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Week of May 21, 2006
Next Gen Controller Breakdown
>> From gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
I've decided to take a look at the state of next-generation controllers. There's three out there just waiting to be judged, one that's currently on the market and two just itching to take gaming in a whole new direction. I've decided to look at each one through a series of categories, upon which I'll pick a winner as to which company is making the most durable, helpful controller out there.
Overall Xbox 360: The Xbox 360 controller isn't anything blazingly new in terms of control, but a fine modified version of the Controller S pad into wireless form that provides a great deal of comfort and ease of control. Something could be done to prolong the battery life or at least give an indication as to when it needs a change, but past that little setback, this is a great controller that works with a number of game types, be it a complex first-person shooter like Gears of War or a simple card game such as Uno.
Overall PS3: Sony's PS3 controller has a long way to go. Despite the fact that it has gyroscopic features built in and returns to the same old Dual Shock formula that the previous controllers did, it feels cheaply put together and seems to have most of its innovation borrowed from that other competitor, the Nintendo Wii. There's not really an original hook here to keep gamers thinking that the PS3 is innovative, even though the controller has that sense of comfort. Fortunately, the very final edition will see Sony giving it a little heft and a push of originality.
Overall Wii: The Nintendo Wii-mote is a solid controller and a grealy designed tool that should help boost the company back into the next-generation race. The system itself could use a little more of a technical boost to live up to this peripheral's potential, and some of the games aren't as smooth controlling as others (playing Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam with a sideways Wii-mote takes getting used to), but it still plays wonderfully and could lead the way for a new direction as to how games are played. Hell, even Sony's stealing some ideas.
[/QUOTE]
Read More (4 pages): gamedaily.com
Xbox/Xbox360 Image SS Extractor/Patcher v1.5
>> From carranzafp on xboxhacker.net forums:
[QUOTE]
What is this tool?
This Graphical tool allows patching your XBOX and XBOX 360 Game Images with your own Security Sector file at the right addess, making the full process easier, fast and error free. This app is for those who wants to create a game image to play with the Commodore4eva hacked firmware (for xbox 1 or for 360)
There are other important features of the app like:
a) Image Browser, you can view the file structure, copy structure to clipboard, extract and replace files into the game image (dont replace an important file or you will burn a coaster)
b) Browser supports XBOX and XBOX 360 raw dumps, XBOX and XBOX 360 Quix ISO's. (some newer releases from warez groups are not supported because they are releasing in wrong format: Nero ISO)
c) Trim your Raw Images (XBOX and XBOX 360) eliminating the unused extra space from the image, lowering your burn time.
d) Create a XBOX/XBOX 360 Raw Image joining video + game partition
e) Patch your keys onto hacked firmware
f) Retrieve Security Sector from original XBOX/XBOX 360 games (read full document)
g) Mini DVD-Info Pro, this option combines basic functionality from CloneCD and DVD-Info pro, enough for our purposes so you don't have to switch from one app to another.
h) Create layout files (.lft) for WXRipper, so you can rip your XBOX 360 games in minutes and without the need of calculating any "magic number".
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by carranzafp on xboxhacker.net forums
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Video Hands-On With the New Xbox Live Update and More
>> The guys at 1up posted a video hands-on with the new Xbox 360 Live upgrade coming next week:
[QUOTE]
With the first of two yearly planned updates -- this one being the Spring update -- Microsoft's Xbox 360 Live service has finally left beta.
The video is a 1UP guided tour of the new features and functionality that this Spring Update offers. The video will show the new Active Download system, DVD player improvements like Bookmarking (remeber position where you stopped watching), Dashboard Boot-Up with game in drive, how theme downloading has been simplified, how Active Download cancels and restarts automatically when you shift into playing a Live-enabled game (the download halts to avoid sucking bandwidth), how your custom soundtracks are remembered by the system (and finally play over Geometry Wars) and how those soundtracks will play during a game and turn off automatically when the Xbox 360 recognizes a cutscene -- and then resumes after the cutscene finishes.
