Hey all,

I just got my 5080HD and had some questions about connecting up my XBOX 360.

Firstly, I had it connected via Component for a couple days w/o knowing there was an HDTV switch on the back of the component cable. Ok, so...now that THAT is fixed (and holy hell does that make an INCREDIBLE difference!) I now have another issue:

My friend got the Elite but doesnt have an HDTV yet, so he's let me borrow his HDMI cable. I plugged it in, and went to the settings of my Xbox and it chose 1366x768 via the Optimal Resolution setting. The picture went smooth but almost too smooth...almost blurry. Also, it became very dark. I also noticed that all of the user input settings on my TV are now gone and replaced by the PC settings of RGB and Contrast/Brightness. I had to manually switch it to 720p for me to get those settings back. However, when i switched it back to 720p, the in game picture (playing Tiger Woods 08) there are some noticeable jaggies where there wasnt before with Component.

I've seen this floating around in different context, but couldnt derive any real answers out of those other posts.

In your opinion (specifically 720p Kuro owners) what is the best method to connect up your xbox 360? Do you notice the Jagz with the HDMI and if so, have you been able to get rid of them?

Also, another reason I might switch back to Component is becuase I can have the video feed going to my TV and the Audio going to my receiver. w/ HDMI, the cable has to go directly to my TV, since i dont have an HDMI Receiver....yet. I'm looking into HTIB systems, but for the moment, i'm more concerned about PQ w/ my xbox.

Thank you!

You're probably getting some loss due to the analog nature of your componenet setup and that's smoothing out the jaggies, just a guess.

I'd set the xbox 360 to 1080p if it were mine.

Edit: to clarity, I'm also using the xbox 360 HD-DVD addon so I leave it on 1080p all the time and don't worry with it. If I was using games only I'd probably leave it on 720p since most gaming content is just that.

Even though my set is 720p? So the descaling of the 1080p signal down to 768p is better than setting it to 720p?

HDMI I presume? Innnnteresting. Can anyone else confirm that this it what they would do?

Just up'd to 1080p. Looks better than the 1366x768 but still got the jagz. It doesn't look terrible but.... i'd obviously like to not have those...

i tried a bunch of stuff...even lowering the sharpness, still jaggy... anyone?

Just up'd to 1080p. Looks better than the 1366x768 but still got the jagz. It doesn't look terrible but.... i'd obviously like to not have those...

i tried a bunch of stuff...even lowering the sharpness, still jaggy... anyone?

There's the chance that's what it is supposed to look like.

probably find its just the console, i notice a lot of jaggies on xbox 360 games. down to anti aliasing and trying to run at 60hz even if ithe game cant, it gets slight screen tears

while we're on 360 on 5080... should i go back to component (using vga right now) if i don't need the upconversion? not very happy with the vga quality

5080 won't do 1080p over component eh?

5080 won't do 1080p over component eh?

nope

I have tried all 3 on my 5080 - component, vga, and hdmi. To me, component looked better than vga after tweaking the settings... however when I got a new 360 with hdmi I too noticed that things looked TOO sharp. It was worse than component. After messing around for a while I found some settings I liked with hdmi; to me this is the best that xbox has looked on my set. The system is set to 720p... I tried 1080p but from my viewing distance (7.5 - 8ft) I didn't notice a difference. Always open to suggestions!

Picture
Av Selection - Game
Contrast: 38
Brightness: 0
Color: +2
Tint:0
Sharpness: -4

Pro Adjust

Pure Cinema
Film mode: off
Text optimization: on

Picture detail
Dre Picture: off
Black level: off
ACL: off
Enhancer Mode: 1
Gamma: 3

Color detail
Color temp: mid
CTI: on

Noise reduction
3DNR: low
Field NR: off

Under Option> HDMI Input
Signal type: video
Video: color 4
Orbiter is on.

Thanks a ton for posting your settings. I tried them on my xbox (with both 1080p and 720p on the xbox) and did notice a bit of improvement w/ the jaggies but only mostly when i changed the DRE setting to Off. It seemed to smooth/blur the sharpness out quite a bit.

