Xbox 360 - Recently Updated Pages

Should EMGN win?

shadowmlt — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:21:49 CDT

Im sure you all know of the EMGN Nation. But do you also know that it has been nominated for the Golden Paint can Awards! Please tell me if the EMGN Nation should be crowned with the Golden Paint Can Award? And be sure to vote for your favorite nominees to.

Pads/Controllers

shadowmlt — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:28:46 CDT

As the title suggests here will be a list of the available Pads and Controllers available for the Xbox 360. If you can think of any that I have missed off please feel free to add to this page.

Currently listed on this page:
Standard Xbox 360 Pads (all varieties)
Hori Xbox 360 Arcade Stick

White Wireless Xbox 360 Pad

This is the standard pad you will have if you purchased the Premium or Pro package of the Xbox 360 console. Self explanatory really, its white, its wireless, its for your 360.
You might want to be aware that on its own this pad will only run from standard AA batteries and you will probably want to have a hefty stock of those unless you grab yourself a Play & Charge Kit...ummm...not literally grab though as that would be stealing!

White Wired Xbox 360 Pad

This is the standard pad you will have if you purchased the Core or Arcade package of the Xbox 360 console. Same as above only its wired and wont require batteries to run.

Black, Blue and Pink Wireless Xbox 360 Pads

If you bought yourself an Xbox 360 Elite you will find the Black pad in the box...and the console too.
There are also the Blue and Pink pads available to buy separately, they are all identical to the White Wireless pad, only its Black/Blue/Pink.
Again these pads will eat your supply of AA batteries but don't worry there are matching rechargeable batteries you can buy.

Halo 3 Edition Pad

This pad is only available when bought with the Limited Edition Halo 3 Xbox 360 console.
Its the same as a standard Wireless pad...only green.

Limited Edition Halo 3 Xbox 360 Pads (Wireless)

These pads wont come with any console, they can only be bought separately and they are strictly Limited Edition (and for some reason the Brute Pad seems to be selling quicker than the Spartan one).
These also come with a small figurine about 3" tall.
If you're planning on getting rechargeable batteries for these then you will need to go for the black ones. The back of these pads are obviously black as are the bumpers and triggers.

Hori Xbox 360 Arcade Stick

If you're into your fighting games or even if you like arcade titles such as Pac-man or Bomberman then this is an accessory that you will need!
We managed to purchase one from our local Gamestation store for £39.99 (around $80) but we have seen them online for as much as £70+ ($140+). Its doesn't come wireless as you can see, it just plugs straight into one of the USB ports.

Accessory Guide

shadowmlt — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:27:34 CDT

So you want to know whats available? whats good? whats not?

Then hopefully you're in the right place. This page may look emptyish at first but thats because I am attempting to update more than 1 page at once.

Gaming Communities

shadowmlt — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:10:53 CDT

Add more of your favorite gaming communities and forums here.
(Please keep this in alphabetical order)

Great Place to hang and meet new gamers from across the world

360friendspot.com

The Ultimate 360 tracking tool

The Live Eye

XBOX Podcasts

Internet Radio and Podcasts for XBOX lovers and gamers

Amped 3

VerizonMaster8900 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:17:02 CDT

Retail specs

Release Date: 11/15/2005
Retail Price: $59.99
Genre: Sports
ESRB Rating: Teen
Developer: Indie Built
Publisher: 2K Sports

Game specs

Video Support: widescreen HDTV 1080i
Audio Support: Dolby 5.1 surround sound
Offline Players: 1 - 4
Online Players: 2 (co-op)

Description
Amped 3 is a winter sports simulator that contains arcade elements where the player is given an open range, a vehicle, and a whole host of tricks at their disposal. Players can perform tricks in seven different resort getaways using snowboards, snowmobiles, and even hang gliders all in an effort to gain a higher score then their competitors.

Game play modes
Single Player Mode: The single player mode of Amped 3 takes a different approach from the previous editions. The game offers a story mode that is wrapped around the trick-centered gameplay. Gamers will start a career and take part in events across seven different venues as they attempt to find out the next portion of the story. Players can also take part in a free-run mode to attempt to reach a high score.

Multiplayer mode: Amped 3 multiplayer consists of a leaderboard that shows the top scorers on certain resorts. Players can attempt to take the top spot through practice in a free run mode. The game also features certain events from the single player for up to two players..

New & noteworthy features

New story line driven gameplay

New vehicles to the series including sleds and hang gliders
New to the series art style
Supports scoreboards over Xbox Live
Supports 1080i HD resolution

See also

Achievement Details:
Snowboard Bound- 70G
Vamonos a South America-80G
Rescued Weiner Boy-90G
Reunited... and it feels so good!-100G
Big Musical Finale!-100G
Nortstar Nirvana-60G
Snowbird Dawg-60G
VIVA VALLE-60G
Laax Stock & Barrel-40G
King of the Mountain Lab-40G
Sledding Merit Badge-30G
Snowbiler Merit Badge-30G
Park Designer Merit Badge-30G
Lesser Snow God-70G
Supreme Snow God-140G

Halo 3

VerizonMaster8900 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:04:17 CDT

Bill Gates made a statement last year that
Halo 3 would be launched when Sony

launches their PS3 in march 27th . However, he has since back-tracked on that statement, saying that the launch date of Halo 3 would be "up to the artists" and that they would launch the game " when they were ready." It's good to hear that the guy in charge knows as much about this highly anticipated game as you and I.

