I found a site --
http://www.thegiantstore.com/product.asp?3=274 -- where various options to this chip set can be installed for versions 4 & 5 of the Sony PS2, which I have. I don't know if anyone has had any experience use of this product, but it probably works similar to the chipset in my zone free dvd player, and requires an investment of $30 or more. a good solution for someone like me. I don't have access to USA made games here, except for the ones I brought with me, but I don't have any intention of buying a second system to play games for the region I'm in... sort of redundant it there is a simpler alternative.
I already contacted Sony, but they just stated the traditional company position on such mattters... in essence, they will not discuss anything related to this that will effect their own bottom line. Understandable, but it doesn't help me with my problem. I have been in electronics for a lot of years and I know this is something that can be fixed. I just don't have knowledge in this area, and before I go out on my own and try to reinvent the wheel, I'm hoping there is someone with prior experience that can shorten my learning curve. I know someone can. Otherwise I will just go ahead and do it. It's a cheap experiment anyway.