|
Week of March 27, 2005
XLink Kai Looking for Orbital Sponsors
>> From teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
In anticipation of the continued growth of the free Kai(info) tunnel service, Xlink is looking to expand our Orbital base and is currently seeking Orbital Sponsors. Candidates for Orbital Sponsorship will provide Xlink access to a dedicated or VPS/VDS system with the following requirements:
* Windows XP/2000/2003 Operating System
* Dedicated Internet connection (backbone connection preferred)
* 65 GB of monthly bandwidth allotment
* Minimum 1 MB/s upload and download speeds
* 24/7 remote accessibility
Sponsored Orbitals appear in the Xlink database under the name of the sponsor. This is visible to users through the UI, as well as the Server Status page.
For more information and to become an Orbital Sponsor, please email support - AT- teamxlink.co.uk or you can pm prestige on the Xlink Forum.
[/QUOTE]
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Saturday 02 April 2005 16:26 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Spong spoke with Immersion CEO about Sony lawsuit
>> From Spong.com:
[QUOTE]
Following on from news earlier this week which saw Sony lose a key IP case and almost had all PlayStation products withdrawn from sale in the US Immersion Corp CEO Victor Viegas has spoken exclusively to SPOnG about the case.
There were two key issues we wanted outlining, not least the fact that Nintendo has never been mentioned in the case(s) Immersion Corp brought against Sony and Microsoft.
“We never analysed Nintendo products.” Is the more-than surprising answer offered. “There is, I believe, a difference in the technologies used but we never investigated those of Nintendo.”
On February 11, 2002, Immersion filed a complaint against Microsoft and Sony in the Northern District Court of California alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,889,672 and 6,275,213
Then on July 25, 2003, Immersion contemporaneously executed a series of agreements with Microsoft that:
1. Settled Immersion’s lawsuit against Microsoft
2. Granted Microsoft a worldwide royalty-free, irrevocable license to Immersion’s portfolio with Microsoft splashing out around $6 million on a 10% stake in Immersion
3. Provided Microsoft with sublicense rights to pursue certain license arrangements directly with third parties including Sony Computer Entertainment which, if consummated, would result in payments to Immersion.
Immersion, backed by Microsoft will have the right to demand royalties from Sony on every single PlayStation product that makes use of DualShock, an astoundingly astute move resulting in a case that Sony simply must win.
The idea of paying Microsoft’s Xbox division a royalty on all PlayStation sales if perhaps only second in the list of Thing That Officially Must Never Happen to having all SCE products suspended from sale altogether, a catastrophe narrowly avoided earlier this week.
When this was put to Viegas he simply said, "I cannot argue with the logic in what you say. Microsoft took full advantage of the opportunity offered to it and was fair in its dealings with us throughout."
[/QUOTE]
Go read the whole article on Spong.com.
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Saturday 02 April 2005 12:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
NeXgen XLCD Video
>> From Bucko on xboxopensource.com:
[QUOTE]
Hello all, Sorry there has been a lack of updates on our web site. I got a new laptop for my birthday and I have been distracted from the scene playing all this half life 2 and doom 3! Well here is a little teaser for you, it's just a work in progress neXgen(info) XLCD build. We have shown you pictures, but I feel you see more progress if we show you the real thing!
This is no were near a final build, it's buggy and there's no XLCD on-the-fly settings in this Nexgen XLCD build, though that is to come through time and patience! A quick note, sorry about the movement in the film.
This is also on my 1.6 Nexgen dev xbox :). The movie is 10MB if you have any problems with the video speak to us in IRC #xboxopensource on EFNET. This was filmed on a Hi8 camcorder so the colours look a little washed out :p.
Download (11MB): get it on xboxopensource.com or from the xbox-scene mirror here.
[/QUOTE]
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2005-04-01 CVS build
>> A new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info) has been released.
It's been a while again (March 4th 2005) since the last build was posted here ... so the changelog is very long.
Here's a list of the 'added stuff' (check the complete changelog to see all added, fixed, updated, changed and removed stuff):
* added: New built-in command XBMC.ReloadSkin()
* added: support for MusicBrainz id's from ogg and mp3 tags
* added: Initial support for SMB share username/password prompting if it's not set in XBoxMediaCenter.xml. Thanks to BillJam for the patch.
