I too might decide between the two systems in the future. Right now I'm leaning to PS2 because they have Metal Gear Solid (does XBox have it?). But for sports games I'd prefer the XBox since it is supposedly a more powerful console and the games will be available on both systems. But can someone tell me about the XBox controller? Early on, I remember hearing their controller was really cumbersome. Did anyone have a problem with it? (Just looking for a reason not to get the XBox)
Playstation 2 has DD as well, but XBOX does have better visuals. Bottom line: Playstation 2 has better software. XBOX has better hardware. Tough choice.
Sorry that this is a bit off the topic, but is there any reason to get a DVD player if you already have a PS2 or Xbox?
I don't really like the DVD player function of the PS2. But if money is a problem, I don't think there would be a reason to own a seperate DVD player.
I could be mistaken, but to my knowledge MGS is the only game on PS2 that has Dolby Digital. All of the XBox games do I think.
Here's a little excerpt from some article somewhere out there on PS2's audio capabilities: The Sony PlayStation 2 has ushered in an entirely new way of listening to your gaming audio. Finally, a console was produced with an optical audio link connection. And while this was seen to be quite progressive, what the PS2 did not account for was Dolby Digital Surround. Dolby Digital 5.1 refers to the 5 channels of separate audio information, or 5 speakers in the setup : left, right, center, surround left, and surround right. The .1 refers to the LFE channel, or BASS track, that is fed to a 6th speaker (a subwoofer) -- the speaker that gives gamers that warm fuzzy feeling when playing Max Payne or Quake III. While the PS2 has the ability to produce Digital Surround, it's not thanks to the hardware. Unlike the X-Box, the PS2 does not have the ability to process Digital Surround innately. What that means is that on each game that you purchase, developers must include a software encoder in order for you to hear full digital sound separation. Worse yet, the Digital Surround only applies to cut scenes and DVD video -- unfortunately you won't get full Dolby Digital in game. Be sure that in the options menu of a game you check to see if it supports full Digital Surround. Now that I've disappointed you, it's time to raise your spirits thanks to DTS or Digital Theater Systems. DTS allows for 6 separate sound channels to be used for audio reproduction and unlike Dolby Digital, the PlayStation 2 is capable of generating this during the gaming experience. Electronic Arts is the best example of a company embracing this new technology on PS2 titles. What are the 6 channels? Much like the Dolby Digital 5.1, a front left and right speaker (just like a normal stereo), a center channel speaker (normally for dialogue), 2 independent left and right surround speakers, and the 6th being the subwoofer. Even though Dolby Digital is an industry standard and regarded as higher quality than DTS, gamers truly will not be able to tell the difference through their PlayStation 2. Xbox owners are quick to point out the PS2's limitations with regard to Dolby Digital processing. DTS has quickly leveled the playing field, and I'd challenge anyone to compare games running on the X-Box in Dolby Digital with those in DTS mode on the PS2 and find a difference. Even if they do, tell them their controller was made for a gorilla, kick over their Xbox and run. So there's the skinny on what types of audio the PS2 can and can't produce. How do we go about actually hearing it? If you plan on taking advantage of DTS or Dolby Digital from your PlayStation 2, you have to be sure that you have a receiver that supports either or both of the technologies. The good news is that most new receivers do in fact support both so check with your manufacturer or the instructions (pieces of paper that explain how the device works) that came with your receiver. Surf
That would explain why I have never noticed a difference in sound between my PS2 and my XBox....I run everything through my receiver, which which DTS-compatible. Final Fantasy X is in Dolby SS I believe....if not it sure sounds that way.
Surfguy, you havent dissapointed anyone. I have a PS2, not an XBox, I am well aware of everything that you posted, but I am stating the facts. The number of games on PS2 that support DD are extremely limited, most are in Dolby Surround, but not Digital. XBox however is DD in far more titles. I happen to like the PS2 better, but as far as surround sound goes, the XBox is supported more.
Umm...that was an excerpt from an article...not myself...saying that. I'm not disputing a freaking thing. The first sentence is mine only. Maybe I should have used double quotes .
