Xbox 360 Questions

[Florida420]

Sorry if this was already brought up (Wes), but I did a search and didn't see one.

 

I ordered my new HDTV yesterday and I am gonna get a 360 soon, so I have a few questions about it.

 

1st: does it up-convert regular DVDs if you use a VGA connection? or do you need the HD-DVD addition to do it?

I have been looking into it and I've heard both. That the 360 out of the box will do it ( w/VGA ) and that the HD-DVD does it, although I cant find on the Microsoft page for the HD-DVD that it says anything about it.

 

2nd: Does anyone know if the rumors are true about a V.2 (Code Zephyr) of the 360? I know they are getting a different/cooler processor this year, but now I hear that there will also be a 120 gb hard drive and HDMI out as well.

I don't really care about the HDMI since my TV is not 1080p, but 120 gb hd and a cooler processor, to me is worth the wait, but how long?

I know the processor got pushed back, it was supposed to be the beginning of the year, now more towards the middle.

 

So that's the 2 questions I have right now, does it up-convert? and should I wait for the XB361?

I really want to get one now, but if I can get a better system, for the same price? if I just wait a little.

I don't know, also there will be an issue with the release of the new version. I'm sure they'll treat it like a re-launch and you'll have to wait 6 months to get one, when I can get V.1 now.

I can always re-play Zelda on my Wii in 480p, but that wont take me months.

 

Please anyone who can, give me your input.

 

Thanks

 

P All " waiting patiently for my new TV"

this is one of the pics I found on the back of the alleged V.2

[crispy]

I have a 360, and love it

Microsoft said the V2 360 does exist, but is not currently planned for release, it is an internal prototype, the only major diffrence is a 120gb hard drive, but they would make that available for anyone to buy.

 

As for upconverting, I do not own a hdtv yet, but have heard that the 360 DOES upconvert dvd to 720P. you do not need the hd-dvd addon to do this, just a more current system upgrade available online for free when you connect your 360 to the internet, again I do not own a hdtv, so I have not tried this, or pursued it in any way, this is just what I heard.

 

Good luck, and hopefully you enjoy your 360 as much as I enjoy mine

[Florida420]

^ thanks for the response.

 

And I 'd like to thank everyone else for the overwhelming response

 

I guess no one else in here owns a 360. 8)

[Carnage]

And I 'd like to thank everyone else for the overwhelming response

 

I guess no one else in here owns a 360. 8)

 

Well your questions aren't one's that every 360 owner could answer. So don't expect answers here in two days. You might need to dig around on other sites. Maybe Xbox Scene forums

 

Not everyone has a nice HDTV, so not everyone will know the answer to your DVD question. Myself I have my Xbox360 still hooked up to a cheapo 27" inch TV.

 

And the second question about Zephyr is purely speculation. So no one is going to be able to give you a firm answer on that.

[Florida420]

And the second question about Zephyr is purely speculation. So no one is going to be able to give you a firm answer on that.

 

Yeah I kinda figured that, I decided to just get now and not wait and see about the V-2.

 

I don’t have a nice HDTV either, yet

 

I just bought an up-convert DVD recorder at my work for 100. pretty good deal, so I figure I'll just play games on the 360 and worry about the HD-DVD player for the box when I can afford it.

 

But I will check out those forums.

 

Thanks

[OzCatter]

M$ is now saying that they are trying to figure out a way to use HDMI without having to put in a new port.

[KrakenKing]

I just gotta add... not dissing X-Box 360 (I love the console)... but...

 

$400 for XB360w/20gigHD + $200 for HD-DVD addon + WiFi Adaptor ($30) I also hear you have to buy something for the wireless remote?

 

That's a little expensive...

 

Then you wanna go and add a coolant, 120gb HD, and Processor?

 

That'll set you back... lets say $1,000. That's a little crazy for a console.

 

I'm happy with my PS3 ($600 and you got it all).

 

Let the console war continue

 

*Waits for the $100 price drop for the XB360 later this year*

[Imhotep]

Its true that you cannot upconvert unless you are using a VGA cable, Still, dvds in my 360 look better than in my standalone Pioneer DVD player through component.

 

I have the HD-DVD player also, and it doesnt look like it upconverts regular DVDs if you have the xbox running through component even if it says it does (unless I missed an update or something). If I put a regular DVD in the HD drive, it sets my TVs resolution to 480i automatically and the movie doesn't look any different than the regular Xbox360 DVD player which also sets my display resolution to 480i automatically.

 

I bought the VGA cable and I am going to pick up a VGA/DVI adapter today. I will see if there is a difference in resolution and playback through either player and let you know. I will also see if I am able to access the 1080p resolution through this type of connection, my TV doesn't accept it through component for whatever reason.

 

Congrats on your new TV purchase!

[Florida420]

^Thanks, it comes tomorrow, I can't wait, I got the 360 today, now I just have to wait a bit, I don't wanna hook it up to my 8 yr old set, when I can have HD goodness in 24 hours.

