[babylou]

How does one modify their Xbox to output progressive scan for DVD's? I need specific instructions since I am not a techno-weenie. I have seen several posts on this site that say the modification is possible and is being done.


Also, I know an Xbox is not as good as a full fledged DVD player. However, for someone like me that watches only a few movies and likes to have a minimalist setup the Xbox is a better solution.

 

[Jordan420]

check this site, everything xbox you ever wanted to know

http://www.xbox-scene.com/

 

[Q of BanditZ]

Why do people want to do this? The money, time, and hassle you're going to spend doing this, you may as well buy a dedicated unit anyways.


Phillips 642, for example. The mods can end up costing more than a decent pro scan player, in some cases.


Nothing insulting meant, just genuinely curious.

 

[EL]

once modded the Xbox can be use to play mostly any kind of file on DVDR, your network, or located on its own HD.


and I forgot, it scale to any supported resolution by the XBOX (480p, 720p 1080i and some PAL resolution I guess) and it converts PAL to NTSC.

 

[babylou]

Quote:

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ Why do people want to do this? The money, time, and hassle you're going to spend doing this, you may as well buy a dedicated unit anyways. Phillips 642, for example. The mods can end up costing more than a decent pro scan player, in some cases. Nothing insulting meant, just genuinely curious.

Besides the reasons in my original post I will expand here:


1. Some have limited space and combining an Xbox and DVD player conserves space.


2. Some do not like looking at a bunch of ugly ass electronics boxes. They prefer to see as few as necessary.


3. Some may have a limited number of video or audio inputs on their TV or receiver and combining the Xbox and DVD helps this situation.


4. Some like to be unique.


5. Some like to do things the hard way.


6. Some have been told by their spouses/life partners/cousin (for Arkansas)/whatever that they ain't gettin none unless they do this sort of thing.


7. Some do it just because we like to piss off the rest of you.

 

[Q of BanditZ]

babylou: At least you're honest about it.


EL: Not completely accurate without pouring down some serious funds and using an IRC Client.


Xbox Media Center can do it at 480p. 720p and 1080i are too much of a strain to upconvert the video on the xbox's 733mHz CPU. Can't be done without swapping out core hardware, and you can figure out the costs behind that.


The snag is, XBMC does not support DVD menus it would be video only. Not the most convenient or versatile setup, that's for sure.


You're never going to get more than 480p playback out of it at best, and again, you may as well just buy a seperate unit anyways that can do more, for less money and worlds less hassle.


This Xbox Media Center requires a modded Xbox and an IRC client. You can get this done at Jordan's website above or www.modordie.com. Tons of other places out there, but you really need to be careful! And once you do this, adios warranty and any customer support whatsoever.


Again, this becomes an expensive hassle in rather short order, as you're essentially going to make the Xbox a completely different machine altogether.


The botton line to it is: It's not a kick ass DVD Player and never will be. It CAN be made into a kick ass Media Center, if you're that interested in it.


The draw of the Xbox Media Center is that it streams virtually ANY and ALL kind of media, ever across SMB. Take that anyway you like it. I'm afraid to elaborate anymore because I don't want to break forum rules.


Basically the Xbox becomes a network central hub.


You can have everything hosted on various computers on the network

and use all of it on the xbox.

 

[Paul Bigelow]

It's different strokes for different folks.


Some like dedicated units, some like HTPC, some like poking around with Xbox. All hardware junkies -- just different kinds of hardware.


I have:


1. The "home theater" system -- present day components for "serious" viewing.

2. Secondary small "home theater" for fun, component swapping, and evaluation.

3. Vintage audio systems: quad, vacuum-tube components, etc.

4. Portable A/V system that has DVD, CD, MD, Radio, powered speakers -- all top notch that fit in a small bag.


It's all just for fun!


Paul