Ok I have a PS3 and have been a Sony guy for over a decade. However I am not a fanboy and have just never really looked at the 360. I have some extra money from christmas and I purchased a WII and was appauled so I am returning it.

I am not considering picking up a 360. I have a 1080P Sony XBR2 60" and a Denon 2807 HDMI receiever with Klipsch 7.1 Reference Series Speakers. I use all HDMI where possible.

Now I have a few questions. I started reading some stuff and it seems that the 360 does not output 7.1 pcm over hdmi? What kind of sound quality am I going to get with the xbox 360. It sounded like most 360 games are in stereo or prologic. Are they in surround like FPSs? Also are there any deals going on right now? 449.99 seems a little steep when looking at the prices/features of the other consoles. I was just going to run out and grab one and just assume on blind faith I would be happy with it but then I remember how my Wii experience turned out.

Thoughts?

Ok I have a PS3 and have been a Sony guy for over a decade. However I am not a fanboy and have just never really looked at the 360. I have some extra money from christmas and I purchased a WII and was appauled so I am returning it.

I am not considering picking up a 360. I have a 1080P Sony XBR2 60" and a Denon 2807 HDMI receiever with Klipsch 7.1 Reference Series Speakers. I use all HDMI where possible.

Now I have a few questions. I started reading some stuff and it seems that the 360 does not output 7.1 pcm over hdmi? What kind of sound quality am I going to get with the xbox 360. It sounded like most 360 games are in stereo or prologic. Are they in surround like FPSs? Also are there any deals going on right now? 449.99 seems a little steep when looking at the prices/features of the other consoles. I was just going to run out and grab one and just assume on blind faith I would be happy with it but then I remember how my Wii experience turned out.

Thoughts?


Also have they fixed all the weird RROD issues I read so much about?

All 360 games have standard Dolby Digital 5.1. Surround sound for every game.

If you want to avoid the RROD, buy a console box with a sticker on it that says the power supply is 175W. Those boxes have smaller, 65nm chips in them that burn less power and create less heat.

The one thing that the 360 clearly does better than the PS3 is games. If you are looking for a video game machine that is HD, xbox 360 clearly wins. Not even a comparison.

Since you are even looking at buying another system there must be something the PS3 lacks that you are looking for?

When xbox live works its pretty damn sweet too.

Don't expect the same sound as the PS3 at all, even if you get the HD-DVD add on, everything is DD 5.1, but there are good games on the 360 for sure.

The one thing that the 360 clearly does better than the PS3 is games. If you are looking for a video game machine that is HD, xbox 360 clearly wins. Not even a comparison.

Since you are even looking at buying another system there must be something the PS3 lacks that you are looking for?

When xbox live works its pretty damn sweet too.

I don't want to turn this thread in to a debate but please don't insult the PS3. From what I have seen so far of some of my friends xbox 360s I feel that PS3 has amazing potential to surpass the capabilities and experience that the xbox 360 has to offer. As of right now they are comparable for the most part. I am very happy with it and think it performes amazingly well for HD gaming and I love watching blu ray movies. I am just a gamer and want more options available to me for games. If I have an xbox 360 then there is no game I can't gamefly that might interest me.

I have no plans to watch HD DVD. I will have taken an objective look at the marketplace and feel that blu ray is the smart buy at the moment so I am going to stick to that unless something changes in the marketplace.

Are there any good deals going on right now? Whats the cheapest version with an HDMI port?

Are there any good deals going on right now? Whats the cheapest version with an HDMI port?

$280 for the Arcade model. No hard drive included. But you can get a used one from Gamestop for about $60, I believe.

If great games like GEARS OF WAR, BIOSHOCK, and MASS EFFECT aren't enough of a reason to pick it up, then it's probaly not for you, and this is a waste of time. You asked to be convinced, then get defensive, what's that?!

Xbox is a gaming machine 1st, and does gaming very well. Only a couple of PS3 games are 7.1, rest are 5.1. The sound from the Xbox is just as amazing as on my PS3, I have had no issues at all (and though my system is getting a little outdated, the audio setup I have is superb).

