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Week of September 28, 2003
ZXBTools 1.3
>> A new version of ZXBTools(info) has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed problem importing isos in multigame disc and patch default.xbe option is checked
* Fixeds I/O errors when closing program
* Added option to search covers of the games in multigames discs
* Added option to select MXM default.xbe in mutligame disc, seems its works better
* Added check version option
* Some minor changes...
Official Site: http://zonaxbox.indicedivx.com/modules.php?name=zxb
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Saturday 04 October 2003 15:56 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Pioneer to proceed with dual layer recording
>> Good news for PIONEER fans... DVD-R9 will be a reality as well..
"Pioneer Corporation has proceeded to the development of dual layer recording on DVD-R discs. "
"The first measurements on the two layer DVD-R discs showed that the jitter for the fisrt layer is 9.34%, the reflectivity 17.3%, while the same measurements for the second layer were 8.08% and 19.5%, respectively. Playback compatibility with the current DVD players is expected to be high."
News-Source: CDR-INFO site (Pioneer DVD-R9)
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(Saturday 04 October 2003 14:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
MS Dashboard Dvd Region Free Patch v1.03 (fixed)
>> Sylver released a fixed version of his 'MS Dashboard Dvd Region Free Patch(info)'.
What's new/fixed:
* Corrected the patch for dasboard 5659 rev. 17f14d00 (was wrong because of a bad copy & paste) sorry for that !
Download: here
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Saturday 04 October 2003 08:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New dual-layer DVD+R technology developed by Philips in cooperation with MKM increases DVD recordable capacity to 8.5 Gbytes
>> "Philips will demonstrate its new dual-layer DVD recordable technology at the DVD+RW Alliance booth at the CEATEC* JAPAN 2003 exhibition in Makuhari (Chiba, Japan) from October 7 to 11. Developed by Philips Research in cooperation with MKM (Mitsubishi Kagaku Media)/Verbatim, the technology virtually doubles data storage capacity on DVD recordable discs from 4.7 Gbyte to 8.5 Gbyte while remaining compatible with existing DVD Video players and DVD-ROM drives."
What this means to people backing up their XBOX Games is clear and obvious. Too bad it's won't be ready until 2004.
News-Source: DVD+RW Alliance (DVD+R9)
Thanks to many members of XS, including Alkaline
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(Friday 03 October 2003 21:27 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
LinuxJournal article about Xbox-Linux
>> From xbox-linux.sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
The LinuxJournal article from July is now availably on this site. It's a bit outdated (you need no modchip any more), but still a good introduction and overview, for the interested, for users, and for developers. Read it here.
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 03 October 2003 21:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XCover v.1.8.1
>> XBOX_Mod released a new version of XCover(info) (make CD/DVD covers for xbox homebrew programs).
Whats New/Fixed:
* Added XBOX game size (Suggestion by HSDEMONZ)
* Added Online Browser for covers (Suggestion by leftyb)
Official Site: http://xcover.xodus-chip.com/
Download: here
News-Source: maxconsole.com
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(Friday 03 October 2003 20:43 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Cartographer Beta 6
>> eXentric released a new version of Cartographer(info):
[QUOTE]
What's New?
Cartographer has made a huge leap forward this release with the addition of its new Effect Framework. From a very high level, effects can be thought of as PPF patches that can be partially applied or removed from a map dynamically while editing. In practice, however, effects are actually much much more then that. For more information about this cool new feature, or to install the first ever effect package (after you've installed Beta 6), head on over to the Effects Section of this website.
All other changes from Beta 5 to Beta 6 are related to the Effect Framework. The main user interface, for example, had to be re-worked somewhat to make room for the new features. No other features or major bug fixes were added.
BIG thanks to GIANTNewb, Michast, and Terminat0r for their help with the first effect package. Great job guys!
What's Next?
Those pesky element images are still in the back of my mind. Thanks to dmauro, I now have a perfectly good camera man. No I just need to find the time to use him.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.solersoft.com/Cartographer/ (new URL!)
Download: here
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(Friday 03 October 2003 12:19 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
MS Dashboard Dvd Region Free Patch v1.03
>> Sylver released a new verion of 'MS Dashboard Dvd Region Free Patch(info)'.
