The General 360 Owners/Buyers FAQ Thread (Updated 1/15/10)

I have a question. It might be a stupid question. I've seen some people post screen shots of Gears 2, and it looks better on there HDTV than it does mine. I know there is a difference between Component, and HDMI,but it isn't that big of a difference is it? I have a Samsung 40 inch 1080p tv.
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']Personally I wouldn't pay that. For $200 you'd get a new unit with new hardware, and can just use your old drive, versus getting a refurbed model that will probably break again, though I know a lot of people prefer going the refurb route.


Good idea about ripping it to the hard drive. Try it on another TV if you can, but yeah, sounds suspicious.
[/QUOTE]

The only problem with that is that it's a Halo 360. If it was a regular system then I wouldn't mind getting a refurb. And also, the only game it seems to have trouble with is Gears of War 2. So looks like I'm stuck with it for now.
 
[quote name='ninja dog']Thanks for moving my post to this clusterfuck of a thread.[/quote]

Yeah, and now no one will help me, they just bitch me out.
 
[quote name='jman619']I have a question. It might be a stupid question. I've seen some people post screen shots of Gears 2, and it looks better on there HDTV than it does mine. I know there is a difference between Component, and HDMI,but it isn't that big of a difference is it? I have a Samsung 40 inch 1080p tv.[/quote]


What are you using to connect the 360 to the tv? VGA, Component, HDMI? What resolution do you have the 360 set to?

If you are connected via Component, does your tv accept 1080p over component? If not you need to get HDMI or VGA or set your tv to 720p.
 
[quote name='Dr. Pizza']Will i be able to run in 1080p and/or 1080i? or just 720p?[/quote]

You will be able to run at whatever your monitor's resolution is.


Now stop crying.
 
[quote name='jman619']I have a question. It might be a stupid question. I've seen some people post screen shots of Gears 2, and it looks better on there HDTV than it does mine. I know there is a difference between Component, and HDMI,but it isn't that big of a difference is it? I have a Samsung 40 inch 1080p tv.[/QUOTE]


It probably has nothing to do with the cable. There are a lot of different factors that affect image quality. A lot of people buy their HDTV, then don't touch their settings at all. If that's you, that's why. Some TVs come with presets that may or may not get it looking nice. The best picture will come from fine tuning the settings yourself. Look up "HDTV calibration" and get cracking. Also, any special settings your tv has, like "black level enhancement," and other image enhancers besides contrast, brightness, color, sharpness, and color temp, should all be turned off.
 
Well, since no one gave me a response, I'm going to assume there isn't a good choice :D I was looking at the X3's, but from what I can tell, the sound quality as headphones isn't good enough to compete with similarly priced headphones. I'll just use the crappy standard headset.

FWIW, I'm considering Sennheiser 555 or 595's as well as some of the Grados. If anyone has an opinion on those, that would help.
 
These are probably the best.. I might upgrade soon to them(I have the x3s and they are awesome, zero complaints besides the fact that if you play for extended hours your ears will hurt, I believe the x4s are lighters and solve that problem)

http://gear.ign.com/articles/910/910314p1.html

Didn't see this thread and I'm assuming no one answered because there was already a similar thread posted recently.

I think the sound quality is fine.. the people's biggest complaint is the "hissing" noise which is non-existent when you're playing in-game, when it's completely silent yes you hear it for the 360 though these are probably the best headphones out though ALL wireless headphones will have some sort of hissing noise.
 
Didn't see this thread and I'm assuming no one answered because there was already a similar thread posted recently.

The Turtle Beach Force x4s are probably the best out there right now but I believe are overpriced... you might be able to snag one on Ebay for $100 -$120 and it'd be well worth it.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/910/910314p1.html

I have the x3s and I think the sound quality is fine.. though people's biggest complaint is the "hissing" noise which is non-existent when you're playing in-game but when it's completely silent yes you hear it(if it doesn't bother you, like it doesnt bother me these headphones are perfect) for the 360 I would have to say these are probably the best headphones out.

All wireless headphones will have some sort of hissing noise. I want to upgrade to the x4s obviously for the 5.1 surround, the cool looking thig-a-majig, and for extended hours of play the headphones are alot more comfortable than the x3s.
 
[quote name='cmart05']Didn't see this thread and I'm assuming no one answered because there was already a similar thread posted recently.

The Turtle Beach Force x4s are probably the best out there right now but I believe are overpriced... you might be able to snag one on Ebay for $100 -$120 and it'd be well worth it.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/910/910314p1.html

I have the x3s and I think the sound quality is fine.. though people's biggest complaint is the "hissing" noise which is non-existent when you're playing in-game but when it's completely silent yes you hear it(if it doesn't bother you, like it doesnt bother me these headphones are perfect) for the 360 I would have to say these are probably the best headphones out.

