how the laser reads.

Siimple answer or rather two answers:

1. invest in a new laser as Big Hap said,

2. Invest in a V.7 or V.8 PS2 and transplant the mod.

I fitted a new laser into my mates version 4 PS2 and it has lasted about 4 months.

It is now starting to get sketchy about readiing 'The Getaway@ and 'GTA Vice City' so getting a new PS2 is only way ahead or even getting a second hand version 5 would be a better posiition.

One thing u didn't mention is what dvd-r u r using. This is very important as if u using bad dvd-r it will reduce laser life and also cause problems with PS2 trying to read them

Goood luck!!!