Halo 3 was announced at E3 2006 with a 2 minute trailer, as earlier sources had confirmed.

In all likelihood, the Halo 3 game will be released in 2007 with the making of the movie. Which, by the way, is being produced by Peter Jackson!

(*Side note - Bungie Studios has confirmed the creation of this game.)

Retail Specs:

Release Date: September 25, 2007
Retail Price: $59.99 Standard, $69.99 Limited Edition, $129.99 Legendary edition.
Genre: First Person Shooter
ESRB Rating: Mature
Developer: Bungie Studios
Publisher: [Add a link to the publisher section in Resources]

Game Specs:

Video Support: Yes
Audio Support: Yes
Offline Players: Yes
Online Players Yes

Description:
Halo 3 is a first- person shooter set on Earth and several other planets located around the galaxy. Humans are being attacked by xenophobic alien races known as the Covenant. Humans names for these are:Grunts, Jackals, Brutes, Hunters, and Drone, and are on the verge of extinction. Its up to you; Master Chief Petty Officer SPARTAN-117 to stop the Covenant once and for all. Through the length of Halo's story the humans detonated the door to a room in a building which they thought was a Covenant weapons cache. They were caught up in bodysnatching alien hordes called "The Flood" that take over their bodies to use for combat purposes. These aliens have numbers in the trillions and are willing to do anything to take over the galaxy and assume dominance.

Game Play Modes:
Slayer
Team Slayer
Capture the Flag
Oddball
Assault
Team SWAT
King of the Hill
Rocket Race
Rocket Stunts
Infection
Custom Gametypes
Map Editor
New & Noteworthy Features:
2-15-08
There is a new Halo 3 map pack called the Heroic map pack including, Standoff, a new Blood Gulch, Rat's Nest, a vehicle paradise, and Foundry, a forger's paradise that is available for download for free! The legendary map pack is now out for 800 ms points which includes Avalanch (a new version of sidewinder), Blackout (a new version of lockout), and Ghost Town a brand new map.

Achievement Details:
Landfall-20G
Holdout-20G
The Road-20G
Assault-30G
Cleansing-30G
Refuge-30G
Last Stand-40G
The Key-40G
Return-50G
Campaign Complete-Normal-125G
Campaign Complete-Heroic-125 G
Campaign Complete-Legendary-125G
Iron-10G
Blackeye-10G
Tough Luck-10G
Catch-10G
Fog-10G
Famine-10G
Thunderstorm-10G
Tilt-10G
Mythic-10G
Graduate-10G
UNSC Spartan-15G
Spartan Officer-25G
Two for One-5G
Too Close to the Sun-5G
Triple Kill-5G
Overkill-5G
Lee R. Wilson Memorial-5G
We're in for Some Chop-5G
Killing Frenzy-5G
Steppin' Razor-5G
Up Close and Personal-5G
Fear the Pink Mist-5G
Headshot Honcho-5G
Used Car Salesman-5G
Marathon Man-40G
MVP-5G
Maybe Next Time Buddy-5G
Guerilla-10G
Demon-10G
Cavalier-10G
Askar-10G
Exterminator-10G
Ranger-10G
Vanguard-10G
Orpheus-10G
Reclaimer-10G

Game Nights/Clan Database

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:25:21 CDT

Do you have any specific Game Night events on a regular basis? Are you part of a Clan?
Or...
Are you lost or new to the whole concept of Xbox Live and would like to know about any nice and friendly communities out there?

Then heres the place!
(For any additions, please keep it tidy and in alphabetical order)

Game Nights

Name:	360 Splurge -(Details)
Age Group:	Mature (Age 20+ mostly)
Disposition:	Sensible although a bit nutty!

The 360 Splurge is a UK based site which prides itself in not being a Clan site, its currently a small friendly community where gamers can join discussions on the forum and check out the latest game nights. There's no commitment if you cannot attend a Game Night then no worries!

Name:	The Fatty Crew
Age Group:	18+
Disposition:	Mature Gamers Only

The Fatty Crew is built on a small group of people, mostly UK gamers on COD4. Friendly community with like minded gamers. We hope to get sponsors and run small competitions for Xbox 360 gear. Should be fun!! FATTY CREW UNDER DEVELOPMENT. For more info click the link.

Name:	Your Site Here
Age Group:
Disposition:

*Insert Description Here*

Clans

Name:	W.A.S.P http://wasp360clan.myfreeforum.org/index.php
Age Group:	15-40
Disposition:	We Play to WIN but we have fun doing it ;)

We are a CoD4 Xbox Live Clan at the moment and we are building ourselves to win them all.
Nous sommes plutot un Clan Francophone. We are mostly a French Clan. But we have no trouble speaking english.
Our members are from Quebec,Canada.

