Right, this thread kinda peaked my interest, so I did a bit of looking around. I have a DMS3 chipped PS2 (meaning I can play backups without a swap trick / fliptop). The DMS team have been experimenting with HD options, and have a HD loader of there own, although it is only supported by a few applications. It is widely believed that the DMS team are the same people who made this HDloader (retail). Its known that there is a 440 odd meg backup of a HDloader going round, so I looked over my usual sources and couldnt find it, however, because the HDloader is actually a pressed disc, you can install games with the backup copy, but not play it. This is to do with disc checking, and most users find a black screen when they try to run a game from their HD's.
All in One PS2 Tools designed for your PS2 console obviously. The first version is ISO Images that is ready to burn to those who prefer ready. Is a patched version of HDLOADER that allows you to play DVD9(Dual Layer).
I did some snooping around:shifty: Those with a DMS3 chip on their PS2's (and possibly other chips too, I dunno, but it works with mine) can transfer a 'free' version of HDloader to the memory cards (about 650k) and this negates the need for the pressed disc. You can boot to this app (replaces DMS explorer) by pressing triangle at boot through Dev1 mode. My specs - ps2 (unsure of version) HDloader'free' on mmc and a 10gig Maxtor HDD.
Currently holding Silent Hill 2 and Final Fantasy X (Y) No need for massive harddrive (Ill just hold my current favourite game as the rest of my collection are originals / backups ) and no need for HDloader pressed disk. All in all, Im pretty chuffed:D edit - whoops, forgot the dms3 link for the.elfs The whole HDloader disc has been compiled to a 650ish k.elf file, I dont think I mentioned that, that you run from the memory card, negating the need for the actual disc. The elf file is loaded through a CD-R via the special DMS chip boot mode 'dev1'. Does lowes install mailboxes for sale. The HDloader.elf replaces the DMS3 HDloader.elf. Confusing, but worth a try if you have the chip. Can you play imports/backup using this? Guys who have it?
They dont comment on this on their site, I need to especially know if you can play imports. As long as your machine can read the discs from boot, you can install whatever you want - [edit] They have to be PS2 discs, I havent tried anything like mp3's etc. Only NTSC game I have is MGS2, but since I have a chipped machine I could copy this to the HD no problem, also, my FFX / SH2 were from backups, so yes, both will work. As for pictures, I could, but its only like 2 screens or so, so not really interesting.
This is theoretical, but seems sensible, note I boot to HDloader from my modchips special menu. K - PS2 (unmodded) with HD inside and a network adaptor connected (nb - you dont have to be able to go online), turn it on, put in HDloader disc. HDloader disc boots: It formats the HD: You remove the HDloader disc when format of the Hard drive is complete, and place in your PS2 disc (any game - nb if your PS2 can read discs from other regions / backups via a modchip you can load one of these either). Click 'Install' and you are asked to enter a filename for the game, do so, confirm it and install proceeds: Game installs in. Load times, faster - yes, although I dont notice really. Its a lot like the XBox difference in loading times, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little.
Other improvements. Um, never scratching your originals, not having to have a DVD writer to rip off sony as you dont have to copy games to dvd's before returning them to the rental store, a few pounds saved by not having to buy DVD-Rs lol. The only benefit is that you dont have to load a game in to play by getting off your ass and going to the games cabinet, you can manage them all from the boot menu on the HDloader. Im not really impressed as much as newbies to this, after having an Xbox with Evox, which just blows this out of the water. What I will be impressed with is when a working ftp situation is found and you can lan stuff from your PS2 all around the house.