The Playstation 2 PSX DVR - Sony's Playstation Based Blunder!

[@chazmaru9583]

Happy new year everyone! One thing you forgot to mention: the PSX came with a special Dual Shock 2 controller which had a cable twice as long as a regular DS2, due to Sony’s idea that owners would have the unit behind the TV and hooked up to the controller ports all the way behind the unit. That special controller is probably the best thing about the device... Another issue with the PSX is that the sound recording only accepted Sony’s proprietary ATRAC format and, from my own experience (in 2007), encoding a CD to ATRAC on PSX took pretty much as long as playing the entire CD in real time.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I’d have mentioned it but sadly I didn’t have one to show. The controllers are rarer than the consoles it seems.

[@tiagopereirasantossilva556]

interest fact : plastic hammer that show in japanese show was invented in Porto, Portugal

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

haha that is a very interesting fact

[@hugo-garcia]

Fun fact : The PSX has 64MB of ram. Although PS2 games can't use that RAM the PS2 SDK does have flags to use more RAM. So today homebrew developers can use this amount of RAM of they want to make new Software for the PS2. Some software does use this RAM. Any new develop game in the future can use it

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Interesting. Good to know.

[@MrMario2011]

Awesome pickup! I've wanted one of these for a while, but like you said: Big, heavy, prone to break and die easily. It might be worth playing PS2 games on it with FreeMCBoot and OPL, as I've been told the video output on these is much nicer than a standard PS2.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I picked it up specifically for video out for PS1 as the component video out is very nice for capturing

[@Trebliw8]

@@VideoGameEsotericaCan you tell me the exact setup of your component out? I see you got the D-Terminal which has female connectors. Did you then buy male to male component cables to connect it to a TV?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Male to male to a tv, or in this instance to an upscaler. But the concept is the same

[@nimbylive]

This thing has the look, feel and performance of an R&D system that made it through production. Wild system.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes it’s like they took an idea and just ran with it before thinking “is this a good idea”

[@dlang6487]

Great video! Remember, the writing on the system isn't upside down if it is in its vertical orientation. I keep mine vertical (with a dust cover) as that was an option for the system.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I can’t imagine it’s an option many used though. I guess it’s just upside down in the manner I’d use it haha

[@rustymixer2886]

@@VideoGameEsoterica didn't this record dvd too or was that ps1 psx japan

[@MegaManNeo]

This PlayStation 2 along with the VMU clone they did for the PS1 is probably the most obscure and thus most interesting hardware Sony put out after the Nintendo Play Station.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Maybe one day I’ll do a video on that oddity

[@NMRH258]

I would love to see someone finally crack the HDD encryption on the PSX. It could potentially salvage/revive all those PSX DVR consoles that have fallen to the wayside.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

same. I’m sure it’s not that “hard” considering how every console has been broken wide open. I think it’s more a “desire” issue...so few people care about the PSX that nobody seems to bother with it

[@AmbientMess]

According to the Assembler forums there getting close to cracking it. Theres even a guy working on getting an SSD installed in it somehow

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I saw that. Hope it gets finished. Really the only way the units will continue to live

[@AmbientMess]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Yeah same! I've personally been looking for a way to access the PS BBN channels on there. I know the vast majority had their servers taken offline a while back but its a cool novelty I would love to explore.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I was just amused to see what the previous owner had on the DVR. Both things I could and couldn’t show 😂

[@devilmingy]

Heaviest system I own. It’s such an odd idea. Mine even came with some weird videos on the HDD. I’ve avoided watching them in full out of fear of being cursed to die in seven days.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Lolol I’m cursed to remember some of the more interesting content on the unit

[@CRTdrone]

@@VideoGameEsoterica I was thinking what can be so weird coming off broadcast TV, but I remembered the thing has Composite video in. LOL.