From a strict gaming perspesctive, The Xbox will suck you in. There will be some exceptions, but a majority of multi console owners spend far more time gaming on the Xbox compared to the PS3. Similarly most of us will also prefer the Xbox version over the PS3 version as well (for several reasons, Xbox live is great for multiplayer, much much larger online community, until recently many of the cross platform games are better on the Xbox, and even new releases such as Orange box is better). Most new releases have a substancial discount (the last 5-6 games I have bought at launch have all cost me $39.99 (Halo3, CoD4, Orange Box, Mass Effect, Bioshock, etc), and I have GTAIV for 42.99. Most PS3 exclusives are $59.99 and are still the same price (though finally there have been a few good deals with Assassin CReed and CoD4 available for $39.99, but Rachet, Drakes, Lair, Heavenly Sword are all still $59.99 (even Motorstorm and Resistance till recently was full price). Most Xbox 360 platinum hits are $19-$29.

To me the biggest reason why I use the Xbox more is because of my 'friends list'. Majority are from here on AVS, and many from Daddyplace, but all of them have been terrific to play with. If I am stuck in a game, they come and help, we have regular gamming nights with multiple different games, and the ingame communication is superb (im/voice chat) etc. Access to the system blade while in a game is what makes things transition well. I have tried playing Warhawk with the AVS guys here, and when I am able to join a game, it has been fun, but even then voice chat is minimal, and getting into a game is not as easy as with CoD4 and Halo 3 (which in my opinion has the best matchmaking of all games so far). PLUS when you have that chainsawing urge, Gears will fullfill you.......

Xbox is a gaming machine 1st, and does gaming very well. Only a couple of PS3 games are 7.1, rest are 5.1. The sound from the Xbox is just as amazing as on my PS3, I have had no issues at all (and though my system is getting a little outdated, the audio setup I have is superb).

From a strict gaming perspesctive, The Xbox will suck you in. There will be some exceptions, but a majority of multi console owners spend far more time gaming on the Xbox compared to the PS3. Similarly most of us will also prefer the Xbox version over the PS3 version as well (for several reasons, Xbox live is great for multiplayer, much much larger online community, until recently many of the cross platform games are better on the Xbox, and even new releases such as Orange box is better). Most new releases have a substancial discount (the last 5-6 games I have bought at launch have all cost me $39.99 (Halo3, CoD4, Orange Box, Mass Effect, Bioshock, etc), and I have GTAIV for 42.99. Most PS3 exclusives are $59.99 and are still the same price (though finally there have been a few good deals with Assassin CReed and CoD4 available for $39.99, but Rachet, Drakes, Lair, Heavenly Sword are all still $59.99 (even Motorstorm and Resistance till recently was full price). Most Xbox 360 platinum hits are $19-$29.

To me the biggest reason why I use the Xbox more is because of my 'friends list'. Majority are from here on AVS, and many from Daddyplace, but all of them have been terrific to play with. If I am stuck in a game, they come and help, we have regular gamming nights with multiple different games, and the ingame communication is superb (im/voice chat) etc. Access to the system blade while in a game is what makes things transition well. I have tried playing Warhawk with the AVS guys here, and when I am able to join a game, it has been fun, but even then voice chat is minimal, and getting into a game is not as easy as with CoD4 and Halo 3 (which in my opinion has the best matchmaking of all games so far). PLUS when you have that chainsawing urge, Gears will fullfill you.......
Thanks Deveng! I appreciate the comments. Thats what I was hoping to hear. I think I am going to give it a go and become a dual console owner.

If great games like GEARS OF WAR, BIOSHOCK, and MASS EFFECT aren't enough of a reason to pick it up, then it's probaly not for you, and this is a waste of time. You asked to be convinced, then get defensive, what's that?!

I didn't get the impression he was being defensive, he just doesn't want this turning into a PS3-bash-a-thon.

