Frequently asked Questions.
FAQ: How to copy (replicate) Sony PSX CD's using standard IDE or SCSI recorders and various PC software
FAQ V2.0 by [email protected].
Any additions/changes please email.
Sony, the makers of Playstation have risen from obscurity in the video game area to one of, if not the best arguable console on the market today.
Playstation CD's look similar to ordinary CD's with a few differences, and work like ordinary CD's with a few differences. This FAQ was made to explain what the differences are between Playstation and "normal" CD's, and how it is possible to make backup copies for legitimate uses (such as keeping an original safe and scratch free etc). It is NOT ok to duplicate a CD and pass it on to someone who doesn't own the original, which is piracy and hurts both the developers (game makers) and raises the prices for end users.
Before you try and copy a Playstation CD, you must be aware that you cannot just copy-and-play such as standard computer CDs ROM's. There are two different copy protections within the psx hardware that checks to make sure a compact disc is an original pressed by one of the Sony leased CD recorders and to check the country the disc was manufactured for against the machines code to allow playback of that disc in that country. If either one of these checks tells the psx it is either not an original or from a different country, the boot process will halt.
Therefore in the most basic sense, using a standard CD copier program such as gear Replicator or ez CD pro may allow you to copy the contents of the CD. But will not be able to replicate the protection used to identify to the hardware that the CD is original and will disallow booting of the CD.
If the CD is for a country other then the psx hardware's country type (i.e. attempting to play an original Japanese disc in a USA Playstation), again the booting process will halt. This basic protection scheme is intended for letting most users attempt a copy with a program that simply does the full copying for you such as ez CD or gear replicator, and when it doesn't boot most users simply stop trying.
This document is intended to assist end users in order to distinguish between an original and a copied CD, the methods used to copy the disc properly, and how to play back a disc once copied.
Last modified 18-01-98