[/QUOTE]
Screenshots and a nice overview of what will change is available on kotaku.com.
So, will MS also include a fix for the DVD firmware hack? Maybe, MS was warned about this hack several months ago, so it's not like they didn't have time to come up with something.
How they will check it is unknown, but they currently have many ways to do so, both checks on the discs (backups are still very different from retail xbox 360 discs, even when patched with SS) and of course checks on the memory and firmware of the DVD drive.
Of course as long as the hardware doesn't change the DVD firmware stays 'open' and there can be no real trusted communication between the DVD and the console core... so theoretically people could always modify the firmware to come with a reply the console expects, but MS could make this very very hard and confusing.
What MS will do when they detect it? ... again unknown but I guess you can at least expect a ban of your console ID on LIVE if you're online (like with the Xbox1). They might also block the console from booting if they detect a modified firmware and/or make some easy checks on discs before booting them.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gaming heaven for Southern California residents - Howie's Game Shack
>> From tgdaily.com:
[QUOTE]
Gaming cafes have been popping up around the country, but they are often small and don't last very long. Howie's Game Shack located inside the Kaleidoscope mall in Mission Viejo, Calif. is trying to buck the trend. Despite its small sounding name, this "Shack" is actually a huge gaming center with 200 computers and 45 Xbox 360 consoles. Open since August 2005, Howie's has been doing brisk business and was completely packed during our visit in May.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: tgdaily.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gates: Motion-Sensing Controllers 'Not Mainstream'
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
In an interview with MTV News, Microsoft co-founder and chairman Bill Gates noted that while he appreciates the fact that there is innovation within the motion-sensitive controllers employed by Nintendo and Sony's Wii and PlayStation 3 platforms respectively, overall he's yet to be impressed with the idea, noting "it's something that's not mainstream for most games."
He also mentioned in the interview that Microsoft itself tried its hand at releasing a motion sensitive controller - the Sidewinder Freestyle Pro for the PC - but that it was largely unsuccessful.
Gates also hinted to MTV News at the long rumored entry by Microsoft into the handheld gaming market, indicating that he foresees an all-in-one device in the near future that you will carry with you which will fill the requirements of a media device, phone, and game console, but that for now the hardware isn't suitable, commenting that "the world isn't ready yet for a device that meets all of those needs."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamasutra.com and mtv.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MednafenX-NES v8
>> Xport released a new version of MednafenX-NES(info).
What's new/fixed:
* Override mapper# and mirroring from game configuration menu
* Added button definitions for PowerPad 1-12/Family Trainer 1-12
* Added button definitions for HyperShot 1/2, Run/Jump
* Added button definitions for QuizKing Buzzers 1-6
* Mapper fixes (see full nfo)
* Mapper additions (see full nfo)
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Undiluted Platinum: Firmware Replacement Chip for Sony PSP
>> Not really Xbox(360) news, but looks like the Sony PSP is getting its first hardware modchip. Here's the info we received:
[QUOTE]
Undiluted Platinum: World's first PSP Modchip!
Here's a picture of U.P. (Undiluted Platinum), a flash replacement system for the PSP which allows the use of previous flash updates or custom flash builds. Installation has been optimized to fit entirely inside PSP, this opens up the possibility to run unsigned Homebrew code on the latest PSP systems. More info will be available next week.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XBMC Skin Editor - WIP
>> From |EqUiNoX| on xbmcskineditor.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
This site is dedicated to what I call simply the XBMC skin editor. The overall idea of the project is to allow users to View, Modify and Create XBMC (XboxMediaCenter(info)) skins using a feature rich and easy to use professional application. Big thanks go out to JMarshall who has given valuable information regarding XBMC, Blackbolt for his wonderful graphics used on this website and in the application and XanTium for supplying this web space. This application is being developed as and when I get spare time, it therefore may take some time to complete. If you are able to help in anyway towards this project then please dont hesitate in contacting my self via the forum. Any help such as donations for example will enable me to complete this project faster as I would be able to afford time saving components for use within this application. Here is a small list of some of the features / tools I plan to have in the application:
* Skin validation.
