xbox is a good htpc alternative, softmodded xbox's are awesome Options

[RHopper]

I know a few people have brought this up but I want to tell you guys about my softmodded xbox it can do anything,, theres apps for lots of stuff it will handle most all media formats with xbox media center. play any content at any hdtv resolution (aperently 1080i might be slow on dvd playback). It can stream media directly off your pc or play off say a 200gb drive in the xbox. It dose shoutcast internet radio with visulations. prettymuch the only thing it cant do that a htpc will do is record video. also it will play any emulated system except for ps2(i think). Also you can get digital audio out for dolby digital and dts. Your options for connection it to a PJ are using a x2vga if you lcd supports it or the n6/hd component adaptor.


http://www.xboxmediacenter.com
http://www.xbox-scene.com
http://www.x2vga.com

[snappy_abby]

I also have a modded xbox, not sure if it is 'soft' though. What does the 'soft' mean? I plan on using my xbox quite a bit for the pj, once it is built. So, if the box is modded, can I play DVDs in HD? From what I know, the standard xbox DVD player only does 480i... But, messing with the settings on my xbox (modded) there are settings for other resolutions. I have no idea what I am talking about though . A friend of mine's son's friend did the work on the xbox for me and I have yet to get a tutorial from him...

Anyway, my questions are:

Can I play DVDs in HD on a modded xbox?
Does 'soft' mean something?
Since most xbox games are 480p, do I need another piece of equipment to fill the screen? (using a 15" BenQ FP557s monitor)

[monz]

Softmod means to hack the xbox thru software and doesnt need a mod-chip (which contains the BIOS to bypass MS's protection). Softmod can be done in a few ways (audio hack, font hack) and only works on older versions of xbox (AFAIK). There maybe new ways to soft-hack the newer xboxes but i havent kept up to date.

Check out xbox-scene[dot]com for more info on all xbox related materials.

[snappy_abby]

Thanks for the info. I'll check xbox-scene for more info.

[Register NowSpecter_*]

Softmod means to hack the xbox thru software and doesnt need a mod-chip (which contains the BIOS to bypass MS's protection). Softmod can be done in a few ways (audio hack, font hack) and only works on older versions of xbox (AFAIK). There maybe new ways to soft-hack the newer xboxes but i havent kept up to date.

Check out xbox-scene[dot]com for more info on all xbox related materials.

Just to confirm your information monz: Yea now the new softmod method work on all kind of xbox (1.0 to 1.6b) and i softmoded an 1.6 this xbox weekend and after the job you CANT see the different between a modchip hack and a softmod hack.

I used the Bios M8 (bios compatible with 1.6 xbox) i recommend this bios.

and i used the old way to access the FTP on the xbox (Game save Exploit with Mechassault) with using my USB KEY Lexar 512meg

xbox softmod + XBMC = HTPC

[monz]

Just to confirm your information monz: Yea now the new softmod method work on all kind of xbox (1.0 to 1.6b)

Amen Brother Specter !! I knew they cant stop us .... I have a v1.0 so i hacked mine long ago.

However, a word of caution for future soft-modders, you can loose your hack if you update your xbox dashboard - if you go on xbox live for example. If you want multiplayer - google: kai xlink or xbconnect.

xbox softmod + XBMC = HTPC

Yes XBMC is one of the best utilities for the xbox -- i love my xbox for it. For the non-xboxers: XBMC is Xbox Media Center - plays all format movies, music, view pics and even displays your local weather plus much more.

Just a question for all you xboxer who are using their DIY-pj for gaming. I hooked up my xbox to a 17'' lcd and it was very pixelated. I was wondering how it looks on a 15''lcd projection or even a 7''lcd projection. Is pixelation an issue??

[RHopper]

just saw this got bumped in the last few days though i would update some info. It turns out the x2vga is not very good with 15in monitors due to scaleing that the lcd dose the picture is normally off center or very bad looking. Right now the best option is the microsoft hd pack going to a scaler/converter to get it to the native res 1024x768 im talking about the n6. Any converter thats not like the n6, im talking about the cheap componet to vga adaptors, will have the same problems as the x2vga possible alot worse.

The search still is going for a way to get the xbox to output native 1024x768, a fellow fourm member is working on something for us right now. PJ friendly VGA BIOS! This would at least give us xbmc and most of our "mod" apps running completly PJ friendly via a DIY vga connection straight off the motherboard or adaptor(maybe x2vga). It would be possibly the exact same quality and signal like off a pc, the xbox is running a pc videocard btw(nvidia). Right now we can only wait and see what happenes.

or we can just wait for those 1600x1200 15in lcd with those input cards to come out

[sjetski71]

xbox + N6 = probably an ok, flexible, low end htpc alternative

But for those who have neither an Xbox nor N6 already, the price of these two combined have already entered htpc territory, which are much more powerful than the xbox for movie viewing and image enhancing + bonus of pc gaming.

Just a fair warning before somebody gets carried away by spending more than what an actual HTPC costs . For those who have an xbox, or always wanted one, go for it!

[JWFokker]

If I wanted an HTPC, a modded Xbox would be the way I'd go. $99 for a used Xbox, $120 for a 200GB WD2000JB (last I checked), ~$50 for a modchip, ~$40 for a replacement DVD drive since the stock drive sucks. Way less than a Shuttle will ever be. HOWEVER, I can't play HL2 on it and the file transfer speed sucks when copying stuff *wink, wink, nudge nudge, saynomore, saynomore* from PC to Xbox, and I don't know why. I'll stick to a regular Xbox and PC for now.