Added support for following dashboard version :
- 5659 rev. 17f14d00 (tested)
Download: here
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Friday 03 October 2003 12:13 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
10x Solderless Chameleon and 10x Matrix giveaway
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(Friday 03 October 2003 12:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Vicepetx v1
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(Friday 03 October 2003 11:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Vice20X v2
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(Friday 03 October 2003 11:02 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New dashboard upgrade (LIVE) - 5659 rev.17f14d00 *updated*
>> Seems like MS has been updating their dashboard again the last few days.
New dashboard version is: 5659 rev. 17f14d00 (original LIVE2.0 (some call it LIVE1.7 now) was 5659 rev. 17e4cd00).
It's in fact a 'final' version of the LIVE2.0 with probably fixes and few other stuff.
What we know so far:
* It updates automaticly if you select the LIVE option on your dashboard or if you select the LIVE option in a game. If you have the 5659 rev. 17e4cd00 dashboard and you did not disable "Auto Sign-in" it might update as soon as you boot to your MS dashboard.
* MS also made a special page explaining the automatic updates.
If I understand them correctly it says future updates will be fully automatic even if you don't choose the LIVE menu(?). Only option left is to disconnect your xbox from the Internet:
[QUOTE]
These communications occur only if your Xbox is connected to the Internet. To prevent communication with the Xbox Live service from happening, you will need to disconnect your Xbox from the Internet.
[/QUOTE]
Also note they say:
[QUOTE]
As part of the Xbox Live Dashboard update process, certain files and directories in the Dashboard system area will be deleted and new files created. This will not affect saved games, accounts, downloaded content, or soundtracks currently accessible from a game or the Xbox Dashboard.
[/QUOTE]
There can be alot of interpretations for that ... so I don't make any assumption.
* The dashboard exploits will not work on this version - they were already fixed in rev.17e4cd00. GameSave exploits will ofcourse work - those are bugs in the games.
* If you don't have the LIVE2.0 (5659) dash yet, it will NOT update unless you hit the LIVE panel on your dashboard or the LIVE option in a game. So if you don't use XLIVE we suggest you just keep using the older dashes.
* Is it normal you have to try many times before the update works? Yes ... the Windows2003 server can't handle the load ;)
More Information/Discussion: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Friday 03 October 2003 09:34 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Article: running Linux on the Xbox is legal *updated*
>> Michael Steil over at Xbox-Linux posted a document explaining why running Linux on Xbox is legal. The introduction:
[QUOTE]
Many people wonder whether it is legal to run Linux on their Xbox. They heard about modchips, they heard rumours that these are illegal. So do you have to be afraid of eventually finding yourself in jail, because you used the Xbox as a Linux computer? Is there a chance that Microsoft will take away your Xbox or they will sue you for compensation?
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article: http://xbox-linux.sourceforge.net/docs/legal.html
Update: They added something about "Will I void my warranty when opening my Xbox or running Linux on the Xbox?", check out out here
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(Thursday 02 October 2003 20:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
News from Team Xecuter about X3
>> From Ubergeek (Team Xecuter) on forums.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
I'm sure you are wondering why we havent released a new bios for v1.4 yet and why dont we talk about X3 or the new xbox case designs we revealed a while ago
Well here's a bit of news to wet the appetite:
First of all we had the choice of releasing a new bios for 1.4 or wait a while for the new X3 bios which has X3 hardware dependant features
Well, evox kinda made the decision for us so you simply use M7 for now - next bios from us will be X3 (as most of you now know Xecuter bios's are designed entirley differently to Evox bios which is based on implementing hacks to an official M$ bios - therefore making the "standard" hacks much easier and faster to implement)
X3 hardware is pretty much done - we're just packing as many features into it as physically possible. As soon as the new embedded XBE is done (no its not ftp ) then we will make an announcement of the new hardware as well as the new bios (which will of course be 1.4 / 1.5 compatible) plus the new XBE and PC apps that will be incorporated with it. We havent done this before now as its a bitch to announce a new mod then you wait 6 months to see it. X3 will be announced / released within a 2 week period.
Also expect X3 intergration and support from the main homebrew app guys (especially avalaunch, mxm, xbmp, xbmc and offerings from team assembly and others) We will be discussing various issues with this community in the very very near future.