* XPR file viewing.
* Syntax Highlighting XML editor.
* Skin preview.
* Drag & Drop skin editing.
* Calculator.
* Color Picker.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xbmcskineditor.xbox-scene.com
Official Forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XLink::One - Official First Game Played Tonight
>> It's been a while since we talked about the development progress of XLink One, that will soon replace the XLink Kai(info) multi-platform global gaming network.
Here's a new update from prestige at teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Tonight I opened my web browser, signed in to XLink::One and joined the Team XLink Test Arena Chat only to be greeted by threats of severe ownage. Rest assurd, my brothers and sisters, I was in fine form tonight!
After firing up Black Arrow, I polished my trusty G3A3 and hunted that code monkey, MeanMF, down. Zooming in on the back of his head while he gingerly crept around the side of a building, I pulled the trigger. * Red Team wins * It was a cheap victory, but a victory nonetheless! And so concluded the first official game played on the new XLink::One codebase.
When offered a re-match, my worthy opponent declined as it was late and he needed to compile the Windows 64bit, Linux, and Mipps versions of the X1 client for future testing...
[/QUOTE]
Read More: http://www.teamxlink.co.uk and http://dev.teamxlink.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Thursday 25 May 2006 23:08 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XCM 360 Transparent Case, XCM Xbox 360 Cooler and Cases Install Manuals
dvd2xbox v0.7.6
>> WiSo released a new version of dvd2xbox(info).
What's new/fixed:
* added: remotecontrol.xml to "control" dvd2xbox from another app: more info. A stripped down skin and a python script to call dvd2xbox from XBMC can be found in the dvd2xbox forum: here
* added: support for DHCP (implemented XBMC network layer)
* added: network mode setting. "dash" to obtain settings from dash, "DHCP" to get it from a DHCP server and "static" to use the settings in dvd2xbox.xml
* added: support for usb keyboards. Use it to control dvd2xbox and to write with the virtual keyboard (english layout only)
* changed: the virtual keyboard is only showing the last directory in string now
* changed: pressing B in the virtual keyboard simulates backspace
* changed: the unlocker is disabled per default now since it seems to be the cause of crashes on some boxes
* fixed: two functions former available via the main menu: BLACK to show infos about the inserted XBOX game, BACK to start auto detection of the DVD manually
* skinning: added the attribute "direction" to the text item. The value "vertical" specifies vertical text
* skinning: added new item "shortcut" which let you switch to different contexts without using the main menu
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download Binaries n/a (built with XDK) | Download Sourcecode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Tales From Packaging Hell
>> From wired.com:
[QUOTE]
The stubborn plastic casing around the Microsoft Xbox 360 faceplate seemed to laugh first at the kitchen scissors and then the steak knife that tried to penetrate it. When 14-year-old Daniel Mroue's attempt to open the thing with a long, serrated bagel knife failed, his parents became concerned.
Mroue's father, George, took over with a pair of box-cutters, which did the trick. But George Mroue also ended up with a wad of bandages shoring up the damage after slicing his palm open on a sharpened piece of plastic.
"It was ridiculous," groused George Mroue of the February incident. "There was nothing anywhere telling us how to open the (darn) thing. I don't understand why they make it so goddamn hard to open these things."
That's an increasingly common question these days. From Psyclone electronics cables encased in impenetrable layers of thick plastic to DigiPower camera batteries coated with packaging several times the size of the item itself, the hardest part of buying electronics these days is opening the products when you get them home. In many cases, it makes solving Halo 2 seem like a kindergarten project.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: wired.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Shane Kim Interview and Xbox 360 and Orginal Xbox!
>> IGN posted a new interview today with Shane Kim, Microsoft Game Studios' lead man. Here's a short excerpt:
[QUOTE]
* IGN: So you're saying 5.5 million units will be sold by end of June, and that 4.5 million more will be sold worldwide by November 17. With more to come between November 17 and the end of 2006?
