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How to Connect a Playstation 2 (PS2) to a Computer Monitor (LCD)
Dec 9, 2014Computer HardwareComments (38)
This guide will show you how to connect a Playstation 2 and computer to a LCD monitor, and switch between the two on the fly. It will also cover using a component PS2 cable to get a sharper image compared to the regular composite PS2 cable.
Caution: When using a component cable, Playstation 1 games won't work well. If you need to play PS1 games on your PS2, you should stick with the original composite cable and find a switch box that supports it (not covered in this guide).
Your computer monitor must have a VGA port (it can also have DVI, HDMI, and other ports).
I will have links to the products you'll need throughout the guide. You can purchase them at Amazon if you don't have them. I recommend reading through the entire guide first, figuring out what items you need, and then buying all at once to avoid paying extra shipping.
Here are some terms used in this guide that you should be familiar with:
The switch box is the device that makes it all work. It is also often called a converter. It takes A/V signals from the Playstation 2 and computer, and allows you to switch which one goes to the monitor and sound system on the fly.
You'll need a switch box that accepts the correct type of input. For the best quality, use a component cable for the PS2 connection and not the original composite one.
Recommended products:
Connecting the Playstation 2 is simple. Just connect the component cable to your Playstation 2 and switch box. There are five color-coded ports on the switch box that will match the component cable to make it easy.
For the computer, it can be a little confusing, so I have broken it down into video and audio:
Video
Here is an image showing the common computer plugs in case you are unsure of what you have.
VGA - If your monitor connects to the computer using a VGA cable, start by disconnecting the monitor from the computer. Plug the VGA cable from the computer to the VGA-IN input on the switch box. Then use another VGA cable to connect the monitor to the VGA-OUT output on the switch box.
DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort - If your computer connects to your monitor using DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, leave your computer connected to your monitor. Then use a VGA cable to connect the VGA port on the monitor to the VGA-OUT output on the switch box. You'll now have two video cables going into your monitor, and you will need to switch video sources directly on the monitor when you want to switch between PS2 and computer.
You may need:
Audio
If your speakers connect to your computer using a single 3.5mm (1/8") audio cable, start by disconnecting your speakers from your computer. Plug the audio cable from the speakers to the Audio Output on the switch box. Then use a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable to connect the computer to the Audio Input on the switch box.
You may need:
Digital & Surround Sound
If your speaker system connects to your computer with a digital coax/optical cable, or you have 3 analog 3.5mm cables (for surround sound), things will get a little more complicated. If your sound system has multiple input sources, you can use both digital and analog, and use the sound system controls to switch between them.
For example: I have a 5.1 Logitech speaker system, which has both direct analog inputs as well as digital coax and optical inputs. I connect the 3 analog cables from the speaker controller to my computer, and a digital optical cable from the controller to my PS2. To play the PS2 I press the Source button on the controller to change the source from analog direct (computer) to digital optical (PS2).
Another option is to just unplug the sound cable from your computer and plug it into the VGA box or the PS2. But you will have to swap cables each time you switch.
Here are some helpful diagrams showing how everything hooks up.
If your monitor normally uses VGA, you only have to change sources on the switch box to change between PS2 and computer:
If your monitor normally uses DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, you must change the source used by your monitor as well as the switch box each time you want to change between PS2 and computer:
Caution: When using a component cable, Playstation 1 games won't work well. If you need to play PS1 games on your PS2, you should stick with the original composite cable and find a switch box that supports it (not covered in this guide).
Requirements
Your computer monitor must have a VGA port (it can also have DVI, HDMI, and other ports).
Where To Buy
I will have links to the products you'll need throughout the guide. You can purchase them at Amazon if you don't have them. I recommend reading through the entire guide first, figuring out what items you need, and then buying all at once to avoid paying extra shipping.
Glossary
Here are some terms used in this guide that you should be familiar with:
- A/V - Audio and video.
- Source - Where the video or audio signal originates from. For the purposes of this guide, the source will be either the Playstation 2 or the computer.
- Input & Output - The signal that a device receives is input, and the signal that it sends out is output.
- VGA, DVI, HDMI - Common video connections used by computer monitors.
- Composite & Component - Two different types of A/V cables. The PS2 ships with composite, but an aftermarket component cable will give a better image.
The Switch Box
The switch box is the device that makes it all work. It is also often called a converter. It takes A/V signals from the Playstation 2 and computer, and allows you to switch which one goes to the monitor and sound system on the fly.
You'll need a switch box that accepts the correct type of input. For the best quality, use a component cable for the PS2 connection and not the original composite one.
Recommended products:
Component Switch Box
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Component Cable
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Connecting Everything
Connecting the Playstation 2 is simple. Just connect the component cable to your Playstation 2 and switch box. There are five color-coded ports on the switch box that will match the component cable to make it easy.
For the computer, it can be a little confusing, so I have broken it down into video and audio:
Video
Here is an image showing the common computer plugs in case you are unsure of what you have.
VGA - If your monitor connects to the computer using a VGA cable, start by disconnecting the monitor from the computer. Plug the VGA cable from the computer to the VGA-IN input on the switch box. Then use another VGA cable to connect the monitor to the VGA-OUT output on the switch box.
DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort - If your computer connects to your monitor using DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, leave your computer connected to your monitor. Then use a VGA cable to connect the VGA port on the monitor to the VGA-OUT output on the switch box. You'll now have two video cables going into your monitor, and you will need to switch video sources directly on the monitor when you want to switch between PS2 and computer.
