Sony Confirms US Linux Kit Release

rjensen11 · Feb 2, 2002

"Sony Confirms US Linux Kit Release

"Look inside for the release date, contents, and price of Sony's PS2 hobbyist development kit.

"January 30, 2002

"In a press release issued today, Sony Computer Entertainment America reconfirmed the release of the PlayStation 2 Linux kit (or "Linux (for PlayStation 2" Release 1.0 in official parlance) in the United States. The American version of the PS2 Linux kit, a hobbyist development system based on the popular open-source operating system, will be released exclusively through the PlayStation.com website in May. It will be priced at approximately $199.
"PS2s equipped with the Linux kit will run existing programs for the operating system, and the Kit also includes a set of developer resources to allow users to write their own programs. The complete set of equipment included in the kit is as follows:

"Internal hard disk drive for PlayStation 2 (HDD) with 40 GB capacity
Network Adaptor (Ethernet) (for PlayStation 2) with 100 Base T Ethernet interface
Linux Kernel version 2.2.1 (with USB device support)
"Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Version 1.0 software distribution
gcc 2.95.2 and glibc 2.2.2 with VU assemblers
XFree86 3.3.6 with PlayStation 2 GS support
Computer monitor adaptor ["VGA Box"]
USB Keyboard and mouse
Prospective kit owners must already own an American PlayStation 2 (SCPH 30001, SCPH 30001R, or SCPH 35001GT), an 8-meg memory card, and a VESA monitor. The monitor's standard output must be XGA (1024 x 768), and it must support "sync on green."

"When the Linux Beta Version Kit was released in Japan last July, approximately 7,900 users signed on to the program. Sony followed up that release by polling its American audience online -- as a result, more than 28,000 prospective users expressed interest in the program. For the American release of the kit, Sony incorporated modifications to the system as a result of feedback from Japanese users. Thus, American PS2 enthusiasts can expect the best version of PS2 Linux yet."

http://ps2.ign.com/news/41321.html

Sweeeeeeeeeet

Only one thing, what does "synce on green" mean?

LoudMusic · Feb 2, 2002

Originally posted by rjensen11
"Sony Confirms US Linux Kit Release

"Look inside for the release date, contents, and price of Sony's PS2 hobbyist development kit.

"January 30, 2002

"In a press release issued today, Sony Computer Entertainment America reconfirmed the release of the PlayStation 2 Linux kit (or "Linux (for PlayStation 2" Release 1.0 in official parlance) in the United States. The American version of the PS2 Linux kit, a hobbyist development system based on the popular open-source operating system, will be released exclusively through the PlayStation.com website in May. It will be priced at approximately $199.
"PS2s equipped with the Linux kit will run existing programs for the operating system, and the Kit also includes a set of developer resources to allow users to write their own programs. The complete set of equipment included in the kit is as follows:

"Internal hard disk drive for PlayStation 2 (HDD) with 40 GB capacity
Network Adaptor (Ethernet) (for PlayStation 2) with 100 Base T Ethernet interface
Linux Kernel version 2.2.1 (with USB device support)
"Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Version 1.0 software distribution
gcc 2.95.2 and glibc 2.2.2 with VU assemblers
XFree86 3.3.6 with PlayStation 2 GS support
Computer monitor adaptor ["VGA Box"]
USB Keyboard and mouse
Prospective kit owners must already own an American PlayStation 2 (SCPH 30001, SCPH 30001R, or SCPH 35001GT), an 8-meg memory card, and a VESA monitor. The monitor's standard output must be XGA (1024 x 768), and it must support "sync on green."

"When the Linux Beta Version Kit was released in Japan last July, approximately 7,900 users signed on to the program. Sony followed up that release by polling its American audience online -- as a result, more than 28,000 prospective users expressed interest in the program. For the American release of the kit, Sony incorporated modifications to the system as a result of feedback from Japanese users. Thus, American PS2 enthusiasts can expect the best version of PS2 Linux yet."

http://ps2.ign.com/news/41321.html

Sweeeeeeeeeet

Only one thing, what does "synce on green" mean?

I AM SO PUMPED! THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!