* Shane: Yes.
* IGN: Will there be a new hard drive? Will a larger size hard drive be available this fall?
* Shane: Stay tuned.
* IGN: You're not saying no.
* Shane: I'm not saying no, but I'm saying stay tuned on that. Obviously, we're watching that subject very closely and we're listening to the customers and what they are doing with their hard drives. The fact that people are downloading so much material, for example, off Xbox Live Marketplace there have been 18 million downloads already. Watching what customers are doing with that content is important -- their thirst and appetite for more content is huge, so we'll continue to deliver downloadable content, whether it's movie trailers, music, music videos, and of course, downloadable game content and game demos. You know, we're going to continue to look at the capacity of the hard drive.
* IGN: So...why are you dissing the Xbox?
* Shane: (Laughs.) We're not dissing the Xbox!
* IGN: Is it an operational thing? I mean, you have full capacity production for the Xbox 360, and last year at E3 Microsoft announced it wouldn't be working on any more first-party Xbox games, other than Fable the Lost Chapters, the Halo 2 Map Pack, and Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes. Will there be an increased number of units going into the marketplace this year? Are you slowing down production? You know, if I want to buy an Xbox, what are my chances of getting one? And will there be a price drop for the Xbox as well?
* Shane: You can buy an Xbox right now. They're available. We'll continue to manufacture them and we'll continue to have Xboxes available for the foreseeable future. The difference between the first party strategy and the third party strategy is this: The job of the first-party team is to drive the new platform. Peter talked about it -- there are more than 800 titles available on Xbox right now. There are lots of Xbox games available right now. And the third-party community is looking at about 24 to 25 million units as an installed base, that's a pretty heavy installed base. Again, we have moved on to Xbox 360, but that's really more of a...we're not, as a company, interested in trying to monetize the stalled base we have on Xbox. Instead, we're very focused on driving the success of the new platform, the Xbox 360; so that we can install a healthy install base and ecosystem for third-parties to thrive in.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole interview on xbox360.ign.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 24 May 2006 21:06 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
TCMD Xbox DVD Filesystem Plugin v1.1
>> From ikk.byethost9.com:
[QUOTE]
This plugin adds feature to Total Commander (http://ghisler.com) to browse and extract content of Xbox DVD game backups straight from PC DVD-ROM Drive, without need to create ISO image on Hard Drive first.
Features:
* browse valid Xbox dvd filesystem on CD or DVD Rom's
* extract files/folders straight from Drive into any location
* can browse virtual CD/DVD Rom Drives
* fast read access with directory catche
* smooth progress dialog
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://ikk.byethost9.com
Download: here
News-Source: maxconsole.net
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XBL Background Downloads and Boot-to-Dash Coming Yesterday? *Update2*
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
We already suspected it was supposed to drop this month, but Microsoft's Knowledge Base (KB article #919421) has revealed the feature set and the release date for the Xbox 360's long anticipated background downloading functionality. The date: yesterday.
Alright, so they're running a little late (at least it's not Vista-late), but the feature set is promising.
Here's a quote of the article by microsoft (KB #919421) as they deleted it already:
With the spring auto-update of the Xbox Live service scheduled for May 23, 2006, you will have access to the Active Download feature in the Xbox Live Marketplace.
With an active downloads list, you receive the following benefits:
* Each item that you download is downloaded separately in the background. This lets you continue to use the console while you download an item.
* You can stream music, play DVDs or CDs, play arcade titles, and play games while you download an item from the marketplace.
* If you start to play an online game, the download is automatically paused while you play the game to help prevent game lag because of network congestion. This helps you receive the best online gaming experience that the network can provide.
* All downloads are associated with your profile. If a download is paused or if the download is interrupted, the download will resume the next time that you connect to Xbox Live.
* You can add items to the active downloads list at any time by selecting more items from the marketplace.
You will receive a notification in the Xbox Guide when an item starts to download and when the download is completed. You will also receive a notification if the download fails.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: joystiq.com
*Update* Microsoft did delete the KB #919421 in english, was still up in french for a while, but also removed now.