* added: user-agent to mplayer.conf, "MPEG" needed for old SHOUTcast-servers. Please leave intact.
* added: VideoPlayer.Cover infoimage to the infomanager.
* added: Options in settings.xml to adjust the max A/V and subs delays.
* added: <keepaspectratio> tag to images + infoimages. Fixes SF bug 1162592.
* added: <autodetectFG> tag to XBoxMediaCenter.xml. Set to false if you have an old bios that causes a crash on autodetection.
* added: When music is paused, the play button will unpause
* added: checkmarkexample.py & listitemexample.py sample python scripts to xbmc\scripts - thanks to gimblefoot
* added: [ 1163487 ] Expose more CGUIListItem methods to python xbmcgui.ListItem, setLabel2() - set the second label on the list item, getLabel2() - get the second label from the list item, setThumbnailImage() - set the thumbnail image for the list item, setIconImage() - set the icon image for the list item, keyword parameters support for ListItem constructor. - thanks to gimblefoot
* added: a few new api's to HttpApi
* added: mute support for the media center extender remote
* added: Cache dialog shows progressbar when caching.
* added: VideoPlayer.Genre, VideoPlayer.Year, VideoPlayer.Directory for infolabels/infofadelabels.
* added: [ 1160414 ] Added new methods to xbmc.Player python class. onPlayBackStopped() (user stop), getTotalTime() (duration of current media), getTime() (position of current media), seekTime( double pos ) (seek to specified position) - thanks to gimblefoot
* added: [ 1160400 ] Added ControlCheckMark in Python - thanks to gimblefoot
* added: My Music label format now accepts %F for filename
* added: Initial support for VideoPlayer.Title for infolabels/infofadelabels.
* added: Option to only remember selected item when traversing up the folder structure(parent folder), not down.
* added: Direct url support for built-in command XBMC.PlayMedia(url)
* added: Dynamic Range compensation for AC3 if no AC3/DTS receiver is available.
* added: Default options for viewmode, brightness, contrast + gamma.
* added: Resume playback option to video context menu. It will remember where you were last at in a video, and return there when you select this option.
* added: Dim LCD backlight if LED is set to off on video playback. Thanks to Babyblue.
* added: infolabel values, MusicPlayer.TimeRemaining and VideoPlayer.TimeRemaining
* added: Voice support for Karaoke mode (SF Patch #1114097) - thanks stcogolin!
* added: New built-in command XBMC.PlayMedia(filename). For instance to map a radiostation to a key in keymap.xml
* added: HttpApi patch as described here
* added: thumbAlign tag for thumbnailpanel controls, only supports center so far which centers the thumbs on the texture <thumbAlign>center</thumbAlign>. thumbPosX/thumbPosY will bump it out of center.
* added: ActivateWindow() function now accepts a path parameter or bookmark name for bookmark jumping. Valid windows ID's for this are 1,2,3,6,501. Example: ActivateWindow(6,F:\Videos) or ActivateWindow(501,Music Server). Valid windows ID's for this are 1,2,3,6,501
* added: the default tag for the each section's bookmark can now be a bookmark name
* added: my music nav window now supports files with tagged with multipe artists and genres
... read the full changelog here!
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Full Changelog: here
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK)
Download SourceCode: here
News-Source: Xbins XBMC server
Japanese legends talk next-gen
>> From EuroGamer.net:
[QUOTE]
Following recent announcements that gaming legends Yoshiki Okamoto, Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Hironobu Sakaguchi are developing games for Microsoft's next-gen console, they've gone and revealed a few more details of what we can look forward to.
Mizuguchi-san said he sees the next-gen Xbox's high-res graphics and HDTV support as major selling points, and that it was information on the hardware specs which inspired him to commit to the console.
He also praised the system's sound specs and the solid infrastructure of Xbox Live, but did not reveal whether his new title would feature an online mode.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on EuroGamer.net.
IBM Will Help Others Integrate The Cell
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
IBM announced today it will offer new design services to help companies integrate the microprocessor technology known as Cell (note x-s: CPU that will be used in the PS3) into a wide range of electronics products -- especially where image-hungry applications are critical, such as the aerospace, defense, industrial or medical segments.