[bambam]

we have a modded x box with 250 gig HD fitted, how can i use this for HDTV on the projector?

[chasealicious11]

That would all be illegal, if you are interested in a legal alternative (WOW) then go to gentoox.shallax.com (there is a media edition), if anyone is interested, PM me

PS: Modchips where MADE, and you agreed to use them for legal bioses only

[Raw Evil]

However, a word of caution for future soft-modders, you can loose your hack if you update your xbox dashboard - if you go on xbox live for example.  If you want multiplayer - google: kai xlink or xbconnect. 

What will happen if I try to softmod an Xbox that has already been updated via Live? Will the softmod still work (correctly)? Should I uninstall the Live update from the hard drive via the dashboard first, or will that not make a difference?

I'm soon to pick up the required tools for softmodding, so any info would be greatly appreciated.

[fore1337]

I've done a few X3 mods... but I'm interested in doing a softmod on a friend's old v1.0 box.

just a heads up... his old v1.0 box rejected a WD180Gb HDD which boots great on my v1.4

Do I have to buy MechAssault to do a softmod?
Softmods would be my way to go.. I'd rather spend the extra $60 on HDD space.
However I'm very happy to contribute some bux back to the community.

view from outside:

[pagercam]

Do I have to buy MechAssault to do a softmod?
Softmods would be my way to go.. I'd rather spend the extra $60 on HDD space.

Blockbuster rents games so you could probably just rent MechAssault for $4 do the softmod and return as normal. Still $56 for HDD

[STReNT]

Do I have to buy MechAssault to do a softmod?

You can use MechAssault, Splinter Cell, or 007: Agent Under Fire

I've used AUF and Splinter Cell and they both work fine - bit hard to get an original copy of MechAssault here in Australia though.

I picked up a second Xbox(used) with 3 controllers & Splinter Cell for AUD$100(~75USD) for a HTPC a few weeks back Bargin

This post has been edited by STReNT: May 15 2005, 10:15 AM

[fore1337]

I acquired the mechassault files from #xbins

I just have to find a victm to try it out on now. If you're into the LCD though, X3 is very sweet.

[fore1337]

I know a few people have brought this up but I want to tell you guys about  my softmodded xbox it can do anything,, theres apps for lots of stuff  it will handle most all media formats with xbox media center.  play any content at any hdtv resolution (aperently 1080i might be slow on dvd playback).  It can stream media directly off your pc or play off say a 200gb drive in the xbox. 

I've read through a bunch of tutorials etc on the softmod. It looks like you'll only be a ble to get onto XboxLive if you're running a 1.0/1.2 box. (who cares though)

I could not find anything on upgrading the HDD though.
I'm guessing you prep the original HDD then if it works you can xfr the files over to the large HDD and if it works it works?

The softmod just requires you to tweak some files on the HDD.. so could you prep a big HDD, drop it in, and viola?

This post has been edited by fore1337: May 23 2005, 10:13 PM

[zroth]

What will happen if I try to softmod an Xbox that has already been updated via Live?

I am thinking in the months to come that you'll get a 1st gen XBox for next to nothing. Personally, if you can afford it, I would leave my LIVE box untouched. then you don't have to worry about it.

[fore1337]

What will happen if I try to softmod an Xbox that has already been updated via Live? Will the softmod still work (correctly)? Should I uninstall the Live update from the hard drive via the dashboard first, or will that not make a difference?

I'm soon to pick up the required tools for softmodding, so any info would be greatly appreciated.

From what I understand the softmod only works on the latest M$ dashboard software versions... so it's best to have updated via live before attempting the softmod.

I was going to get the $3 poor man's USB port for the xbx from llama to try out the softmodding process. ...and a copy of splinter cell. I've already got a prepped HDD ...I just don't know how I'll install it w/o screwing up the softmod. hrmm.


**
No one's gotte back to me on upgrading the HDD though. GRR
**

[Chad N.]

fore1337, I softmodded my Xbox and have swapped hard drives. When I get home I will post a topic with links covering the easiest ways to do both. I found a new softmod that works on any version Xbox, and has minimal cons.

[fore1337]

w00t!

[zroth]

For viewing on well tuned LUMENLAB PJ's

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...ang=en#filelist

This post has been edited by zroth: May 25 2005, 01:06 AM

[Chad N.]

My guide is now in the "Home Theater Setup" forum.

Xbox modding guide

enjoy

[korndog]

Hebox modders, hllo fellow xbox modders i to am one you. I like the smartxx chips better. Thats all i use. has anyone upgraded there xbox with the samgsung drive yet? IM waiting for my drives to get here from ebay. i bought 10 so ill be updating the bios and adding the xbox cable to them. any buyers contact me cost 80$

[Martin C]

Hi

If you want the best results from the Xbox onto a TFT, then get the X2VGA+ box. It takes the component out and converts directly to VGA - the resulting image is real sharp! Most 'written' applications run in 720p including XBMC. The down side is that it doesn't support 480i all that well, including earlier games. Apart from that, as a media player it really is awesome. There's no need to even upgrade the HDD - just run a network cable from the PC to the Xbox and stream all your content directly to it.

Martin