USB Speed is a also priority on X3 and has been completely tested on all OS and all versions of xbox. We will make sure it has an optimal USB chipset (not decided on USB 1.1 or 2.0 yet - its a matter of cost vs function)
On a final note - we're concentrating all efforts now on finishing X3. Most of the time has been on spent on design ideas / implementation. We've been listening to what all of you wanted and what other mod makers have offered. We feel X3 will be the ultimate mod for your xbox giving you all the features you desire both functionally and "coolness".
We won't be showing any feature lists until its all done and finished. However we will offer the chance for you to offer suggestions and ideas for the FINAL version which will be the one that will hit the stores before Christmas.
About the xbox case: As soon as X3 is finished we will be investing in getting that finished too. A website will be hosted and we will be listening to all your ideas and suggestions which will ulimatley be a design that YOU asked for.
in the meantime enjoy what's available to you right now
[/QUOTE]
News-Source/Discussion: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Thursday 02 October 2003 18:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Winners of Spotted-Horse Matrix contest
>> Here are the 10 winners of the Spotted-Horse Matrix contest:
Large Dopant white, stee-blak, Flakvin, Booger Bob, Psilocybe, greeneggz, Dojo2000, TeoMan, sinister_suicide, digitalod
All winners have been contacted by PM (on the forums).
Note for those waiting for the results of the lik-sang tutorial contest: results are coming soon ... I just didn't expect so many quality tutorials, so choosing is not easy.
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(Thursday 02 October 2003 16:40 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox 0.4.6
>> WiSo released a new version of dvd2xbox(info).
What's new/fixed:
[QUOTE]
Last holiday update (work starts next week). The new dvd copy module is much more compatible than in previous versions (older versions wrote vobs in 1GB chunks, current version makes an 1:1 copy).
Disk browser:
+ added support for encrypted DVDs (vob copy)
+ made left thumbstick less sensitive.
+ added a remove 'read only' file attribute before patching (to patch even files which aren't copied with dvd2xbox :-).
+ added window refresh after changing media.
+ Helpscreen now always available via black button.
+ fixed bug where browser crashes when encounter disks with more than 100 files in one directory.
Main copy module:
+ all main copy modules switched to the new sources (CDDA working again).
+ added a 'total' progress bar to UDF/DVD copy module.
+ added display of remaining bytes to copy (UDF/DVD) and remaining free space (all types).
+ added a copy report which displays files copied,files failed to copy and files renamed (GAME COPY + files patched with media check 1 and media check 2 long or short hex string).
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Thursday 02 October 2003 10:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Vice20X v1
>> Another emualtor port by Xport!
From Xport on forums.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
Vice20X Commodore VIC-20 Emulator port for XBox v1
Features :
* Emulates Commodore 64
* Excellent compatibility - ported from Vice
* Loads disk images, tape images, cartridges
* USB Keyboard support
* ZIP support
* Cheat system - Search/Create your own cheat codes (see notes)
* Favorites list
* Netplay
* Resizable game screen
* 480p, 720p, 1080i support
* Virtual Keyboard - go to Controller Configuration / UI Mappings to select the button combo that will bring up the Virtual Keyboard while in-game.
* Skin-able
* Music Control Menu - press LTHUMB anywhere to bring up the music control menu. This is also a customizable controller action while in-game. Configure it via the Controller Configuration -] UI Mappings menu.
* Save Game management - delete save game files
* Samba/NetBIOS sharing support (read roms from your PC)
* Relax Network Sharing (read roms from your PC)
* Play MP3 or M3U playlists in the background (Can also read MP3/M3U from across Samba/Relax shares.)
* User definable save directory. If you don't like the default of E:\SAVES\VICE20X you can change it via the VICE20X.INI file
* Take in-game screenshots and display them on the game selection list
* New UI feature - auto-screenshot capture mode. When enabled, the emu will start taking screenshots at a user-defined interval. Useful for ripping sprites/animation.
* Hardware filtering options : Point, Bilinear, Trilinear, Anisotropic
* Graphics filters
* Record/Playback feature - record your gameplay in the emu and then play it back again. Record up to 10 minutes of gameplay.
* Every single in-game command is fully customizable on any of the four joypad controllers.