All wireless headphones will have some sort of hissing noise. I want to upgrade to the x4s obviously for the 5.1 surround, the cool looking thig-a-majig, and for extended hours of play the headphones are alot more comfortable than the x3s.[/quote]

The part where my thread differs is would you use the headset for general purpose headphones too? I don't know if you could do that with the X3/X4's, and I don't want to spend that much dough only to be able to use them as a headset ;)
 
I have a some Turtle Beach X1's and use them constantly. The sound quality is very good, but they are wired, so they may not be your cup of tea. You can find them on sale from time to time. I picked mine up directly from the Turtle Beach website a year and a half ago when they had a holiday sale going on.
 
[quote name='Anexanhume']The part where my thread differs is would you use the headset for general purpose headphones too? I don't know if you could do that with the X3/X4's, and I don't want to spend that much dough only to be able to use them as a headset ;)[/quote]

What use do you want with the headphones?
 
[quote name='cmart05']What use do you want with the headphones?[/quote]

On top of a headset, I'd like to be able to plug them into my TV so as to not to disturb my apartment neighbors if I happen to game or something late at night. As for my music, I mostly listen to metal (with the occasional jazz or classical stuff). So, I'd like something that can faithfully reproduce guitar tones as well as authentic bass and percussion (not loud and thumpy for the sake of it). Also, I want something that will function fine on its own without a dedicated headphone amp.
 
[quote name='Anexanhume']On top of a headset, I'd like to be able to plug them into my TV so as to not to disturb my apartment neighbors if I happen to game or something late at night. As for my music, I mostly listen to metal (with the occasional jazz or classical stuff). So, I'd like something that can faithfully reproduce guitar tones as well as authentic bass and percussion (not loud and thumpy for the sake of it). Also, I want something that will function fine on its own without a dedicated headphone amp.[/quote]

As far as all that goes the x3s do fine.
 
You're not going to get the best quality sound using a headset. You definitely need standalone headphones for that.

I would recommend these: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-A900-ATH-A900-Headphones/dp/B0006VT1TY

The A900's are awesome. Low resistance too (40 ohm impedence), so you don't need an amp. Good bass too. I use them for PC gaming, and they are perfect. You could probably find them for a better price elsewhere though (I got mine for about $180 a couple years ago.)
 
[quote name='PrarieD0G']You're not going to get the best quality sound using a headset. You definitely need standalone headphones for that.

I would recommend these: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-A900-ATH-A900-Headphones/dp/B0006VT1TY

The A900's are awesome. Low resistance too (40 ohm impedence), so you don't need an amp. Good bass too. I use them for PC gaming, and they are perfect. You could probably find them for a better price elsewhere though (I got mine for about $180 a couple years ago.)[/quote]

I was worried about that in a headset, but I hoped there would be a glimmer of hope somewhere.

Thanks for the recommendation. I want to stay under 150, and I was leaning towards the hd 555's because I've been told they work well without an amp. The grado's seem nice, but I'm uneasy about the complaints of lack of comfortableness. Similarly, I've looked at the ad700's, and they may be better suited for me based on the general preference for them in rock/metal. I'm kinda leaning there now.

I need to go down to a store and compare them if I can.
 
I just got the TurtleBeach Earforce X1 for xmas and I love them. My girlfriend got them for me so she wouldn't have to heard me playing. I use them when she isn't around because they are that good. They are $60 and I think they are worth it. The only con is that when you plug in a play and charge plug you get a hissing sound in the headphones.
 
Can someone please point me in the right direction for information about downloading Marketplace content on multiple boxes that each have multiple Gamertags?

I just recently upgraded to an Elite and my wife wants to commandeer the old 20gig. I'm worried that we're going to DL something and not be able to access it on one or the other boxes.

A link to downloads and account switching, etc would be really helpful. Thanks.:roll:
 
The only way I can see to do it is to have the content tied to one of the consoles, and keep your profile on that one so that other profiles can use it, and then be logged in to Live on the other one with your profile.
 
My disk drive is really loud when the 360 is vertical and there's a disk in there - even if I'm not playing a game like when watching Netflix. It didn't used to be like this and isn't nearly as loud when it's horizontal. Should I be concerned? The machine is only 2 months old.
 
