Unofficial Xbox FAQ

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Information contained in this FAQ is accurate to the best of the author's knowledge. You are encouraged to verify any information that you consider critical because, for all you know, I don't know a damn thing about the Xbox.

Send questions or comments to Boid.

• Added mention of Tsunami upgrade to XBL
  
• Added info about DVD+R compatibility
  
• Updated some Xbox web links, verified all links
  
• Added info about RCA "VPORT" TVs
  
• Added link to XBL feedback system details
  
• Updated GTA3 question
  

Gaming acronyms:

• Camping = Describes a behavior in head-to-head games where a player hides out and waits for the enemy. A perfectly reasonable strategy, but despised by those killed by the campers. You can be successful if you camp, but prepare to be hated.
• Cap = Short for "capture", as in "we capped the other team's flag."
• CTF = Capture The Flag: a popular type of team vs. team game where the objective is to capture the enemy flag and bring it back to your base. There are many variations on the standard CTF game.
• DM/TDM = Deathmatch/Team Deathmatch: A popular type of head-to-head game (for individuals or teams) where the objective is to get a certain fixed number of kills or to simply have the most kills before time runs out.
• FPS = First Person Shooter: a game where your view of the world is through your character's eyes (i.e. Halo).
• FPS = Frames Per Second: the number of video frames displayed per second; generally speaking, the higher the FPS, the smoother the game will be. What constitutes a "good" FPS number vs. a "bad" FPS number is a religious argument.
• Frag = To kill another character (hopefully an enemy). Derived from "fragmentation", as in grenade.
• ISP = Internet Service Provider
• MMO = Massively-Multiplayer Online: describes an online game where many players play at once, usually in the same "world", interacting with one another. Most common usage is MMORPG (see RPG below).
• RPG = Role-Playing Game: a game where character advancement is controlled in whole or in part by the player (i.e. Morrowind, SW:KOTOR)
• XBL = Xbox Live: Microsoft's online gaming service. This is an unofficial acronym.
• XSN = Xbox Sports Network: Microsoft's sports gaming network, which includes web pages integrated with Xbox Live games and servers.

• <g> = <grin>
• AFAIK = As Far As I Know
• BTW = By The Way
• CHURL = ChildisH and Uselessly Ranting Loser (this is my new personal favorite)
• FAQ = Frequently Asked Question
• FUD = Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt: used to describe a post that is intended to elicit those emotions, generally without basis.
• HTH = Hope That Helps
• IIRC = If I Remember Correctly
• IMO/IMHO = In My Opinion/In My Humble Opinion
• IOW = In Other Words
• JK = Just Kidding
• LOL = Laughing Out Loud
• NT = No Text: generally used in subject line to indicate that there is no text in the post itself - the subject says it all.
• OMG/OMFG = Oh My God/Oh My F***ing God
• OT = Off-Topic: used in the subject line of a post, or within a post, to indicate that what follows is off the usual topic of the newsgroup. (Not appropriate for the web forums - put your posts into the proper forum.)
• OTOH = On The Other Hand
• Plonk = Plonk: the noise a Troll's (see Troll below) post makes as it hits the virtual trashcan of the plonker's newsreader. "To plonk" someone means to add them to your news filter so that all of their posts are deleted and never seen. If only the web forums had this ability...
• ROFL = Rolling On Floor Laughing (various morphs are also used)
• RTFM = Read The F***ing Manual
• STFU = Shut The F*** Up
• Troll = A person whose posts are inflammatory and designed only to get a rise from other newsgroup members. The best defense against trolls is to ignore their posts or, better yet, plonk them (see Plonk, above).
• WTF = What The F***?
• YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary: usually included after the poster has described a personal experience

The easy answer: Use the table below.

TV Aspect	Anamorphic Support1	DVD Playback Desired2	Choose This
4:3	No	Fullscreen	NORMAL
4:3	No	Letterbox	LETTERBOX
4:3	Yes	Fullscreen3	NORMAL
4:3	Yes	Letterbox	WIDESCREEN4
16:9	*	*	WIDESCREEN5

¹Does the TV automatically "squeeze" widescreen, or "anamorphic" DVD's down to 16:9 aspect ratio? Some Sony's do this. If you don't know, the answer is probably "no".
²When you play back DVD's, how do you prefer the picture? Note that some DVD's do not have a fullscreen version on them, so they will show in letterbox mode no matter what you select on your Xbox.
³Unless the TV is very small (and you want to use the entire screen whenever possible), there is no reason to select NORMAL on a 4:3 TV that supports anamorphic video. A "squeezed" picture always looks superior to normal full-screen or letterboxed video.
⁴This setting will also cause Xbox games that support 16:9 aspect to display in widescreen mode, just like an anamorphic DVD.
⁵16:9 TV's should all support anamorphic DVD's and other widescreen content, like 16:9 Xbox games. The use of a High-Definition A/V pack is strongly recommended.

The hard answer:

Ignoring true HDTV (which is all 16:9 aspect), there are two types of video that can come out of your Xbox: 4:3 and 16:9. Which of these is sent, and how it is displayed on your TV, is dependent on three things: the type of game/DVD, the configuration of your TV, and the NORMAL/LETTERBOX/WIDESCREEN setting of the Xbox.

The type of game/DVD.
Some games, like Dead or Alive 3, support a "widescreen" or 16:9 aspect ratio output signal. In addition, some DVD's also support a true 16:9 output signal, often called "anamorphic" or "enhanced for widescreen". For ease of discussion, I am going to refer to both games that support 16:9 and anamorphic DVD's as "widescreen discs".

All Xbox games and some DVD's also support 4:3 output display. In the case of Xbox games, the Xbox simply constrains the game to a 640x480 square-pixel area, just like on your computer monitor. In the case of DVD's, for which the original film is almost always in 16:9, the most common way to get a 4:3 playback is by a method called "pan and scan", where you actually look through a 4:3 "window" into the original 16:9 movie, with this window moving back and forth (panning) to follow the action. On older movies especially, the effect is quite noticeable. In some cases, the pan and scan version of the film is stored directly on the DVD. In other cases, the DVD player itself builds the pan and scan window based on cues encoded onto the DVD. Regardless of the method used, you never see the entire original film image - you're always seeing only the part in the 4:3 "window". Note that not all DVD's support pan and scan, forcing you to watch in letterbox mode (see below). For ease of discussion, I am going to refer to pan-and-scan DVD's and 4:3 games as "normal discs".

There is one more type of disc that concerns DVD's only - the "letterbox" disc. These discs have a version of the film that looks like a widescreen film, but in reality is just painting black bars on the top and bottom of the picture. That is, of the 480 lines available on a TV set, 120 of them (60 at the top and 60 at the bottom) are just black. This leaves only 360 lines in the middle of the TV in which to show the actual DVD content. Obviously, this reduces picture quality. Although it may look like a "widescreen" display, technically it is not. With a true widescreen presentation, the TV actually fits all 480 lines of resolution down into a 16:9 area. On 4:3 TV's this is called an "anamorphic squeeze", and is rarely supported. All 16:9 televisions do support this display type, which is why they are excellent for DVD playback. I will use the term "letterbox discs" to refer to DVD's which have a letterbox presentation (where part of the picture is actually the black bars), but NOT a true widescreen or "anamorphic" presentation (where the entire picture needs to be squeezed down by the TV).

The configuration of your TV.
If you have a regular plain-Jane 4:3 TV, then configuration really isn't an issue. Every input type is going to fill the entire screen, though in the case of letterbox discs (the DVD's with built-in black bars), it will look "widescreen", only with lowered picture quality.

