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Function:Whether or not Sony wins the Console Wars, I'll always appreciate the fact that PlayStation 2 works as both a game machine and a DVD player. I finally went all the way last week and removed my VHS player completely. Who wants to rewind, right? And, as long as we're discussing convenience, who likes getting out of that comfy chair to play with DVD menus using a standard PS2 controller? Unless you've got your hand in the air right now, behold Sunflex's answer to all the lazy asses that make this country great. Although ingloriously named, the DVD Remote Control is designed with some style to let you navigate DVD menus and watch DVD movies without getting off the couch. It plugs into a controller port, and features a pass-through adapter for controllers, the idea being that you won't have to exchange one for the other. More on that later... |
| Performance:Sunflex's DVD Remote Control is tiny. It measures 3 inches from top to bottom, less than 2 inches side to side, and is just over 1/4 inch thick. Imagine 17 buttons crowded onto the face of the remote, and we're really talking about getting the most utility in a small space. All the standard DVD features are covered, and all buttons actually (it's shocking, I know...) perform the function printed on them. If you've tried any of the first-round PS2 remotes, you know they didn't quite make it in this respect. Subtitles and language toggle easily, and all the search functions are here. Navigation keys and even a Select button (they don't make you figure out which button actually chooses menu items) share space with a button that switches the DVD Remote Control between DVD and Game Mode. The adapter features a small sensor and keeps a low profile when attached to your PS2. |
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Features:
- Batteries included!
- Small size remote and console attachment
- Complete and correct button function
- Pass-through port for PS2 controller
- Toggle button for switching between games & movies
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Drawbacks & Problems::Ironically, the small size of Sunflex's remote turned out to be a comfort issue with me. There's always a learning-curve involved in figuring out where the buttons are, but these tiny buttons prove really hard to find in the dark and almost impossible to distinguish by feel. The layout of the navigation buttons makes them easy, but I found myself accidentally starting the movie over instead of putting it on Pause. A more serious issue is the sensor on the piece that connects to the PS2. If you're like me and stored the console in a rack or entertainment cabinet, you may find that 'reception' suffers between the handheld and remote sensor. The sensor ends up being under the controller plug, but if you're using the PS2 on its side, I wouldn't expect any problems. The only other peculiar thing about this DVD Remote Control is how it has a button to toggle whether the PS2 is taking commands from the Sunflex remote or a standard controller. Since the instructions amount to 'Grade your Station 2 up to a complete DVD Player,' it's not immediately apparent that the button titled 'Game/Remote' actually has to be pushed before you can use your controller. Many people will probably think the pass-through port is broke, since many other DVD remotes on the market right now don't need a 'switch mode' button. |
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-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock |
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