Opinion: DVD Playback on a modded PS2?

[chilliam]

Some believe that you shouldn't play DVDs on your PS2. They argue that is better to avoid the wear and tear on your valuble console, especially if it has been modded, and get a $90 DVD player.

What do people think about this?

How much wear do DVDs really put on your console? They are pressed afterall, but are often DVD9.

Could watching a fair amount of DVD movies on your PS2 kill the laser? I know there have been reports of old console dying, but what about new consoles?

Is the extra $90 really necessary?

[Gradius]

Well, on new consoles I guess isn't problem at all. You can even watch DVD-R/RW movies without any modchip on console.

But why do you ask here? Go ask to Sony.

Gradius

[chilliam]

I know it's doable I'm just wondering whether people think it's a good idea. There's a lot of discussion about laser power, and backups using more laser power because of the inherently lower reflectivity of burned media, and how this can fry your laser sooner... etc. So i was just wondering if people with modded consoles generally try to preserve the console by using something else for movies or if they really think it makes much difference.

[charlie_ps2]

Originally posted by chilliam
............Could watching a fair amount of DVD movies on your PS2 kill the laser? I know there have been reports of old console dying, but what about new consoles?

Is the extra $90 really necessary?

I'm sure of it. The DVD laser diode is as small as a grain of sand and heats up to more than 70deg C. Prolonged use especially if ventilation is standard (i.e. room temperature air is brought in by the fan) tends to push the temperature up so that iver time the laser degrades. Sor t of like a light bulb-ish.

So it's yes/no dependent on the ability to feed cool air in. My opinion.