If you are lucky enough to have a 4:3 TV that supports an anamorphic or widescreen signal (sometimes called ID1 or WSS), then you need to tell the TV to automatically "squeeze" incoming widescreen down to 16:9. This will put all 480 lines of resolution from widescreen discs (16:9 Xbox games or "anamorphic" DVD's) into a 16:9 aspect area in the middle of your screen. You'll see black bars just like with a letterbox disc, but those black bars will actually have no signal - that is, they aren't wasted space; the entire picture is crammed into the central area. You get much better picture quality with a TV like this.

If you have a 16:9 TV, then you have some decisions to make regarding normal discs (Xbox games that only support 4:3, or DVD's with only a pan-and scan version). Since your TV is already widescreen, it will handle widescreen content just fine, but normal 4:3 content needs some special handling - either black/grey bars on the right and left (called "windowboxing") or some sort of zoom/stretch, where the TV morphs the 4:3 image to fit the 16:9 screen. Refer to your TV's manual for info on various windowboxing/zoom/stretch modes.

Xbox Settings.
The final part to this whole mess is the NORMAL/LETTERBOX/WIDESCREEN setting of the Xbox. Note that these settings are very similar to what you will find on most DVD players. The difference with the Xbox is that games as well as DVD's are affected by what you select.

NORMAL Mode: This tells the Xbox that you have a 4:3 TV without anamorphic (the 16:9 "squeeze") support. All Xbox games will use their normal 4:3 presentation, and DVD's will either be full-screen (pan and scan) or letterbox, if that is all the DVD supports.

LETTERBOX Mode: For Xbox games, this is no different from NORMAL - the games will use their regular 4:3 presentation. For DVD's, however, this setting will cause the DVD to use its letterbox presentation even if it supports pan and scan. If the DVD supports a letterbox format, you will see the black bars on top and bottom, and you will lose those 120 lines of resolution being used for them.

WIDESCREEN Mode: For Xbox games which support 16:9 and for DVD's labeled "anamorphic" or "enhanced for widescreen TV's", this setting triggers their 16:9 presentation. If your TV doesn't support 16:9 video, the symptom you should see is very tall and skinny on-screen objects. This happens because the 16:9 image is being squished horizontally to fit your 4:3 TV. For 4:3 televisions, you should only select WIDESCREEN if your TV supports 16:9 video. For 16:9 televisions, you should always choose WIDESCREEN (with very few exceptions).


2.7 What SCART adapters are available? (UK)

There are two different SCART adaptors available for the XBox.:

• The first one is the one which you (probably[1]) received in the basic package, which just gives you composite (equivalent to yello phono cable) video through the SCART connector.
• The other is an optional kit called the "Advanced SCART kit" which gives RGB output through the SCART connector. RGB is just as good as component on a PAL XBox (on PAL Xboxes there is currently no progressive scan or HDTV support, no matter how you connect it), and if your TV supports RGB-via-SCART this is an excellent choice to give crystal clear images from your Xbox.

NB: The Advanced SCART kit also provides for the Xbox triggering automatic switching between widescreen (16:9) and 4:3 modes on a widescreen TV, depending on what the particular game supports.

[1] In Australia at least a composite-to-SCART adaptor plug was included in the standard box (along with the Xbox-to-yellow/red/white-cables adaptor), and our Xboxes are ?identical? to the UK ones.


2.8 Can I hook the Xbox up to my computer monitor?

Note: If you have a Monster A/V kit, you will be required to use the proprietary (and expensive) Monster optical cable.

See also:
2.15 Are Monster cables better than Microsoft cables?
3.25 What digital audio formats are supported by the Xbox?


2.14 What type of component video cable should I buy?

• READ YOUR TV OWNER'S GUIDE for information or warnings.
• Lower the contrast and brightness of your TV. Most TV's come from the factory with contrast and brightness near 100%. Lower yours as far as you can without degrading picture quality beyond what you consider acceptible.
• Better yet, calibrate your TV (especially HDTV's) with a DVD like Avia's Guide to Home Theater or Video Essentials.
• Don't play the same game for hours and hours on end. Mix up your games a bit so the fixed elements are different.
• Don't leave a game paused for extended periods. Turn off the TV if you need to pause for a long time.
• Be especially careful with a new TV. For the first one or two hundred hours, the screen is more vulnerable. Kind of like a new car engine.

The easy answer: Use the table below.

TV Aspect	Anamorphic Support1	DVD Playback Desired2	Choose This
4:3	No	Fullscreen	NORMAL
4:3	No	Letterbox	LETTERBOX
4:3	Yes	Fullscreen3	NORMAL
4:3	Yes	Letterbox	WIDESCREEN4
16:9	*	*	WIDESCREEN5

¹Does the TV automatically "squeeze" widescreen, or "anamorphic" DVD's down to 16:9 aspect ratio? Some Sony's do this. If you don't know, the answer is probably "no".
²When you play back DVD's, how do you prefer the picture? Note that some DVD's do not have a fullscreen version on them, so they will show in letterbox mode no matter what you select on your Xbox.
³Unless the TV is very small (and you want to use the entire screen whenever possible), there is no reason to select NORMAL on a 4:3 TV that supports anamorphic video. A "squeezed" picture always looks superior to normal full-screen or letterboxed video.
⁴This setting will also cause Xbox games that support 16:9 aspect to display in widescreen mode, just like an anamorphic DVD.
⁵16:9 TV's should all support anamorphic DVD's and other widescreen content, like 16:9 Xbox games. The use of a High-Definition A/V pack is strongly recommended.

The hard answer:

Ignoring true HDTV (which is all 16:9 aspect), there are two types of video that can come out of your Xbox: 4:3 and 16:9. Which of these is sent, and how it is displayed on your TV, is dependent on three things: the type of game/DVD, the configuration of your TV, and the NORMAL/LETTERBOX/WIDESCREEN setting of the Xbox.

The type of game/DVD.
Some games, like Dead or Alive 3, support a "widescreen" or 16:9 aspect ratio output signal. In addition, some DVD's also support a true 16:9 output signal, often called "anamorphic" or "enhanced for widescreen". For ease of discussion, I am going to refer to both games that support 16:9 and anamorphic DVD's as "widescreen discs".

All Xbox games and some DVD's also support 4:3 output display. In the case of Xbox games, the Xbox simply constrains the game to a 640x480 square-pixel area, just like on your computer monitor. In the case of DVD's, for which the original film is almost always in 16:9, the most common way to get a 4:3 playback is by a method called "pan and scan", where you actually look through a 4:3 "window" into the original 16:9 movie, with this window moving back and forth (panning) to follow the action. On older movies especially, the effect is quite noticeable. In some cases, the pan and scan version of the film is stored directly on the DVD. In other cases, the DVD player itself builds the pan and scan window based on cues encoded onto the DVD. Regardless of the method used, you never see the entire original film image - you're always seeing only the part in the 4:3 "window". Note that not all DVD's support pan and scan, forcing you to watch in letterbox mode (see below). For ease of discussion, I am going to refer to pan-and-scan DVD's and 4:3 games as "normal discs".