Anyone have any current information about the replacement plans offered by Best Buy or Wal-mart? I know both of them used to offer good plans for system replacement, but it looks like Best Buy has gotten rid of it and replaced it with some Geek Squad Black Tie bullshit, which probably means you can't just bring it in and swap it anymore. Wal-mart I know had a better replacement plan, but on walmart.com I can't find any information on a replacement plan for a 360, only handhelds.

Anyone?
 
[quote name='torifile']My disk drive is really loud when the 360 is vertical and there's a disk in there - even if I'm not playing a game like when watching Netflix. It didn't used to be like this and isn't nearly as loud when it's horizontal. Should I be concerned? The machine is only 2 months old.[/QUOTE]

Really not sure, as it seems like Microsoft's using a ton of different drives in these things. Mine eventually spins down the disc if it's not playing a game (or if I pause a DVD), and is relatively quiet while playing a DVD or Xbox 1 game (or of course when playing an installed game)...relative to how the drive is if running a 360 game of disc that is.
 
Dunno if this has been answered already but this seems like the appropriate place to ask. So, having had an Elite, I never had to worry about transferring stuff but my nephew had a Pro and I bought him a 120g hd from the recent Target deal*. Anyway, there seems to be a lot of info on transferring a 20g > 120g but info is lite on doing the process on a 60g > 120g. The 120g hd comes w/ a transfer cable but it only seems to work on a 20g > 120g as it keeps asking me if I have the 20g connected. I would try the Live support but those Indians aren't effective communicators (I've talked to 3 separate people and they've all given me the same shit scripted dialogue). Is it just me doing something wrong? Or is it just outdated software? WonderCAG powers unite! Form. of. Help!

*though I wish I'd waited for the CC one
 
I'm having a bit of trouble with connecting to the internet on my 360. I'm trying to use one wall jack and transfer the ethernet cable between my computer and my xbox depending on which I feel like using. It works to connect the computer to the internet since I'm typing on that comp right now, but when I move the cable to the xbox and test the connection it can't find any connection to the internet, and I can't connect to live.

Any ideas? Thanks
 
Anyone have any ideas? I want to order a gold card already but I need to first be able to actually know I can connect!!!! >
 
[quote name='Spades22']Anyone have any ideas? I want to order a gold card already but I need to first be able to actually know I can connect!!!! >
 
Ya...no router or anything. Just direct connection to a wall jack. I have windows vista, so is there any way to kind of open up my connection and get rid of any restrictions?
 
[quote name='jaykrue']Dunno if this has been answered already but this seems like the appropriate place to ask. So, having had an Elite, I never had to worry about transferring stuff but my nephew had a Pro and I bought him a 120g hd from the recent Target deal*. Anyway, there seems to be a lot of info on transferring a 20g > 120g but info is lite on doing the process on a 60g > 120g. The 120g hd comes w/ a transfer cable but it only seems to work on a 20g > 120g as it keeps asking me if I have the 20g connected. I would try the Live support but those Indians aren't effective communicators (I've talked to 3 separate people and they've all given me the same shit scripted dialogue). Is it just me doing something wrong? Or is it just outdated software? WonderCAG powers unite! Form. of. Help!

*though I wish I'd waited for the CC one[/quote]


It works the same with the 60gb. The migration kits can be used as many times as you want. During the instructions/setup everywhere it tells you to do something with the 20gb just do it with your 60gb and the transfer to the 120gb will work fine

[quote name='Spades22']Ya...no router or anything. Just direct connection to a wall jack. I have windows vista, so is there any way to kind of open up my connection and get rid of any restrictions?[/quote]


You can't just have a cat5 cable coming out of the wall from no where. Do you have Cable/DSL/etc? There is a modem somewhere in your house distributing the internet.
 
I get my internet access as part of my rent...each room is hooked up to internet, so I have no access to the modem. If that is part of the problem, can I open up connections somehow from my comp?
 
[quote name='Malik112099']It works the same with the 60gb. The migration kits can be used as many times as you want. During the instructions/setup everywhere it tells you to do something with the 20gb just do it with your 60gb and the transfer to the 120gb will work fine.[/quote]

Nope, it doesn't work since I already followed the instructions down to the most minute detail. I specifically even used only the USB cord in the back (as they instructed me to despite my own doubts as to whether that even really matters). Having done more research on the matter (and a quick PM from another CAG), it seems that older 120g hds didn't have migration kits that had software that recognizes 60g hds. It was the thought being that the people who would migrate would only do so from 20 > 120. :roll: Go fig. Anyway, I'm sending off the pdf for a new migration kit tomorrow so hopefully, my nephew can stop bugging me about his 360 and I can get back to my own.

