The Playstation 2 was ahead of its time when it first came out, since it was designed with the ability to use it as a DVD player in mind. What was not considered (or in my conspiratorial world, what WAS considered but conveniently neglected for future sales potential) was how to control the thing. I feel pretty silly sitting down watching a movie and having to keep a controller nearby, which is what is required of you if you don't have an accessory DVD remote kit. PS2 controllers have such short cords. It's time to cut loose!

Many third-party remote kits are available, and some do have minor advantages over the Sony kit - lower price, some are bundled with multitaps and stands, some don't even use up your controller port - however, none of these kits allow you to use your PS2 as a TRUE DVD player like the Sony one does.

SETUP

For anyone with an older model PS2 (before 30001-R), there is some set-up required (using the included CD), and you do need a memory card, with over a megabyte left on it! This is one drawback (needing a memory card and needing a sizeable chunk of free space on it), but will not affect everyone. Also, the installation on many models only affects certain advanced features of the remote, and you may still be able to use the kit regardless, just not to its full potential. Before purchasing though, it would be a good idea to confirm your model number. If you have anything from a 30001-R model onwards, then you should be fine, and no memory card or set-up is required. These models have additional software/firmware built in so that no installation is necessary. Simply plug the infrared receiver into your controller port, put the 2 AAA batteries (included) into the remote, and you're set.

FEATURES

I've noticed that most third-party DVD remote kits are missing a lot of features, and are meant simply to eliminate the need for a controller. The Sony remote has every feature a DVD enthusiast could require. Aside from the standard VCR buttons (stop, pause, play, etc) there are buttons for audio setting, chapter shuffling, subtitle control, chapter and time display control and my favourite, the A->B button. This button is used to loop a section of the movie. Simply press it at the desired beginning of the loop and again at the end. This is very handy for any type of movie, and saves you from rewinding scenes that you know you love enough to watch many times repeatedly. If you desire, you can use the remote as a controller for some games, since it has the standard PSX buttons on it, although I don't advise this, because it's next to impossible!

THE DRAWBACKS

The flaws that keep the Sony DVD PS2 Remote Kit from becoming a perfect solution, and restrain it to 4 out of 5 stars are the little things, although each isolated flaw is not a big deal.

First of all, the aforementioned problem for people with older model PS2's, where you require a memory card and almost a quarter of it's capacity to be able to use all of the features of the remote.

Next, the IR receiver takes up a controller port. Why wouldn't Sony create it as a through-device so you can always have it plugged in? I'm guessing it's because the remote can also be used as a pseudo-controller since it has all of the PSX controller keys on it as well, and they wouldn't want a conflict. Nevertheless, the problem still exists. That being said, it's really not a big deal to unplug the receiver when you're done watching a movie. My only worry is that I'll lose the little bugger.

Sometimes, the buttons may seem too soft, but this is probably just a matter of personal preference, so I can't really make a big deal out of it.

Other than that, it's a great way to make you forget that you're using a gaming console to watch DVD's.

IN CLOSING

When you're a young kid, three of the most devastating words are 'Batteries not included'. When you go home with a new toy, you expect that everything you need is in the box. Well, Sony spoiled us with this one by including two Sony AAA batteries, so everything you need is right there. It's just one of those little things that makes the product even better.

Overall, it's a great remote, has a lot of features, and even though it is a little more expensive than third-party remote kits, it's still not expensive on an absolute scale (I paid $20 Canadian for mine). It allows for another functional DVD player in your house, which is always useful. If you're not convinced by now, then think about it the next time you're trying to rewind your favourite scene from Pulp Fiction using a game controller!

Recommended: Yes