Name:	[RAE] Clan
Age Group:	Teens
Disposition:	The same as W.A.S.P :)

We are a new Xbox live clan who mainly play COD4 & Halo 3. We're an Irish clan from Co. Meath and we aretaking in new members every week since its founding. If you wish to join our clan or your looking for more information on us, please visit our clan site listed in the link above!

Cheats

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:24:44 CDT

Xbox 360 Cheats

Feel free to add your own Xbox 360 Cheat by clicking on Easy Edit!

Call of Duty 3 Cheats

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Cheats

Gears of War Cheats

Graw Cheats

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Cheat Codes

Panya Helper

Fall Update 07

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:24:26 CDT

The 2007 fall update for the Xbox 360 dashboard inculded the following changes and new features:

Account Management

Added error text to direct under 13 year old user to the Web when attempting to change contact information
Added Messenger Signup into Xbox LIVE signup
Added PEGI logo icons to Game ratings scenes
Added support for switching between Windows Live ID accounts
Added Support for User Graduation
Added support to allow users to change the Windows Live ID they use with their Xbox LIVE gamertag
Added support to Migrate Zune Accounts to Xbox LIVE accounts with purchase rights
Added text for "in-game voice" complaint option
Display MS Points Web Address correctly for Korea
Improved blocking support for Friends Only sessions
Improved enforcement of Windows Live ID and Gamertag Regions
Improved Informational Text for cases where Gamertag already in use
Improved parental control support for 48 hour trial codes
Improved robustness when viewing friends profiles and quickly backing out
Improved support for account recovery when no storage devices attached to console
Improved support for invalid characters in phone field
Improved support to cancel out of Credit Card scenes during account sign-up
Improved support to load Dashboard after exiting from Account Recovery
Improved text for accounts that have been banned
Improved text for Direct Debit in Germany
Improved text for explaining Gamertag, Gamercard, etc to users signing up
Improved text for recovering Gamertag dialogs
Improved text for Zune Accounts in Sign Up app
Improved text spacing for Recover Gamertag dialogs in Russian
Improved text support for handling expired credit cards during purchase transactions
Improved text to inform users that only 1 profile can have auto signin enabled
Improved text translations for Account Management in German Ads
Added support for Audio Mute/Unmute for video ads Community
Added double-high friends list to show more details for each friend
Added new feature "Inside Xbox" on the Xbox LIVE blade
Added support for richer profile viewing including Real name, Bio, Locations, etc
Added support to control privacy settings for Friends of Friends viewing
Added support to show friends a real name
Added support to view Friends of Friends
Display actual friends count and not list item count in Add Friend page
Improved German localized text for recent players blade
Improved robustness in Friends area when rapidly pressing A and B buttons
Improved support of viewing Friends profiles when friend has existing pending friends requests
Improved text messages for Privacy Settings in Blocked Communication scenarios
No longer report Invitations as 'sent' when communication set to 'blocked' Dashboard
Added ability to twist UI left and right to filter/sort in Media lists
Added 'Downloads' button to game launch page on Games Blade
Added fade out transitions for transitions from dash to video playback
Added Friends Playing Now feature to Games Blade for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Xbox Originals, Xbox 360 disc based games, and Xbox 360 Demos.
Added grouping support for TV & Game content in Media Blade
Added localization support for AM / PM in 12-hour clock format for Traditional and Simplified Chinese
Added sort by Title/Date for acquired Video library content
Added support for Featured Downloads in Arcade area of Games Blade
Added support for twist controls in offline Dashboard and Xbox Guide
Added support for updating Marketplace, Xbox LIVE and Games blade without full system update download
Added support for Video album art on attached hard drives in separate .jpg files
Added support to not write trial-version Arcade games to user's played games history (this is only for newly downloaded games after the Dec '07 update is released)
Allow all signed in users to access Banners in Dashboard or Marketplace, not just first signed in user
Arcade area shows '--' instead of '0' for gamerscore when signed out
Changed UI Flow for Media connectivity: default to console, and allow users to change device via X button. Also remember last chosen device
Disconnected MU or Controller Message persisted when launching back to Dashboard from Game Title
Improve accelerated scrolling speed for long lists
Improve transition speed of blades
Improved consistency in confirmation text when deleting items
Improved enumeration speed of lists in games blade
Improved error handling when signing out while viewing a marketplace ad
Improved handling of moving game profiles from MU to HDD
Improved localization text for Polish in System Update dialogs
Improved performance of Guide Transitions
Improved progress bar accuracy when moving large files from MU to HDD
Improved responsiveness of Dashboard overall
Improved robustness after attempting to resume an expired purchased video
Improved robustness when comparing achievements after connection to LIVE is lost
Improved support for Daylight Savings Time in Alaska time zone
Improved support for handling disc full when downloading movies from Marketplace
Improved text layout for blade names in CHT (Traditional Chinese)
Improved text on Startup page in System Blade area
Improved text translations for Arcade area in Japan
Removed PC Affiliation from the System Blade
Starting DVD playback with 2 or more wireless controllers shows all game pads on the console ring of light
Starting DVD playback with a mix of wired and wireless controllers now shows all game pads on the console ring of light
System Update Message in Russian properly formatted