[@_Prismadoll]

1:32 Controller ports... in the back I can almost hear James Rolfe seething with rage

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Hahaha probably. It’s a very bad design decision

[@BubblegumCrash332]

Buying a used DVR from Japan is really rolling the dice on what kind of content would be on it. The kind of stuff that's illegal in 45 states lol

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha yes it really is a dice roll. Weird Japanese adult stuff and one game save for a horse racing sim. Dude must have been quite the character!

[@SiincereARC]

This is one of those gaming treasures that purely isn't worth the money in reality but just seems so amazing in it's idea.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes only someone dumb enough like me would buy one Lolol

[@SiincereARC]

@@VideoGameEsoterica trust me, soon I'll be dumb enough too.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Dumb is fun!

[@retroarcadefan]

It's like they had some interns create this without supervision. Thanks for sharing!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes it seems like a C class engineering team was put on the job

[@rustymixer2886]

@@VideoGameEsoterica 😆 what is the ps device that records dvd

[@rars0n]

I love that you have a (PS2) PSX. I am not surprised that you bought one. However, I am a little surprised to find out more about how these actually worked, since we never got them in the US and they were built in relatively low quantities. I knew a little about the operating system but did not know they had channels for various game companies. That's pretty cool! I'm surprised it loads so slowly, but perhaps that's a consequence of its age? I had a similar problem with my PS2. It first stopped reading DVDs, so at the time I was using an MC boot exploit that required loading a PS1 CD. But then it stopped reading CDs, too. Luckily the newer exploits don't require any discs at all. Also, I'm one of those old school gamers who still refers to the original Playstation the "PSX". Every so often someone will tell me that I'm wrong, that THIS is the PSX, as if I don't know that these are a thing. I think anyone that calls the original Playstation the PSX knows about these.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes the PSX (1) vs PSX (DVR) debate is a little funny considering Sony only named ONE thing the PSX. I just bought it on a whim since mechapwn opened up Japanese PS2 playback on my slim PS2 but randomly did not work for PS2 Japanese games and my Japanese PS1 has a bunk laser. I need to install an ODE at some point

[@inubass]

This is the Matrix 4 of the PS2 series.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha I haven’t seen 4 yet but I haven’t heard great things. Any good?

[@inubass]

Not worth anybody's time, unfortunately. At least this Frankenstein you showcased today had a clip of one of Beat Takeshi's irregular series "TV you REALLY SHOULDN'T watch". I believe this one was " あと５回やらせてTV " (because that's what the screen says). Just your average late night show.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I do love the randomness of a filled DVR from Japan

[@squeeeb]

I picked up one of these a few years ago, and I have to echo your comment...don't waste your time. Its a curious piece of hardware from Sony, but until the HD key is cracked, its just not worth it. Its massive, heavy and prone to failure. Makes for a nice conversation piece though 😉 If anyone reading this does find themselves with one, the way to direct the console to boot from the memory card (for Free McBoot) is by holding down R1 on system boot.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I’m sure the key can be found, but the interest from people who can do it probably low because of how few people are interested in the PSX in general

[@TheVetUk]

I have a unit also and did an English conversation on the text and a free mc boot to try and save the hard drive totally recommend doing these mods to your unit 👍

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I plan on doing that sometime soon. Probably do a vid on it too

[@datamanmachine]

Cool! i have a PSX DESR 7000 for couple of days! Only thing doesnt work is the DVD Laser! (Maybe burnt out) So it only reads everything CD (ps1 and ps2) i have to try FreeMcBoot and the D-Terminal Component Cable! And i dont have the static in the begining! When it boots up its the blue starting Psx logo then a solid whitw screen for few seconds and then the XMB comes on! Yours is a DESR 5000?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I believe it’s a 5000 yes. Odd tours doesnt have the static. I am going to McBoot mine too for PS2

[@CorporalDanLives]

I live in Japan and I see these things all the time, every single one has been marked as broken in regards to playing PS2. Price usually goes from 15 to 40 bucks. They weigh so much and take up so much space that most merchants want them out of there.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes that PS2 laser always dies. Luckily I just use it for Japanese PS1 games so it suits my needs well

[@Fellipe2k5]

At the time I read in game magazines and wanted one because of the DVR. Here in Brazil there was no TiVo so it would be very useful to record Al Bundy episodes 😅

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Married with Children! Best sitcom ever

[@Fellipe2k5]

@@VideoGameEsoterica yes 🤣

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Polk High!

