PS3 Is there any homebrew or method to force RGB out for DVD/Blu-Ray playback?

[J Boy]

As someone who uses a CRT, this would be an excellent feature. I have tried both on CFW and CFW, and RGB out is forced to component. This causes a green screen issue. The region free ability of a CFW PS3 makes it in my eyes the best player as some titles are region locked, but this means on my CRT I am forced to use composite which is a massive quality reduction.

I would be happy to pop a small donation for this to be added to EvilNat CFW, or is there any homebrew to force RGB out at all times? This would be great for PVM and HD-CRT users also.

Thanks very much!

 

[Luisile]

If im not mistaken the rgb is avaible full time when you select the av output but it only works on scart. which is RGB plus Sync. RGB can not work forced thru component cables as it does not have the sync signal. It is the same thing on ps1,ps2 and ps3 consoles

exactly what i through. ai said this:

es, the PlayStation 3 outputs RGB with Sync on Green (RGsB) when you configure it to output a progressive scan resolution (like \(480p\) or \(576p\)) over an analog AV Multi-out connection. [1, 2]
However, whether your system outputs a true RGB signal depends on your chosen output type and the content you are viewing:

1. RGB via AV Multi Out (SCART / VGA)
When using an RGB SCART cable or a Component-to-VGA setup, the PS3 uses Sync on Green for progressive scan signals. This means that the synchronization signal is carried over the green video line rather than on a separate wire. [1, 2]

• The Green Tint: If you connect a PS3 outputting in this mode to a standard monitor or TV that expects Sync on Red/Blue or separate sync, the display won't know how to handle the sync data in the green channel, resulting in a heavy, overpowering green tint.
• DVD Copy Protection: If you attempt to watch DVDs over an analog RGB connection, Sony built a mandatory copy-protection feature (Macrovision) into the PS3 that heavily tints the image green. To watch movies properly, you must use Component Video (YPbPr) cables or switch to an HDMI connection. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

2. Component Video (YPbPr)
Many people mistake Component cables for RGB because they use Red, Green, and Blue cables. However, Component Video carries Luma (brightness) on the green cable and color-difference data on the red and blue cables. The PS3 supports up to \(1080p\) HD resolutions over Component Video. [1, 2, 3]

 

[hardtecnica]

For now, the only bypass I've discovered while testing here is Movian (hope some developer bring to us a more convenient way like we have on PS2). DVD image quality on a CRT TV through RGB looks spectacular. You need to rip your DVD using Multiman since Movian can't access the driver directly; it will create an ISO. If it's already decrypted, you can launch it normally through Movian, which comes with Multiman itself (otherwise, you'll need to decrypt it on a PC).

Older versions of Movian seem to handle DVD menus better. The latest version was rendering everything incorrectly for me.

This way, you bypass Sony's ridiculous RGB lock that has existed since the PS2 era. The PlayStation thinks you're running a game instead of a DVD, so it no longer switches the signal over to component. I didn't tested with Blu-ray yet, but you could try.

 

[J Boy]

@Luisile I am using an RGB SCART cable. The PS2 had the same issue I am talking about, but was fixed with a patched DVD player, which I have been using for region free playback as I have original discs of different regions. I know RGB and component cables are not the same . The PS3 forces the output to component as RGB could not carry Macrovision copy protect signals to prevent recording to VHS tapes (Macrovision is voltage spikes in the Vertical Blanking Interval of the analogue signal). My TV cannot use component. Thanks for your reply though.

@hardtechnica I appreciate your reply. I noticed that it wouldn't access encrypted DVDs. The ripping thing does work, but often we decide a movie from the shelf / cupboard on a whim so it is an extra step but is a workaround.

The RGB lock thing I never got why they wanted to go to that length when AACS was broken in short order, so why would anyone tape an analogue signal like that I am wondering if @Evilnat could put a fix for this to allow RGB to work on DVD and Blu-Ray playback without component out being forced, it would be epic for CRT users / PVM users. I have come across some recent posts even on the PS3 subreddit asking about this feature, so it would be useful.

Thanks for your replies guys!

 

[Luisile]

@Luisile I am using an RGB SCART cable. The PS2 had the same issue I am talking about, but was fixed with a patched DVD player, which I have been using for region free playback as I have original discs of different regions. I know RGB and component cables are not the same . The PS3 forces the output to component as RGB could not carry Macrovision copy protect signals to prevent recording to VHS tapes (Macrovision is voltage spikes in the Vertical Blanking Interval of the analogue signal). My TV cannot use component. Thanks for your reply though.

@hardtechnica I appreciate your reply. I noticed that it wouldn't access encrypted DVDs. The ripping thing does work, but often we decide a movie from the shelf / cupboard on a whim so it is an extra step but is a workaround.

The RGB lock thing I never got why they wanted to go to that length when AACS was broken in short order, so why would anyone tape an analogue signal like that I am wondering if @Evilnat could put a fix for this to allow RGB to work on DVD and Blu-Ray playback without component out being forced, it would be epic for CRT users / PVM users. I have come across some recent posts even on the PS3 subreddit asking about this feature, so it would be useful.

Thanks for your replies guys!

Then buy a standalone dvd player. Why are you using a powerhog like ps3 to play dvd discs? dvd player consumes 15wats at max, ps3 much more. it does not make sense...

 

[J Boy]

Then buy a standalone dvd player. Why are you using a powerhog like ps3 to play dvd discs? dvd player consumes 15wats at max, ps3 much more. it does not make sense...

You are assuming I only want DVDs. Many new standalone DVD players either have HDMI only, or composite out at best and will probably break in short order as most use the same crappy laser mechanism and won't play blu-rays . We are CRT users in this house as we prefer the look and colour palette and I have the full set service manual here. I like having ONE unit on the TV stand that does it all from a tidyness perspective and the PS3 is still a very competent blu-ray player. It has a *native* analogue output that is better than the analogue outputs on modern stuff that is cheap and generic and an afterthought. Fats and 2XXX slims allow 1080 output when playing blu-rays for those CRTs that can support it as it was before the analogue sunset rules.

I have the optical out to the PS3 connected to my 1990s amp via a DAC. The other line in on there is used for the tape deck. Any decent new units honour the region lock. I have original discs from other regions and having the ability to have both and unlocked DVD and blu ray region on hardware I know how to service very well makes sense. I can replace a laser in a PS3, keep spare parts, the software allows easy remarrying. I can backup the firmware, reflash and replace a damaged NOR chip. A PS3 (unlocked region) is far cheaper than an unlocked region other manufactured blu-ray player, can be had for as little as £30.

I have a stand-alone DVD player that oddly enough does let me watch over RGB, but it doesn't play blu-rays and doesn't play discs of other regions. Right now it is under the TV and it takes the PS3s input, and gives me an RGB output so we switch it on when we put in a blu-ray disc but it does introduce input lag so has to be turned off when gaming. I would remove it if RGB out on DVD/Blu-Rays became available.

I know the obvious of 'just get a standalone player', it just makes sense that if this is a software fix, people with PVMs or HD CRTs could easily have a region free Blu-Ray player for use on them. Before I got into blu-rays, I just used a PS2 with the unlocked DVD player.

As a last resort, I had considered buying one of those component to RGB converters. You can find a few posts dotted about with this same request and those in the CRT and retro gaming communities would love it. I don't expect the developers to do it just because I asked, they have other things to do. But making them aware and IF they choose to add the RGB out for DVD/Blu-Ray playback, its a nice to have but not something I will get in a hissy fit about if I don't get it. They have already done a lot for the community and deserve thanks for that. I asked, and its up to them if it is added or not The old adage, you don't ask you don't get!