I didn't get the impression he was being defensive, he just doesn't want this turning into a PS3-bash-a-thon.
Correctamundo.

Again, I appreciate the comments guys!

sethhobrin.............YOU need to pick up GEARS OF WAR!!!!!!!!!

I bought it the 1st day availible and I still play it often..........this game is over a year old and the graphics and gameplay are still amazing to me!!!!!!

Cant wait to.......GEARs OF WAR 2

Im not biased in anyway I have both the PS3 and 360!!!!

I didn't get the impression he was being defensive, he just doesn't want this turning into a PS3-bash-a-thon.

From what I have seen so far of some of my friends xbox 360s I feel that PS3 has amazing potential to surpass the capabilities and experience that the xbox 360 has to offer.
WOW! On the XBOX forum too, very bold. Nice!:rolleyes:

As of right now they are comparable for the most part. I am very happy with it and think it performes amazingly well for HD gaming and I love watching blu ray movies. I am just a gamer and want more options available to me for games. If I have an xbox 360 then there is no game I can't gamefly that might interest me.

Exactly. Kind of convinced yourself already, and I was right in saying this was a waste of time. But, no harm, no foul, or whatever.....

Are there any good deals going on right now? Whats the cheapest version with an HDMI port?

Internet Explorer;)

Try Xboxlive For 30 Days

Try Mass Effect for an hour.

Get a 65nm Elite (175w) or don't get one yet. You will appreciate the larger HD (20GB is really 13GB and only room for maybe six demos), black color and two free games. The 360 prices have always been deceiving considering you will need Live Gold to play online ($50/y), $20 rechargeable batteries and maybe the $99 wi-fi adapter. The HD-DVD drive is probably a bad investment at this point.

Try Mass Effect for an hour.

uh, maybe longer than that. I'm about 3 hours in and it's a bore so far. I hear it gets better later.

"Get a 65nm Elite (175w) or don't get one yet. You will appreciate the larger HD (20GB is really 13GB and only room for maybe six demos), black color and two free games. The 360 prices have always been deceiving considering you will need Live Gold to play online ($50/y), $20 rechargeable batteries and maybe the $99 wi-fi adapter. The HD-DVD drive is probably a bad investment at this point."

What? Why do I need room for a bunch of demos? You don't play a demo and then throw it away? Is white not a valid color? I have to have Live Gold? Alkaline batteries arent good enough? Ethernet isn't a valid way to hook it up?

There are 3 versions at 3 price points for a reason. Get the version that suits your need and wants.

What? Why do I need room for a bunch of demos? You don't play a demo and then throw it away? Is white not a valid color? I have to have Live Gold? Alkaline batteries arent good enough? Ethernet isn't a valid way to hook it up?

There are 3 versions at 3 price points for a reason. Get the version that suits your need and wants.

From the OP:

Thoughts?

I gave mine, don't share my opinions then post your own. Jesus, new to the Internets?

Judging by the OP's comments I think the PRO at $349 is clearly his best option. he is not going to use it for watching HD movies, since he already has a BR player.

uh, maybe longer than that. I'm about 3 hours in and it's a bore so far. I hear it gets better later.

True, but if the conversation system and plot line interaction do not have you in the first hour, you probably will not like it.

If you really like games and terriffic MP then the 360 is a must!

Xbox is a gaming machine 1st, and does gaming very well. Only a couple of PS3 games are 7.1, rest are 5.1. The sound from the Xbox is just as amazing as on my PS3, I have had no issues at all (and though my system is getting a little outdated, the audio setup I have is superb).

From a strict gaming perspesctive, The Xbox will suck you in. There will be some exceptions, but a majority of multi console owners spend far more time gaming on the Xbox compared to the PS3. Similarly most of us will also prefer the Xbox version over the PS3 version as well (for several reasons, Xbox live is great for multiplayer, much much larger online community, until recently many of the cross platform games are better on the Xbox, and even new releases such as Orange box is better). Most new releases have a substancial discount (the last 5-6 games I have bought at launch have all cost me $39.99 (Halo3, CoD4, Orange Box, Mass Effect, Bioshock, etc), and I have GTAIV for 42.99. Most PS3 exclusives are $59.99 and are still the same price (though finally there have been a few good deals with Assassin CReed and CoD4 available for $39.99, but Rachet, Drakes, Lair, Heavenly Sword are all still $59.99 (even Motorstorm and Resistance till recently was full price). Most Xbox 360 platinum hits are $19-$29.