* Map any emulator or UI command to a single button or a combination of two buttons. (e.g. RTrigger+LTrigger = Save State)
* Autofire capabilities for any emulator button on any controller
* One-button combos (define a series of emulator commands to be played back when you press a user-definable XBox controller combination.) (E.g. Press RTrigger+LTrigger to execute the command string A,B,A,B,Up,Down,Left,Right)
* Traverse any directory on any drive ( Continue selecting the parent directory entry on the file selection list to get the drive selection list. Selectable drives are C, D, E, F, R, X, Y, Z, and SMB. R is the CDROM drive. SMB is the samba share you have defined in your VICE20X.ini file.) Press Y from any file-listing screen to go up one directory level.
* All UI commands (save state, load state, screenshot, etc) can be invoked from the Options/Pause menu as well as in-game via your customized joypad mappings.
* Can be invoked from a command-line to directly run a game from a front-end or dashboard and bypass the user-selection screens. (Only if the frontend or dashboard supports this feature.)
* Can return to the launching program *if* the launching program supports this feature. For example, if the custom-launch routines are incorporated into a new frontend, that frontend could launch VICE20X and when you exit VICE20X, that frontend can be automatically reloaded.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com, xbins.org
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(Thursday 02 October 2003 10:20 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XisoManager v1.5.0
>> XcalibEr released a new version of XisoManager(info).
What's new/fixed:
* FTP client which enables to Extract XISO files directly to xbox hard disk with ease.
Future Plans:
* Building XISO (XBOX ISO) file directly from XBOX DVD-ROM.
Official Site: http://www.xtreemwarez.com
Download: here
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(Wednesday 01 October 2003 20:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-B.I.T review sample arrived
>> I received the X-B.I.T today! I did not make a review yet (need to test it seriously first) ... but here are the pictures already:
 The full package: X-BIT, external adaptor, 2 wires to connect X-BIT with adaptor, X-BIT to USB cable, diod (for optional power-button), wire-adptor for wire-install, srew and spacer for pogopin-install Close-up of X-BIT and the external adaptor
More Images:
* Close-up of X-BIT: here
The header-pin has been put directly on the motherboard.
* Close-up of pogo-pins: here
You can clearly see the difference between the normal pogopins used for the LPC points and the spiked pogopin for "d0" (there are 2 "d0" pogopins, so the modchip works with both xbox board designs)
Buy X-B.I.T (in stock): divineo.co.uk (official reseller)
Official Site: http://www.dms-x-bit.com
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(Wednesday 01 October 2003 11:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Rumor: IBM to Manufacture Xbox 2 CPU *updated*
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
An anonymous source informed us today that Microsoft and IBM have signed a multi-million dollar agreement under which IBM Microelectronics will manufacture a next generation CPU for the Xbox 2. Work on the new processor has already started, but the deal was inked just a few days ago.
We also don’t know if the chip will be manufactured using current 0.13 micron (a micron is a millionth of a meter) process technology or the upcoming 90nm fabrication process.
At the moment we have no official confirmations about this information so take it for what it’s worth. A Microsoft spokesman was unavailable for comment at the time of posting this story. We’ll certainly have more as things develop.
[/QUOTE]
If IBM makes the chip, it probably also means the 'Xbox Next' won't be based on the x86 architecture.
Update: The article has been removed by TeamXbox (the website that released this news as first). Were they forced by Microsoft to remove it?
Thanks to gamester17 for the news.
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(Wednesday 01 October 2003 09:35 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Media Center, The new (ad)venture
>> From xboxmediacenter.com/xboxmediaplayer.com:
[QUOTE]
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) is a new free open source (GPL) multimedia player for Microsoft's Xbox. XboxMediaCenter is still in beta stage but can currently be used to play and view most video/audio/picture formats such as MPEG/MPG, VOB, AVI, OGM, DivX, XVID, MP3, OGG, JPG, GIF and many more direct from a CD/DVD in the DVD-ROM or of the Xbox build-in hard disk drive, it can also play files over a network (LAN) from a PC via an "XStream Server" application or from a Windows (SMB) share. It has playlist + slideshow functions and ability to funcion as a full replacement Xbox dashboard. These and more features enables the Xbox running XboxMediaCenter to fully function as a multi-media jukebox. XboxMediaCenter also known as "Xbox Media Center" or simply "XBMC".
