Playstations, Regions and Rock 'N' Roll

[LOCO XP]

Through my impatience, my recent burning pocket syndrome, and the weak US dollar, I decided to jump the gun and order myself the ultimate Playstation interactive game "ROCK BAND". If any of you are familiar with the Guitar Hero series of games, which I am a confessed addict of, well this game ups the ante and takes the platform a step further with the addition of a microphone to allow vocals, retains a similar guitar setup, option for bass and what I'm hanging out for, a killer drum kit. This will make for a wicked party game. Problem is, I have to wait until June or July, and if international experience tells me anything, delays and stock-outs will be expected.

In my supposed ingenuity, I ordered a PS2 version from the states, which uses all the same equipment, identical to the PS3 version, but lacking a few key features in the game format. So in the event that I may purchase a PS3 in the future, all I need to buy is the disc. So onto eBay, $300 AUD later, ordered, then had that sinking feeling.....hmmmm.....I think that PS3 will play both PAL and NTSC (Aus and US region codes respectively).....but I seem to remember that PS2 is region encoded. OOPS!!! Anyway, expecting delivery of the gear over the next fortnight, but won't be able to play it....at least thats what I understand through my research.

So to all of you tech orientated guys and girls, does anybody know if its possible to remove the region encoding on a slimline PS2????? I had a similar problem with my DVD players, but a bit of research unveiled some instructions which enabled me to do so with the remote at no cost whatsoever.

Worst case scenario, I will purchase a PS3, and order the game disc from the states, which will cost around $60 AUD landed. Does anyone know the game at all, or have a PS3? Any tips or advice or general feelings towards this game or the PS3, I would be very grateful and interested to hear and enlighten me with info regarding this big purchase.