There is one more type of disc that concerns DVD's only - the "letterbox" disc. These discs have a version of the film that looks like a widescreen film, but in reality is just painting black bars on the top and bottom of the picture. That is, of the 480 lines available on a TV set, 120 of them (60 at the top and 60 at the bottom) are just black. This leaves only 360 lines in the middle of the TV in which to show the actual DVD content. Obviously, this reduces picture quality. Although it may look like a "widescreen" display, technically it is not. With a true widescreen presentation, the TV actually fits all 480 lines of resolution down into a 16:9 area. On 4:3 TV's this is called an "anamorphic squeeze", and is rarely supported. All 16:9 televisions do support this display type, which is why they are excellent for DVD playback. I will use the term "letterbox discs" to refer to DVD's which have a letterbox presentation (where part of the picture is actually the black bars), but NOT a true widescreen or "anamorphic" presentation (where the entire picture needs to be squeezed down by the TV).

The configuration of your TV.
If you have a regular plain-Jane 4:3 TV, then configuration really isn't an issue. Every input type is going to fill the entire screen, though in the case of letterbox discs (the DVD's with built-in black bars), it will look "widescreen", only with lowered picture quality.

If you are lucky enough to have a 4:3 TV that supports an anamorphic or widescreen signal (sometimes called ID1 or WSS), then you need to tell the TV to automatically "squeeze" incoming widescreen down to 16:9. This will put all 480 lines of resolution from widescreen discs (16:9 Xbox games or "anamorphic" DVD's) into a 16:9 aspect area in the middle of your screen. You'll see black bars just like with a letterbox disc, but those black bars will actually have no signal - that is, they aren't wasted space; the entire picture is crammed into the central area. You get much better picture quality with a TV like this.

If you have a 16:9 TV, then you have some decisions to make regarding normal discs (Xbox games that only support 4:3, or DVD's with only a pan-and scan version). Since your TV is already widescreen, it will handle widescreen content just fine, but normal 4:3 content needs some special handling - either black/grey bars on the right and left (called "windowboxing") or some sort of zoom/stretch, where the TV morphs the 4:3 image to fit the 16:9 screen. Refer to your TV's manual for info on various windowboxing/zoom/stretch modes.

Xbox Settings.
The final part to this whole mess is the NORMAL/LETTERBOX/WIDESCREEN setting of the Xbox. Note that these settings are very similar to what you will find on most DVD players. The difference with the Xbox is that games as well as DVD's are affected by what you select.

NORMAL Mode: This tells the Xbox that you have a 4:3 TV without anamorphic (the 16:9 "squeeze") support. All Xbox games will use their normal 4:3 presentation, and DVD's will either be full-screen (pan and scan) or letterbox, if that is all the DVD supports.

LETTERBOX Mode: For Xbox games, this is no different from NORMAL - the games will use their regular 4:3 presentation. For DVD's, however, this setting will cause the DVD to use its letterbox presentation even if it supports pan and scan. If the DVD supports a letterbox format, you will see the black bars on top and bottom, and you will lose those 120 lines of resolution being used for them.

WIDESCREEN Mode: For Xbox games which support 16:9 and for DVD's labeled "anamorphic" or "enhanced for widescreen TV's", this setting triggers their 16:9 presentation. If your TV doesn't support 16:9 video, the symptom you should see is very tall and skinny on-screen objects. This happens because the 16:9 image is being squished horizontally to fit your 4:3 TV. For 4:3 televisions, you should only select WIDESCREEN if your TV supports 16:9 video. For 16:9 televisions, you should always choose WIDESCREEN (with very few exceptions).

See also:
3.3 What resolutions and aspect ratios does Xbox support?
3.5 Details: 480i resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio
3.6 Details: 480i resolution, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
3.7 Details: 480p resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio
3.8 Details: 480p resolution, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
3.11 How do I see 480i/480p widescreen mode?
3.12 Which games support 480i/480p widescreen mode?


3.5 Details: 480i resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio

Another good list of Xbox games and the video modes they support can be found at HDTV Arcade.

Note: The Xbox dashboard also supports 480-line widescreen mode.

See also:
3.3 What resolutions and aspect ratios does Xbox support?
3.6 Details: 480i resolution, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
3.8 Details: 480p resolution, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
3.19 Which games support HDTV resolutions?


3.13 More information on 16:9 displays for PAL TVs.

There are two different SCART adaptors available for the Xbox.:

• The first one is the one which you (probably[1]) received in the basic package, which just gives you composite (equivalent to yellow phono cable) video through the SCART connector.
• The other is an optional kit called the "Advanced SCART kit" which gives RGB output through the SCART connector. RGB is just as good as component on a PAL Xbox (on PAL Xboxes there is currently no progressive scan or HDTV support, no matter how you connect it), and if your TV supports RGB-via-SCART this is an excellent choice to give crystal clear images from your Xbox.

NB: The Advanced SCART kit also provides for the Xbox triggering automatic switching between widescreen (16:9) and 4:3 modes on a widescreen TV, depending on what the particular game supports.

[1] In Australia at least a composite-to-SCART adaptor plug was included in the standard box (along with the Xbox-to-yellow/red/white-cables adaptor), and our Xboxes are ?identical? to the UK ones.


3.16 Why does my Xbox dashboard look too tall and skinny?

• Street Hoops - supports 720p (thanks to Scott C. for these pictures: 480p and 720p)
• NBA 2K3 - supports 720p
• Tony Hawk 4x - supports 720p
• Dragon's Lair 3D - supports 720p and 1080i
• Halo 2 - rumored to support 720p
• Project Gotham Racing 2 - rumored to support 720p
• Lord of The Rings - once rumored to support 720p; not so sure now
• Burnout - falsely advertised as supporting 720p (it's 480p only)
• 007: Agent Under Fire - only supports 480i
• Hitman 2 - only supports 480i

A good list of Xbox games and the video modes they support can be found at HDTV Arcade.

See also:
3.1 What is HDTV?
3.3 What resolutions and aspect ratios does Xbox support?
3.12 Which games support 480i/480p widescreen mode?


3.20 What's so special about RCA's "Xbox Ready" TVs?

Yes. Or possibly no. It depends on the TV and the lightgun.

The original Madcatz lightgun was designed for interlaced video only. It will not work with progressive-scan video, and therefore won't work with 480p, which is no doubt what you'll be using if you have an HDTV.

Madcatz did release a second model, identified by the letter "P" after the model number (found on the side of the grip, in faint silver ink). If I remember correctly, the model number is 4588 or something like that. You definitely want to buy a gun that has "4588P" on the side, not just "4588".

I don't know about other brands of lightgun, but if you have trouble calibrating the gun on a 480p display (the reticle won't move to the right side of the screen, for instance), then your gun probably isn't designed for use with 480p.

If your HDTV accepts either a 480i or a 480p signal without line-doubling, then a lightgun should work fine. Most HDTVs that accept a 480p signal do so without line-doubling so you should be OK if your TV accepts 480p. Most HDTVs will line-double a 480i singal to produce a 480p picture, however, so in 480i mode most HDTVs will not work with a lightgun.

Basically, you will have to experiment with your HDTV to see if it will work, and 480p will probably be your best bet. So far, the following TVs have been tested (you can probably extrapolate to similar models):

• Toshiba 61" TheaterView (61H70) - works in 480p with MadCatz 4588P
• Hitachi 36" Ultravision (36UDX10S) - does not work

As it concerns the Xbox, the only important point is that the Xbox is not set up to do real-time encoding of DTS efficiently during a game. It may be possible for a game developer to encode DTS using the Xbox CPU, but this would take serious resources away from game AI, physics, etc. So it is very unlikely that any game will actually support DTS.

DVDs with DTS will work fine as their audio is just passed directly through the optical port.