DVD / HD-DVD

Added CHT language support to video players
Improved accuracy of tray state when ejecting multiple times
Improved robustness when ejecting discs from external HD-DVD drive

Family Settings

Added Family Play Timer Feature
Improved handling for resetting parental controls to default

Font Support

Added support for Virtual Keyboard and IME for Simplified Chinese
Improved CHT (Traditional Chinese) font support for game achievements
Gamer Profile
Dates and Times support region specific attributes

HDMI

Improved handling of AVMUTE for HDMI
Improved handling of CEA861 mode for HDMI
Improved handling of flashing during on/off mode changes
Improved handling of Standby-3 mode for HDMI

Keyboard

Added IME indicator for Messenger Conversations
Added support for F9 and F10 in Virtual Keyboards
Added support for Polish and Russian USB Keyboards
Improved Chatpad support for Korean Language
Improved handling of Caps Lock for JPN USB keyboards
Improved IME Japan Keyboards in Xbox Guide
Improved overall IME Self Learning support
Improved support for USB Keyboard with System UI Message displays
No longer show keyboard results when entering password via Chatpad or USB Keyboard
Removed extra '@' from CHT Virtual Keyboard

Marketplace

Added "Featured Items" as a top level section of Marketplace
Added "Featured Trailers" and "Shorts" options within the Movies area of Video Marketplace
Added Accelerated List Scrolling to Marketplace
Added List wrapping to Top Download lists in Marketplace
Added prefetching support for off-screen thumbnail images in Marketplace list views
Added support for "New Arrivals" area within Marketplace for all catalog content types
Added support for "Spotlight" area within Marketplace
Added support for displaying audio support in top level UI for videos on Marketplace
Added support for displaying Marketplace video previews in Full Screen mode (newly added files are encoded at higher bitrate, existing previews remain encoded at low bitrate)
Added support for multiple previews (varying languages) for International Video Marketplace (this is content provider dependent)
Added support for renting Movies in several international countries
Added support to Browse, Purchase, Download and play Xbox Original Games
Added support to cache metadata information for off-line usage in Media Blade library scenes
Added support to Play Now from Marketplace storefront for items already downloaded
Added support to prefetch off-screen thumbnails in Video Store
Added support to send actionable Marketplace recommendations to Friends for Arcade games
Added support to show audio language and subtitles for International Video Marketplace
Added Twist Control support for navigation and sorting
Allow Banner Messages to link to Arcade Titles
Changed "Media and Entertainment" to "Video Store"
Improved error handling for corrupt video content
Improved localization text for Belgium Profiles with Netherlands Marketplace
Improved robustness when service returns incorrect number of items when viewing Download History
Improved support of Parental Ratings with Arcade recommendations
Improved text for cases where License is not available for purchased video content
Improved text messaging for playing rental movies on consoles other than the console purchased with
Improved User Experience for Credit Card scenes in Russian
List wrapping functionality identical now between Media blade and Marketplace blade lists
More robust error handling for Add Points dialog page
TV Series on Marketplace now navigate directly to episode list instead of Season1
Unrated Titles now display ratings as "Rating: Pending or Unrated"

Media - All

Added more user friendly text for various error related messages
Added Shortcut keys from Remote Control: Pressing Play on a Video/Song/Picture will immediately start playback of that item from the list (pressing Start from gamepad does the same thing)
Added support for Album/Video artwork larger than 500kb
Added support to enumerate metadata in the background and not just when selected by the user
Added support to make sort options sticky across console reboots
Added support to show all available Media Sharing Servers on the local network and allow automatic re-affiliation
Automatically delete older versions of Optional Media Update package when new ones are downloaded
Improved consistency in storage naming across all areas
Improved performance for displaying Album Art when connected to remote sources
Improved text messaging when connection to PC is lost when streaming Music/Photo or videos

Media - Music

Added support for CD Playback from music area in Xbox 360 Guide area
Added support for listing multiple computer sources in Xbox Guide music sources
Added support for Y button to toggle full screen on and off for music visualizer
Disable 'play all' button when folders only contains playlists (with no audio files)
Disable Y button when no list items selected in Music player
Improved device support for new iPods (classic and 3rd gen Nano) - iPhone and iPod touch are not supported
Improved error handling for mixed encoded playlists (aac,mp3,wma)
Improved handling for MTP Music devices with >200k entries
Improved handling of game background music after playing videos in Dashboard
Improved handling of music playback over games (if music source terminates or has errors, background music returns to game background)
Improved performance for "Play All" with attached MTP devices
Improved performance of music enumeration via Guide
Improved robustness when playing back HFS+ formatted iPods
Improved support for returning to game background audio when user's music player session terminates
Improved support for scrolling song lists while listening to music during game playback
Improved support when ejecting game disc while selecting music source through Guide

Media - Pics

Added support to display PNG files when streamed from Windows Media Player 11 on Vista
Improved enumeration for PTP cameras including Cannon Powershot SD 630 and Apple Iphone
Improved playback performance of "Play All" when PC source has 1000s of photos and subdirectories
Support Folder view of Photos from MTP Portable Devices