"IBM's new design services could have significant impact on expanding the number of applications that leverage Cell's unique capabilities," said Pat Toole, general manager, IBM Engineering & Technology Services (E&TS).
Companies interested in Cell can gain access to information and design expertise through IBM E&TS, which has 1,300 engineers on staff and a number of Power Architecture design centers around the world. These services also will be offered through IBM's consultants and industry-specific teams.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on TeamXbox.com.
XBCD v1.06
>> A new version of XBCD(info), a driver to use the Xbox controller on a Windows 98/2000/XP PC, has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* New option added to expand analog stick movement to full range.
* The number of buttons reported to Windows can now be set through an option in the Setup Utility.
* Now, the controller can be reported to Windows as a gamepad or a joystick.
* The Setup Utility now uses a plain text file to export and import gamepad configurations.
* A new DLL (XBCDIF.dll) is included with the Setup Utility; it is only used to enumerate XBCD controllers but more functionality will be added to it.
* The rumble DLL has been ported to C++ and other changes were made to make it more stable. The new rumble DLL was compiled using Dev-C++, a free MinGW C++ IDE.
Official Site: http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html
Download: here
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Thursday 31 March 2005 21:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360: Downloadable Demos From Day One, Wireless and more
>> The flow of Xbox 360 news/rumors doesn't stop at Spong.com:
[QUOTE]
SPOnG can reveal today that the Xbox 360 will see an unprecedented downloadable demo offering from day one, with Xbox Live being shaped to deliver massive levels of on-demand content.
“It will mean more work for developers,” our source told us, “though it will offer what is essentially hype-free evaluation options to the consumer.”
Interestingly, SPOnG has had it confirmed by several senior sources that the Xbox 360 will feature wireless connectivity out of the box. Furthermore, data storage via PC will be featured, though information seen to date makes reference to this being used solely for media storage. However, downloadable Xbox content could, in theory, be stored too, though we should make it clear that the possibility of such content being stored in this way is mere speculation at this point.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on Spong.com.
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Thursday 31 March 2005 10:08 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Sony cancels closed-doors Japanese PS3 preview
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
According to Reuters Japan, in a report partially translated by US website GameSpot, the March preview was going to reveal general details about the next generation PlayStation, with the console itself going on show for the first time at E3.
But Sony told Reuters that it had decided to cancel as holding the event so soon "would pressure game publishers." The company was quick to point out that the cancellation did not mean development was falling behind, and said that it is still planning to exhibit the new console at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Thursday 31 March 2005 08:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
sXb mini Beta 1
>> The team that recently released sXb(info) (a port of the linux slackware distro to Xbox) told us they now released a 'mini' version of their distro:
[QUOTE]
Here it is: sXb mini(info) Beta 1 Release! Bollywood has done some excellent work getting a very fast, very small version of sXb running on the Xbox. At less than 55 MB you have no reason not to try it out!
CURRENT FEATURES:
* xpad support
* Automatically boots into IceWM
* SSH server runs upon boot
* Network interface configuration via DHCP
* Surf the web with Dillo web browser
CURRENT PROBLEMS:
* I am only releasing this unpolished version (hence the beta) because people have been getting antsy...
* No virtual keyboard, so not much to do besides read Slashdot in Dillo unless you have a keyboard and adapter
Make sure to read the README for more details.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.keckstar.com/nuke/html/ (IRC: #sXb EFnet)
Xbox-Scene Forum Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
Realease Readme: here
Download (~52MB): here[keckstar.com]
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Wednesday 30 March 2005 22:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
gXiso v1.3
>> A new version of gX-iso(info) - a Linux graphical tool to extract and/or upload xbox iso image. What's new/fixed (since v1.1 ... as I missed v1.2):
* Added an error when it cannot read the whole iso file. This is mainly caused by 2Gb+ file when the (network) filesystem cannot handle such big files.