See also:
3.22 What is Dolby Digital?


3.25 What digital audio formats are supported by the Xbox?

NOTE: The Xbox supports off-CPU real-time encoding of Dolby Digital for games, but does not offer the same support for DTS in games. It may be possible for a game to utilize CPU cycles to encode DTS, but it seems unlikely that a developer would take his route since Dolby Digital is offered off-CPU.

For DVD's, Dolby Digital and DTS are simply read off the DVD and passed through the optical port.

See also:
3.22 What is Dolby Digital?
3.23 What is the difference between DD and Dolby Surround?


3.26 What do I need to use Dolby Digital/DTS?

Ok, I'll jump in with another tangent! This one is for people who do not have a DD 5.1 setup and want to get a full surround experience, or who do have it but want to play when everyone else in the house doesn't want to hear it.

If you use the Xbox stereo mode audio output, turn off the speakers, and plug headphones into your stereo you will get a full 3d sound impression of your game, and in some cases it will be more accurate than a 5.1 speaker setup. Like with DD 5.1, some games make better use of the 3d sound capabilities than others, however.

The only drawback is that the communicator headset has only one earpiece so you'll have to rig up a mixer to use a stereo heaset/mic that also serves as an XBL headset (that is for another post if anyone is interested).

Anyhow, 3d sound over headphones (and speaker pairs) has been around for years, and 64 channels of it is built-into the nVidia APU, and has been part of DirectX since version 5. It is a good simulation of how the ear percieves sound in the real world. I'll post links and everything if anyone is curious, but you can try it for yourself too, Halo is a fairly universal and excellent test for this.

See also:
3.22 What is Dolby Digital?
3.23 What is the difference between DD and Dolby Surround?
3.24 What is DTS?
3.25 What digital audio formats are supported by the Xbox?
3.26 What do I need to use Dolby Digital/DTS?
3.28 Can I hook my surround-sound speakers directly to the Xbox?


3.28 Can I hook my surround-sound speakers directly to the Xbox?

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2003-- Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing division of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO - News), announced today that it plans to ship the award-winning Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as a "double pack" for both the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. The Grand Theft Auto "double pack" is set to hit shelves in North America on October 22, 2003 for PlayStation®2 and on November 4, 2003 for Xbox.

Developed by Rockstar North, the Grand Theft Auto franchise has long been applauded and praised for its expansive and open-ended gameplay, cinematic scripts, and epic soundtracks. Since its introduction in 1997, the franchise has received countless awards of excellence and universal critical acclaim. With sales of more than 25 million units worldwide, Grand Theft Auto is one of the most recognized franchises in the history of the videogame marketplace. Additional information about Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is available at: the official GTA site.

See also:
4.1 What games are available for the Xbox?
4.2 Will FINAL FANTASY X or XI be released for the Xbox?


4.4 Does Burnout support HDTV display modes?

For a glimpse at what Halo 2 may contain, take a look at the PC version of Halo. You want to be able to fly a Banshee around in multiplayer? You got it. You want a flamethrower? No problem. A rocket turret on the Warthog? Check.


4.8 Will the Xbox play games from other regions?

Yes. Or possibly no. It depends on the TV.

If your HDTV accepts either a 480i or a 480p signal without line-doubling, then a lightgun should work fine. Most HDTVs that accept a 480p signal do so without line-doubling so you should be OK if your TV accepts 480p. Most HDTVs will line-double a 480i singal to produce a 480p picture, however, so in 480i mode most HDTVs will not work with a lightgun.

Basically, you will have to experiment with your HDTV to see if it will work, and 480p will probably be your best bet.

Yes, the Xbox can be used to play your own custom-burned DVDs. Here's Nick's description of how he did it:

"I have a Pioneer DVR-A03 IDE DVD-R/RW writer and have finally burnt both discs with DVD video and it plays wonderfully as a region 0 disc on the US Xbox I have, no problems at all. It was burnt with Sonic DVDit SE using DVD-compliant MPEG2 streams authored by TMPGenc and Dolby Digital 224kb/sec stereo sound."

Additional info thanks to Todd: Maxell DVD+R worked in a Thompson-equipped Xbox.

See also:
5.4 Can the Xbox play DVD movies from other regions?
5.20 Will the Xbox play burned CD's?
5.21 Will the Xbox play VCDs?
5.22 Will the Xbox play MP3's?
5.23 Will the Xbox play WMA's?


5.8 Can I use a DVD lens cleaner in the Xbox?

More on Macrovision (thanks to Shinobi):

Macrovision is a signal encoded in the Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) that confuses the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit of the VCR.

Nearly all VCR's have an AGC. It's purpose is to maintain a high quality image. When the signal is poor, the AGC amplifies it. When the signal is too strong, the AGC attenuates it. Macrovision works by encoding false signals into the VBI (a portion of the video signal that you can't see) and this false signal confuses the AGC and causes the picture to be brightened and darkened improperly.

You can defeat Macrovision with a Macrovision removal device such as: http://www.videoguys.com/sima.htm


5.12 How do I use the Xbox to play CD's?

1. Use a CD burning program like Nero to burn the songs onto a regular audio CD, like you would for your car CD player. Your best bet will be to use a CD-RW disc, as the Xbox cannot read most CD-R discs. After you make the audio CD, put it in your Xbox and rip the songs off of it, following the instructions in your Xbox manual.
2. Purchase the Music Mixer (go here for details) and transfer your files from your PC (network required).

A = Highlighted Button
B = Back
Y then X = Full Screen Visualization (Some people report Y-X-Y works)
White = Pause
Black = Stop
Right Trigger = Forward Track
Left Trigger = Back Track (restart track)


5.17 Can I copy music to a memory unit?

• Amped
• Conflict Desert Storm
• Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
• Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball
• 4x4 Evolution (EVO)
• Fusion Frenzy
• Gun Metal
• Legends of Wrestling
• Midtown Madness 3
• MotoGP
• Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
• NHL Hitz 2002 (in menus only)
• Project Gotham Racing
• Quantum Redshift
• Rallisport Challenge
• SegaGT 2002
• Splashdown
• State of Emergency
• Steel Battalion
• Test Drive
• Tetris Worlds
• Tony Hawk
• Toxic Grind
• Transworld Snowboarding
• Transworld Surf
• World Championship Pool 2004

• Gamespy is nothing more than a System Link game played remotely
• Your Xbox does not need nor use an IP address for Gamespy games any more than it does for System Link games. For this reason, Gamespy is often called "not real internet gaming". It's just a faked-up remote System Link game.

A benefit of hubs is that they are extremely simple and cheap. One of their downsides is that they can suffer from bandwidth limitations if several devices are broadcasting (shouting) at the same time. For most uses - including any Xbox gaming - this limitation is not really a factor.

With a little searching, you should be able to find a 4-port switch for nearly the same price as a hub. Since switches are much more efficient than hubs (see next question), if you can find a switch within your price range, buy it instead of a hub.

See also:
6.5 Basics: What is a switch?
6.6 Basics: What is a router?


6.5 Basics: What is a switch?

For the purposes of Xbox gaming: a switch is a hub. There is nothing else you need to know to have a happy and successful Xbox gaming career. Think switch=hub and you'll be just fine.

The technical answer: a switch is a hub, but with some "intelligence", in that it can direct information between connected devices, rather than just broadcasting it to all devices equally. If a message comes in from device A addressed to device B, a switch will send it directly to device B. A hub would send it to B and C and D all at the same time.