I'm going to try Component tomorrow just to refer back.

Color looks OK w/ these settings, but I do like to put the gamma down to 2 instead of 3. 3 looks a bit too washed out.

thanks!

Edit: IT's not the DRE settings that made a difference, but the Enhancer Mode that was the big quality difference. Enhancer mode 1 w/ sharpness set to -5 or so should do the trick. Read the following posts for more info.

also, while playing COD the game is quite dark.... ugh. I think it did look better in component

also, while playing COD the game is quite dark.... ugh. I think it did look better in component

That is the exact same issue I first noticed with COD4 and Skate, 2 games I had previously played extensively with vga on my pc monitor and component on the 5080. Moving the brightness up to +2 helped me with that. I have a feeling that there is still room for improvement but I have been too busy gaming to mess with the settings more:)

So you're using component now on the 5080 or HDMI?

Ok,

I tried component and it definitely does NOT look better. HDMI is the way.

I played with every single setting for about a 1/2 hour with the xbox set to 720p output and found that i liked resante's settings except for one change.

I changed the Enhancemer mode under Picture Detail to 1 instead of 2. You lose a LOT of detail w/ the enhancer mode at 2 and you don't really gain much except a bit smoother picture. The jaggies are pretty much here to stay...but this is the nicest my xbox has looked...

I wonder if it looks better on a 1080p set or if this is xbox's best? I mean, it still looks sick, but leaves you wondering if you should have gone to a different set w/ full 1080p? Cuz getting the pio 1080p was not an option at almost DOUBLE the price of the 720p (768p..yeah yeah).

Anyways, thanks for your help, anyone else with any suggestions please feel free!

My test game has been Tiger Woods 08, and Call of Duty.

1080p isn't going to buy you much these days since most games are still 720p. Having the 360 scale them to 1080p then your tv scale back down to 768p might lose just enough resolution to take the edge off the jaggies, dunno.

But at any rate, I don't think you'd be any more satisfied with a 1080p display unless you were sitting so close you saw SDE with your 5080.

Thanks for the reply. I have tried both 720p and 1080p output from the 360 w/ both HDMI and component and I have to say that HDMI w/ 720p has looked the best, although not a noticeable difference was detected w/ switching between ther resolutions.


Definitely DO NOT choose optimal resolution as it will change your res to 1366x768... Even though it outputs at the native resolution of the screen (or so it says) you won't have the ability to play with any of the sets PQ features except for Brightness, Contrast and RGB.

Have you tried setting the Color setting to Color-4 in the HDMI settings, I think it might be better since the description states that it is RGB 0-255 rather then the RGB 16-235? This made a huge difference in my picture from my UVerse box.

I have tried all 3 on my 5080 - component, vga, and hdmi. To me, component looked better than vga after tweaking the settings... however when I got a new 360 with hdmi I too noticed that things looked TOO sharp. It was worse than component. After messing around for a while I found some settings I liked with hdmi; to me this is the best that xbox has looked on my set. The system is set to 720p... I tried 1080p but from my viewing distance (7.5 - 8ft) I didn't notice a difference. Always open to suggestions!

Picture
Av Selection - Game
Contrast: 38
Brightness: +2
Color: +2
Tint:0
Sharpness: 0

Pro Adjust

Pure Cinema
Film mode: off
Text optimization: on

Picture detail
Dre Picture: off
Black level: off
ACL: off
Enhancer Mode: 2
Gamma: 3

Color detail
Color temp: mid
CTI: on

Noise reduction
3DNR: low
Field NR: off

Under Option> HDMI Input
Signal type: video
Video: color 3
Orbiter is on.

I have not. I didn't realize what those were, i'll give those a try. I'm gunna try that out on my Cable Box too (HDMI).

I'll letcha know what i see

Personally I like the Dynamic mode...

Have you tried setting the Color setting to Color-4 in the HDMI settings, I think it might be better since the description states that it is RGB 0-255 rather then the RGB 16-235? This made a huge difference in my picture from my UVerse box.

Just tried this, it does look better. With this change I put the brightness back down to 0 and really like the way it looks.