* Set FTP mode to active, since EvolutionX(info) doesn't support passive mode
* Fixed unhandled exception when canceling upload
* Changed transfer mode from PASV to PORT, as EvolutionX don't seems to support it
* Fixed case problem with default.xbe
* Fixed charsets for translation
* Destination folder is now a base folder, saved in settings (simplified)
* Fixed empty destination folder when no name present in ISO
* Finally got gettext to work :/
* Fixed some translation issues
* Added missing POTFILES.in in dist
Official Site: http://gXiso.berlios.de
Download: here
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Wednesday 30 March 2005 20:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox pull confirmed at retail and by publishers *update: denied by Major Nelson*
>> From Spong.com:
[QUOTE]
SPOnG has received emails that indicate a complete withdrawal of Xbox hardware in the coming months, with claims surfacing today of a total end to generation one Xbox production.
According to senior sources within publishing, retailers are being instructed not to list Xbox hardware in their next catalogue publications. “They are telling us that they have reached their targets and want to clear the way for the next machine,” we were told, with our source speaking under terms of anonymity. “It’s reached the point where the amount of money they lose per unit, combined with the fact that they might well eat into their own [Xbox 360] market share, means that continuing the run is just not feasible.”
Of course the big question remains of exactly how many Xbox hardware units are still available. “There are only two million units left and no more will be produced,” continued our source. “There are 400,000 allocated for the whole of the European territory. After that there will be no more. It was confirmed to me that Microsoft has no plans to manufacture the original Xbox once the new console hits the market.”
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on Spong.com.
*UPDATE* Larry Hryb (alias 'Major Nelson' - Xbox Live Director of Programming) reacts on the news on his personal blog:
[QUOTE]
No, the Xbox has NOT been pulled from retailers
There are a few stories floating around this vast thing we call the Internet today that say the Xbox has been pulled from retailers. Furthermore, people are saying that we have “reached our targets and want to get ready for the next console.” Let me be perfectly clear: We are NOT pulling the Xbox from stores. Xbox consoles being in short supply since they are popular and stopping production are two VERY different issues. Don’t believe the mis-information that is filling your browser/inbox/rss feed.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to steve for the link.
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Wednesday 30 March 2005 14:29 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX OS build 3339
>> Team SmartXX released a new version of the SmartXX OS(info) for the SmartXX v2(info) and SmartXX LT OPX(info) modchip.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixes the Graphical Layout problem in mainpage when Ethernet was turned off.
The SmartXX featurelist table has also been updated.
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Download (bin and iso): here
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Tuesday 29 March 2005 21:05 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Zentation v1.0 for Halo2 *updated*
>> A new modified map has been released for Halo2. From Zenon on halomods.com:
[QUOTE]
This is MOD is a FULL rework of Acention nothing has been left unchanged
From full effects / weapons / sounds / skins etc. Everything has been reworked too much to write here i suggest you take a brief glimpse of the short readme file.
One Example is the ultimate Weapon...The Meteor Gun....Find and fire upwards into the sky to see what happens....he he he he Twisted Evil Laughing Laughing Twisted Evil
[/QUOTE]
Official Site/Download/Screenshots: halomods.com.
Readme file: here.
*UPDATE* Zmarsh sent us a video of this mod in action, check it out on http://www.appleguru.org/ascension.wmv.
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Tuesday 29 March 2005 13:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team XTender: Custom Flashing Jewels *updated*
>> From TeamXTender.com:
[QUOTE]
Our brand new custom flashing jewels are now available upon request. We welcome OEM inquiries (500 pieces minimum) for customized flashing jewels.
Simply send us your preferred design and we'll do the rest!
These jewels not only look great and are a wonderfully vibrant contrast to the standard X-box jewel, they are battery powered and installation is super easy. Each jewel comes complete with two small batteries and the flashing effects can be turned on or off by simply pressing in the middle of the jewel.
If you run a retail store, gaming website or even make hardware then why not treat your customers (or visitors) to a wonderfully vibrant flashing jewel customized to their favourite destination!
For further information on our custom flashing jewels please email salesdirector@farmer entertainment.com. Shown below is a specially customized flashing jewel for the Aladdin(info) XT.
[/QUOTE]
*UPDATE* HSDEMONZ received a sample of this Aladdin XT flashing jewel, here are some pictures and short videos:
* Picture of jewel
* Picture of inside of jewel
* Video of jewel in action
* Video of jewel opened/examined
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Tuesday 29 March 2005 11:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
PSP Browser Fun - XBox Scene RSS, XBMC Remote, Google
>> As you might already know people found out a few days ago that the hidden browser inside the PSP game 'Wipeout Pure' can be used to view external webpages.
