[antivirus6613]

I bought an xbox for $60 from gamestop.com. Bought component box for $12.99 off ebay. Bought component cable $5 and optical audio $5. Total=$82.99


Softmodded it with easy installer. http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=496263


Installed XBMC. Plays almost all formats locally, via dvd, via network. Music, picture, movies, and weather on top of other things.


Check it out. PM me for post below if you need help.

 

[hanguker]

If only it could handle HD content. It's too weak to handle x264.

 

[mva5580]

Everyone on here knows the original Xbox is a solid media center for people looking to get into the hobby.


I had one, and eventually will probably get one back for the bedroom to use as an extender.


Pretty much as your post hints at, it's a great idea for people on a tight budget. But also requires a lot of effort to get up and going, which unfortunately people on a tight budget don't often have.

 

[mva5580]

And yes, it's not a solution for any kind of HD content. Just can't handle it. But other than that, it's a good option.

 

[Storme]

so the xbox with XBMC cant play 720p or 1080p MKVs?

 

[gorman42]

No, it can't.


It can play carefully encoded XVID 720p film content ( http://www.xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/...nsport_Streams ).

 

[antivirus6613]

There is a list of people on xbox-scene that will softmod your box for free ( you pay shipping). I used the hot swap and ndure method. Total time for mod, XBMC install, and wiring was 2 hours. Not bad for a cheap HTPC. Only downside is not being strong enough for HD but for