I tried this and, like resante says, you gotta drop the brightness down to compensate, because it defintely washes it out, as it allows the set to display beyond black and beyond white. It's my understanding that you should have it be ABLE to display 0-255 and then fine tune the brightness/contrast using the controls. If you set it to 16-235 (reference), then you're locking yourself in. I personally like one beyond black and one beyond white... but it is a personal preference..

good find though, i didnt realize those were there.

I am the prod owner of a brand new 5080. I was trying to hook my xbox360 Elite via the supplied MS cable. It does not work. I tried it on two of the HDMI inputs and never gets a picture. The tv blinks there is nothing connected to it, then flashes for a bit, then nothing. Once in a great while I will see my 360 dashboard but it has a ton of RED lines and looks all distorted. If I go by component then it works just fine. I have tried to set the xbox360 at each of the outputs (480, 720 and 1080) with no luck. At this time I do not have another HDMI source to test it or another cable. Any ideas on what I can/should do to trouble shoot it?

I agree with HDMI looking the best, I had two 360's hooked up to my 5080, one on Component and the other HDMI which made comparing a lot easier. I also find Enhancer mode 1 looks the best after reducing the Sharpness to -4 ,Definitely some finer details being lost with Enhancer 2.

Have you guys tested out the "Game Control Pref" setting found in Options, It appears once you have GAME mode selected in Picture settings. It's suppose to reduce input lag in exchange for picture quality. I couldn't notice any picture quality difference when toggling it on or off so I just left the setting Enabled. (default is disabled).

I agree with HDMI looking the best, I had two 360's hooked up to my 5080, one on Component and the other HDMI which made comparing a lot easier. I also find Enhancer mode 1 looks the best after reducing the Sharpness to -4 ,Definitely some finer details being lost with Enhancer 2.


This is another positive change. I will check it out on more games tonight but I immediately saw the change in text on the dashboard. I didn't like the increased sharpness when I first tried enahancer 1 but after lowering sharpness, it is a nice balance. I would say you could even move sharpness down to -5 or -6 depending on distance. Updated the settings post again!

Have you guys tested out the "Game Control Pref" setting found in Options, It appears once you have GAME mode selected in Picture settings. It's suppose to reduce input lag in exchange for picture quality. I couldn't notice any picture quality difference when toggling it on or off so I just left the setting Enabled. (default is disabled).

In my tests it reduced lag to near zero.

I am the prod owner of a brand new 5080. I was trying to hook my xbox360 Elite via the supplied MS cable. It does not work. I tried it on two of the HDMI inputs and never gets a picture. The tv blinks there is nothing connected to it, then flashes for a bit, then nothing. Once in a great while I will see my 360 dashboard but it has a ton of RED lines and looks all distorted. If I go by component then it works just fine. I have tried to set the xbox360 at each of the outputs (480, 720 and 1080) with no luck. At this time I do not have another HDMI source to test it or another cable. Any ideas on what I can/should do to trouble shoot it?


Looks to be a bad cable. I got a PS3 in order to trouble shoot (may keep it for its blu-ray and other media abilities). That had the same issue. I had new HDMI cables coming from Monprice but they would take a few days. So I unpluged everything. Thats when I noticed some "gunk" on the HDMI cable that I had been using. Cleaned it off good and it worked very first time with both 360 and PS3. Doh such a fool I am for not seeing it sooner. I guess in my excitement to get the new TV running forgot to check the simple stuff :P

I agree with HDMI looking the best, I had two 360's hooked up to my 5080, one on Component and the other HDMI which made comparing a lot easier. I also find Enhancer mode 1 looks the best after reducing the Sharpness to -4 ,Definitely some finer details being lost with Enhancer 2.

Have you guys tested out the "Game Control Pref" setting found in Options, It appears once you have GAME mode selected in Picture settings. It's suppose to reduce input lag in exchange for picture quality. I couldn't notice any picture quality difference when toggling it on or off so I just left the setting Enabled. (default is disabled).


Good call with Enhancer 1. Definitely a big diff over 2 as far as detail, and dropping the sharpness to -5 and even higher helps w/ the major sharpness issues...nice looking picture now!

