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Consumer Alert: New DualDiscs May Not Work Properly With Your PlayStation 2

New DualDisc DVD Technology Should Partially Work With the PS2

By Roger Altizer, About.com

New Smaller Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)

PS2 has limited DualDisc Compatibility

Nov 11 2004
Sony has announced that the PlayStation gaming consoles may have some compatibility issues with new DualDisc DVDs. The following is a consumer alert Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has released on the topic.

Dual Disc

DualDisc is a new two-sided disc product introduced by some segments of the music industry, which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. DualDisc is similar in size to a DVD and CD.

The DVD side of the DualDisc offers DVD video and DVD audio content that may include many of the features currently found in DVD discs including:

  • Enhanced audio
  • 5.1 surround sound
  • Music videos
  • Artists' interviews and behind-the-scene footage
  • Documentary films and photo galleries
  • Lyrics and other material produced by the recording artist or label.

The audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the technical specifications to be called an Audio Compact Disc, set forth in the Redbook Audio Compact Disc specifications.

Because the DualDisc does not adhere to the industry Redbook specifications, the audio side of a DualDisc may not play correctly in PlayStation, PS one or PlayStation 2 consoles (including the redesigned SCPH-70000 series consoles). In addition, playing a DualDisc in an SCPH-30000 series, SCPH-35000 series, SCPH-39000 series, or SCPH-50000 series PlayStation 2 console while in the vertical position may possibly damage the disc, the console, or both.

FAQ's

Will the DVD side of the DualDisc play on my PlayStation 2 console?
The DVD side of a DualDisc should play on this product. However, the PlayStation 2 console does not support DVD Audio format, and contents found on the DVD side of a DualDisc confirming to the DVD Audio format will not play on a PlayStation 2 console.

Will the audio side of the DualDisc play on my PlayStation 2, PlayStation, or PS one console?
The audio side of a DualDisc may not play on this product because these discs do not conform to the specifications required for an Audio Compact Disc.

Will SCEA modify current PS one or PlayStation 2 console models to play DualDiscs?
Sony Computer Entertainment America does not have plans to manufacture specific DualDisc hardware products at this time. PlayStation, PS one and PlayStation 2 consoles were designed to meet the Audio Compact Disc and DVD Forum specifications. Since the audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the Audio Compact Disc specifications, SCEA is not in a position to modify its consoles to allow them to play back this new disc.

I noticed a scratch on my DualDisc. Could this have been caused by the PlayStation 2 system?
When playing DualDisc formatted discs on PlayStation 2 systems with an automatic disc tray (SCPH-30000 through SCPH-50000 series), the console should be placed in the horizontal position. When the console is placed vertically, there is a greater likelihood that the DualDisc will come into contact with the mechanical parts of the console, causing a light scratch on the disc. Avoid using the console in the vertical position. (ed. note: Many have speculated that using your PS2 in the vertical position may increase the likelihood of the disc becoming scratched or cause the PS2 to wear out more quickly)

How can I avoid getting a scratch on my DualDisc?
Place the PlayStation 2 system in the horizontal position before using a DualDisc. This will help avoid scratching the disc.

Will Sony modify current PC, DVD or CD players to play DualDiscs?
Sony Computer Entertainment America does not have plans to manufacture specific DualDisc hardware products at this time. For information on products manufactured by Sony Electronics, please contact them directly at 1-800-222-7669.

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