Momdad made a 'PSP-webpage' so you can use it to check the xbox-scene and allxboxskins RSS feeds, easily search google and use it to control your XboxMediaCenter(info). From Momdad on allxboxskins.com:
[QUOTE]
Following the initial discovery (crkinard, wombatm, roto, others) of the tiny browser built into the game WipeOut:Pure on the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), I started doing some extensive testing the extent of it's support for JavaScript, DHTML, CSS, etc.
The method for doing this is detailed on a number of sites, including the ps2dev.org forums. My primary page (screenshot on PSP) is linked off another little portal page by fugimax (thanks). With a bit of DNS trickery, the page that WipeOut tries to access by default can be pointed to a different page entirely.
The browser doesn't have any buttons or address bar, although it can be controlled with L/R shoulder buttons == Back/Forward, Square button == Reload, Start == Go to Homepage. Since I determined the browser didn't support frames at all, the first thing I set out to do, which is still a work-in-progress (yes bugs), was to create a script that injects a URL bar into any page that's loaded, so you'll always have a handy way to jump to another site.
The next top thing on my mind was to use the PSP as a WiFi remote for XBMC! I did up a rudimentary test page for it, and low-and-behold, it works beautifully! How cool and ironic is that, controlling an XBox app wirelessly through a Sony Portable :D
GameSpot has reported that Sony will indeed make a full-fledged browser & other apps available on a special UMD utility disc which will become available first with the Korean launch of the PSP.
[/QUOTE]
 The Xbox-Scene and AXS RSS feed on your PSP!
More screenshots:
* PSP as XBMC WiFi remote control
* Xbox-Scene LoFi News page on PSP
* Xbox-Scene mainpage on PSP
* Google on PSP
Spread News: PermaLink
| Add us on: Twitter - Facebook - RSS
(Tuesday 29 March 2005 10:37 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-DSL v0.1
>> A new linux distro has been ported to Xbox.
X-DSL is a fast, small (currently about 40mb) but fully functional Linux distribution for the XBOX, based on Damn Small Linux:
[QUOTE]
Installing X-DSL is just a case of copying a handful of files across to the Xbox E drive. You can then boot into X Windows with support for Xbox controllers and a virtual keyboard for text entry. X-DSL has fluxbox based desktop, with applications for email, web browsing, word processing and playing music.
Additionally XDSL includes the MyDSL system, which allows users the convenience of 1 click download and installation of apps. Just download the apps to the Xbox HD using firefox or ftp, reboot XDSL and they will be automatically installed and accessable from the MyDSL menu.
As of December 7, 2004, the MyDSL servers are hosting over 200 apps, plugins, and other extensions available for installation.
To view a full list of apps, plugins, and other extensions. go here.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.x-dsl.org (by friedgold, keo-keo, greenfellow)
Xbox-Scene Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
X-DSL Community Site: http://www.dslxbox.com
Download (~41MB): here[x-dsl.org]
SpiderChip USB Programmer's Kit
>> From spiderchip.com:
[QUOTE]
SpiderChip(info) USB Programmer's Kit Now Available!
This user friendly programmer is both powerful and easy to use. The quick and simple setup allows you to start promgramming in no time.
The Programmer kit Contains:
* SpiderChip USB Programmer (x1)
* Original Spiderchip USB Cable (x1)
* SpiderChip USB Programmer Software V1.0 CD-ROM (x1)
* Shipped in a protective metal casing.
Requirements:
* Windows 98/ME/2k/XP
* USB Port
More Pictures:
* Programmer in its metal casing.
* Backside of programmer.
[/QUOTE]
Sony faces $90.7m patent damages
>> From BBC.co.uk/forbes.com:
[QUOTE]
Sony Corp. has been ordered to pay $90.7 million and halt U.S. sales of PlayStation consoles for infringing on the patents of a company that develops and licenses touch-feedback technology to enhance video game realism.
The trial judge granted a stay on the sales ban, however, pending Sony's expected appeal.