To me the biggest reason why I use the Xbox more is because of my 'friends list'. Majority are from here on AVS, and many from Daddyplace, but all of them have been terrific to play with. If I am stuck in a game, they come and help, we have regular gamming nights with multiple different games, and the ingame communication is superb (im/voice chat) etc. Access to the system blade while in a game is what makes things transition well. I have tried playing Warhawk with the AVS guys here, and when I am able to join a game, it has been fun, but even then voice chat is minimal, and getting into a game is not as easy as with CoD4 and Halo 3 (which in my opinion has the best matchmaking of all games so far). PLUS when you have that chainsawing urge, Gears will fullfill you.......


+1...

I have both consoles. I made the jump to 360 for Halo 3 release. After purchase I played the 360 rarely to occasionally. Here lately, it's pretty much all I game on now. I keep the other system for movies and AVS/TWW game nights.

What drives me to use the 360 more now is achievements and online user interface. I can't stand not having basic online communication functions on the other console. I wish those features were there, even a year later but they're not. If you've never used the in game functions of the 360 you won't miss them. After having a taste of in game voice chat, text message, and voice message (even cross game) it's difficult to go back. Add to that in game music is cool also.

As for achievements, I thought they were a gimmick at first, but now I would rather play a game on the 360 vice the ps3 because my time spent playing a game has something to show for it. I know it won't buy anything and won't cure world hunger but its a cool feature.

You asked about audio output of the 360. I'm not an audiophile by any means but in relation to games the 360 has outstanding surround sound. The one game that really drove this point home was Rainbow 6 Vegas on the 360. The guns have a cleaner and better sound compared to the other machine. There is a very noticable sound dynamic for the guns in the 360. The other version seems muffled and not as clean. Not a big deal but noticable to my untrained ear.

Good luck and hook me up with a friend invite when you get all set up.

Thoughts?Only this: If you haven't been swayed by reviews of games like Halo 3, Mass Effect, Bioshock, Dead Rising, Forza, PGR, or Crackdown, you're not likely to part with the extra money to pick up a 360. The system has been out for over two years now and its strengths and weaknesses have been hashed out to death, here and elsewhere ad infinitum. You know what you like to play -- follow your heart, and don't rely on a bunch of anonymous geeks (*ahem*) to tell you what to buy.

Only this: If you haven't been swayed by reviews of games like Halo 3, Mass Effect, Bioshock, Dead Rising, Forza, PGR, or Crackdown, you're not likely to part with the extra money to pick up a 360. The system has been out for over two years now and its strengths and weaknesses have been hashed out to death, here and elsewhere ad infinitum.

Correct.
XBOX 360 is about games first, second, and third.
The media capabilities, while extensive and powerful (especially the home networking capabilities available through the built-in Media Center Extender client) are strictly frosting. Mind you, I only rented 2 movies off Blockbusters last year because of the 360 video rentals, but that is not a reason to get a 360.
The only reason to buy a 360 is for the games.
Want to play in the Halo Universe? You need a 360.
Bioshock? 360.
Mass Effect? 360.
Gears of War? 360.
Want the full Oblivion kit-n-kaboodle? 360.
Want the full GTA IV experience? Ditto.
Want a complete, integrated, polished online gaming environment? 360.

