Greetings 
After reading many threads and forums around the net concerning the Xbox XBMC setup, I've decided to give it a go. I only heard of the XBMC a week ago (can't believe I never heard of it sooner - and I've been reading all week trying to make sense of it all).
I have been prowling HTPC forums like here and media extender reviews for years - but nothing seems to live up to expectations or marketing BS. While I'm fairly technically competent, I'm not a puter geek so I've tended to hold off on a full blown HTPC. I've been reading and waiting for many years for the right device to arrive (yawn), but so far that hasn't happened. I had high hopes for the EVA8000 - but we won't go there. AppleTV seems like a possibility in time - but not yet. Great posts about XBMC have got me excited.
I plan to get an XBOX tomorrow. Currently, this seems like the the most cost effective and least technical solution to the problem of connecting ones HT to a network. My intention is to create a video server system where I can stream my DVD collection. Everything else this unit can do is secondary. I plan on doing the mod myself.
I still have a couple of questions regarding the Xbox.
1 - Component Video needs an advanced AV connection correct? I have seen several available online, but are these for the 360 or will they work with both?
2 - What makes Xboxes crap out? (Most common cause with general game use) Should I get a backup Xbox
3 - How is the PicQuality of standard DVD's (I'm located in a PAL region)
4 - Is there any reason one version (1.0 - 1.6??) is better than another. (I couldn't find this online)
5 - Finally, are there any Kiwi's here who live in Auckland that would be willing to help me if I get stuck?
I'm sure there are other issues I will discover but I'll move forward as things pan out. I'm planning to post my progress here in the hope (with all your wonderful participation) that it is a fun and exciting experience. I have been dreaming of a media server system for more years than I care to think about - now I want to make it a reality.
This is a really great site and I'm looking forward to all your suggestions and guidance.

After reading many threads and forums around the net concerning the Xbox XBMC setup, I've decided to give it a go. I only heard of the XBMC a week ago (can't believe I never heard of it sooner - and I've been reading all week trying to make sense of it all).
I have been prowling HTPC forums like here and media extender reviews for years - but nothing seems to live up to expectations or marketing BS. While I'm fairly technically competent, I'm not a puter geek so I've tended to hold off on a full blown HTPC. I've been reading and waiting for many years for the right device to arrive (yawn), but so far that hasn't happened. I had high hopes for the EVA8000 - but we won't go there. AppleTV seems like a possibility in time - but not yet. Great posts about XBMC have got me excited.
I plan to get an XBOX tomorrow. Currently, this seems like the the most cost effective and least technical solution to the problem of connecting ones HT to a network. My intention is to create a video server system where I can stream my DVD collection. Everything else this unit can do is secondary. I plan on doing the mod myself.
I still have a couple of questions regarding the Xbox.
1 - Component Video needs an advanced AV connection correct? I have seen several available online, but are these for the 360 or will they work with both?
2 - What makes Xboxes crap out? (Most common cause with general game use) Should I get a backup Xbox
3 - How is the PicQuality of standard DVD's (I'm located in a PAL region)
4 - Is there any reason one version (1.0 - 1.6??) is better than another. (I couldn't find this online)
5 - Finally, are there any Kiwi's here who live in Auckland that would be willing to help me if I get stuck?
I'm sure there are other issues I will discover but I'll move forward as things pan out. I'm planning to post my progress here in the hope (with all your wonderful participation) that it is a fun and exciting experience. I have been dreaming of a media server system for more years than I care to think about - now I want to make it a reality.
This is a really great site and I'm looking forward to all your suggestions and guidance.






















