what does the back of the new models look like? is there an optical out for audio? i don't own a receiver that has hdmi in/out on it. i'm looking to buy one of the newer shipments today. and i'm not sure what to do about the sound.

thank you.

It looks exactly like the old ones, with the addition of the HDMI port above (or next to, depending on how you look at it) the A/V port. No optical out. You either need to buy the Xbox HDMI cable kit separately for $50, which includes an optical-out dongle, or mod the existing A/V cable and use the optical-out on that (the plastic case blocks the HDMI port normally).

Elites come with the optical dongle, no need to buy the $50 kit.

I didn't know this, I have been wanting to upgrade my 360 to an HDMI box as my set red pushes with component... every HDMI box should come with a dongle and $50 is a rip off.

Another alterntive is to get a third party A/V cable that has small enough plug to allow the HDMI cable to fit. I don't know off hand which ones will work, but I've heard of people using that method.

Beter yet, mayble someone with an Elite using just HDMI would be willing to give you his optical dongle if you paid for the shipping.

thank you, jremy510. i still have the VGA cable from my old 360. i'll use that, and just hook my cable box up using component cable.
thank you for the information. :) much appreciated.

Another alterntive is to get a third party A/V cable that has small enough plug to allow the HDMI cable to fit. I don't know off hand which ones will work, but I've heard of people using that method.

Beter yet, mayble someone with an Elite using just HDMI would be willing to give you his optical dongle if you paid for the shipping.

good point. i'll look around and see if anyone is not using their dongle.
that's a funny word. :)

HDMI receiver's aren't the norm, this is purposely left out knowing 85% of people buying it will also be purchase the dongle.

good point. i'll look around and see if anyone is not using their dongle.
that's a funny word. :)
Or you could just pop off the plastic covering around your component cables which will give you enough room to plug in your HDMI cable.