[@Fellipe2k5]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Four touchdowns in a single game 🤣🤣

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Could have played college too if it wasn’t for Peg

[@MrDrPhDDakamC]

I don't know what episode that was but that's Downtown's Gaki no Tsukai and it's a punishment game show. You should absolutely just search Gaki No Tsukai and find it. Weird cross section of interests is absolutely why I watch you.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I love how quickly everyone identified it!

[@allnamestakenlol]

Wow! I've never heard of this thing - nice find!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yeah it’s a fun little oddity

[@denozed6554]

At 100$ for a partially working one in very tempted to get one. Thanks for the video.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes if you can find the right unit for the right price it’s compelling. But def expect anything cheap to probably be a disaster

[@denozed6554]

@@VideoGameEsoterica even to have the case for modding would be nice like your said. Stuff a ps3 inside perhaps.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Pop a MiSTer in there!

[@myagi20000]

@@denozed6554 i dont think the airflow on the PSX is great enough to handle PS3 hardware inside, MVG says it struggles a bit with even the native hardware inside

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

There is barely any venting. Design over function for sure

[@AerFixus]

Haha. I've always wanted one, but the reliability has always been a concern for me. And I always (well usually) enjoy seeing what's on devices. Well, maybe not digging too deeply into them. That can get dangerous sometimes...

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

lol you mean you might find tentacle content?

[@AerFixus]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Or worse.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

haha you never know. I left all the content of the DVR on the drive. Seemed like it should be preserved with the unit even if its a mishmash of odd

[@shotgunl]

Great video. I recall you saying you had a PSX DVR, so I wondered when it would show up. Back when this was being covered by IGN etc when it was announced, I thought it was interesting and looked kind of cool. But, it's not something I ever thought about acquiring. And, this Sony piece of kit now just royally pisses me off over the last decade, but especially like 5 years, where 90% of the time if I-or anyone else too really-make a comment about the original Sony Playstation but use the PSX/PS-X initialism from the Playstation-X name that was used before and for years after the console's launch, there's almost always someone who has to comment that "PSX is the PS2 DVR unit, and the original console is PS1." Every person I know personally in that was around when the Playstation launched and were interested in gaming at the time, whether teens like myself or kids or adults, are familiar with the "PSX" name with regards to the original console. Sony was using the Playstation-X/PS-X name themselves in the US market for fair bit of time from late '93 announcement (I know an EGM I have from the beginning of '94 when I was subscribed [not sure which month off hand, but it has MK2 on the front] definitely refers to it as PS-X) not to mention for years stuff like IGN's Playstation sub-domain was psx.ign.com...well, until they got rid of the sub-domains. It gets on my nerves when someone tries to "correct" my or anyone else's usage of the PSX/PS-X short-form for the original Playstation as only being "PS1", since-though I use PS1 interchangeably though not as often as using PSX-it was never "PS1" until after the PS2 launch, and even then still a lot of times PSX to many who had been following the console from before its announcement. And, if you were not using the PSX/PS-X initialism, usually I'd see just "PS". There's absolutely nothing wrong with using "PS1"-I use it probably 30-40% of the time-but trying to tell people they can't use "PSX" just because Sony made the dumb decision to re-use the Playstation codename for a different, released product is just a symptom of the vainglorious, smart-aleck toxicity surrounding some online interactions. It doesn't really bother me as much as I lead on because I just use PSX repeatedly in over-abundance to annoy the "PS1 Patrol" like their comments annoy me. ha And, that is why I hate the 2003 Sony "PSX" DVR (but love the video! and the product...if it was just named something else!). lol.