You may need:
Extra VGA Cable
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Audio
If your speakers connect to your computer using a single 3.5mm (1/8") audio cable, start by disconnecting your speakers from your computer. Plug the audio cable from the speakers to the Audio Output on the switch box. Then use a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable to connect the computer to the Audio Input on the switch box.
You may need:
Extra Audio Cable
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Digital & Surround Sound
If your speaker system connects to your computer with a digital coax/optical cable, or you have 3 analog 3.5mm cables (for surround sound), things will get a little more complicated. If your sound system has multiple input sources, you can use both digital and analog, and use the sound system controls to switch between them.
For example: I have a 5.1 Logitech speaker system, which has both direct analog inputs as well as digital coax and optical inputs. I connect the 3 analog cables from the speaker controller to my computer, and a digital optical cable from the controller to my PS2. To play the PS2 I press the Source button on the controller to change the source from analog direct (computer) to digital optical (PS2).
Another option is to just unplug the sound cable from your computer and plug it into the VGA box or the PS2. But you will have to swap cables each time you switch.
Diagrams
Here are some helpful diagrams showing how everything hooks up.
If your monitor normally uses VGA, you only have to change sources on the switch box to change between PS2 and computer:
If your monitor normally uses DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, you must change the source used by your monitor as well as the switch box each time you want to change between PS2 and computer:
Hi! I recently bought a Vga to S-Video (female) cable. It lets me connect the three cables from my ps2 into the female part of the vga cable then connects the vga plug into the led monitor. It has no display however. Any idea on why? Cheers
WHAT IM SO CONFUSED OH MY GOD
That's expensive
why in the world there are many things I should buy all these ???
Im curious if I can connect my PS2 to a Sony plasma. My issue is that the converter box isnt clear enough in the Amazon photos to determine if the RGB connection is an input or output? My tv has a female VGA connection on the tv itself and a RGB male on the other. I need to connect RGB to converter in order to have signal to the tv. Is this package of converter and accessory cable the option I need?
How can I play with a vga to female rca cable from my monitor to ps2?
Nick Vogt David Perry I am getting the same problem; Audio only, no video.
I don't think so, since the laptop screen can't take any input from another device.
does this work for a laptop?
No, it does not work due to video signal that is going out of PS2.
Nick Vogt I am going to go ahead and pull the trigger and order it since it is alot cheaper than a switch box. I will report back when I get it.
If you're looking to hook up a Playstation 2 directly to a computer monitor, I think that adapter may be useful. Assuming you have the Playstation 2 component cable, which goes to that component-to-vga adapter, and then a VGA cable to go from that adapter to the monitor. I haven't tried this myself though, so am not certain.
I mean gaming purposes
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-6-Inch-Component-Breakout-Adapter/dp/B00213KFHW/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1468905762&sr=1-2&keywords=ypbpr+to+vga would this work? I do not have my monitor for computer purposes just gaming
Yes, though some switch boxes use the PC's USB port for power. The one linked in this post uses a power adapter though, so that wouldn't be a problem.
Will this work without actually hooking my computer to the box? Could I play using only a PS2, the box, my monitor, and some speakers?
Nick Vogt thank you
It looks like it may work. I cannot say 100 for sure though.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/External-LCD-CRT-VGA-TV-PC-Monitor-Digital-Program-Receiver-Tuner-Box-HDTV-06U9-/301709661874 would this work as a switch box. it is a tv tuner and i am wondering if it is the same/works the same
That is very strange. No idea why you'd get B&W video with that other cable. The component cable (not composite) when used with the component switch box and with everything plugged in properly should result in reliable video and audio. There's a small chance one of the things you got is defective, but it is more likely it is not plugged in correctly. Beyond what's in this guide, I recommend referring to the manual that came with the component switch box and to see if you can gleen any information from it. In the worst case scenario, you could always try returning the parts and trying new ones or different ones. If you purchased from Amazon, they should have a really easy return system.
I've got a troubleshooting question. Using the component cable from this guide results in no video for me, and an older video cable with only video, left and right audio results in colorless picture.
The audio source should switch at the same time as the video source as long as you have it hooked up with the switch box properly. Plug the 3.5mm audio cable from the speakers to the Audio Output on the switch box. Then use a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable to connect the computer to the Audio Input on the switch box. That way flipping the switch box button should switch audio sources for your speakers from PS2 to PC.
So far it works great to play the PS2. However, I'm using a standard speaker setup, stereo sound, one 3.5mm jack, and when I turn off my PS2 I don't know how to get the PC sound back other than to take the jack out of the box and put it back into the PC. The extra 3.5mm jack from the PC to the box doesn't seem to do anything.
If you're referring to the PS2 game disc, then you would still insert it into the PS2. This guide isn't about playing PS2 games on your PC. It's about using a PC monitor with your PS2 and PC, and be able to switch between sources.
does it really work
please telll me
tell me where to insert the cd in the pc or the ps2 :/
Thank you sir. The links are exactly what i need, after trying all different kinds of "cable converters" and failing to even find a shred of credibility.
Awesome but i aint have a desktop nor my controller is broken.
Can you please post a link to an example switch box that will work? I don't understand this stuff
main game plok ambo.. puah duk sajer
Question. Is it possible to connect the component cables directly to your monitor using a digital/DVI cable with female leads for the component from the PS2?
ahhoz hogy tudnam?
nekem HP L1950g a monitorom neve
nice helped me greatly
could I connect ps2 to my crt monitor via tv tuner card.is it simple or anything best? please answer
so good ; thank u for u'r support
its nice