~LoudMusic

Viper_Maniac · Feb 2, 2002

I made a topic about this in this forum. I guess nobody wanted to look at it until somebody else made a topic about it.

rjensen11 · Feb 2, 2002

I just looked at your thread, and http://playstation2-linux.com/ is a cool site! I'm guessing that you just put the wrong title for your thread, it was kinda lengthy and didn't have either of the words "confirms" or "sony", so I'm guessing that's what got this.

Do you know how cool it would be to play HL on your PS2 against people on PC????

LoudMusic · Feb 2, 2002

Originally posted by rjensen11
I just looked at your thread, and http://playstation2-linux.com/ is a cool site! I'm guessing that you just put the wrong title for your thread, it was kinda lengthy and didn't have either of the words "confirms" or "sony", so I'm guessing that's what got this.

Do you know how cool it would be to play HL on your PS2 against people on PC????

Seems like a lot of extra work for something that already exists elseware (Half Life that is ....). The main reason I want it is so I can have a 'web kiosk' at my TV with no extra hardware. It would be a $500 Linux workstation/PS2 game console/DVD Player. Very bad ass in my opinion. It could also be an Mp3 player. The package comes with a 40GB(?) hard drive, that's enough for almost 8,000 mp3s, including the OS and any other stuff you might want to have on your PS2 Linux system. Sounds pretty good to me! (:

~LoudMusic

Dudley · Feb 3, 2002

The main reason I want it is so I can have a 'web kiosk' at my TV with no extra hardware. It would be a $500 Linux workstation/PS2 game console/DVD Player. Very bad ass in my opinion. It could also be an Mp3 player. The package comes with a

Won;t work, the linux will only run on a monitor not a TV.

LoudMusic · Feb 3, 2002

Originally posted by Dudley

Won;t work, the linux will only run on a monitor not a TV.

Really? I find that to be quite strange. I bet there will be a patch for it to work with s-video or RCA or something.

~LoudMusic

Dudley · Feb 3, 2002

I'd be amazed if there wasn't. But this was the text from the original press release...

In addition to the "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" kit, users must have a standard North American PlayStation 2 (SCPH 30001, SCPH 30001R, SCPH 35001GT), a Memory Card (8M) (for PlayStation 2), and a VESA monitor. The graphics output requires a high-resolution computer display, with standard output set as XGA (1024 x 768 resolution); home televisions cannot be used as monitors.

Interestingly this differs slightly from the one we have here so maybe they decided to change it. The fact that the monitor is still required suggests otherwise though.

LoudMusic · Feb 3, 2002

Originally posted by Dudley
I'd be amazed if there wasn't. But this was the text from the original press release...

Interestingly this differs slightly from the one we have here so maybe they decided to change it. The fact that the monitor is still required suggests otherwise though.

Well then, it's a good thing I have an extra 19" trinitron monitor laying around (: I wonder if the VGA adapter will work with the PS2 when it boots from the standard ROM ... for console gaming I mean. That would be nice.

~LoudMusic

LoudMusic · Feb 4, 2002

Yes. However, it is necessary to install Linux (for PlayStation 2) for the first time using a compatible VESA Monitor that supports "sync on green". Once Linux has been installed, it is possible to configure it to boot using TV display from then on. Some digital TV (DTV) modes are also supported (separate cables may be required for DTV).

Which Display Resolutions are supported?

NTSC/PAL interlaced and non-interlaced

DTV 480P, 720P and 1080I modes

VESA modes 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024 at 60/75 Hz

More:
Linux (for PlayStation®2) Version 1.0 FAQ

~LoudMusic

Pako · Feb 4, 2002

Originally posted by LoudMusic

~LoudMusic

I suppose that you already have access to a Linux box. But if you don't, are you going to persue this options for your PS2?

LoudMusic · Feb 4, 2002

Originally posted by Pako

I suppose that you already have access to a Linux box. But if you don't, are you going to persue this options for your PS2?

Abso-friggen-lutely!!

And I have access to several Linux boxen (: I actually just set up an Engarde Secure Linux ( http://www.engardelinux.org ) web server a couple days ago. Eventually I'll be moving all my domains (and future domains) to it. I've got a Mandrake ( http://www.mandrakelinux.com ) install on my personal computer (rarely use it though), and a Mandrake install on my IBM Server ( IBM PC Server 704, details by request ... it's PHAT (: ). I've got a Slackware ( http://www.slackware.com ) install at work, and a few of my friends have various Linux boxes that I have accounts on.