Another article KB #919388 (again removed in english, was still here in french but also removed now) explains you will be able to desactivate the auto-run of the game disc in the drive when you boot your console. In the 'Console Settings' you will be able set how your Xbox 360 should react if you boot the console with a disk in drive: either boot disk (like it's done now) or boot the dashboard.
Microsoft is also adding bookmarking to DVD playback, allowing you to start playing a DVD from when you finished.
*Update2* Here's an official MS response to above info from the Team Xbox GamerScore Blog:
[QUOTE]
So we're all really excited about the next update to the Xbox Live, and Xbox Live Marketplace. But hey, we're not ready to share specifics or details about it. As such, posts related to this update were done prematurely, and I apologize - from nearby the bottom of my heart - for any confusion this may have caused.
Stay tuned for more detailed information about this in the coming week.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Launches First Shared Source Contest: Win 360s!
>> From developers.slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has launched its first-ever shared source programming contest. With several XBox 360's and an HDTV on the line, hackers will download 120-day trial versions of Windows CE and associated tools, and create 'cool, real-world' apps using designated shared source components. Judging criteria include originality, real-world practicality, feature-extension of the Shared Source components, project documentation, and a short video that demonstrates the successful operation of the project. The Grand Prize is a complete Xbox 360 dream setup consisting of the Xbox 360 console, a 34-inch HDTV, games, and accessories. Three other winners will be awarded Xbox 360 game consoles.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Modified Firmware for Hitachi-LG Drive in Development
Xbox360 SS Merger v1.4
>> HellDoc released a new version of Xbox360 SS Merger(info) - a GUI tool that allows you to easily insert the Security Sectors (SS) on raw dumps made both the 'wxRipper(info)'-way (hot-swap with opened PC DVD drive and wxRipper software) and the 'xtreme'-way (with original Xbox 360 DVD drive on PC and special bios).
What's new/fixed:
* ISO type autodetection has been really improved.
* ISO type detection is now automatic when you select an ISO.
* ISO type detection will tell you how the detection has been made (blanked video partion found, original video partion found, etc...)
* MD5 of current ISOs SS is displayed + MD5 of SS file.
* SS file is now validated to minimize user error.
* I made some change to the GUI but nothing major.
* Added merge in the file menu.
* Note1: Instruction are still the same.
Official Site: n/a, by HellDoc at xboxhacker.net forums
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MednafenX-NES v7
>> Xport released a new version of MednafenX-NES(info).
What's new/fixed:
* Added mappers (These are all the mappers that FCEUltraX(info) supported that MednafenX did not - so MednafenX can now do everything that FCEUltraX did plus much more.)
* Trigger rumble via memory now has the following options: trigger when memory value changes, trigger when memory value decreases, trigger when memory value increases, trigger when memory value = specified value, trigger when memory value != specified value, trigger when memory value ] specified value, trigger when memory value [ specified value
* Jump to Memory Dump from cheat code value
* More searchable memory locations for creating cheat codes
* Select a custom palette file
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Transcode 360 W.I.P. Update
More about (Cancelled?) Project Helium: Windows on Xbox 360
>> From Dean Takahashi at mercurynews.com:
[QUOTE]
I've got a copy of an email about a project called Helium at Microsoft. The email came out a couple of years ago and it apparently describes an attempt to put Windows on the Xbox 360. It's one of the tidbits that I picked up while writing my book. If our collective consciousness on the web can be considered to be a "hive mind," I wonder if we can solve this mystery. Just what is, or was, Helium? Is it dead or postponed?