[@shotgunl]

"PS-X Hater/PS1 Patrol" comment: "shotgunl, you should not be saying PSX when you mean PS1. PSX is the DVR PS2 that Anthony is showing in his video! You are wrong: PS1 is the only abbreviation legally allowed for Playstation 1, and everyone has called it that since 1976!". shotgunl: "PSX PSX PSX PSX PS-X PS-X PS-X PS-X"

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Lolol the PSX / PS1 thing is pretty funny. I don’t get it either. PSX can mean whatever really IMO. I took forever to release this video. Sometimes I mention I acquired something for the channel and then I don’t release the video for six months!

[@NirnBootMod]

I look forward to playing that Ehrgeiz when MiSTer core has sound. Looks awesome and I never really played it much other than a quick testing or demo many many years ago.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It’s fun but damn is it hard to get the hang of

[@ognicerwong851]

Hi, esoterica.I have 2 of this which is DESR 5700 (used) and 7100 (brand new).What precaution should i take as many commentators said this console easy break like no booting once hdd die.Fyi,the brand new never been power up from day 1 because just for display collection and the used are still working OK till now.Any advise for prolong the consoles?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Use the console you haven’t. The hard drive needs to move. Letting mechanical parts sit idle for that long isnt great for their health. You can USB boot to avoid using the lasers. It should last a decent amount of time :)

[@ognicerwong851]

@@VideoGameEsoterica You mean remove the hdd and use freemcboot to play?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Leave the HDD in and use freemcboot

[@ognicerwong851]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Thanks for the reply.Hope the brand new laser can still move smooth without stuck and booting up. 👍👍

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Fingers crossed for you

[@samalton5837]

To be fair, this was a stepping stone to PS3 which, well, also had its fair share of early issues, but eventually became an excellent game system enhanced by great media features. The latter wouldn't of happened without the PSX DVR, IMHO.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes it’s def an evolutionary step to a PlayStation console with a hard drive in it

[@brockraybon]

I love your content man. Keep it up. :)

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Don't worry I am not going anywhere. Lots of fun plans for 2022

[@LeftyPem]

Thank you for taking the bullet for the rest of us and buying a PSX. Don’t forget to export all the video when backing up. Maybe post the non-adult silliness to a second channel?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I will upload the tame content at some point in time on a burner channel for fun. Don't want it on here in case of issues with someone claiming the content but do want to preserve it

[@grahamprescott9426]

Isn't it move that ps1 reads cds and the ps2 on the whole reads dads? My ps2 laser broke for dvd games but still played ps2 cd games. I managed to swap the latter out and all working now. Maybe you could do this so it reads ps2 games again?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I could...but the parts are hard to find / this thing is a PAIN to work on

[@caviar_dreamz]

I’ve always wanted one because I’m into weird consoles, but it’s a shame about the hard drive encryption.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes the HDD lock is the biggest pain to keeping these things alive

[@sazae]

Wow so cool to see one of these on your channel. I had one about 16-17 years ago and it was the most temperamental system I have ever owned. I agree about the audio and video quality, my issue was that it would only read either kind of disk once out of every 5 or 6 tries. I held onto it for a little bit but got frustrated and sold it off before very long. They were not the hardest to come by at the time and I believe the shipping cost on it was higher than what I actually sold it for. While the controller ports were incredibly frustrating it did kind of remind me of the 2600 from my childhood with having to plug them in on the back of the system.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

They are as temperamental as you remember haha. I do love them though in a weird way. But that controller on the back...so bad!

