My 3 year warranty is gone, just like so many gamers out there. That presents a problem when it comes to the 360's reliability. My launch unit has never had a problem, or a hiccup, though it has scratched a couple games. With all the bricking caused by the NXE it got me scared. What do I do now?

IGN made a funny video about forcing your system to RROD and get one last free fix or replacement. But I have different idea that will net you another 3 year warranty.

Next weekend Gamestop is having a special where trading in your current 360 will net you an additional $40. So..... Trade yours in and buy a new Arcade Console. Just be sure to keep your HHD, and grab one controller. This trade in should net you $120-$130. So for $80-$70 you will get a new system with the new chip that is supposed to decrease the RROD, and a new 3 year warranty. When MS fixes your console or replaces it with a refurbished one, you don't get a new warranty. After yours expires, expect the repairs to run you around $100-$150.

I have been wanting a 360 with HDMI for a while now. Since I ordered my new surround system, I want to play in surround. To do that I need HDMI. Also I want a warranty. 3 years and no problems seems a little fishy to me. Murphy's Law is about to kick in.

You don't have an optical input in your new receiver? You're not really going to get any better sound out of HDMI with the 360 to justify $80-100 purchase.

I understand the dilemma, but unless you have the extra cake to blow, I wouldn't bother doing it. If it's lasted 3 years with no issues, then maybe you have a defect free one. I haven't had a console last me more then a year.

I am getting the Onkyo SR606. So it will accept LPCM through HDMI. To optical required. My 360 doesn't have an optical out anyway. Can the 360 not send 5.1 PCM through HDMI? Is some funky optical adapter required for the 360?

I have that exact same receiver and have my 360 hooked up through an optical cable to it. The AV cable that you plug into the back of the 360 has a little slot for an optical cable. It sounds fantastic.

I'm just pointing out that you don't need HDMI for surround sound - the optical produces the same sound and would save you a few bucks now. If you decide you want to go with the Arcade for the warranty, then you should try throwing your 360 on Craigslist. Probably get more then what Gamestop will give you.

Edit: If you own a PS3, you'll need the HDMI connection to get the lossless audio codecs to your receiver (TrueHD and DTS-HD MA). That is LPCM.

I am getting the Onkyo SR606. So it will accept LPCM through HDMI. To optical required. My 360 doesn't have an optical out anyway. Can the 360 not send 5.1 PCM through HDMI? Is some funky optical adapter required for the 360?

Every 360 has an optical out. Unless you are not using the AV cable or the slim connector that comes with the 360 HDMI cable.

My 3 year warranty is gone, just like so many gamers out there. That presents a problem when it comes to the 360's reliability. My launch unit has never had a problem, or a hiccup, though it has scratched a couple games. With all the bricking caused by the NXE it got me scared. What do I do now?

IGN made a funny video about forcing your system to RROD and get one last free fix or replacement. But I have different idea that will net you another 3 year warranty.

Next weekend Gamestop is having a special where trading in your current 360 will net you an additional $40. So..... Trade yours in and buy a new Arcade Console. Just be sure to keep your HHD, and grab one controller. This trade in should net you $120-$130. So for $80-$70 you will get a new system with the new chip that is supposed to decrease the RROD, and a new 3 year warranty. When MS fixes your console or replaces it with a refurbished one, you don't get a new warranty. After yours expires, expect the repairs to run you around $100-$150.

I have been wanting a 360 with HDMI for a while now. Since I ordered my new surround system, I want to play in surround. To do that I need HDMI. Also I want a warranty. 3 years and no problems seems a little fishy to me. Murphy's Law is about to kick in.

In your situation I say go for it.. the $70 to 80 bucks you spend to upgrade will include:

1) A newer, quieter, more reliable 360 that generates less heat.. and uses half the power wattage of the old (if you game alot this could save some dollars).

2) 5 free Xbox Live games. (great for kids, wives, family members who visit during the holidays)

3) Trading in your controller for a new one (the buttons do wear out).

4) A memory card to store your gamer profile on (great for using your profile on many different 360's).

5) HDMI.

6) 3 more years of RROD warranty service.



Thats not a bad deal for 70-80 bucks.. actually thats a great deal. You spend more than that for the 3 years of warranty service alone.

I actually think its a good idea.

Lets look at it strictly from the POV of probability.

A repair costs I think $130. Lets say you spend $80 to get a new system. If you think the probability of your system breaking down while you still use it is more than 8/13 = 62%, it is a good buy. Now, do you think there is a greater than 62% chance your system will break? I dunno... but knowing 360... I'd say it's a fair bet.

I'm not sure I agree with number's math, but I think i am gonna do this. How did you find out about the deal though?

I found out about the deal via email. I am on their mailing list. I signed up for it way back when I was trying to a PS3 preorder.

The 80-90 buck trade in value is what was quoted to me by a Gamestop employee over the phone. He said that it varies. Depending on what you turn into them. HDD, headset, etc. If it is any less than that quoted price because I won't be turning in my HDD, then I'm not doing it.

The problem with putting it up on CL is that people want a HDD. There are enough units up there for sale that come with a HDD that it wouldn't be profitable in that market.

I am thinking about bringing my Xbox to Gamestop and trade it in for a newer system. My Xbox was made in Nov 05 (Not launch and was repaired by MS because of RROD).
I rather have a newer system than keep one that is 3 years old with no warranty.
I've checked Gamestop's site and the $40 extra trade in expires Dec. 8th.
http://www.gamestop.com/gs/specialty/tradeins/offers.aspx

I wasn't aware the 360 could output in LPCM.
I was under the impression it re-encodes things to DTS (such as when watching a HD DVD)
or
DTS
DD 5.1 w/ WMA Pro
DD 5.1
DD 2.0
Some one correct if I'm wrong cause I would love to know before I purchase a reciver

I don't think it does 5.1 LPCM via HDMI. In fact I'm very certain it does not.

I have NEVER seen my Onkyo 605 report multichannel PCM using my Xbox. It's either stereo, DD, or DTS.

It puts out the same thing as it puts out over optical.

The only benefit of HDMI over optical audio with component video is the ability to upscale DVD video. Audio is a wash. I ran out of HDMI inputs on my Onkyo 805 so I went back to component/optical for my 360 even though it is an HDMI unit.