Remember: for Xbox gaming, a switch is the same thing as a hub. It offers nothing different from a hub that would really concern you for Xbox gaming. Do not get confused. Stay focused. If you are ever told "A hub won't work for that", the answer applies equally to a switch. Switch=hub. Hub=switch. They are not different enough to get hung up on, especially if this whole networking thing is confusing to you.

Having said that, let me point out again that switches nowadays are usually as cheap as hubs, or nearly so. If you can find a switch within your price range, buy it rather than a hub. Your network will be more efficient, and better able to handle future expansion gracefully.

For the rest of this section, I am going to use only the term "hub" unless speaking specifically about something to do with switches. Wherever you see the term "hub", you can substitute "switch" if you have one of those instead.

See also:
6.4 Basics: What is a hub?
6.6 Basics: What is a router?


6.6 Basics: What is a router?

• Two Xboxes
• Two televisions
• A System Link cable or any brand of ethernet crossover cable

1. Connect Xbox 1 to Xbox 2 with the cable
2. Insert a System Link game into each Xbox (the same game, preferably)
3. Play!

• Two or more Xboxes
• As many TVs as you have Xboxes
• A regular ethernet patch cable for each Xbox (not System Link/crossover cables!)
• A hub (note: the switch that is included in most home routers will work fine for this. You can even just unplug it from your cable/DSL modem and use it as a standalone switch.)

1. Connect each Xbox to the hub using one of the ethernet patch cables
2. Insert a System Link game into each Xbox (the same game, preferably)
3. Play!

• A free ethernet port in your PC
• A crossover cable (or System Link cable)

1. Connect your Xbox to the free ethernet port on your PC using the crossover cable
2. Insert a System Link game into the Xbox
3. Fire up Gamespy, follow the instructions, and play!

• A free ethernet port in your PC
• A USB Router like this one
• Two regular ethernet patch cables (not crossover cables)

1. Connect your USB modem to the router's USB port
2. Connect your Xbox to the router using a patch cable
3. Connect your PC to the router using a patch cable
4. Insert a System Link game into the Xbox
5. Fire up Gamespy, follow the instructions, and play!

• A regular ethernet patch cable (not a crossover or System Link cable)

1. Connect the modem to the PC using the USB port
2. Connect your Xbox to modem using the ethernet patch cable
3. Insert a System Link game into the Xbox
4. Fire up Gamespy, follow the instructions, and play!

• Three regular ethernet patch cables (not a crossover or System Link cable)
• A regular ethernet hub

1. Connect the modem to the hub using a patch cable
2. Connect your PC to the hub using a patch cable
3. Connect your Xbox to the hub using a patch cable
4. Insert a System Link game into the Xbox
5. Fire up Gamespy, follow the instructions, and play!

• A hardware router such as the Linksys BEFSR41, the D-Link DI-704, the NetGear RT314, or similar products.
• If you have a USB ONLY modem, you will need a USB Router, like the Vigor2200USB. Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link do not make USB Routers (they DO make routers with USB ports, but those are for hooking the router to your PC, not to your modem).
• One or more regular ethernet patch cables (not a crossover or System Link cable)

1. Connect your cable/DSL modem to the router, following the router's instructions
2. Connect your Xbox to the router using an ethernet patch cable
3. Connect any PCs you want to have sharing the connection to the router using an ethernet patch cable
4. Insert a System Link game (for Gamespy) or Xbox Live game into the Xbox
5. Play!

• A wireless hardware router such as the Linksys BEFW11S4, the D-Link DI-714, the NetGear MR314, or similar products.
• A wireless bridge such as the Linksys WET11 or the D-Link DWL-810.

1. Connect your cable/DSL modem to the router, following the router's instructions
2. Connect your Xbox to the bridge using an ethernet patch cable
3. Configure router and bridge as required (how's that for vague?)
4. Insert a System Link game (for Gamespy) or Xbox Live game into the Xbox
5. Play!

• A PC running Windows 98SE or later, with ICS installed
• A spare network adapter in the PC
• An ethernet crossover cable (or System Link cable)

1. Configure ICS as needed to provide sharing through the spare network port in the PC
2. Connect your Xbox to the PC using the crossover cable
3. Insert an Xbox Live game into the Xbox and play!

Most likely anyone using AOL broadband over cable WILL have a problem connecting to Xbox Live. One of AOL's much advertised "features" is its ability to give parents some limited control over whether their children can access the internet, and to also control what they see there, once they're online. AOL's software enforces this by requiring a screen name and password to get online. You must do this BEFORE you will see any online content. Most kids get around this somewhat by signing onto AOL and then simply minimizing that and opening Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.

While both Road Runner and AOL High-Speed cable do use the same cables lines and same cable modems, there are differences in how they are configured by the cable company ISP. I currently work for Time Warner Cable and I deal with these AOL connectivity issues on a daily basis. Road Runner broadband customers, as well as Earthlink cable broadband customers have their accounts/modems configured to receive a "public" IP address from the DHCP server. AOL cable broadband accounts are configured in such a way so the DHCP server issues a "PRIVATE" 10.x.x.x IP address and that address is routed in an entirely different way than Road Runner.

If you currently have a PC connected using AOL broadband over cable and you check your network properties you may notice several components were added by the AOL software installer, the most important being a VPN client. This was done in order to maintain security control. AOL wants you on THEIR network and not on a public network, so in order to gain internet access you have to sign onto AOL using a secure VPN tunnel connection. Because you are being issued a private 10.x.x.x IP, the cable company can then choose which websites/domains you are allowed to visit without opening the AOL client software first. In the case of the Time Warner area where I live, all internet access to AOL customers is blocked (Xbox Live included) except for one website. That 1 page that I'm referring to was setup just for new AOL customers to download the AOL software in the rare case that they do not have access to an AOL 7 Cable CD.

If your pc currently has AOL cable installed you cannot simply open Internet Explorer to connect. You have to sign into AOL first! This was done by design in order to maintain that security control. AOL 7 cable broadband is slightly different from other versions of AOL. With most AOL versions, customers connect either with a phone line or using a ISP/LAN connection. With AOL 7 Cable software you are given a 3rd option, which is obviously a cable modem. This option was added to enable the secure VPN connection to AOL.

What does this have to do with Xbox Live you ask? Well, my point is if you connect an Xbox directly to a cable modem that is configured for AOL broadband, it will receive a private 10.x.x.x IP but it will NEVER find the Xbox Live service because the cable company is blocking your xbox from finding any internet connection other than one to an AOL server, and the xbox does NOT have AOL VPN software installed on it to authenticate and get you online. Other cable providers in different parts of the country may have a different configuration and may allow free and open access to any domain, but because it circumvents AOL parental control security I would be very surprised.

It may be possible for AOL Broadband users to connect to Xbox Live if their PC has a 2nd ethernet card and you use something like Internet Connection Sharing or proxy software to provide access to the Xbox, but you would still have to sign onto AOL cable on your pc first in order to create a connection. I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion for some of you AOL broadband customers.


6.18 Is there a workaround for incompatible routers?

Many people aren't sure if XBL will work behind firewalls at their University, apartment complex, etc. There is a way to test for this if you have a Windows PC currently connected to said network:

1. Download the small, freeware, Windows application called "Port Detective" from http://www.portdetective.com/
   (Standard disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with the makers of this program, etc.)
   