[@pyjama9556]

I was so close to pulling the trigger on one of these a few years ago but the av out options and fault rate put me off. Such an awesome looking system though 😎

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes for most it’s not a great purchase. I just had a specific reason to want one and it was mostly PS1 component capture of Japanese games

[@rubiantary]

Had one, then the hdd broke. Since there's no way to replace it, i had to sell it as scrap.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Happens to a lot of them sadly

[@sunderark]

Ah the days when Namco and Bandai were two separate entities.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Namco was huge in the 90s and early 2000s too but since they became BandaiNamco I feel like they've lost a step

[@sunderark]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Its all Shonen Jump and Dragon Ball Z with them now. Somebody needs to bring back Valkyrie, heck I'd do it, sicne they say they're willing for any studio to pitch in a project for their IPs but they are pretty hardcore about keeping it in Japan.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I miss Namco arcade racing games myself

[@tekzilla777]

You’re supposed to stand it up! The silver sides are actually feet. It’s recessed so the cables are hidden. The PSX logo faces you and the disc drive is on top!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Even worse design LOL

[@tekzilla777]

@@VideoGameEsoterica also the controllers that came packaged inside we’re almost 10 feet in length, to make up for the rear controller ports.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I wish I could have gotten one of the controllers with the unit

[@hugo-garcia]

Plz don't use the disc drive. Every single PSX will fail. Use Open PS2 loader to play games from HDD or USB drives

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

In a future video I will show how to use USB drives :)

[@mahdiyussuf9804]

This is a mandela effect for me. Never seen this before! I remember back in the day everyone calling PS1 system/games PSX. I thought it was strange then that PS1 was called PSX all of a sudden, but to this day I use (when I write) PSX and PS1 interchangeably.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Now you know it exists!

[@CRTdrone]

Before the PS1 came out video game magazines used to call it the PSX. Going from memory, don't remember if Sony used to call it that before it came out.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes I’m not sure when PSX started standing in for PS1 either

[@Kristocarl]

I honestly never saw a psx. I thought it would have been the tiny ps1. Lol but I really like the way the psx look. That's just me.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It has a good design for sure

[@You0001tube]

6:43 what game is that ?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Ehrgeiz

[@jeremy4520]

You should check out Mechapwn for your PS2 slim.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I did, it did not work. Not like I wanted. It plays PS2 imports fine but it refuses to launch PS1 japanese games. It only unlocked ONE of the two functionalities

[@RetroTuna]

I have played on one a few times but it kept over heating and shutting off lol seen a working one in Japan was tempted to buy it then I thought mmm maybe not lol they looks cool tho.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha yes even in the video I advise nobody to buy one

[@AronBezzina]

Says do not buy one while I’m opening the ebay app to get one, ok, probably best I listen lol

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Hahaha I warn people off the stuff I do myself

[@JasonZnack]

Teardown? I wanna see the innards.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

One day. It’s such a mess inside lol

[@rustymixer2886]

It recorded dvd too ? 🇯🇵

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes you could burn discs with the video on it

[@rustymixer2886]

@@VideoGameEsoterica awesome, these are rare and worth much $ i always wanted one in 2004 or 2005 but they were $500 to import then

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes they weren’t cheap back then. Gone done a little it seems

[@rustymixer2886]

@@VideoGameEsoterica ;) how much was yours and what year did you buy yours again?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

$100. Six months ago

[@ReneOne111]

would be nice to fit a PS3 inside

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Def would fit

[@SemNaipe]

Ahah Crazy Japanese show and JAV. worth any penny!!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

LOL it was cheap too

[@ThomasSerruques]

what a strange beast!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It really made zero sense then or now

[@omarguerrero6417]

You sound like handler a call of duty youtuber

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Interesting. Never heard of them. I’ll have to listen

[@adrianebattilana2949]

😍

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

:)

[@SINDIRELLA-ti1kl]

:)

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha don’t be smiling at my wife (kidding. Smile away)

[@SINDIRELLA-ti1kl]

@@VideoGameEsoterica your wife is very dedicated to commenting heart eye emoticons. very sweet wife :)

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha I don’t know if she even watches them. I think it’s just the emoji