This project is what the active official Xbox Media Player developers has been working on in secret for the last 4-6 months. This does not mean the Xbox Media Player is dead, official and unofficial developers will still be adding new code and maintain it but the lead developers will be focusing on XBMC. Remember that XBMC and XBMP are hobby projects and are only developed by volunteers in their spare-time for free.
New and big differences compared to XboxMediaPlayer:
- Entire new fully skinnable GUI engine
- Easy switching between skins (if exist)
- Dynamic loader for multiple cores/engines
- Music database with search feature
- Sort files/folders by name, size or date
- File Manager for DVD-ROM/HDD/Network
- Virtual Keyboard
- CDDB and album cover/info lookup
- Movie calibration per resolution
- UI calibration
Things that are not supported in XBMC yet:
- DVD-movie playback
- Audio Visualization
- Matroska file container
- Windows DLL's (WMV/WMA 9)
- FTP-Server
- SHOUTcast
- TV-Guide
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com, http://www.xboxmediacenter.de
Download Alpha Binary: n/a (built with XDK)
SourceForge Project Site/Source code: http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
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(Wednesday 01 October 2003 06:59 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More X-B.I.T guides ...
>> Team DMS released another 3 guides for their newly released X-B.I.T modchip:
* X-B.I.T Software Manual: here
* X-B.I.T Software Troubleshooting: here
* X-B.I.T Hardware Troubleshooting: here
Official Site: http://www.dms-x-bit.com
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(Tuesday 30 September 2003 21:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SMSPlusX v7, FCEUltraX v13, NeoPopX v3, BlissX v4, NeoGenesis v11, Z26X v3, PCSXBox v10, XBoyAdvance v8 and HUGO-X v9
>> Xport just released *More* updates ...
SMSPlus (info)- Game Gear/Sega Master System Emulator
FCEUltraX(info) - NES/Famicom Emulator
NeoPop(info)X - NeoGeo Pocket Color Emulator
BlissX(info) - Intellivision Emulator
NeoGenesis(info) - Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD Emulator
Z26X - Atari 2600 Emulator
PCSXBox(info) - PSX Emulator
XBoyAdvance(info) - GBA/GBC/GB/SGB/SGB2 Emulator
HUGO-X(info) - PC-Engine/TurboGrafx-16 Emulator
Whats New/Fixed:(Its a general change for all of the above emulators)
- Update to current UI bugfixes/features
- Music Control Menu - press LTHUMB anywhere to bring up the music control menu. This is also a customizable controller action while in-game. Configure it via the Controller Configuration -] UI Mappings menu.
- Can now save any string setting (like Samba/Relax share names) and directory locations via menus. To change Samba/relax share names, go to Configuration -] Network/Netplay Configuration. To change the default directories, go to Configuration -] Change Default Directories
- Can enter descriptions for cheat codes using virtual keyboard or real keyboard.
- Can now wrap backwards from first screenshot to last screenshot
And a Note from Xport:
If you want to use 1080i in PCSXBox, you'll need to change the skin to something w/o sprites and without background music because of memory constraints.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org and http://forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Tuesday 30 September 2003 18:30 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
AtariXLBox v4, WinSTonX v4 and FMSXBox v5
>> Xport just released a few updates of some emulator ports:
AtariXLBox(info) v4 - AtariXLBox Atari 800/5200/130/320/XL/XE Emulator port
WinSTonX(info) v4 - WinSTon Atari ST Emulator port
FMSXBox(info) v5 - FMSXBOX MSX/MSX2/MSX2+ Emulator port
What's new/fixed (changes are same for all 3 releases):
- Virtual Keyboard - go to Controller Configuration / UI Mappings to select the button combo that will bring up the Virtual Keyboard while in-game.
- Music Control Menu - press LTHUMB anywhere to bring up the music control menu. This is also a customizable controller action while in-game. Configure it via the Controller Configuration -] UI Mappings menu.
- Can now save any string setting (like Samba/Relax share names) and directory locations via menus. To change Samba/relax share names, go to Configuration -] Network/Netplay Configuration. To change the default directories, go to Configuration -] Change Default Directories
- Can enter descriptions for cheat codes using virtual keyboard or real keyboard.
