If you want to take better advantage of the PS2's DVD capabilities then the DVD Region X is a great device that allows you to "convert" your console into a multi-region player. The pack is basically a software disc which you insert into your machine; it displays a menu on your screen with all the regions (1 to 6) and lets you choose which zone the film you want to play belongs to. You then remove the disk and insert your DVD (using your controller and PS2 browser to select the film) and you'll have multi-region playback from your humble games machine. A side issue is that the disk also solves the "green screen" problem caused by Sony's modifying the RGB signal to better accommodate video games--which typically results in DVDs having a rather sickly tint. The device even allows you to play the increased security coded disks (Regional Coding Enhancement) which manage to foil most chipped DVD players.
Older versions of this product included a "key" which fit into one of the memory card slots, but because Datel discovered there was a potential for piracy, with this version you just get the disc and have to provide your own dedicated and formatted memory card. It's best to use a new one as when it's formatted it will erase any saved game data. Also, gamers owning early PlayStation 2s may find that the software does not work with their machine.
Despite this, the DVD Region X is definitely the easiest and most cost-effective way of playing DVDs from any region, and the savings you make and kudos you get from having seen films on DVD before they've been released in the UK is more than worth the cost of an extra memory card. --Kristen Bowditch