Media - Video

Added 2 line support for entries in the Video Area of the Media Blade
Added ability to recognize Colorspace attribute for Video Marketplace Content
Added fade in transition for start of video playback
Added full screen buffering animation for streaming videos from Xbox LIVE
Added Suggestions scene for Video Library area in Media blade of the Dashboard
Added support for 16x Fast-forward/Rewind
Added support for AC3 embedded audio (see video faq for full information)
Added support for enumeration of video files from Zune 2.0 devices
Added support for Left Shoulder button on controller to chapter skip backward
Added support for Left Trigger button on controller to rewind
Added support for moving past the point user has viewed when doing progressive downloads of Video Marketplace videos
Added support for MP3 embedded audio (see video faq for full information)
Added support for Mpeg-4 part 2 video files in AVI containers
Added support for Right Shoulder button on controller to chapter skip forward
Added support for Right Trigger button on controller to fast forward
Added support for Zune Podcast video playback from Zune device
Added support to display metadata and thumbnails embedded in video files
Added support to enumerate .divx video files
Added support to group TV shows by Series in Video Library of Media Blade
Added support to group Video and Game Trailers into same area of Video Library of Media Blade
Added support to sort Movies or TV Shows by Title or Download date in Video Library of Media Blade
Added top level support to show expired or soon to expire information for purchased movies from Video Marketplace in Media Blade
Improve support for "Play Now" calculations with ISP that boost download for the first 20MB of a file
Improved accuracy of bookmark positions when video player abnormally ends
Improved accuracy of download progress bar after chapter skipping operations
Improved auto resizing experience for small (under 100x100) video files
Improved Bookmark / Resume experience with 60fps Interlaced WMV videos
Improved bookmark support while progressively downloading videos from Marketplace
Improved calculations for "Play Now" for Video Marketplace downloads
Improved deinterlacer support for video playback
Improved enumeration speed for user-generated video content in Media Blade
Improved error message support when playing back video files without valid licenses
Improved error message support when pulling USB drive while playing back video files
Improved handling for USB memory stick removal while on Video device selection list in Media blade
Improved handling of video playback when transitioning from 4x FF to Play with MP4 video files
Improved handling of WMV bookmarks when rewinding and shutting down video player
Improved info pane timer when playing back DRM's WMV content from Windows Media Player 11 from Windows PC
Improved message support for progressive video playback
Improved overall UI, content descriptions and navigation of Video Library of Media Blade
Improved performance during Fast Forward to Playback transition when playing back MP4 content
Improved performance for buffering and playback of streaming videos from Xbox LIVE
Improved performance for low bandwidth streaming of MP4 videos from Zune PC software v1.0
Improved performance of skip forward/backward with WMV video files
Improved performance of trick modes when streaming videos from Zune PC client
Improved performance of WMV playback for WMV7 & WMV8 encoded video files
Improved playback experience after extended pauses of video files from Marketplace
Improved playback experience when resuming from a stopped/paused state
Improved playback performance for h264 720p .MOV files
Improved playback performance with 1920x1080 MP4 files
Improved playback performance with 5Mb h264 encoded video files
Improved playback performance with 60fps 720x480 MP4 content
Improved playback performance with h264 files in .m4v containers
Improved quality for upscaled user videos when played back full screen
Improved quality of MP4 decoder: Global Motion Compensation and VMX optimizations
Improved quality of MP4 decoder: improved Interlaced Support
Improved quality of MP4 decoder: Out of order frame output, bidirectional motion vector handling, etc.
Improved quality with non-square pixel video files
Improved responsiveness of trick mode controls for video playback
Improved robustness during chapter skipping of h264 video files
Improved robustness for streaming problematic video files from Zune PC Software 1.0 or Windows Media Player 11
Improved robustness of video player when playback catches up to downloads in progressive playback scenarios
Improved robustness of video streaming when network congestion / stalls occur
Improved robustness when closing video player after attempting to play a video file that would not open
Improved robustness when entering and exiting video playback on a portable device repeatedly
Improved robustness when exiting video files encoded in h264 and playing back from attached USB HDD
Improved robustness when playing back Mp4 video with consecutive bad aac samples encoded into it
Improved robustness when shutting down console during h264 video playback
Improved robustness when trying to play a video recently moved from MU to HDD or vice versa
Improved robustness with video player when exiting player via Xbox Guide button -> Y
Improved support for AAC-LC 2 channel encoded audio in MP4 video files
Improved support for chapter skipping during progressive downloads of Marketplace Video content
Improved support for MP4 video files with discontinuous time stamps encoded in
Improved support for MP4 video playback from burned optical dvd-r's
Improved support for resuming downloaded videos after reaching end of an uncompleted download
Improved support for resuming partially downloaded videos from Marketplace
Improved support for using Big Button controller during video playback
Improved support for Video bookmarks when playing MP4 videos from USB portable hard drives
Improved sync of video display and info pane display when rewinding
Improved text for Windows Media Center setup instructions
Improved Trick mode support when streaming videos with AAC embedded audio
Improved video performance for 60fps interlaced WMV videos
Improved Video performance with 15Mbs 1080i 24fps WMV video files
Improved video playback for Fast-forward and immediate exit usage with h264 video files
Improved video playback of MP4 content from Zune PC Software v1.0
Improved video playback when source content has incorrect sync samples encoded
Improved video quality for SD Composite AV pack displays of the on-screen display for video controls
Improved video support for chapter skipping of MP4 videos
Improved Videotrick mode support with 24fps 1080i WMV video files
Improved visual display of WMV video files while rewinding
Improved WMV Playback performance for 60fps and 1080i 30fps videos
Improved WMV7 performance with VLC encoded content
Removed occasional purple flickers in video playback when transitioning between FF and RW
Removed potential 9 second delay when rewinding WMV video files