2. Install the program and it will launch.
3. Clear all the default ports selected and click "Action" on the menu bar. Click "add a port..." and enter the port "3074"
4. Click "Check Ports Now" (Note: if you are using a router, you will need to temporarily set your DMZ to the PC running the test)
5. If you get the green, "Thru traffic" sign, your ISP is not blocking that port and you should be good to go for Live!

The old list:

• Deathrow
• Halo
• Ghost Recon
• MechAssault
• MotoGP
• NASCAR Heat 2002
• NFL Fever 2003
• TimeSplitters 2
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2x
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
• Unreal Championship

Or no, if your TV supports picture-in-picture and this is acceptible to you. (Thanks to VGPro2000 for the idea.)

See also:
7.7 Do I need multiple copies of the game in LAN play?


7.7 Do I need multiple copies of the game in LAN play?

• Play Dead or Alive 3 and get a high-score in Survival Mode. Your current Xbox name will be one of the choices and any name you enter will become your new Xbox name.
• Create and save a game in Cel Damage. The name you give to your game will become your Xbox name (unverified by FAQ author).
• Create a new driver in MotoGP. The driver's name will become your Xbox name.
• (Thanks to Tranced Shadow) Start a new game in "Championship Manager Season 01-02" (I think it's only out in Europe, I KNOW it's not out in America). Whatever you name your manager will be your Xbox's new name!

Prior to Fall 2003: $49.99 for a Starter Kit, which includes one Communicator headset, one or more pack-in games, and a one-year subscription to the service.

Beginning Fall 2003:

• $69.99 for a Starter Kit, which includes the same items as listed above
• $49.99 for a one-year renewal of your XBL service
• $5.95 for a one-month subscription to XBL
• $29.99 for an extra Communicator headset
• Two-month free trials of XBL available in some games (NFL Fever 2K4 for example)

(Answer from Andre Vrignaud's interview with IGN) We're also going to have free two month Live trials packed in with almost every Live game this holiday. (Yes, if you sign up for Live as a trial subscriber, you qualify for the special $49.99 year renewal rate.)

Update: NFL Fever 2K4, the first XSN title, includes a 2-month free XBL trial.

See also:
8.2 How much does Xbox Live cost and what is included?
8.4 Why did the price of the Starter Kit go up?


8.4 Why did the price of the Starter Kit go up?

When we launched Xbox Live, we basically were including the Voice Communicator free of charge. This new pricing structure represents a great overall savings. Including the pack-in games which will be announced at a later date, this represents a value of over $100 at a substantial saving for gamers. 12 months of service will remain at $49.99 for current subscribers.


8.5 Why are they selling the Communicator separately?

• You purchase an XBL-enabled title
• You decide you want to try it online
• You purchase a Communicator and take advantage of the two-month free trial (included with the game)
• After two months, you're completely hooked and buy a one-year subscription for $49.99 (the renewal rate).

Of course, it would be cheaper to buy a Starter Kit - especially considering the included pack-in games - but $69.99 might be more than people want to fork over at the start.

NOTE: Guests still CANNOT use the Communicator (at least not in the usual way - see the See Also links below). You will need a valid Gamertag to use a Communicator.

See also:
8.2 How much does Xbox Live cost and what is included?
8.3 How do I get the two-month free trial of Xbox Live?
8.4 Why did the price of the Starter Kit go up?
8.26 Is there ANY way for guests to use a Communicator?


8.6 What is Tsunami?

Tsunami provides several new features, including in-game clan/team support, user-configurable tournaments, voice notes with game invites, limited MSN Messenger integration, and more. Detailed information is available at www.xbox.com.

It is important to note that none of these features will be visible in older games. Only new games, developed since the Tsunami API's were released, will be able to take advantage of Tsunami's goodies.

See also:
8.7 What are Xbox Live Now, Xbox Live Web, Live Alerts, and XSN Sports?


8.7 What are Xbox Live Now, Xbox Live Web, Live Alerts, and XSN Sports?

• See if your friends are online and what they are playing
• Chat with friends (outside of any game)
• Check your game statistics
• Issue challenges (I want to challenge XboxBoy to a 9PM MechAssault game, etc.)
• See scheduled games (leagues or personal challenges)
• Find out if DLC is available for games you own
• ...???

XBL Now is not a web browser for the Xbox. It is just an update to the XBL software on your Xbox (call it XBL 2.0 if you want). It is, however, integrated with .NET and Passport, which means you can ALSO do much of this stuff on the web. See below.

Xbox Live Web
This is the web side of Xbox Live Now, more or less. You should be able to do all of the things listed above on this web page, excepting of course voice chat. Note that this also is not a web-browser for the Xbox. This is a web site integrated with .NET, Passport, and the Gamertag system, allowing you to keep tabs on all sorts of XBL-related information from your PC.

Live Alerts
Your NFL Fever league games are Tuesday nights at 8PM. Or is that MechAssault? Maybe it's Thursday at 9PM...

Wouldn't it be neat if you could be reminded about your upcoming matches? Well that's what Live Alerts will do for you. Through .NET/Passport integration, you will be able to get Xbox Live news and alerts through your .NET enabled PC, PocketPC, telephone, or even your watch.

For example, you might see:

• Friends notices: "Clark Kent has just signed into XBL, and is playing MechAssault."
• Reminders: "Boid, you have an NFL Fever 2004 match with AgentSmith at 7PM tonight."
• Challenges: "WonderBoy has challenged you to a game of MechAssault at 9PM - do you accept?"
• Stats Updates: "Frogman has just defeated IronAnchor in Unreal Championship by a score of 24 kills to 18 kills, and has moved into 2nd place. Frogman is challenging your 1st place ranking."
• More...?

XSN Sports (defunct as of 3/04)
XSN is (was - they yanked it in early 2004) Microsoft's stab at an integrated console sports system. It ties together branding (the XSN label on the game), .NET integration, a web site, and Xbox Live to provide a console sports game experience like no other. Get it into your head that Microsoft can "see" who is online, which which XSN title they're playing, and what the score is, and you should begin to see the possibilities. Leagues are one obvious application, but how about near-real-time updates of leage game scores? Did your arch-rival's Cowboys just score a 4th quarter TD to tie the game against the Steelers? You'll know about it on the XSN website. What is your standing in the league? Check the XSN website. When is your next game? Check the web site, or get a reminder through Live Alerts (see above).


8.8 Will there be extra costs for some games?

Note that premium content may actually affect your ability to be effective in games. For instance, that car that you can buy for $1.00 might be the fastest car in the game, and if you don't have it you'll lose to people who do have it. It seems to me that this sets Xbox Live up to split between the "haves" and "have nots", but time will tell how it all shakes out. The premium content will have to have some sort of attraction, or nobody will buy it.

Additional information, straight from a source at Microsoft:

Question: What happens if I purchase something, but people connecting to my hosted game do not have the same thing? For example, if I have purchased the Super Rocket Launcher, and a game client frags me, can he pick up my Super Rocket Launcher even if he himself hasn't purchased it? Does he get a "free pass" because he's in my game? Or does the SRL just disappear when I die?
Answer: It depends on how the developers chose to implement their Premium Content. Some games may allow you to "share" your Super Rocket Launcher with clients while they are in your game, but they will be unable to use the content once disconnected from your machine. Note: this implies some peer-to-peer content trading, much like Unreal Tournament level downloads on the PC. If I have the SRL, my Xbox will have to transfer it to the other Xboxes in the game so they have the model, fire effects, etc.

Question: What happens to all the stuff I've bought if my Xbox HD goes belly up?
Answer: All content purchases are recorded on the central server and tied to your Gamertag. These purchases will be available for re-download at no charge.

