How to Connect a PlayStation 2 to a Laptop Computer
The easiest way to connect a PlayStation 2 game console to a laptop computer is to use a USB capture device and software program. Most USB capture devices have small plastic cases, or are simple "dongles" with composite and s-video input and a USB output jack. You should ensure the capture device and your laptop port are based upon the higher USB 2.0 standard to minimize problems with speed and latency.
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Instructions
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Remove the PlayStation 2 output cable from your television set if necessary, and connect the prongs to the inputs on the USB capture device matching the yellow, white and red color scheme. Connect the s-video input cable if the device accepts it. Connect the USB cable from the capture device into the USB port on your laptop computer.
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Turn on the capture device and your laptop computer. The laptop should recognize the capture device based upon the plug-and-play compatibility feature of Microsoft Windows. Install the custom software that comes with the capture device to ensure the proper device drivers are loaded and launch the editing software utility that comes with the capture device.
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Follow the directions for the capture device software utility to stream, view and optionally record video output from your PlayStation 2 console. You will still use the console game controller to navigate the PlayStation 2, however the video and audio output from the game console will be redirected to your laptop screen.
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Tips & Warnings
Select the s-video connection over the composite prong connections on the USB device whenever the option is present. The s-video option provides higher-fidelity video output for your laptop computer.
It may be difficult to play some games in real time using this configuration due to the latency involved converting the video signal from the USB port. Higher-speed USB ports, processors and graphic accelerators help to minimize this problem. If your laptop has a native "s-video in" connection, purchase the PlayStation 2 s-video cable and use this port directly. This will eliminate any speed loss experienced playing games in real time.
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- Photo Credit video game control pad image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com