Messaging

Removal of stale Xbox 1 Team Recruit Messages from Xbox 360 Message Center

Messenger

Added "Invite Friends" scene after Messenger/Windows Live ID switching dialog
Added localization support for " has joined conversation" in Messenger
Added messenger notification to Private Chat
Added support for adding contacts via Windows Live ID from Xbox 360 console
Added support for child accounts (ages 13 through 17)
Added support for dual platform invites / text messages to PC client
Added support for IME in Chatpad overlay
Added support to send game invite to Messenger Contact from Xbox 360
Display Signin option instead of Join Xbox LIVE when accessing messenger from a signed out profile
Improved handling of transitions between messenger conversations and personal profiles
Improved localization text for Spanish, Portuguese and Russian in Chat and IM dialogs
Improved online status reporting with accounts that have passcodes set
Improved performance of buddy list enumeration
Improved performance with greater than 250 contacts
Improved performance with Messenger and large lists
Improved support for sending multiple friends requests from messenger contact dialog
Improved support for signing up for Messenger on 2nd signed in profiles
Improved sync performance between buddies and gamertag friends during login
Improved text message for blocking Windows Live ID Child accounts
Improved visual display of Up/Down arrows on Select Contacts scene
No longer displaying '??' when Kanji characters are used in Messenger Display Names
Nudges from messenger now translated into rumble notifications on controller during game/movie playback
Remove flash of LED on controller when Chatpad keyboard is invoked
Removed 2nd notification when connection to LIVE and signed into Messenger
Updated icons for Messenger in Private Chat area

System

Added fade out transition when powering down console
Added support for browsing XNA games within the Games blade
Added support for video playback from UDFS formatted USB devices
Added support for XNA Game Studio Express V.2
Added support to connect to Apple Extreme routers in 802.11a/n mode
Added support to pause background downloads when streaming full screen videos or ads
Added support to retrieve game thumbnail directly from XNA game package
Added system wide support for Simplified Chinese language
Added text to explain flashing LED in the Ring of Light during background download low power mode
Addressed rare case where game disc would spin in the DVD drive while playing HD-DVD Movie in external HD-DVD drive
Disable Optical audio output when in low power background download mode
DVD player no longer converts to YCbCr709 when output is over HDMI
Improved auto sign-in to Xbox LIVE with Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter
Improved clock accuracy for S/PDIF optical streams
Improved compatibility with NEC WR8400N WiFi routers
Improved download speeds when in low power background download mode
Improved DVD Tray State notifications immediately after application of System Update
Improved Forced Aspect Ratio Changes via HDMI output (including DVI)
Improved handling when ejecting game disc during game start
Improved handling when removing MU after sending Arcade game recommendation to friend
Improved localization text for Wifi setup in German
Improved performance for Game Titles to reboot in backcompat scenarios
Improved performance of Xbox Guide during Messenger signin
Improved robustness when ejecting game disc when prompted for game title update
Improved robustness when inserting two MU's at the same time on the device selector scene
Improved support for 3rd Party Controllers
Improved support for Buffalo WiFi routers
Improved support for Creston AV receivers with HDMI
Improved support for JPN Corega CG-BARFX network router
Improved support for signing into Xbox LIVE with Big Button Controller
Improved support for starting console with Big Button Controller when console is charging attached Wireless Controllers
Improved Xbox guide performance ~2x
Removed "Windows-based PC" from Computers area in Systems blade
Removed option to "Turn off Controller" when using Big Button Controller
Resync the Ring of Light pattern to the boot audio/animation