 

Let me know how the VGA works out, I'm just gonna use the component unless there is a BIG difference. I've heard that the VGA will up-convert and make DVDs look better, but the games look better with a component, go figure. Either way let me know.

 

 

I'm happy with my PS3 ($600 and you got it all).

 

Let the console war continue

 

*Waits for the $100 price drop for the XB360 later this year*

 

I thought hard about which one to get, and since I don’t plan to get the HD-DVD player (yet) the other stuff isn't too important to me. But it just boiled down to one thing...games, I want to play good games now, not just 1 good game and then wait till next year. So that is what influence my decision the most.

 

BTW which game does everyone think is better, Gears or Lost Planet?

I bought Lost Planet today and I am up in the air about Gears, but Gears is one of the reasons I wanted to get a 360. I asked a friend at work who has both and he said LP is better by far. ?? and another one said he didn't really like Gears to much.

Opinions please.

Should I rent it first, or just go ballz out and buy it?

 

 

Thanks

[BorisTF]

I just gotta add... not dissing X-Box 360 (I love the console)... but...

 

$400 for XB360w/20gigHD + $200 for HD-DVD addon + WiFi Adaptor ($30) I also hear you have to buy something for the wireless remote?

WiFi Adapter & HD-DVD addon aren't necessary though, and no additions are needed for the remote, that was just the old xbox.

Then you wanna go and add a coolant, 120gb HD, and Processor?

 

That'll set you back... lets say $1,000. That's a little crazy for a console.

Again, the first two aren't optional, and at the moment, the coolants are gonna cause you to buy a new 360 sooner, as they overpower the fans and reduce the lifespan majorly (thats the least it'll do, if you're lucky enough to get one that doesn't fuse to your 360).

 

And I have no idea what you're on about with buying a processor...there may be a revision eventually, to go in a later batch of console, but you won't have to buy the newer version if you own an older version.

 

 

^ Rainbow Six Vegas beats Gears & Lost Planet, but if it was between Gears & Planet, Gears wins. That one at least kept my interest for longer than 5 mins. Also, regarding VGA & Component, I myself don't see much difference in quality of graphics between the two, but I know from personal experience (though this is UK, so is in the land of PAL, not sure whether the same applies in America) it is impossible to update older titles from the original xbox using the VGA cable, due to its inherent PAL-60 mode (original xbox dashboard is only PAL-50, so caused great grief and confusion until I decided to swap VGA for Component to update, then swap back)

[Imhotep]

^^You're welcome! I had to order the adapter and it should be here in 1 to 2 business days.. I couldnt find one anywhere around here! Im thinking there really wont be much of a difference because the DVD playback in the 360 is killer quality anyways... But if it really does upconvert from 480p to 720p there should be a noticable jump in quality.

 

Hopefully with the adapter I will be able to watch HD movies on the 1080p setting also.. Im thinking there will probably be no diference as my TVs light engine supposedly upconverts 1080i to p anyways.

[Florida420]

^ Cool, I bought a up-convert DVD player/recorder so if the 360 does it and looks better, I will just use the Rec. for recording.

Now I just gotta figure out my audio situation, the TV I'm getting has a optical out, so I'm guessing that the input from the HDMI on the Rec. will output through the optical in the TV to my receiver....I guess.

And then the 360, I'm not sure how the RCA in to the TV will sound outputted through the optical, I don't think it will be true 5.1.

I saw a optical source selector, where you can plug in up to 3 opti inputs to go to one receiver, I might just get that.

I'll figure it out soon enough, I just hope my TV gets here un harmed, it is coming via ups, so I'm a bit worried,

 

 

I just gotta add... not dissing X-Box 360 (I love the console)... but...

 

$400 for XB360w/20gigHD + $200 for HD-DVD addon + WiFi Adaptor ($30) I also hear you have to buy something for the wireless remote?

WiFi Adapter & HD-DVD addon aren't necessary though, and no additions are needed for the remote, that was just the old xbox.

Then you wanna go and add a coolant, 120gb HD, and Processor?

 

That'll set you back... lets say $1,000. That's a little crazy for a console.

Again, the first two aren't optional, and at the moment, the coolants are gonna cause you to buy a new 360 sooner, as they overpower the fans and reduce the lifespan majorly (thats the least it'll do, if you're lucky enough to get one that doesn't fuse to your 360).

 

And I have no idea what you're on about with buying a processor...there may be a revision eventually, to go in a later batch of console, but you won't have to buy the newer version if you own an older version.

 

I'm not gonna add a new processor or a coolant?

I was referring to the new processor that Microsoft is gonna put in the 360, it's the same power but is smaller? and runs cooler, hence a quieter fan. The new CPU is gonna happen, this year.

But I heard a rumor that when they did it, they where gonna add a 120 GB hd and HDMI port, but none of that matters, cuz it's in my room right now all nice and cozy.

I may ad a bigger hd if I think I need it, when it is available, but I'm not gonna get any cooling fan or base or anything like that, just some good old fashion fresh air.