It's good stuff. I like Linux and I like Sony. I like supporting the things I like. I will definitely be purchasing this. Like I stated above, this will be a good piece of equipment for the home den as well.

Internet kiosk (web, email ... via Linux)
Gaming station (via PS2)
Mp3 player (via Linux)
DVD Movie player (via PS2)
CD Player (via PS2)
Digital Video Player (divx via Linux)

~LoudMusic

rjensen11 · Feb 9, 2002

Originally posted by Dudley

Won;t work, the linux will only run on a monitor not a TV.

Wrong, my boy. You need the moniter just to install, then you can use your tv. The only bad things about tvs are(unless you have an HDTV I'm guessing) that the resolution isn't nearly as good as on the computer. It also isn't as easy to read text on the TV, I don't think....

The MAIN catch:
Monitor has to have function "Sync on green", whatever that is...

LoudMusic · Feb 9, 2002

Originally posted by rjensen11

Wrong, my boy. You need the moniter just to install, then you can use your tv. The only bad things about tvs are(unless you have an HDTV I'm guessing) that the resolution isn't nearly as good as on the computer. It also isn't as easy to read text on the TV, I don't think....

The MAIN catch:
Monitor has to have function "Sync on green", whatever that is...

I think it is loosely translated to "multi-sync monitor". They use the green signal to find out what the refresh rate is. Back in the day monitors were 'fixed frequency'. Just about any monitor made after 1992 is going to be multisync, or sync on green.

What I want to know is ... will I be able to use the VGA adapter to play PlayStation2 games on my 19" flat Trinitron monitor. That would be the bomb!

~LoudMusic

isamu · Feb 9, 2002

So we get linux for PS2...whoop-dee-freakin-doo. I mean really. What's the big deal? It's not like you can't do this stuff already on your PC. And for $200? Give me a break! Now if it allowed you to play PC games directly on the PS2 via the kit, then that'd be a whole different story. Otherwise, 'eh...

I would much rather see a videocard for PCs with PS2 technology that would allow PS2 games to be played on the PC...THEN we'd have a reason to jump for joy!

LoudMusic · Feb 9, 2002

Originally posted by isamu
So we get linux for PS2...whoop-dee-freakin-doo. I mean really. What's the big deal? It's not like you can't do this stuff already on your PC. And for $200? Give me a break! Now if it allowed you to play PC games directly on the PS2 via the kit, then that'd be a whole different story. Otherwise, 'eh...

I would much rather see a videocard for PCs with PS2 technology that would allow PS2 games to be played on the PC...THEN we'd have a reason to jump for joy!

Any new computer (from Dell ...) is more powerful than the PS2. There is no point in PS2 hardware inside your computer.

Linux on the PS2 is a movement for geeks.

What's the big deal?

"If you have to ask, then you're not part of the intended audience"

~LoudMusic

rjensen11 · Feb 11, 2002

I'll check up on that later. ANyway, the price will change before it gets released anyway, probably

As to the games on monitors, my guess is YES because you'll get the converter. I'm not sure how well it'll turn out though, I'm not sure if the display formats will affect it at all or anything. But then again, don't most monitors support both?

IT ALL BOGGLES THE MIND!!!!!!

AYE!!!!!!!!!

LoudMusic · Feb 11, 2002

Originally posted by rjensen11
I'll check up on that later. ANyway, the price will change before it gets released anyway, probably

As to the games on monitors, my guess is YES because you'll get the converter. I'm not sure how well it'll turn out though, I'm not sure if the display formats will affect it at all or anything. But then again, don't most monitors support both?

IT ALL BOGGLES THE MIND!!!!!!

AYE!!!!!!!!!

Well, VGA is a completely different signal type from NTSC. That's why we all used to buy VGA to RCA adapters at RadioShack so we could play Quake on our 36" TVs (: I assume since the PS2 can send that signal from Linux, that it can send that signal from the PS2 ROM OS. I will be finding out shortly after these bad boys are available (:

~LoudMusic