PlayStation Import game FAQ by Kan
last updated: 3/9/99 (U.K)
Version 2.0
All rights reserved. Copyright © 1999 - Kan
For more info on import games, visit my website: http://www.freezone.co.uk/jpn

This FAQ has been designed to give the average PSX user, more information about 
playing import games on their PSX. Many questions that are answered in this FAQ 
are commonly asked on internet newsgroups. All contributions will be given 
credit in future updates. Any whole or part of this FAQ may be distributed on 
condition that it is accompanied by its full credits and copyright details. If 
you have any questions or would like to make a contribution, please feel free to 
contact me:
jpn@freezone.co.uk
ICQ:43561321



How does my PlayStation detect imports or back ups?

Every time the CD port is opened or your console is reset, the PSX will search 
for a code on the disc to match your console's native code. If the correct code 
is not present, the machine will not run the game.

How can I play Import/back ups on my PSX?

There are 2 ways of doing this. The safest way is to purchase a Game 
Enhancer(There are adaptors with different names, but they are essentially all 
the same) that plugs into the parallel port of your PlayStation. This requires 
you to do a disc swap at the Game Enhancer menu screen but also boots up the 
game faster. 

The more convenient method is to install modchips as no disc swap is required 
but this voids your warranty. The latest JAP/U.S/Euro model PSX's don't have a 
parallel port so you'll have to have mods installed. New releases such as Final 
Fantasy 8 have been programmed to detect modchips. Newer stealth modchips are 
required which switch off once the game has booted, to avoid detection.

If you are considering purchasing a PSX but would prefer to use a Game Enhancer, 
your best bet would be to buy an older 2nd hand or a reconditioned model.


What is a Game Enhancer?

A Game Enhancer is a device that plugs into the parallel port of a PlayStation. 
This enables you to play import and back up games aswell as use gameshark and 
action replay codes without modifying your PSX.


How does it work?

Like a PSX Video CD adaptor, the Game Enhancer uses its own menu screen instead 
of the usual Sony screen. After placing an original game that is not foreign to 
the console in the CD drive, the PlayStation reads the disc to verify that it is 
not an import or back up and then stops. A spring or blue tack is required to 
keep the switch held down at the top right corner of the CD port whilst the door 
is open enabling you to change discs, preventing the PSX from detecting this.

TOP VIEW, CD PORT OPEN
 ________________________******* --- GAME ENHANCER
|	|		|II PORT|	
|	|CD SWITCH -- *	|	|	II-PARALLEL	
|	|		|	|
|	|		|	|
|	|		|	|
|	|  PLAYSTATION	|	|
|RESET	|		|	|
|	|		|	|
|	|		|	|
|POWER	|		|OPEN	|
|_______|_______________|_______|


Regular problems:


Q1. When I run my import game, the screen flickers/has no colour.

A1. Follow the table below to check compatability:

PSX	GAME	LEAD		MONITOR			RESULT

PAL	--PAL	--COMPOSITE	--PAL			= COMPOSITE IMAGE

PAL	--PAL	--RGB SCART	--PAL RGB		= RGB IMAGE

PAL	--PAL	--RGB SCART	--PAL COMPOSITE		= COMPOSITE IMAGE

PAL	--NTSC	--COMPOSITE	--NTSC			= BLACK & WHITE IMAGE

PAL	--NTSC	--RGB SCART	--PAL RGB		= RGB IMAGE

PAL	--NTSC	--RGB SCART	--NTSC RGB		= RGB IMAGE

NTSC	--NTSC	--COMPOSITE	--NTSC COMPOSITE 	= COMPOSITE IMAGE

NTSC	--NTSC	--RGB SCART	--NTSC RGB		= RGB IMAGE

NTSC	--NTSC	--RGB SCART	--NTSC COMPOSITE	= COMPOSITE IMAGE

NTSC	--PAL	--RGB SCART	--PAL RGB		= RGB IMAGE

NTSC	--PAL	--COMPOSITE	--NTSC			= ????(B&W probably)

NTSC	--PAL	--COMPOSITE	--PAL			= ????(B&W probably)


(If you know the result of either ????, please contact us)

Large screen TV sets, 20" or bigger usually have 2 scart inputs, one composite 
only and the other RGB. TV's around 14" usually have 1 scart input used for RGB 
and composite inputs. For an RGB image, you must make sure that the scart cable 
is connected to the RGB input. If your TV does not have RGB, a PAL-NTSC/NTSC-PAL 
converter may be required to play imports.

COMPOSITE VIDEO: 
Standard video image used for analog broadcasts and VHS players. Offers blurry 
image, not suited for computer images.

RGB SCART: 
A computer signal offering the sharpest quality image that can be achieved 
through a standard TV set. Can be used with digital TV box.

S-Video:
High band video image. Offers image quality superior to composite. S-Video 
outputs were only included in the first Japanese model PlayStations 
manufactured.

PAL: Phase Alternating Lines.
Television standard in most European countries. Offers 625 horizontal lines. 
50hz refresh rate.

NTSC: National Television Standards Commitee.
Television standard in the U.S and Japan. 525 horizontal lines. 60hz refresh 
rate.

SECAM: Sequentiel Couleur Avec Memoire.
PlayStation games are not produced in SECAM format, instead PAL is used. All 
SECAM TV sets are capable of receiving PAL via A/V lead.


Q2. The wrong soundtrack or no sound tracks are played when I play the game.

A2. Make sure you use a boot up disc that has enough tracks to match that of the 
import. The more recent games don't use audio soundtracks in which case there 
shouldn't be a problem.

---------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or would like to contribute to this FAQ, please feel 
free to contact me:
jpn@freezone.co.uk
ICQ:43561321
For more info on import games, visit my website: http://www.freezone.co.uk/jpn
All contributions will be given credit in future updates. Any whole or part of 
this faq may be distributed on condition that it is accompanied by its full 
credits and copyright details. 
All rights reserved. Copyright © 1999 - Kan