Where exactly IS the Game Control Pref setting? I can't find it.


In my tests it reduced lag to near zero.

Have you noticed any PQ loss? What Kind of "lag" were you having? Which games?

Has anyone played with the new settings in xbox 360 console under display settings called "Reference Level? There are 3 options under there, and supposedly it's supposed to alter the black levels. Right now mine is on "enhanced" but I can't notice a difference in the dashboard and loading a game takes too much time to be able to accurately compare.

Here's the info from Xbox website about this feature:

"Reference Level or Black Level: If you're using the Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable, the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable, or the Xbox 360 HDMI Cable, then screen format options include Reference Level. The default setting, Standard, delivers the normal range of white and black levels that your TV or monitor supports. Select Intermediate to increase the level of white and black in the video output. Select Expanded to maximize black level. Reference level is sometimes used to make a picture sharper, and you can experiment with what format suits your viewing pleasure."

Good call with Enhancer 1. Definitely a big diff over 2 as far as detail, and dropping the sharpness to -5 and even higher helps w/ the major sharpness issues...nice looking picture now!

Where exactly IS the Game Control Pref setting? I can't find it.

Have you noticed any PQ loss? What Kind of "lag" were you having? Which games?


It's under "Options". I notice no PQ loss, but control lag of ~40ms is reduced to near zero. Note: I haven't played with it lately but that's what I recall.

It's under "Options". I notice no PQ loss, but control lag of ~40ms is reduced to near zero. Note: I haven't played with it lately but that's what I recall.


Options on the 5080 or Xbox? :|

Options on the 5080 or Xbox? :|

on the 5080

I have just been running 720p component video from my XBox 360. Games look good but video from rented movies are not as good. I have been meaning to get in there and mess with the settings in game mode. Are you guys just adjusting using games to see what looks best or have you popped in a calibration dvd?

I have not tried HDMI because I really want the DD 5.1 sound and the stupid AV cable that came with the console blocks the HDMI port. I really wish they had an optical port hard wired on the back of the unit. What is the difference between the AV kit I have and the HDMI AV kit? Is the audio dongle more low profile so you can use the HDMI port on the back? Not a great design if you ask me.

I have just been running 720p component video from my XBox 360. Games look good but video from rented movies are not as good. I have been meaning to get in there and mess with the settings in game mode. Are you guys just adjusting using games to see what looks best or have you popped in a calibration dvd?

I have not tried HDMI because I really want the DD 5.1 sound and the stupid AV cable that came with the console blocks the HDMI port. I really wish they had an optical port hard wired on the back of the unit. What is the difference between the AV kit I have and the HDMI AV kit? Is the audio dongle more low profile so you can use the HDMI port on the back? Not a great design if you ask me.

I have only used games in my calibration. I don't have DVE or Avia yet but I may get a copy soon.

I think the difference between the component cable and the hdmi is the fact that the hdmi connector is lower profile; it uses basically a regular hdmi cable and the part that plugs in the AV slot appears to only handle audio. There are pics here:

http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=110489

I have not tried HDMI because I really want the DD 5.1 sound and the stupid AV cable that came with the console blocks the HDMI port. I really wish they had an optical port hard wired on the back of the unit. What is the difference between the AV kit I have and the HDMI AV kit? Is the audio dongle more low profile so you can use the HDMI port on the back? Not a great design if you ask me.


Yea not the best design and they charge around $50 for the hdmi / optical adapter, luckily a friend of mine didnt need his (The adapter comes packaged with Elite 360's).

Or if you dont mind hacking the original cables: http://www.chadledford.com/?p=50

Yea not the best design and they charge around $50 for the hdmi / optical adapter, luckily a friend of mine didnt need his (The adapter comes packaged with Elite 360's).

Or if you dont mind hacking the original cables: http://www.chadledford.com/?p=50

Great link! I will pop the casing off my AV kit and switch to HDMI video. Thanks!

Yea not the best design and they charge around $50 for the hdmi / optical adapter, luckily a friend of mine didnt need his (The adapter comes packaged with Elite 360's).