- Can now wrap backwards from first screenshot to last screenshot
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com, xbins.org
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(Tuesday 30 September 2003 11:51 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBConnect 3.3
>> A new version of XBconnect(info) has been released. What's new/fixed:
* Ability for most people to host without configuring a router.
* Customizable avatars and name graphical name tags. Great for clans.
* Improved messaging system with message history.
* New packet compression.
* Tons of new skins in the skin section.
* New options to ignore invites and pms while in games or rooms.
* Tip of the day.
* Easier prompts for beginners.
* Fully compatible with previous versions of XBC.
Official Site: http://www.xbconnect.com
Download: http://www.xbconnect.com/downloads.php
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(Tuesday 30 September 2003 08:27 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-B.I.T Bios Selection Table + news *updated*
>> After the installation guides and flashing software released yesterday, DMS Team released a guide about the dip switches positions for the bios selection. Check it out here[dms3.com].
X-B.I.T has 6 positions:
1. 1x2048k
2. 2x1024k
3. 2x512k 1x1024k
4. 2x256k 1x512k 1x1024k
5. 4x256k 1x1024
6. 4x256k 2x512k
They also updated their news to confirm the first batch has been produced:
[QUOTE]
The first batch of X-B.I.Ts got shipped to the distributors on friday the 26th. We updated the manuals and added a download section for the PC-Flash software. We hope that we have provided a useful device for the XBox-scene and want to say a big "Thank you" to all the people supporting us in the last months. Have fun!
[/QUOTE]
You can see a picture of the full package here
Official Site: http://www.dms-x-bit.com
Order X-BIT 39.95GBP/57.76EUR/66.35USD: divineo.co.uk (official reseller - shipping now!)
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(Tuesday 30 September 2003 05:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
TOP 10 most rented videogames (USA)
>> GameFly.com, the leading online video game subscription rental service, today announced the launch of a weekly Top Ten list of online video game rentals for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance consoles.
Here's their first TOP10 (week of Sept. 28, 2003):
01. Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes - Xbox
02. Simpsons Hit and Run - Xbox
03. WWE Raw 2 - Xbox
04. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 - Xbox
05. Simpsons Hit and Run - PlayStation 2
06. Soul Calibur II - Xbox
07. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 - PlayStation 2
08. Otogi: Myth of Demons - Xbox
09. Soul Calibur II - PlayStation 2
10. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness - PlayStation 2
Note that these figures are ONLY about RENTED games in USA, not sold games.
Nice to see the Xbox seems very strong in this market.
News-Source: prnewswire.com
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(Monday 29 September 2003 21:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Vice64x V3
>> Xport released a new version of Vice64x(info) (Commodore 64 Emulator):
[QUOTE]
What's New :
- Create blank disks from in-game options menu
- Fixed Music Control Menu so that it will load M3U files correctly.
- Load New Disk from regular directories or gamebase directories.
- Can now wrap backwards from first screenshot to last screenshot
- Bugfix virtual keyboard in 1080i mode
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com, xbins.org
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(Monday 29 September 2003 15:29 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-B.I.T released + software/diagrams
>> The new X-B.I.T modchip has been released today.
The modchip has a 2MB flash; can be flashed on PC through USB; 3 ways to install it (solderless (spiked pogopins), with headerpin or with wires); external disable and enable switch; MOD status LED indicator; optional Eject switch reset (this will boot with modchip on if you press eject for 1sec, if you press eject for 3sec modchip will be disabled - requires 1 extra wire).
More info on: http://www.dms3.com/xspecs.htm
Team DMS released all installation guides:
X-B.I.T Pogo Pin Installation: here
X-B.I.T Pin Header Installation: here
X-B.I.T Wire Installation: here
X-B.I.T STM Power-Button Install: here
And they also released the software to flash your X-B.I.T via USB (Win32):
X-B.I.T PC-Flash Software: here
You can buy the X-B.I.T here (official reseller - shipping now worlwide).
A review of the modchip will follow shortly after we received the modchip (probably later this week).
Official Site: http://www.dms-x-bit.com
Order X-BIT 39.95GBP/57.76EUR/66.35USD: divineo.co.uk (shipping now!)