All the convincing a gamer needs lies here:
http://www.metacritic.com/games/xbox360/scores/

Its all about the games.
(Remember, the 360 has an attach rate of about 7. That works out to $400+ per owner. Average. Factor in that a quarter of those owners only joined up in the last 4 months and you'll see that 360 owners buy lots of games. And at $60 bucks a pop we're not buying them to sit on shelves, but to play.)
G-A-M-E-S.
If that isn't enough, save the money and use it for other forms of entertainment. Slot machines, maybe. ;)

Dude, the best advice I can give you is to pick up a 360 at Costco. I'm not convinced that the smaller chip and lower power consumption in the new 360's will completely cure the RRoD issue. Even if it does, the return policy at Costco can't be matched for any other problems you might have. As a HUGE Sony fan (pretty much all my AV components are Sony) I can tell you that I wish I had picked up my 360 at Costco, only because I'm completely addicted to the 360's games and Xbox Live. I've had 1 RRoD and I can tell you the 30 day repair period to receive my console back was PAINFUL. You might have to spend a little extra at Costco for the bundle, but in the end its totally worth it. Until Sony gets the PSN up to speed and adds in-game messaging, cross-game invites, etc. the 360 is by far the best gaming console at the moment.

Its all about the games.
(Remember, the 360 has an attach rate of about 7. That works out to $400+ per owner. Average. Factor in that a quarter of those owners only joined up in the last 4 months and you'll see that 360 owners buy lots of games. And at $60 bucks a pop we're not buying them to sit on shelves, but to play.)
G-A-M-E-S.

One of the VERY nice bonuses of the significantly larger US. install base is many of those games bought end up used and any great titles can be had on Ebay, Hal, Craiglsist and Gamestop for half off or more.

uh, maybe longer than that. I'm about 3 hours in and it's a bore so far. I hear it gets better later.

If your not into RPG's than its probably not going to be your cup of tea. I found every minute of Mass Effect to be truley amazing, including the first hour that is suppose to be "boring".

To OP, I can say that the Xbox360 is an amazing gaming console. Has tons of great games. And if you already have a PS3, why not have the best of both worlds?

One of the VERY nice bonuses of the significantly larger US. install base is many of those games bought end up used and any great titles can be had on Ebay, Hal, Craiglsist and Gamestop for half off or more.

This note also brings another good point, as the US has been Xbox biased for years, and the gaming selection has been tailored towards the US. If looking at US gaming alone, the difference in the number (between consoles) of users will be even more dramatic (that is why games like Halo 3, CoD4, and Gears (especially in its prime) usually have hundreds of thousands of players playing at any given time. Why is this important? Because you end up playing with people in your time zone most of the time and finding games even months after release is very easy becaue of the vastly larger numbers of people.

Ok so I decided to get the elite model for the sole reason it is black and will match all my other components. However I have tried every store in town and no elites to be found.

Whats the status of the ELites? Are they going to be shipping to stores again soon? Is there going to be a price drop from 449.99? Anyone know the scoop on this?

Keep checking back. I found a falcon elite at Best Buy on a Saturday morning after they were out fro several weeks. It would help if you could find out the receiving days for a stores shipments.

Try to purchase from a store that has a decent ext warranty preferable a replacement plan rather than a service (repair) plan. I'd rather just drop off a broken machine and get a new one as opposed to shipping the machine off for repair or replacement.

One last thing... Be sure to get the latest build date to ensure you're getting the 360 with the newest chipsets. Clicky Linky. (http://forums.xbox.com/15804553/ShowPost.aspx) I'm sure you knew about this already but I wanted to make sure...

With owning both consoles, you don't have to worry about "exclusive" titles! :D

With owning both consoles, you don't have to worry about "exclusive" titles! :D

Unless they're on the Wii :rolleyes:

Unless they're on the Wii :rolleyes:

Not likely since I just returned my Wii and getting a 360 instead! I didn't like it. thought it was just plain dumb and didn't require skill.

Best Buy's website has Elites available for shipping right now. Just a heads up for you.

lol @ needing to be convinced to spending money. If you need to be convinced to spending money, you really shouldn't be spending it.

Not likely since I just returned my Wii and getting a 360 instead! I didn't like it. thought it was just plain dumb and didn't require skill.