Sony said it would appeal the decision, stemming from a 2002 case brought by US firm Immersion, and would continue to sell its products pending the hearing.
In 2003, Immersion settled another patent dispute with Microsoft Corp., the maker of the Xbox video game console. In the settlement, the software giant paid $26 million, including $6 million for a roughly 10 percent stake in the company.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on BBC.co.uk, forbes.com and joystiq.com.
O2xModification.com’s MCXB Xbox Case Review
>> I’ve recently had the privilege of reviewing a number of cases from this new 3rd party case manufacturer called www.o2xmodification.com. This MCXB Case is being marketed as a high end, high quality case replacement that is an ideal addition to a home Theatre enthusiast setup. My in depth and detailed review of 2 of his 3 cases follows that I’ve been promising for weeks follows…
I was sent his two leading products, the Black and Natural cases.
Included in a classic MCXB Complete Black Case package..
-Black painted aluminum Top Panel
-Bottom Brushed Aluminum Tray (same panel regardless of kit) with pre-mounted/wired HD switching system (two switches)
-A single 40mm fan pre-mounted on the bottom tray.
-Front Acrylic Panel with 2 high quality Vandal Switches (momentary) and pre-wired with long extension for Power / Eject connector, and a 2 color LED to indicate Xbox Power/Eject/System status.
-2 IDE Cables, to allow for 3 Hard Drives hooked up with Project 411 concept.
-2 High quality extensions for the 2 controller port pairs.
-1 High Quality extended replacement cable for the DVD power connection.
-Black Anodized Metal Face plate for the case, with a Silver DVD Bezel.
-2 bags with all the screws you need to secure panels, hard disks, etc.
-4 Acrylic circle feet/stands with double sided sticky tape to secure them.
Retail Price $140.00 US Dollars from www.o2xmodification.com
Shipping of the product is perfect. It comes well boxed, and the parts are secured with interlaying layers of foam to protect the finish on parts that need it. Others are bagged and separated for ease of construction. Some assembly is required.
Tools needed..
-Screwdriver with common bits, including wood bits.
-All the torx bits necessary to remove components from your stock xbox case.
As shown, this package retails for $140 US dollars. Contact www.o2xmodification.com for current shipping pricing/policy.
The Hype:
-Designed to blend in with your home theater system
-Different styles and colors to fit your needs and your lifestyle
-Fully interchangeable parts
-In brushed anodized aluminum or acrylic
-Room for two additional hard drives (three total)*
-Uses a switch system that allows the use of a combination of different hard drive brands and capacities*
-Turn your Xbox® video game system into a Linux-based PC or Media Center*
This case is definitely one of the most promising to cross the review desk here at Xbox Scene. I’ve seen a lot of 3rd party cases, and few designers/manufacturers have put in the thought that is evident in this case.
Starting with the general look and feel of the case, it was designed with a slick euro home theatre look and feel, with a simple and clean esthetic. Nothing fancy, just two high end polish vandal switches providing the basic power and eject function every xbox user needs. While on the subject of the power and ejects buttons, the manufacturer has wired them in what I call the “wrong” configuration.
Front Panel, Bottom Tray
Xbox owners are used to the top button on their console being an eject button, while the bottom is the power on/off button. The MCXB case is wired opposite to that convention. It isn’t a big deal, and can be easily “fixed” by any owner. Each Vandal switch has screw downs to secure their wiring so re-wiring isn’t a difficulty if your tastes demand it.
Moving on, the bottom tray is where all the action is. It’s pre-drilled to accommodate all of the Hard Drive screws/mounts. From the bottom, they are visibly counter sunk holes, so no unsightly screws will protrude out the bottom when the case is completely assembled.
Included with the kit is all the professional extension cables you need for the dvd power cable, the controller port pairs, and 2 custom IDE cables. I won’t waste time on them, they connect as you’d expect. The IDE cables fit easily, whether you mount 1, 2, or 3 hard drives. Some creative folding of the IDE cables will help keep the innards of the box clean and neat.
The Hard Drive switch system is simple and elegant enough. Looking at the case from the right side, front view, there is 2 slide switches. Top one toggles power on and off for the hard drive connected to the first molex power connector. Ideally, this could by the stock Hard Drive for LIVE players, etc. The lower switch, toggles power ON to either Hard Drive 2 or 3 when the Top Switch is toggled to the off position.