News-Source: maxconsole.com
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(Monday 29 September 2003 13:33 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Help Xbox-Linux, translate articles
>> From http://xbox-linux.sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
The website supports multiple languages now. If your native language is any other than English, please pick a document, tell Michael, get the XML source (replace "docs" with "xml/en" in the URL), open it in a text editor, translate it and send it back to Michael. If your native language is English, please do the same, correcting typos and grammar. Details here.
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 29 September 2003 10:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Vice64X v2
>> Vice64x(info) Is a Commodore 64 Emulator. Whats New/Fixed:
- Gamebase64 Support (read docs below for configuration/setup)
- Virtual Keyboard - go to Controller Configuration / UI Mappings to select the button combo that will bring up the Virtual Keyboard while in-game.
- Defaults to PAL instead of NTSC and Joystick port 2 instead of 1 since these are more sane values.
- Swapping joysticks is now a controller-configurable action. Default is LEFT_TRIGGER to swap joysticks while in game. Go to Controller Configuration -Game Mappings to change it.
- Can now save any string setting (like Samba/Relax share names) and directory locations via menus. To change Samba/relax share names, go to Configuration -] Network/Netplay Configuration. To change the default directories, go to Configuration -] Change Default Directories
- Fixed bug preventing some carts from working.
- Play SIDs in background
- Music Control Menu - press LTHUMB anywhere to bring up the music control menu. This is also a customizable controller action while in-game. Configure it via the Controller Configuration -] UI Mappings menu.
- Can enter descriptions for cheat codes using virtual keyboard or real keyboard.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org and http://forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Monday 29 September 2003 00:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New batch of tutorials!
>> Here are the latest tutorials I still had to add for the August Lik-Sang contest (tutorials sent till 5sept). Thanks goes to everyone who contributed. Results will be up real soon now.
If you want to help out people, please write tutorials about new/uncovered subjects and send them to tutorials@xbox-scene.com.
Thanks!
* Darkness Reactive Jewel Light
By mkollek - read now
* The n00B's guide to Xecuter2.2 Lite Flashing with Lite Programmer
By Intelligoth - read now
* How To Light Up Your Controller Dongle
By brahm2 and AliKaz - read now
* Complete Newbie Guide After Chipping
By Snakers - read now(rarred doc)
* PC and Xbox Configuration to FTP to your box
By Kyle K. - read now
* Xbox Media Player 2.4 guide
By Shadow_Mx - read now(pdf)
* Making Your Modded SD-616F/T Fit Inside The Xbox Case
By toyato89 - read now(rarred doc)
* Ultimate jewel mod
By GuyBrush U. ThreepWood - read now
* No Modchip Hdd Replacement Tutorial
By BaD_HeX - read now
* Lan link LED
By ikkuranus - read now
* How To Recover A Locked Hard Drive Without Password (From a Dead Motherboard)
By BLoTt0_AI - read now
* Cork inside - Another step to make the Xbox more silent
By troll & snugz - read now(pdf)
* Xbox mod FAQ
By Rot Hog - read now
* Easier clear jewel tutorial
By st4rk3y - read now
* X2lite Switch&Lights Mod
By GuyBrush - read now
* Flying warthog and other vehicles in Halo (English PAL)
By Jim Pungil - read now
* Easiest way to have wireless on/off switch for your XBOX and without opening the Xbox
By Fyremo and jbbauer - read now
* Complete Guide To Re-Linking a Xbox Game
By LumbraX - read now
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(Sunday 28 September 2003 21:46 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xcommander G Drive patch
>> Xcommander is a file manager for the xbox similar to norton commander
From the readme:
I took Xeero's lead and made this patch for XCommander(info) (my file manager of choice) to use your G drive. Like the boXplorer(info) patch, you lose access to the Z drive.
Just use ppf-o-matic to patch default.xbe.
Thanks to the authors for a great app, and Xeero for lighting a fire under me arse :)
Official Site: n/a (by heinrich)
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Sunday 28 September 2003 18:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox-Linux reaches 3 million unique visitors
>> From xbox-linux.sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
The Oktoberfest 2003 in Munich is celebrating 3 million visitors after its first week; and they have sold 2.3 million liters of beer.
After only 16 months, the Xbox Linux project is also celebrating 3 million visitors - and even if all beer on the Oktoberfest were free beer: Xbox Linux is about free speech!