For the record, JonT is Jon Thomason, the former head of software for the Xbox team. He sent this email to the whole Xbox group and he did not provide this email to me. The email is dated December, 2003. It describes how Helium has moved from investigation to a project. So what was it? I hear from my sources that this was the third SKU, the version of the Xbox 360 that ran Windows. It is the ultimate Trojan Horse in that respect. But Microsoft executives have consistently maintained that it makes no sense to make the game console into a full fledged PC. They reportedly canceled Helium. I hear that it was an idea they tried out to please Bill Gates' curiosity, but it never panned out. But I don't know that for sure. Is Helium something that we will see in the future? Will they save it for a high-end SKU later on? Will it be the 3.0 generation? Who can tell us? Who can speculate why it would make sense to come out with this kind of product?
[/QUOTE]
Read More (incl. c/p of email): mercurynews.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Trying to Boost Indy XBLA Development
>> Microsoft is apparently trying to boost indy arcade games development (that could be used for Xbox LIVE Arcade). They started a new sweepstakes to encourage people to download, install, and register their free development studio:
[QUOTE]
If you want to take your love for gaming or developing to the next level by learning how to build arcade games, you've come to the right place. Unleash the arcade in your PC with free downloadable resources tailored for either the beginner or the intermediate developer:
* Free software to develop
* Complete how-to guides
* Informative webcasts
As if that weren't enough, simply by installing and registering your free copy of Microsoft Visual Studio Express Editions, you'll automatically have the option to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the following:
(1) A vintage "Pac-Man" arcade game machine in an upright cabinet. (Estimated Retail Value: $4,000)
(3) A T-shirt set (from www.thinkgeek.com) consisting of 30 T-shirts (Estimated Retail Value: $500 each set)
(20) An Atari joystick game device (Estimated Retail Value: $50 each).
[/QUOTE]
Read More: http://www.upgradeyourgame.com and coding4fun at MSDN
Thanks to twistedsymphony for the news/link.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Dates Indian Xbox 360 Launch
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft officials have announced plans to launch the Xbox 360 in India, with a marketing campaign involving a launch before the important Diwali festival on October 21st.
The Xbox 360 will be sold for 19,990 rupees ($439), although it is unclear whether this price includes a hard drive and other premium pack accessories. Microsoft hopes to set up 1,200 retail outlets in main cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamasutra.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
SmartXX Add-on Set, Manual and SmartXX v3 Price drop
>> From smartxx.com:
[QUOTE]
* Content of SmartXX(info) Add-on Set:
-SmartXX cable set
-SmartXX RGB-LED cable
-DIP-display-adapter
* Manual for the SmartXX Add-on Set: SmartXX v3 - Add-ons (German versions will be online soon)
Content of SmartXX v3 Add-ons manual:
-Display Connector: XLCD-Display connection, Display plug-installation, DIP-Display solder-installation, DIP-Display installation with SmartXX DIP-Display-Adapter
-RGB-LED-connection
-Placing the IR-Mod
* Price drop on SmartXX V3 (including CD and USB port).
Please ask for the latest price.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
No Digital Video Output (HDMI/DVI) for HD-DVD Xbox 360 Accessory?
>> Major Nelson's latest blogcast (kinda) confirms (around min. 44:00) that the HD-DVD add-on won't support HDMI or DVI digital video output. That would mean that if and when the film studios decide to support the Image Constraint Token (ICT), the Xbox 360 will be forced to down-res the display output.
The addon will use the video output of the console and while Microsoft still doesn't want to officially deny the possibility of a HDMI cable/pack for the Xbox 360 it doesn't look very likely (also see A/V output). If it really was possible with a simple cable and without internal redesign of the Xbox 360 they would say it, don't you think?:
[QUOTE]
* Major Nelson (Larry Hyrb): "Talk to me about HDMI. What kind of output is this [HD-DVD accessory] gonna have?"
* Mark (a.k.a. The Xbox Accessories Guy): "The video output is handled by the console. So you're gonna plug in the standard A/V packs that you're already using today... and I think the question is really, "hey, is there gonna be a HDMI pack?" ... You know, we continue to look at that stuff. Today, component is great for HD; lets you get all the signal that you want out on all the TVs that are really out there. We continue to look at this from a market perspective. I think our competitors are doing the same thing, and we'll keep investigating that in the future. Don't really have anything..." (trails off)
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to Mike for the news/transcript.