This works well, but not perfect. However, it has all the pitfalls of any project 411 inspired Hard Drive switching system. Some hard drive combos will simply not work when connected on the same IDE cable chain. This is not a unique problem for the MCXB, as others like Xtender, and other homemade project 411 concepts all suffer from the same combo issue blues. (read my upcoming review on the Xtender 2 Hydra cable to see if/how it fixes the problem) As of this writing O2xModification makes no mention of the combo issue in any of their online literature regarding this case.
The layout of the parts on the bottom tray, is where a lot of thinking was put into the case. The motherboard, with it’s warm running CPU, MCPX, etc sit behind the DVD drives and beside or behind any hard drives you’ll mount in this case. The thinking here was Heat rises, and heat kills. With this configuration, a small and quiet 40mm fan easily handle the cooling chores for a fully loaded MCXB case.
People who first look at this case and see only one little 40mm fan will doubt the wisdom of this setup. Conventional wisdom tells us we need either more fans, or a single larger fan pushing more cfm. This simply isn’t the situation. With a comfortable ambient room temperature of 16-18 degrees celcius, the chip never went higher than 50 degreen celcius which is more than acceptable. The Natural Case I’ve been running 24/7 under medium load playing movies, music etc via XBMC, while the Black one has been my LIVE xbox, which has been used 4-8 hours a day solid gaming for a couple of weeks now. No hiccups or lock-ups etc.
Vents over the motherboard on the top panel, and the myriad of vents under all key components on the bottom tray panel do their job well. I wouldn’t put a candle over the top motherboard vents. However, it’ll never get so warm that you can’t comfortably put your hand there to warm it up on a late winter’s day.
If there is an issue with the 40mm fan on this case, it is that it has no fans grill protecting it from getting bent and damaged. Running your hand across the back to plug in cables you would undoubtedly stick your hands in that fan at least once. This isn’t a big deal, any 50 cent 40mm fan grill can be screw onto the back of this case.
The rear of the tray is die cut, with the proper holes for the video, network, and power connectors. You’ll find that more than enough space has been left for those ports. It won’t be a tight squeeze. Anyone who has had issues mounting ancient motherboards in new xbox cases or vice versa will see this as a godsend.
Something that Solderless Modchip users will be slightly concerned about, is that they will need to alter or replace their screw with one of a shorter length. (or simply user spacers or washers.)
Moving onto the top panel, here lies one of this case’s design flaws. Going across the front edge, the panel is folded down providing needed strength and rigidity. However, since this panel comes flush to the front acrylic panel, where the 2 large vandal switches are a design compromise was clearly made. The Top Panel has a 1 inch chunk cut out of it prior to painting. The result, is that on some of the MCXB cases, the top panel will bulge in the center over the top vandal switch regardless of how tightly secured the entire case is. This is apparent in the pictures of the Natural Case. It isn’t as apparent in the Black case.
A work around that partially solves that bump/bulge problem is to use thick carpet tape, cut to shape, lining the bent edge of the top panel. It will hold down the top panel to reduce (but not totally eliminate) the unsightly bulge.
Securing the top panel to the case is done with 8 wood screws. (yes.. I said wood screws) Some will find that these screws totally kill the look of the case. They don’t bother me nearly as much as they bother others. However, what does concern me is that they aren’t counter sunk at all, unlike the bottom panel and the Hard drive screws with were counter sunk so the screw would be flush.
The Front Panel, made of Acrylic, with the nice anodized aluminum front metal panel is the joy factor of this case. You’ll either love this case or hate it based solely on this panel. Again, wood screws are used to secure it. Same issues as well as the screws are not counter sunk to make for at least a flush look.
I found a workaround for these screws, anodized thumb screws, but even this solution won’t appeal to many who look at this case.
The controller ports are pressed firmly into the front Acrylic panel, and do double duty as a securing mechanism for the case. Some xbox owners however are going to have a real problem squeezing the port pairs into their respective holes. Some ports, will have solder on the shiny metal casing. That will either need to be removed, or filed/sanded down. I had this problem, and made quick work of it by firing up my dremel and a grinding wheel.