[quote name='Spades22']I get my internet access as part of my rent...each room is hooked up to internet, so I have no access to the modem. If that is part of the problem, can I open up connections somehow from my comp?[/quote]

Malik's right about this. That internet is coming from somewhere so most likely your landlord (or whoever is in charge of your internet) has access to a modem/router that is filtering the internet room by room. Actually, are you in a college dorm? They might be even more restrictive than a normal apartment when it comes to internet usage.

As for actually using it, yes, you'll most likely need to enable internet sharing on your laptop and hook up your 360 to your laptop or get a cheap router.
 
I actually do have a router somewhere. I'll give that a shot and see if it works when i can get ahold of it, thanks.
 
My disk drive is really loud when the 360 is vertical and there's a disk in there - even if I'm not playing a game like when watching Netflix.
smile.gif
It didn't used to be like this and isn't nearly as loud when it's horizontal. Should I be concerned? The machine is only 2 months old.
 
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So just out of curiosity, where do you guys suggest buying a 360? Online via Amazon or in a store like Target or Best Buy?

I just want to pick up the Arcade model for Star Ocean and Tales.
 
[quote name='willardhaven']So just out of curiosity, where do you guys suggest buying a 360? Online via Amazon or in a store like Target or Best Buy?

I just want to pick up the Arcade model for Star Ocean and Tales.[/quote]


The cheapest place you can find it.
 
[quote name='willardhaven']So just out of curiosity, where do you guys suggest buying a 360? Online via Amazon or in a store like Target or Best Buy?

I just want to pick up the Arcade model for Star Ocean and Tales.[/quote]

Lots of stuff you got to factor in....currently no deals (I believe) as of right now.

Amazon:
Pros: -Won't have to pay tax

Cons: -Have to wait for it to arrive
-If you want a jasper, no way to tell if you are getting one.

B&M:
Pros: -You are able to pick out which box you want (if you want a jasper or want one with the latest manufacture date).
-Can play it ASAP once you get home.

Cons: -Tax

I believe that is about it.
 
So I purchased a wireless headset and it will not sync with my wireless controller. After doing some research I found out that a lot of people can't get their original wireless controllers to sync with this headset. By original I mean controllers from around launch. I called customer service and since they said my console is now out of warranty there is nothing they can do for me.

Has anyone had the same problem and been able to fix it? Has anyone been able to get microsoft to replace a controller for you? I'm really feeling kind of screwed here.

Any help is very much appreciated.
 
thanks for the tip, I already tried that. The headset pairs with the system just fine but not my controller. The headset will pair with my wired controllers but it always just skips right over the quadrant of the wireless controller.
 
[quote name='exileinoblivion']So I purchased a wireless headset and it will not sync with my wireless controller. After doing some research I found out that a lot of people can't get their original wireless controllers to sync with this headset. By original I mean controllers from around launch. I called customer service and since they said my console is now out of warranty there is nothing they can do for me.

Has anyone had the same problem and been able to fix it? Has anyone been able to get microsoft to replace a controller for you? I'm really feeling kind of screwed here.

Any help is very much appreciated.[/QUOTE]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpVuoKn-DOA
 
I had this problem at first but like the other poster said, keep messing around with it. Resetting the system. It took me awhile as well to sync but I got it working finally
 
OK So I was playing Xbox Live online last night no problem. I am using my computer online no problem. When I go to play Xbox online, I have to switch the connection into the wall from my computer to my xbox. It has been working fine for months. Today when I try to logon to Xbox, it can't and the test says it can't obtain an IP address.

Anyone have any idea why? I don't go through a router or anything. The computer/xbox plugs straight into the wall.
 
Yeesh, my gf's 360 is so damn loud!

My 360 runs fairly quiet, sometimes I can barely hear if it's on. But my GF's runs insanely loud! And it's NOT the disc drive. It's usually the most loud when it's at the dashboard; it will slowly escalate in loudness, getting to the point where it sounds like a vaccum (no joke) wtf is the deal? (She owns the Halo Edition)
 
If I buy a PC monitor with HDMI input (and speakers, of course), am I ready to go right out of the box with my HDMI cable? Will there be audio just like TV? Will it display 16x9 properly? How is quality vs VGA? Or is it better to go altogether with a PC monitor with RCA audio inputs and just buy the official 360 VGA adapter?

This is a general display question I'm confused about: what is the difference between 16x9 HDTV resolution and PC monitor 1680x1050?
 
Since I got my Xbox back from repair, it will no longer automatically sign me into my profile/Live when starting up. I'm aware of the option in the settings, and it still shows auto sign-in as enabled, but it just won't do it.

Why is this? Really annoying since I only have the one profile to begin with...
 
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