Or if you dont mind hacking the original cables: http://www.chadledford.com/?p=50

I have the 360 HDMI cable that i borrowed from a friend who has the Elite but no HDTV. It's at home all connected up and hidden, so i can't see it, but does it have an optical out? Or are your only options for splitting audio/video to 2 different sources the following:

1. Buy the HDMI/Optical Adapter (Elite HDMI Kit? - Do i already have it?)
2. Hack the Included Component/AV Cable and send Optical Audio from that and connect HDMI for Video?


Options on the 5080 or Xbox? :|

Oh holy crap. I didnt realize there was a 2nd page of options under there. Alright i'll check'em out! Thanks!

Thanks for the settings and input guys! I can't wait to get home and try these out. I too was not aware that there is a "no lag" Option setting for Game Mode.

Does anyone know what the Reference Levels are actually defined as on the xbox 360? The 360 website and Microsofts technet website basically say just to play around with them to see which one you like best and that the Expanded is best for HDTV...but.... I want to know what they are doing. For example, is Expanded 0-255 and Intermediate 16-235? If so, what is Standard?

Also, if Expanded does = 0-255, that means I should set my 5080 HDMI input option to 4, correct?

Would this technically yield better PQ than setting it at Intermediate (should it be 16-235) and setting my TV to Auto or Option 3?

Thanks!

I popped the casing off mine and it worked great. I am now running HDMI video and optical sound. Some HDMI cables may be a little tricky to fit in there but it should work. Video quality seems improved but nothing drastic.

I have begun to mess with the settings using some of the suggestions in this thread. First I will comment on the HDMI Video option: Color-4. When I used my DVE calibration DVD using the pluge pattern and changed it to color 4, I noticed the brightness level jumped up quite a bit. I had to lower brightness to -6 to get proper levels. When you set it to Auto it uses color 3 which I believe is the proper setting and I am able to leave brightness at 0 for proper level.

Under Picture detail option, the Enhancer 1 option definitely introduces more jaggies into the picture even when lowering the sharpness to -4. I have not decided if I plan on using this or not; I will have to pop in some games and see if the added detail is worth the jaggies and halos it produces. I have my DRE level set to Low instead of Off.

I am using the Color detail option CTI: On though I am not sure how if affects the picture. If someone can point me on what to look for I would appreciate it. I also set Text optimization on though I see little difference but with all the text in games I assume it would help. I also have the Game Control Preference to Enabled, I think it handles motion better.

I have not messed with the Reference levels in the Xbox. I have mine on Standard now and that is what I used to get my settings.

I popped the casing off mine and it worked great. I am now running HDMI video and optical sound. Some HDMI cables may be a little tricky to fit in there but it should work. Video quality seems improved but nothing drastic.

I have begun to mess with the settings using some of the suggestions in this thread. First I will comment on the HDMI Video option: Color-4. When I used my DVE calibration DVD using the pluge pattern and changed it to color 4, I noticed the brightness level jumped up quite a bit. I had to lower brightness to -6 to get proper levels. When you set it to Auto it uses color 3 which I believe is the proper setting and I am able to leave brightness at 0 for proper level.

Under Picture detail option, the Enhancer 1 option definitely introduces more jaggies into the picture even when lowering the sharpness to -4. I have not decided if I plan on using this or not; I will have to pop in some games and see if the added detail is worth the jaggies and halos it produces. I have my DRE level set to Low instead of Off.

I am using the Color detail option CTI: On though I am not sure how if affects the picture. If someone can point me on what to look for I would appreciate it. I also set Text optimization on though I see little difference but with all the text in games I assume it would help. I also have the Game Control Preference to Enabled, I think it handles motion better.

I have not messed with the Reference levels in the Xbox. I have mine on Standard now and that is what I used to get my settings.

enhancer 1 creates nonadjustable edge enhancement which can't be turned down with the sharpness setting. with enhancer 2 sharpness at -15 maintains resolution without edge enhancement. enhancer 3 lowers resolution to my eye so will not use.
You should use enhancer 2 at all times and adjust sharpness to your liking.