You might have noticed that the ports are upside down. This in and of itself isn’t an issue, as anything plugged into them will still work. What is a problem, is that the overall design which is supposed to cater to the home theatre type enthusiast, those people will not be pleased when they plug in any of the Microsoft DVD Remote Dongles. (or most wireless controller or headset dongles) The following picture best illustrate the problem.
Unless you are able to place the console to the edge of the surface it sit on, using external dongles are going to be a nightmare. Someone who is creative will mount the dongles on the inside I’m sure. But using this kit as is, expect to get creative when using your dvd dongles.
The kit comes with an acrylic bezel panel with a small anodized aluminum metal plate panel for the DVD drive. As designed, the manufacturer has supplied double sided foam tape to secure it. It works well enough, but I found it preferable to scrap that off and to use carpet tape. (thinner, and provided better adhesion.) It isn’t necessary to install that panel at all. I did on the Natural Case, but not on the Black case preferring to leave the stock Xbox bezel on the dvd drive.
Rounding out the case is the feet. 4 Acrylic feet, pre-taped with the same foam sticky tape used everywhere else on this case. Again, I opted to remove it and use thinner carpet tape. You could just as easily drill 4 holes into the bottom tray and pre-drilled the feed so that they can be better secured.
The roundup..
The Good,
-Low Profile Home Theatre Euro Style
-Materials, heavy gauge sheet metal/aluminum
-Excellent Cables, and extensions.
-Laser cut parts
-Well packaged for shipping.
The Bad,
-Price, it’s fair considering the parts and workmanship, but cost prohibitive for most.
-Double sided Foam sticky tape used far too much
-Bulge issue over Front Buttons. (design flaw)
-Upside down controller ports.
The Ugly…
-Wood Screws? Poor choice, 4 in front, 4 on each side. Better options are available.
-Dongles don’t fit proper depending on console placement (design flaw, given the home theatre purpose of this design)
Final word..
I don’t want people to get the wrong idea. I’ve enjoyed these cases, and I do see them as very esthetically pleasing, they fit in well with my home theatre equipment. They aren’t excessively or dangerously hot as some might suspect. The Hard Drive switching systems works as well as can be expected from any Project 411 based idea. Some drives simply won’t work in certain combo with this or any other 411 concept switching system. Despite the issues with the dvd dongle, I have this case prominently displayed in my home, and it's in daily use.
Discussions I’ve had with the staff of o2xmodification.com indicate that we can expect new variants of this case, including LCD windows, and others that fix some of the issues detailed in this review.
Manufacturer/Retailer: www.o2xmodification.com
Raw Photography: More Pics
Xbox-Scene Continuing Discussion Thread: Review continues
Gentoox: Two years and still going strong
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Yep, Gentoox has been going for 2 years to the day! After many releases, Gentoox has (I feel) matured into a nice, well-rounded and stable Linux distribution. I was going to post a link to the very first version of Gentoox ever made so people could run their own comparison... but it seems SF has deleted it from the servers - and I'm not spending all that time uploading it just for one days useage! Instead, you can browse here to see just some of the releases made over the years.
Of course, Gentoox would be nothing without the user-base. Thank you to everyone who has donated, constructively criticised and contributed to the project - your help is invaluable! Hopefully we can keep this project going for many more years to come!
[/QUOTE]
New Team Aftershock Project: Pool SX
>> Shizno from Team Aftershock is working on a new homebrew Xbox game:
[QUOTE]
Well I started working on a pool game as soon as I released Madness Interactive SX(info), the engine is already up and running and you can play pool by yourself (AI isn't coded yet)
Game is 3D.
Game is not meant to be a hardcore sim, but should play decently.
I will attempt to work out some Online/Network solution.
ATM the engine is already 'powerful' enough to be able to 'build' the table in game, so you arent limited to a normal pool table, it can have any shape, define any borders, any holes anywhere etc... could be interesting to see the shapes and gametypes people can create.
Screenshots will be posted once I can model a better pool table than the god-awful looking one I am using ATM.
*UPDATE* Well, I took some time to model a better table, it's not very good but a lot better than my old placeholder...
soooo heres the first screenshot of the game so far.
[/QUOTE]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