In similar news... rumors suggest ICT a non-issue till at least 2010. From hdbeat.com:
[QUOTE]
That's the rumor that has been floating around the internet since E3. This German site (translated via Google) claims to have knowledge of a "backroom agreement" between hardware manufacturers and studios that would allow for full-resolution output through analog connectors until at least 2010. The theory is supported by the Xbox 360's HDMI-lacking HD DVD add-on, and the budget PS3's similar lack of a protected output. Still, rumors and back room agreements won't do much to ease the concern of HDTV owners with only analog inputs, and people considering buying a next-gen console to double as a high definition DVD player.
[/QUOTE]
Image Constraint Token (ICT)?
[QUOTE]
HD-DVD and Blu-ray players must follow AACS guidelines pertaining to outputs over non-encrypted interfaces. This is set by a flag called the Image Constraint Token (ICT), which restricts the resolution for outputs without HDCP to 960×540. The decision to set the flag to restrict output ("down-convert") is left to the content provider. Warner Pictures is a proponent of ICT, and it is expected that Paramount and Universal will implement down-conversion as well. As of March 2006, 5 of the 6 studios releasing HD DVD content have announced they will not use ICT/down-conversion for the time being. AACS guidelines require that any title that implements the ICT must clearly state so on the packaging.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
900usd to Download all Marketplace Content
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
Achieve360Points.com crawled through the Xbox 360's labryntine Marketplace to dig out everything on the system you can download. Turns out there are 933 downloads available on Xbox Live Marketplace and that it would cost you 71,790 Microsoft Points or $897.38 to get them all.
The cool part about the list is that you can click on any of the items for a full description.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: kotaku.com and achieve360Points.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
FBA-xxx Pro v1.17
>> + T + released a new version of FBA-xxx Pro. What's new/fixed:
* Fixed black screen in kof2003/kof2003d
* Fixed samsho5.
* Fixed diagnostics mode and dipswitch settings in kof2k2nd. (P1 was incorrect)
* Note: You may need to delete your savegame and/or the kof2k2 files in the /cfg folder if you find your kof2k2nd dipswitch settings are still messed up. Alternatively you can enter diagnostics mode and set them yourself.
Official Site: 1emulation.com forums
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Transmeta Corp. Deal with Microsoft Not for Portable Xbox
>> From nwsource.com:
[QUOTE]
The details of Microsoft Corp.'s mysterious deal with Transmeta Corp. have finally been revealed. And none of the speculation was even close.
The microprocessor company has been working for the past year on a high-security, power-efficient chip for Microsoft's new "FlexGo" pay-as-you-go PC initiative in developing nations.
In other words, it's not a hand-held Xbox, or a super-portable PC -- or anything else that people theorized after Transmeta first referred cryptically to a series of proprietary development agreements with Microsoft in a regulatory filing last year.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: nwsource.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Monday 22 May 2006 10:46 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-05-21 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Here's the added/changed stuff from the changelog since the 2006-05-13 T3CH CVS release:
* removed: <home> tag from XBoxMediaCenter.xml
!YOU MUST NOW USE A SHORTCUT XBE (SEE THE INCLUDED ONE) TO RUN XBMC AS DASH!
* added: localization of date and time format via langinfo.xml
* added: masterlock to AdvancedSettings.xml! Check XBMC Wiki for more informations!
* added: Master User Modes: Normal User/ Advanced User! Check XBMC Wiki for more informations!
* added: Esperanto language file (Thnx to taiq)
* added: Separated "MyVideos" window (id 6) from "MyVideoFiles" window (now id 24). Does not require any skin changes.
* added: Advanced setting to specify the size XBMC caches thumbs at.
* added: you can now edit and remove customly added network locations in add source wizard.
* changed: removed duplicated samba options in xboxmediacenter.xml and moved samba clienttimeout and doscodepage to AdvancedSettings.xml
* changed: rewrote network init and retrieval of current ip/subnet...