Spring Update

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:24:05 CDT

New Features
1.Download Manager: Marketplace items now download in the background, you can queue up to six pieces of content.
2.DVD bookmark support will remember the film’s timing and location when resuming viewing. ·
3.Fast-forward and rewind now offered at 2x -16x for any videos saved to hard drive. ·
4.Boot to Dashboard setting will bypass the loading of any disc in the drive and open directly to Dashboard during power- on. · You can begin slideshows from any photo. · The music player saves "shuffle" setting. · The music player saves "repeat" setting. · The music player now displays which file is currently playing in the playlist. ·
5.The music volume level persists between game / reboots. ·
6.Eight new locales added (Chile, Brazil, India, South Africa, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia). · 7.Separate settings are now offered for Game and User volume controls. ·
8.Themes can now be set from the "System" blade on the Dashboard. ·
9.User-selected music continues play when switching from Dashboard to game or game to Dashboard. ·
10."All Arcade Games" added as a selection in the Xbox Live Arcade area. ·
11.Personal gamer pictures are now allowed, displayed only to those on your friends list. · 12.Added support to disable sound effects when navigating Dashboard. ·
13.Instantaneous "Change Theme" option has been added upon downloading new Dashboard Themes. ·
14.You can preserve the folder structure of source when viewing photos. ·
15.A / B labels now provided to identify memory units in Dashboard.
16.Online status is set to "Away" when screensaver becomes active. System Improvements DVD Player · 1.Improved the audio/video sync after extended pauses. · 2.Improved the visual quality. · 3.The DVD player outputs at native resolution over VGA connection. · 4.Improved the playback smoothness. · 5.Improved the fast-forward and rewind smoothness. · 6.DVD play continues to attempt to read a disc after "disc read" error. · DVD play Pause / Play jitter / out of synch issues improved. · DVD play Slow Play / Play jitter / out of synch issues improved. · Repaired issues with missing menu selection icon from DVD disc menu for certain films. · Improved Xbox 360 Guide efficiency during certain films. · Repaired playback stutter during certain films. Music Player · Player now populates music data (Title, Artist, etc.) when no track information is available. · User music now pauses, instead of stopping, when games override user-selected background music. · Selecting an artist’s <UNTITLED> album no longer displays <UNTITLED> albums for all artists. · Improved the performance when retrieving playlists from a Windows Media connection. · Music tracks listed in order when viewing albums by specific artist. · Unified music controls available for music player in Dashboard and pop-up Guide. · Improved the playback for mono AAC-encoded files. · Improved the connection timing between console and CD database over Internet. · The player no longer allows hard-drive selection when no hard-drive is connected. · Removed handling of MTP/USB devices when playing music from them more robust. · Improved error codes / messaging associated with unplayable content. Localization Improvements · Fixed partially truncated strings in Portuguese, Spanish and Italian. · Korean clock / date format corrected after initial set-up. · Fixed system hang when changing the language of the console immediately after signing out. · Korean virtual keyboard "down" navigation now works for lower-right button. · Korean virtual keyboard caps disabled for input mode. · Fixed overlapping characters for pre-paid Gold membership card (Japanese localization). · Removed extra spaces in several translated words (French localization). · PC name displayed properly when containing Japanese characters. · Support added for single-apostrophe character for Japanese virtual keyboard. Memory Area Improvements · Streamlined selection: no profile selection required. · Improved overall performance, allowing quicker access to content. · Improved content views including name, file type, size, profile owner, and location. · Faster identification of file types and fewer steps for actions such as copy, move, delete, etc. · Capacity (or percentage-full) of storage device is now consistent between select-a-device and storage scenes. · Device selection now shown on each screen to improve usability. Miscellaneous System Improvements · Time elapsed now displayed when playing music files. · Media library categorization enhanced. · Accelerated scrolling added for large music lists. · New "shuffle" icon added. · Repeat / Shuffle icon now operates as toggle button. · Default button for manual IP address is now "A" instead of "Done." · Hidden and system folders are no longer displayed from MTP / mass storage devices. · Difficulty levels for gamer profiles are now ordered correctly. · Added additional line and word-wrap to "Publisher" in video area. · Shuffle / Random no longer skips last image in list when viewing photos. · Improved handling of Friend Requests between gamertags that have changed names. · No longer asked "Exit to Dash?" when switching between areas in the Dashboard. · New error messages appear when Windows Live ID requires password change. · Unlocked Achievements are now displayed first in Game Summary page. · Selecting an Achievement now shows the specific Achievement details. · Updated messaging added for deleting arcade games purchased by different profiles. · System no longer launches music CD in disc-tray when moving from Live sign-up to Dashboard or Network Troubleshooter. · Voice quality improved when connected through wired gamepad. · "Last Played Game" selection in Xbox Live Arcade shown first before enumerating all games (when Arcade game was last game played). · Improved performance of picture enumeration from iPods formatted for Mac. · Latest updates adopted to Cero-based ratings for Family Settings. · Videos downloaded from Marketplace now shown in the Video area of the Media blade. · Improved usability added around "Play Now" when downloading demos, trailers, and videos. · Added support for South Africa-specific Family Settings. · Updated support for Japanese game ratings. · Video area changed to include game trailers and entertainment videos. · Improved robustness of Gamerscore when doing account recoveries. · Improved messaging around handling corrupt or non-fully recovered profiles. · Improved download performance for popular content being downloaded through Marketplace. · Total USB keyboard support added. · Testing Live connection while streaming music from PC now works correctly. · Next item / Focus sound not played when scrolling past the bottom of the video list. · Handle profiles on memory units inserted into system while enumerating profiles from other storage locations. · Warning / Alert icons now show as part of deleting items in Memory area. · Repeat rate for remote control matches game controller repeat rate. · "A" button disabled when in a list with no items available. · Wireless battery level added to mini-pop-up guide over backward-compatible games. · Pop-up guide / Dashboard now supports USB keyboard. · Console no longer enters "charge" mode when shutdown and the battery has been removed from wireless controller. · System no longer waits indefinitely when attempting to contact Windows Media Connect service on XP PC. · Improved Marketplace storage device selector added. · Correctly set focus on selected item when back button pressed on "select a game" scene. · Notify users when multiple wireless SSIDS with identical names are within reach. · Gold membership information provided when trying to join a session or accepting game invites with Silver accounts. · New text to highlight the ability to clear the passcode for Live account signing. · Photo slideshow no longer resumes when pressing "previous" or "next" from paused state. · Improved handling of corrupt profiles added when deleting them. · System no longer turn off wireless gamepads after system update reboot. · More robust handling of initial setup experience for memory unit users added. · Improved handling of backward-compatible update experience, reboot back into Xbox v1 environment instead of Dashboard. · Improved handling for "block communications" from other players. · Improved keypress sounds when using USB keyboard. · Improved usability and performance of content enumeration for storage devices. · Visual location for where Xbox Live Arcade games reside now shown. · Improved user messaging added when overwriting content while copying. · Improved consistency of messaging between "sign out" and "switch profile." · Updated troubleshooter text for connection to Windows PCs joined to domain. · Better support for Xbox 360 game disc recognition added. · Improved initial setup text messaging added. · Improved overall error message terminology added. · Game updates downloaded to memory unit no longer show "please reinsert" notification when memory unit removed. · More robust support added for handling game deletes from memory unit and simultaneously removing memory unit. Improved system performance added between console and affiliated Windows Media Connect PC.

