YPbPr component cable: get the PS2 and PS3 out of composite mush

On a modern TV, a console connected over composite gives a soft picture full of colour smear. This cable takes the multi out AV port shared by the PS2 and the PS3 and splits it into three YPbPr video plugs plus two audio plugs. You get a component signal, the only analogue format on these machines able to carry progressive scan.

What it does

• Video split across three channels: luminance and the two colour difference signals each travel on their own wire, which removes the colour crawl of composite.
• Progressive modes unlocked: the 480p of the PS2 games that offer it, and up to 1080i on PS3, only come through a component output.
• One cable for two consoles: the multi out AV connector is identical on PS2 and PS3, stereo sound included, with nothing to open or solder.

What it doesn't do

• It converts nothing: it is neither an HDMI adapter nor an upscaler. The TV must have a YPbPr component input, increasingly rare on recent models.
• It doesn't improve a game that can't do better. Most PS2 titles stay in 480i: progressive scan depends on the game, not on the cable.
• On PS3, the analogue output can be limited in resolution when playing certain Blu-ray discs. Games are not affected.
• No digital sound: audio comes out as analogue stereo on the two red and white plugs, not over optical or in 5.1.
• This is not an original manufacturer cable, but a compatible product.

Compatibility

Consoles with a multi out AV port: PS2 (fat and Slim models) and PS3 (Fat, Slim and Super Slim). On the screen side, you need five RCA inputs including a green, blue and red component trio, often labelled YPbPr or Y/Cb/Cr. A SCART input, a single yellow composite AV input or a VGA input will not do. The original PlayStation does not output a component signal on this connector: it is not covered.

Skill required

No disassembly, no soldering. Plug the connector into the back of the console, then the plugs by colour — watch out for the two red ones, one is the Pr video channel, the other the right audio channel. On PS3, set the video output to Component in the display settings: if the screen stays black after unplugging HDMI, hold the power button for five seconds at start-up to reset the video output. On PS2, progressive mode is enabled game by game, in the title's own options when it offers it.

In the box

• 1 YPbPr component cable, 1.8 m: multi out AV connector on one side, 5 RCA plugs on the other — green, blue and red for video, white and red for sound.

Delivery in 10 to 18 days · ships within 3 to 5 days · 2-year legal guarantee · 14-day returns.

Worth reading before you order: Retro Peripherals