No HD DVD yet either.

and if you can tell me where to get the WiFi adapter for $30 bucks I will jump on it, the cheapest I found is $60 at my work. I'm not gonna get that either, I'm just gonna run a cord, I already spent enough $$ on Wireless router and card for my daughters room & my Wii and I just had to buy a new modem today, cuz I guess the Ethernet port on it went. The USB port works fine, but when I un-hook the USB and leave the Ethernet it wont work. it sends out packets but doesn't receive them. I need the Ethernet for the router, so I guess I need a new modem? right?

Has any one else heard of this crap happening? the modem is only a few years old.

[Imhotep]

^What type of modem/service provider?

[okinawaboy11]

Well, here's my Two cents...

 

 

I recently bought the HD DVD drive for my 360. It came with a copy of King Kong and I bought MI:3. For $200 bucks, its a big money saver compared to $500 for the HD DVD player. To me, the quality was tremendously better than a DVD. And I was satisfied with the picture. I don't think that the picture can get any better. I run it at 1080i and its crystal clear. Paying $999 for Blu-Ray is absurd when this HD DVD drive runs fine for me.

 

And also, I found that it slightly improved the quality of a DVD. It looked a lot more warm and the colors blended better. Not a OMGzzzz IT'S AMAZZZZING, but, it did look better.

[Florida420]

^What type of modem/service provider?

 

 

Motorola

 

Adelphia/Comcast

[Imhotep]

Eh, Wish I could help you. I haven't run into that problem with my TWC/Brighthouse modem, and Ive had it over 6 years.

 

I was hoping you would have said a different service provider... One I actually work for and could help investigate your problem further lol.

[Carnage]

Gears of War is a must by in my opinion.

 

Though my warning about it is that it's a short game. It has 5 levels and can be completed in a night on the lowest skill setting. (I've done this).

 

Though the higher skill settings get really intense, and will take much longer.

 

Multiplayer is alright, though I'm not all that into it to be honest.

[BorisTF]

I'm not gonna add a new processor or a coolant?

I was referring to the new processor that Microsoft is gonna put in the 360, it's the same power but is smaller? and runs cooler, hence a quieter fan. The new CPU is gonna happen, this year.

But I heard a rumor that when they did it, they where gonna add a 120 GB hd and HDMI port, but none of that matters, cuz it's in my room right now all nice and cozy.

I may ad a bigger hd if I think I need it, when it is available, but I'm not gonna get any cooling fan or base or anything like that, just some good old fashion fresh air.

No HD DVD yet either.

I was refering to the guy that said you'd have to buy the updated processor (or it seemed that way in his post). Being an avid 360 owner, I already know about the possibilty of the new processors in future versions.

[mcjaco]

Speaking of WiFi Adapters, does anyone have suggestions besides paying for the $100 M$ one? I tried my Dell one, but it didn't work.

[Florida420]

^ Belkin makes one and it's only $60.00 at Wal-Mart.

It's got a picture of the 360 right on the front, so I assume it would work. I'm not gonna find out I'm just gonna use my wire, for now anyway.

[Imhotep]

Any wireless gaming adapter will work for sure. Ive seen some gaming adapters for as low as $30bucks online.

 

^I tested out the xbox through the vga cable.. It does upscale the movies to 720p and they look great, however I dont think there is that much of a difference. Id stick with your component connections.

[Florida420]

^ I think I'll do that, I just picked up another set of component cables at work. They're Monster cables, they are really nice and they where only $10.00 on clearance, marked down from $60.00. I haven't hooked them up though.

On the up-convert topic. I got an RCA DVD recorder, that up-converts, but I think it downgrades the 480p output through the HDMI. IDK, it's weird.

I was switching between 480p, 780p and 1080i, to see if I could tell the difference. obviously the 480p didn't look as good as the others, but it seemed bad. My friend has an older 53" wide projection screen, with just a plain progressive scan DVD, and it looks damn good, on a much bigger screen. Mines only 37" and 480p looks not so good, on the other hand the 360 seemed to look a lot better then 480p on the RCA. The only difference I could see between 720p and 1080i was that 720 seemed a bit more colorful, but they both look good. But since it's not true HD the HDMI cable only outputs 2 channel audio, therefor my rear speakers didn't work. I got a digital coax out straight to my receiver and that took care of that.

 

I'm not sure why I'm talking about all this, I got in a rant about the up-convert. I don't know if I even need it with the 360 looking good, but I'll keep it for the recorder, plus it doesn't look that bad at all.

 

Back to the 360, do you loose speed with a wireless adapter? I wasn't gonna get one, but I am already tired of stepping over the wire, the last thing I need is to trip on it and yank the 360 across the room. The only thing I'm worried about, other than the speed, is that the adapter I have at work is USB powered, so it uses both USB ports on the front of the box and IMO looks a little tacky..

 

I gotta go, sorry again about the drawn out post about nothing.

[Carnage]

Back to the 360, do you loose speed with a wireless adapter?

 

No you shouldn't.

 

Even wireless-B is faster then most broadband internet connections. So you shouldn't see any problems with speed.

 

Connection issues perhaps depending on your setup, but not speed issues.