Xbox 360 Elite

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:23:33 CDT

The Xbox 360 Elite was the third type of 360 releashed. It has a 120 gigabyte harddrive and was black instead of white. also it came with a HDMI lead and a HDMI slot. a black controler was also included, and it offerd better graphics than the standard xbox 360.

System FAQs

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:22:46 CDT

Here's where we're building out answers to common questions surrounding the system. There's lots to add so share what you know.

Hardware FAQ
Want to know who makes the processing unit or manufacturs other components? Have questions about how the hard-drive performs relative to the memory card. Look here.

Graphics FAQ
Just how tech forward are the X360's graphics? Wanna know if the system supports PAL resolutions? Here's where to turn.

Compatibility FAQ
There's always lots of questions about whether the X360 will play Xbox 1 games. The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Look in here for all compatability related q's.

Modding FAQ
Ah, the perenially imporant questions about the topic of modding. No, it's not legal, but read this for the insiders guide.

Troubleshooting FAQs
Having power up or "red ring" issues. This FAQ should help solve the problem and get you gaming again ASAP.

Resources

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:22:20 CDT

Here's where we collect all the useful information that doesn't have a home elsewhere on the site.

Cool Pics
The place to share Xbox 360 photos.

Gaming Centers
Get your fix on a network that has optimized its packet switching specifically for gaming. What does that mean? Less lag, baby ... and less lag means higher frag! List, find, and rate your local gaming centers.

Competitions
If you're not satisfied with the competition on XBL, it might be time to take it to the next level. Ever thought of turning professional? Here's where we talk about competitions -- local and national, amateur and professional. Let the gaming begin!

Links
Share all your favorite gaming links. There are plenty of places that provide info for gamers out there -- some are great, some aren't. These are the best according to you.

Developers & Publishers
A full listing of all the developers and publishers who work on X360 games. If you've got a favorite, build out a profile.

ESRB Ratings
Brush up on your ESRB ratings.

System FAQs
Having problems with getting your X360 to turn on? Check the troubleshooting FAQ. Wondering what you need to do to get it to play Xbox original games? Check the compatibility FAQ.

Silverfangdarkk's Setup

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:21:52 CDT

Opening Comments: Here is my current 360 setup. I am constantly adding to it as money allows. I am proud of it so far, but it could always be better. Any tips on how I can improve it are greatly appreciated.

Hardware:

Polaroid 19 inch LCD HDTV 1911-TLXB
Xbox 360 Premium using Component Video Cables into a Component Auto Switch, PS2 Slim connected with Component Cables
SD2000 Combo VCR/DVD Recorder using Component Cables and SPDIF Out
Pioneer HTS-GS1 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Receiver with XBOX 360 Remote
AT&T Fast Access DSL, Belkin Wireless G Router, Xbox 360 Wireless USB Adapter
Play and Charge Kit, Dual Battery Charger, Xbox Live Vision USB Camera, Dish Network Sattelite Receiver with America's Top 150 programming Package, USB Keyboard, Games are located in the drawers underneath the DVD/VCR, Sound Sensitive Blue LED Lights

Controllers: 2 Wireless Xbox 360 Controllers, 2 PS2 Wired Controllers, and 1 USB Wired Controller for PC

Wish List: 120 GB Hard Drive, HD-DVD Player attachment for 360, PS3, PSP, DS, Gears of War, Mass Effect, Assasin's Creed, Nintendo Wii

Most Played Games: Final Fantasy XI: Online Vana Diel Collection 2008 because my friend is paying for my subscription. Halo 3, The Orange Box, Oblivion

My Rig !:

My Setup

shadowmlt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:21:20 CDT

Have a 1000-watt sound system and plasma screen hooked up to your Xbox 360? Or a 27" mini TV because you've spent all your time working for it so why not enjoy it?
Add a new page and using the setup template and show us your setup

Check out these setups!

Add a new page and add share your own setup
To make things easier we have made a layout template, click here