* changed: Initial commit of new My Programs system (more in line with the other categories.) Test via specifying true in AdvancedSettings.xml
* changed: Moved "Allow file operations", "Unroll RAR Archives" and "Ignore The When Sorting" to the global File Lists settings (under Appearance). Removed the Video OSD timeout setting, the Low quality renderer option and the "Enlarge VobSubs" option.
* changed: lowered protocol level of cddb to 5 again (none utf8 queries to freedb)
* changed: Masterlock Settings Controll and GUI conditions Controll
* changed: cosmetic change to music scanner dialog + kai / trainer dialog.+
... rest of changelog (including many fixes): here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes in this build:
* Please note: Support for skins with versions < 2.0 has been removed
* No PM2 included since I couldn't find an updated version since last build.
* Slightly tweaked version of QTB included. Thx Donno!
* If you wondered what happened to XBoxMediaCenter.xml, More info here and here.
* changed: Moved "Allow file operations", "Unroll RAR Archives" and "Ignore The When Sorting" to the global File Lists settings (under Appearance). Removed the Video OSD timeout setting, the Low quality renderer option and the "Enlarge VobSubs" option.
* XBoxMediaCenter.xml: <home> tag has been removed. If you want to use XBMC as Dashboard you now have two choices left:
- Using the RENAME_ME.xbe provided (see instructions below)
- Booting the xbe directly by tweaking BootXbe in your bios (example: using BootXbe 'E:\Apps\XBMC\default.xbe').
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xecuter Dual Firmware Mod Update *Updated*
>> In a previous news we already informed you Team Xecuter(info) was working on some new hardware products like (among other stuff) a dual-firmware mod for Xbox360 DVD drives. Here's an update from team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
We had just started to finalize a nice and easy plug-n-play dual firmware mod and look what we found in our batch of TS-ODD Xbox 360's
So much for plug-n-play and a no-mess install. Pain in the ass :/
[/QUOTE]
Looks like there's some Epoxy on the firmware chip of this TS-ODD drive, so you can't easily access the legs of the firmware IC. Remove the substance (not easy at all without breaking the IC/legs, it's much harder than removing normal glue) or search for alternative points (which is easier I think, but will probably still require some harder solder work) is still an option I guess.
*Update* I knew I saved something about this on my HDD somewhere ... found it back now. Somewhere in january of 2006 Darkfly already released a pinout (alternative points) of the TS-H943 firmware chip. Here it is:
 Click image to enlarge
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FBA-xxx Pro v1.16
>> + T + released a new version of FBA-xxx Pro(info). What's new/fixed:
* Added HDTV support, Gamma fix, and Simple4x filter from the latest FBAxxx(info). (by GogoAckman)
* Removed HDTV settings from in-game menu. (since the emu needs to restart when changing them)
* Fixed sound problems in certain NG games.
* Fixed sprite scrolling in mslugx.
* Fixed some incorrect ROM sizes.
Official Site: 1emulation.com forums
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xbox Linux Chaos Communication Congress Videos and Slides
>> From xbox-linux.org:
[QUOTE]
Video footage from 22C3: Video footage from the presentation given at the 22nd Chaos Communication Congress is now online. Older material has been archived as well.
[/QUOTE]
The video of the Xbox Linux crew at 22C3 is certainly worth watching if you have a fast broadband connection (it's +800MB big). It doesn't reveal any real new information... but it explains the 17 Mistakes Microsoft Made in the Xbox Security System in full details in an understandable way even for non-hardcore hackers. It's really cool to hear how the public reacts to some of the findings :-) There's also a part about the Xbox 360, but the 22C3 was held on december 27-30 2005, so it doesn't include the latest developments on the 360.
They also uploaded a much older video, from the Xbox Linux crew at the 19C3 (december 2002 - ~240MB) ... it'll bring you back to the early days of Xbox hacking.
You can also download all the presentation sides from the Xbox Linux Team at 22C3 (2005), 20C3 (2003) and 19C3 (2002) here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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