Bummer, you should've given one of the Nintendo first-party titles a try. Metroid Prime 3 in particular is an amazing showcase for this systems potential.

But I digress, I'm not here to convince you you're missing out by selling the Wii. Instead I'm here to demand when you buy your 360 you also obtain a copy of Bioshock and enjoy the hell out of it. Then get Mass Effect and appreciate that Bioware are the king of the western RPG. O and if you enjoy online shooters go get Gears of War, Halo 3, and Call of Duty 4 NOW! If you grab Oblivion though stick with your PS3, it's easier to see in dark environments, the textures look a little better, and the load times are half as long.

Ok I have a PS3 and have been a Sony guy for over a decade. However I am not a fanboy and have just never really looked at the 360. I have some extra money from christmas and I purchased a WII and was appauled so I am returning it.

I am not considering picking up a 360. I have a 1080P Sony XBR2 60" and a Denon 2807 HDMI receiever with Klipsch 7.1 Reference Series Speakers. I use all HDMI where possible.

Now I have a few questions. I started reading some stuff and it seems that the 360 does not output 7.1 pcm over hdmi? What kind of sound quality am I going to get with the xbox 360. It sounded like most 360 games are in stereo or prologic. Are they in surround like FPSs? Also are there any deals going on right now? 449.99 seems a little steep when looking at the prices/features of the other consoles. I was just going to run out and grab one and just assume on blind faith I would be happy with it but then I remember how my Wii experience turned out.

Thoughts?


I didn't read through the other replies, but I'll chime in anyway. The 360 is Dolby Digital standard. I've never played a game that is not in 5.1. I love my 360 but I think the Wii is a worthy gaming machine. Are you looking for a gaming machine or a multimedia console? IMO all three consoles have strengths with the PS3 being the weakest. To each his own though....

Get a 65nm Elite (175w) or don't get one yet. You will appreciate the larger HD (20GB is really 13GB and only room for maybe six demos), black color and two free games. The 360 prices have always been deceiving considering you will need Live Gold to play online ($50/y), $20 rechargeable batteries and maybe the $99 wi-fi adapter. The HD-DVD drive is probably a bad investment at this point.

amen.

Best Buy's website has Elites available for shipping right now. Just a heads up for you.

Yeah but I can't garauntee that it will be a 65nm processor then....

Yeah you can never be sure but considering they sold a ton of them during the holidays I would say you have pretty good odds. Best Buy usually gets shipments on Sundays though (at least the ones around her) so I would say you might try them back tomorrow. Or try out Sam's Club if you have a membership.

If you grab Oblivion though stick with your PS3, it's easier to see in dark environments, the textures look a little better, and the load times are half as long.

Respectfully beg to differ.
In my book, DLC trumps all niggles.
Last I heard Bethesda hadn't figured out how to shoehorn DLC into the other console's memory footprint. Has that recently changed? (Horse armor may be useless but most of the other add-ins provided real *gaming* value, especially the Wizard's tower and spell tomes. And Mehrune's Razor is a fun ride...

As an Oblivion completionist, I would only accept the PC version (user-created content) as superior to the 360 and that only if you can afford the hardware needed to play on an HDTV.
<shrug>
To each their own, but to me the two year old 360 release of Oblivion still rules.

Respectfully beg to differ.
In my book, DLC trumps all niggles.
Last I heard Bethesda hadn't figured out how to shoehorn DLC into the other console's memory footprint. Has that recently changed? (Horse armor may be useless but most of the other add-ins provided real *gaming* value, especially the Wizard's tower and spell tomes. And Mehrune's Razor is a fun ride...

As an Oblivion completionist, I would only accept the PC version (user-created content) as superior to the 360 and that only if you can afford the hardware needed to play on an HDTV.
<shrug>
To each their own, but to me the two year old 360 release of Oblivion still rules.

All the Oblivion DLC as well as Nights of the Nine came already in the game on the PS3 version. If he wanted Shivering Isles he could grab the GotY Edition or buy expansion separate down the road.