Question: Can I use content or paid subscriptions on other Xboxes?
Answer: Content no, subscriptions yes. Any content you buy (new maps, new vehicles, etc.) is tied to your Xbox, and so can only be used there. Any subscriptions you buy (to an MMORPG, for instance) are tied to your Gamertag so you can take your Gamertag to a friend's and log into the MMORPG from there.

See also:
8.2 How much does Xbox Live cost and what is included?
8.8 Will there be extra costs for some games?


8.10 Will I need a credit card to use XBL? What about debit cards?

To purchase the beta kit, you may use a credit card or a debit card with the Visa or Mastercard logo.

To activate your XBL subscription (this is done on the Xbox when you first insert your XBL startup disc), you can use any credit card, but there are some debit cards which may not work, even if they have the Visa or MC logo. Recently, people seem to be having better luck with debit cards than they did early on in the beta. Microsoft and its credit processing company were having trouble with some debit cards, so just be aware that if you try with a debit card, it might not work.

Microsoft may process a $1.00 hold on the card you use to activate your XBL subscription. This money is not actually charged to your account - it just allows Microsoft to verify that the account allows electronic charges from the XBL billing system. Your credit card statement may show a $1.00 hold/reversal, but you should not actually be charged any money. Unless, of course, you start buying Premium Content.


8.11 Is Xbox Live broadband only? What about 56K dial-up users?

Dial-up internet accounts will not be compatible with Xbox Live. You will need to get cable, DSL, or ISDN. While it is possible to trick the Xbox into trying to connect over a dial-up line, as soon as you try to play a game, the game will be suspended for "poor connection quality". Broadband only means broadband only, sorry.


8.12 Do I need my own broadband service?

Most likely anyone using AOL broadband over cable WILL have a problem connecting to Xbox Live. One of AOL's much advertised "features" is its ability to give parents some limited control over whether their children can access the internet, and to also control what they see there, once they're online. AOL's software enforces this by requiring a screen name and password to get online. You must do this BEFORE you will see any online content. Most kids get around this somewhat by signing onto AOL and then simply minimizing that and opening Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.

While both Road Runner and AOL High-Speed cable do use the same cables lines and same cable modems, there are differences in how they are configured by the cable company ISP. I currently work for Time Warner Cable and I deal with these AOL connectivity issues on a daily basis. Road Runner broadband customers, as well as Earthlink cable broadband customers have their accounts/modems configured to receive a "public" IP address from the DHCP server. AOL cable broadband accounts are configured in such a way so the DHCP server issues a "PRIVATE" 10.x.x.x IP address and that address is routed in an entirely different way than Road Runner.

If you currently have a PC connected using AOL broadband over cable and you check your network properties you may notice several components were added by the AOL software installer, the most important being a VPN client. This was done in order to maintain security control. AOL wants you on THEIR network and not on a public network, so in order to gain internet access you have to sign onto AOL using a secure VPN tunnel connection. Because you are being issued a private 10.x.x.x IP, the cable company can then choose which websites/domains you are allowed to visit without opening the AOL client software first. In the case of the Time Warner area where I live, all internet access to AOL customers is blocked (Xbox Live included) except for one website. That 1 page that I'm referring to was setup just for new AOL customers to download the AOL software in the rare case that they do not have access to an AOL 7 Cable CD.

If your pc currently has AOL cable installed you cannot simply open Internet Explorer to connect. You have to sign into AOL first! This was done by design in order to maintain that security control. AOL 7 cable broadband is slightly different from other versions of AOL. With most AOL versions, customers connect either with a phone line or using a ISP/LAN connection. With AOL 7 Cable software you are given a 3rd option, which is obviously a cable modem. This option was added to enable the secure VPN connection to AOL.

What does this have to do with Xbox Live you ask? Well, my point is if you connect an Xbox directly to a cable modem that is configured for AOL broadband, it will receive a private 10.x.x.x IP but it will NEVER find the Xbox Live service because the cable company is blocking your xbox from finding any internet connection other than one to an AOL server, and the xbox does NOT have AOL VPN software installed on it to authenticate and get you online. Other cable providers in different parts of the country may have a different configuration and may allow free and open access to any domain, but because it circumvents AOL parental control security I would be very surprised.

It may be possible for AOL Broadband users to connect to Xbox Live if their PC has a 2nd ethernet card and you use something like Internet Connection Sharing or proxy software to provide access to the Xbox, but you would still have to sign onto AOL cable on your pc first in order to create a connection. I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion for some of you AOL broadband customers.


8.14 How much bandwidth will I need to play on XBL?

To be a host, you may require 128kbps or more, depending on the game. I have hosted 8-player Unreal Championship games successfully on a 256kbps capped cable connection. Communicator use was unreliable, however, as Unreal Championship will sacrifice voice in order to keep the game running smoothly.

See also:
8.11 Is Xbox Live broadband only? What about 56K dial-up users?
8.19 Are games hosted on MS servers or on my Xbox?
8.22 Can more than one person play on a single Xbox with Xbox Live?


8.15 How do I hook up my Xbox for Xbox Live?

Many people aren't sure if XBL will work behind firewalls at their University, apartment complex, etc. There is a way to test for this if you have a Windows PC currently connected to said network:

1. Download the small, freeware, Windows application called "Port Detective" from http://www.portdetective.com/
   (Standard disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with the makers of this program, etc.)
   
2. Install the program and it will launch.
3. Clear all the default ports selected and click "Action" on the menu bar. Click "add a port..." and enter the port "3074"
4. Click "Check Ports Now" (Note: if you are using a router, you will need to temporarily set your DMZ to the PC running the test)
5. If you get the green, "Thru traffic" sign, your ISP is not blocking that port and you should be good to go for Live!

Be sure to check the list of compatible routers to see if your router is supported.


8.18 Will I need a router instead of a hub for Xbox Live?

Note that even though most games are user-hosted, the Xbox does send status information back to Xbox HQ, mainly so your friends can tell if you're online and what game you are playing.


8.20 What is a Gamertag and how many can I have?

Gamertags can be 15 characters long, and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. No punctuation or special characters are allowed in the Gamertag, though some games allow special characters for your "in-game handle". For example, my Gamertag is "Boid", but in ReVolt I show up as "Boid [BOA]".

See also:
8.22 Can more than one person play on a single Xbox with Xbox Live?


8.21 How does the XBL feedback system work?

Here is an excerpt:

Below is a list of current offenses and resulting banning actions:

• If you choose a Gamertag that violates the Code of Conduct and other gamers complain about it, you'll be forced to change it. And we're good at recognizing the hidden meaning in creative spellings, so you might as well pick something nice from the start.
  
  
• If you choose a nickname that violates the Code of Conduct in any game regardless of ESRB rating, and other players complain about it, your account will be suspended. First offense is a one-day suspension. Second offense is one week. Third offense and every subsequent offense is two weeks.
  
  
• If your use of voice violates the Code of Conduct and other gamers complain about it, you'll be voice-banned. Durations of the voice ban are the same as for suspensions. If you're voice-banned you can still play, but no one else will be able to hear what you say.
  
  
• If you violate the Code of Conduct by cheating or exhibiting "bad gameplay" and other gamers complain about it, you'll also find yourself suspended from one day to two weeks.
  

(Thanks to Jason) With this type of game, either a single XBL subscriber uses two or more of his Gamertags - one for each player on his Xbox - or players bring their own Gamertags on memory cards. Each player can use a Communicator and stats are saved individually for each Gamertag.