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 28 September 2003 11:56 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XbCapture GUI
>> XbCapture GUI is a utility by z3r0 w1zArd to take screen shots from your xbox utilizing the XDK
From the readme:
About: One day I got bored, and decided to make a GUI for XbCapture.exe. This was my first GUI ever. It got old opening MS-Prompt and typing the command everytime I wanted to take a screenshot. This is just a simple solution. If you have problems, don't worry about, just use the old fashion way...Type it.
Before using, edit settings.ini to work for your xbox.
Place xboxname and picturename in defined areas. Be sure to keep Settings.ini with the program. You must have Microsoft Xbox SDK installed, and be running the XDK Launcher.
Official Site: http://www.northsouth.tk/
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Sunday 28 September 2003 11:45 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Factions Coding Begins
>> We received this mail from TheDaddy (XLink(info) Crew):
[QUOTE]
Factions will be the first massively multiplayer homebrew game for the Xbox.
Imagine a virtual "world" .. the same size as the real world, generated fractally, upon which (hopefully) hundreds of players can take command of various vehicles and weapons - as members of a fixed number of "factions".
These factions start at random but diverse positions on the map, and as new players join up, they get assigned to a faction. The factions obviously fight, but also mine ore (yeah - I know - stolen from Red Alert) to build new stuff and develop new weapons etc. The whole thing is ongoing too - for example, the factions probably wouldnt even have the resources required to even get to each other for a good few weeks - and would need to get their base(s) sorted out while developing vehicles capable of getting to the other factions.
Perhaps one of the most interesting things about Factions is how it grows. For example, the initial build will have *horrible* paintbrush quality graphics (we aren't graphics people), and a very limited range of stuff (ie. foot soldiers and simple trucks / tanks). However, as you are playing the game, you will suddenly notice that the terrain / tank / people graphics have just been magically "updated" - as the server updates clients with new game media (graphics / sounds) etc. on the fly.
Also, the units of logic in the game are updated / created on the fly. For example, we will probably decide one day that helicopters would be a good addition, or radars, or whatever, and we can create the logic for a helicopter (ie. it can fly, it goes fast, has a machine gun, cant take much damage, costs $100000, requires 1 person to fly etc.) and add it into the game on the fly.
So, in effect, your "research lab" will suddenly tell you that if you had been spending more money on research, you could now build helicopters. So you would be saying to the other players (over headsets, of course ;), "Hey - lets build helicopters so we can kill the red faction!" .. moments later, the bright red helicopters turn up and start shooting you. But just then, your research station has spent enough money and developed SAMS.... etc. etc.
The number of factions will be small, and command hierearchies in the game will need to be established - real world style. In future though, smaller "mercenary" factions could be established - and could be hired by big factions to cause general trouble in other parts of the world..
As you can see, the possibilities with this thing are huge (just imagine if there were a few hundred people on this thing) and although development has already begun, it will be a few weeks before we have anything to show you.
Post any comments / ideas / offers of help (art would be good) in the XLink Forum.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xboxlink.co.uk
Official Forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Sunday 28 September 2003 11:19 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Flashing the onboard TSOP without opening the Xbox
>> The Bastard wrote a guide how you can flash your TSOP without opening your Xbox. Of course you still have to link the 2 jumpers on the board to unlock the TSOP write ... but in this guide it's done through the venting holes of the Xbox. (only works on xbox v1.2+ ... as older xboxes have points on bottom of board).
WARNING this procedure CAN be dangerous to the health of your Xbox if something goes wrong or you are not CAREFUL. Please read ALL of this document BEFORE attempting anything contained herein.
Using this method you take a pretty big risk (short out random stuff) to blow up your MCPX.
It's a nice idea ... but if you wanna play safe, you better just open your xbox if you want to flash your TSOP.
Download PDF: here[maxconsole.com]
Download PDF + Software: here[maxconsole.com]
News-Source: maxconsole.com
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(Sunday 28 September 2003 10:38 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Gentoox Winex Installer Beta Final
>> Gentoox Winex Installer(info) is a program to setup Winex on gentoox.
What's new/fixed:
* Edited more variable formats to make script run a touch faster w/ less chance of failure. I have not been successful in recreating a failed install with this release.
Official Site: http://sourceforge.net/projects/gx-wx-inst/
Download: here[sourceforge.net]
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(Sunday 28 September 2003 07:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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