See also:
8.20 What is a Gamertag and how many can I have?


8.23 Can I use my MODDED Xbox on Xbox Live?

In some games (Ghost Recon is one), you can divert voice chat to your TV speakers or A/V system.

See also:
8.24 How does the Communicator work?


8.26 Is there ANY way for guests to use a Communicator?

If you've just finished a game with the person, you should be able to use the game's own Friends menu to find the Gamertag. In MechAssault, for instance, pushing the D-pad to the right when on the Friends list takes you to the Players list, which has a list of recent opponents. If you select a Gamertag from the Players list, MechAssault gives you an option to "Send Friend Request". Most XBL games should have a similar feature.

If all you have is a Gamertag, you need to add the person through your Xbox Live dashboard. Here are the steps (Thanks to 9Nails):

NOTE: Your Xbox must be connected to the Internet in order to perform these steps.

1. Boot your Xbox without a game in the drive.
2. Choose "XBOX LIVE" from the dashboard.
3. Choose "SELECT ACCOUNT".
4. Choose "Friends"
5. Choose "ADD FRIEND"
6. Press the "A" button, and fill out the Gamertag you wish to find.
7. Choose "DONE"

• The United Kingdom
• Argentina
• Japan
• Mexico

• A dedicated broadband-only gaming network
• Games optimized for internet play (read: less lag, smoother play)
• Built-in voice communications
• No home network required and no PC required
• Buddy lists with the ability to invite friends to your game, even if they are currently playing a different game
• Special Xbox Live-only features and content
• Support for 64-player games (or more - depends on the game)
• Access to massively-multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) that probably won't work via System Link (and therefore not Gamespy)

How's that for a little 'tude from MS?

The major difference between Microsoft's and Sony's approach is that Microsoft included 10/100 Ethernet support (and no 56K modem support) right into the console, they built a huge broadband gaming infrastructure, and they said, "Hey developers, use these guidelines and API's and you can get your game onto XBL, with guaranteed 100% market penetration."

Sony, in contrast, built an add-on modem/network adapter, put it on retail shelves, and said, "Hey developers, if you want your game online, go ahead and write your own code and build your own infrastructure and billing system. We're sure at least 10% of our existing PS2 owners will buy the add-on."

Here's my own comparison of features:

Feature	Xbox	PS2
Connectivity	10/100 Ethernet built into every console; 100% market penetration	Extra purchase (56K modem/Ethernet adapter) required; 10% typical add-on market penetration
Bandwidth	Broadband only = low lag	56K supported, depending on game = lag trouble with 56K gamers
Voice	Supported in every game; full duplex	Supported in very few games; often half duplex
Identity	Consistent across all games (Gamertag)	Differs depending on the game
Friends	Centrally managed friends list; cross-game invites	Single-game lists only; no cross-game support
Scoreboards	Centrally managed scoreboards, some with web-baed monitoring	No central management; scoreboards are up to each game developer
Abuse	Central feedback system; monitored by MS; abusers accounts suspended or canceled	No central abuse prevention; up to each game developer
Advanced Features	Passport integration allows web monitoring of friends, scores, tournaments, etc.; XSN® provides integrated sports gaming network	Advanced features? Hmmm...
Costs	$70 for Starter Kit, includes Communicator, demo game(s), and one year of XBL gaming (you provide broadband access); some games (usually MMORPGs) may have extra costs; all billing handled by Microsoft, thorugh XBL dashboard interface; one year renewal = $50	$40 for network adapter/modem (you provide broadband/56K access); voice support/accessory cost up to game developer; extra fees up to game developer; billing handled separately by each game developer

See also:
8.2 How much does Xbox Live cost and what is included?

1. The Xbox hard drive (and especially the user partition) isn't big enough for fragmentation to cause the disk heads all that much extra work
2. Save files aren't big enough to get scattered too far

Update: For Xbox Live, it seems that if you use more than one extension on the controller with a Communicator, voice doesn't work properly.


9.11 Are there any wireless Xbox controllers?

Also, Mad Catz has their Lynx wireless controller (Thanks to Fred Turatti).


9.12 Why does the Xbox forget the time and date?

Since BIOS controls the hardware, and the hardware in your Xbox has been constant since day 1, no BIOS updates are needed. The ethernet port in the Xbox has always been completely functional (from a BIOS standpoint); how else would System Link games work? The dashboard is a program on the hard disk, not in BIOS, and all "operating system" components required are included on each game disc.

The only time a different BIOS version is required is when an internal hardware component changes, and that only happens at the factory.


9.17 Which TVs work/don't work with the MadCatz light gun?

• Philips Plasma (unconfirmed)

Doesn't Work:

• Sony KP53HS10 (480p or 480i)
• Panasonic PT45LC12 LCD HDTV
• Toshiba 36HF71 36" Flat Screen

1. Return the Xbox to the place of purchase and get a replacement, if the unit is still under the store's guarantee policies or if you purchased an extended warranty.
2. Call Microsoft technical support, if the unit is still under the 90-day warranty.
3. If the unit is out of warranty by less than a month or two, call MS technical support and see if they'll cut you a deal.
4. If the unit is way out of warranty, call MS technical support and ask how much it would be to have the unit fixed. Decide if it's worth it to you.

Technical support was very responsive and turnaround time was amazingly fast (sent in on a Tuesday, back on a Saturday). Unfortunately, it took two tries to get the problem (bad DVD drive) fixed.

The moral of the story: write everything down and make sure tech support understands what is wrong and that they fix the right thing. If they get that right, they're excellent about handling problems quickly.


10.5 Should I buy an extended warranty?

It's quite possible that a year from now, after the initial kinks are worked out, the answer to this question will be simply 'No.' For now, though, it's 'maybe'.

Microsoft extended warranty costs (US$):
1 year: $24.95
2 years: $49.90
3 years: $74.85

CompUSA offers a 2-year replacement warranty for $29.95, but this only covers one replacement. Once they replace your unit once, the warranty is over. Be sure to read the fine print before buying an extended warranty.


10.6 Is it true that Xboxes have caught fire?

1. Try every other method to get the disc working (cleaning the disc, cleaning the drive, etc.)
2. If none of that works, get an inch or two of water boiling in a pot
3. Dunk the bad disc into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds, being careful not to let the disc touch the sides or bottom of the pot (it should float)
4. Let the disc cool and dry it thoroughly using a blotting action, not a wiping motion

www.xbox.com - the official site
forums.xbox.com - the official forums
Gamertag Database - Excellent idea, top-notch execution. Go register your GT!
Team Xbox
Xbox Addict
Xbox Solution
Xbox 365
ActiveXbox
Teamcompete
Gamezone
Gamespy (formerly planetxbox.com)
www.x-boxed.com (Playmore Consoles)
www.xboxusersgroup.com
www.X-power.be (Dutch)
www.xboxworld.nl (Dutch)
www.xboxmax.nl (Dutch, also www.xboxmax.be)


11.2 Where can I find out about the Official Xbox Magazine?

• I would suggest sorting on the 'sent' date by clicking on the 'sent' column heading.
• IF you wish to subscribe to more groups, just right click on the news.microsoft.com server in the tree and then select the 'Newsgroups' option and repeat from step 17.

Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee.
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee.

Together they would travel on boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail
Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name, oh

CHORUS

A dragon lives forever, but not so little boys
Painted wings and giants's rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his lifelong friend, Puff could not be brave
So, Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave, oh

CHORUS