Xbox 360 +1080p HDTV = WOW

[Steel_Wind]

No need to be buying anything that requires the use of a VGA cable these days to use with a console.

That's not so John. The original release of the Xbox 360 supports 1080p output now (if the box is updated via Xbox Live or an updated CD/DVD update), but the original XBox 360 does not have a HDMI port, they only have composite, component, or using a special cable to send VGA out of the back of the 360.

(To be clear, the new Xbox 360 Elite has an HDMI port - but the inital release versions of the 360 do not.)

Most 1080p HDTVs do not support 1080p inputs via component (720p yes, 1080p? No). They do support 1080p input via HDMI, (DVI for the few that have this) and VGA.

In the case of my Sony Bravia, to get 1080p input, I need to use a VGA cable or HDMI.

As it turns out, we already had a 360 VGA cable. With the correct settings on the VGA input, the Sony Bravia provides HDMI 1080p resolution and awesome color over the VGA input.

 

[John Crichton]

That's not so John.

You can note the "these days" in my post, Steel. Sure, people with older equipment/consoles may need to go with VGA or possibly component but new buyers of the 360/HDTV should go with HDMI.

The original release of the Xbox 360 supports 1080p output now (if the box is updated via Xbox Live or an updated CD/DVD update), but the oringinal XBox 360 does not have a HDMI port, they only have composite, component, or using a special cable to send VGA out of the back of the 360.

(To be clear, the new Xbox 360 Elite has an HDMI port - but the inital release versions of the 360 do not.)

I'm well aware of this as an early adopter. I recently upgraded my unit to the Elite to get more hard drive space and the HDMI port plus a cooler running unit that is quieter. I guess I could have just gotten the Arcade version and hunted around for one with the Falcon processor/HDMI port but decided I wanted more space and could easily sell the Premium 360 on ebay.

Most 1080p HDTVs do not support 1080p inputs via component (720p yes, 1080p? No). They do support 1080p input via HDMI, (DVI for the few that have this) and VGA.

In the case of my Sony Bravia, to get 1080p input, I need to use a VGA cable or HDMI.

As it turns out, we already had a 360 VGA cable. With the correct settings on the VGA input, the Sony Bravia provides HDMI 1080p resolution and awesome color over the VGA input.

If that works for you and the best way to get high quality graphics out of your 360, that's really cool. You'll just fall in the minority of people who need to use the VGA input rather than the HDMI or component inputs. And 1080p means relatively little when viewing a screen less than 50". 720p/1080i is nearly indistinguishable at that size.

My old Sony did accept 1080p over component but it was useless at 30". My current Samsung took 1080p over component but the HDMI looks better. I didn't bother with the VGA hookup as the HDMI, from what I've seen, looks better. My friend has a 50" Sony LCD and his wouldn't accept 1080p over component as well. So I guess the higher end Sony stuff (like yours & my friend's) simply won't do it which is kinda silly. I almost bought a Sony LCD (I like Sony TVs, alot) but decided on the Samsung plasma after viewing the images in the store. I also got a good deal on a floor model which nearly chopped by price by 1/4.

 

[Steel_Wind]

I'm well aware of this as an early adopter. I recently upgraded my unit to the Elite to get more hard drive space and the HDMI port plus a cooler running unit that is quieter. I guess I could have just gotten the Arcade version and hunted around for one with the Falcon processor/HDMI port but decided I wanted more space and could easily sell the Premium 360 on ebay.

Hmm. How much did you get for your original 360 on eBay? And how much quieter is the Xbox 360 Elite?

I am really enjoying the 360 and with the new update, all the DivX, XVid upscaling DVD stuff if way cool. The thing I don't like is the damned noise. It's just much too loud.

Is the Elite perceptibly quieter?

 

[John Crichton]

Hmm. How much did you get for your original 360 on eBay? And how much quieter is the Xbox 360 Elite?

I am really enjoying the 360 and with the new update, all the DivX, XVid upscaling DVD stuff if way cool. The thing I don't like is the damned noise. It's just much too loud.

Is the Elite perceptibly quieter?

The original 360 was like a harrier jet taking off in my living room, as you no doubt have experienced as well.

The Elite is quieter, but not as quiet as the PS3. It also runs MUCH cooler than my old 360. To answer your question about the noise, I am very happy with the amount of noise the unit is producing now compared with being very annoyed at the noise of the old one. I can still hear the disc spinning during gameplay but it spins down to a more reasonable level outside from time to time. A few more notches on the volume (when no one is sleeping) cancels all noise from the unit completely.

I haven't actually posted the old 360 yet on ebay, just took pics and will be posting it tonight. It appears that people are getting at least $200 plus shipping for their old unit, which isn't bad.

 

[Vocenoctum]

I also upgraded, I wanted to keep my HD to use until the data migration kit arrived, and was looking at ebay prices, without the HD the systems averaged around $200ish. I traded it to Gamestop for $150 and didn't have to worry about if the ebay buyer had any problems with it. (Plus, didn't have to deal with paypal & shipping.)

I will be selling the 20 gig HD once I get off my ass, but I've had a DS for a while I haven't gotten around to selling either.

Also, if anyone has a wired controller they want to trade for a wireless, let me know.

 

[drothgery]

That's not so John. The original release of the Xbox 360 supports 1080p output now (if the box is updated via Xbox Live or an updated CD/DVD update), but the original XBox 360 does not have a HDMI port, they only have composite, component, or using a special cable to send VGA out of the back of the 360.

(To be clear, the new Xbox 360 Elite has an HDMI port - but the inital release versions of the 360 do not.)

Not exactly.

The following Xbox 360 models always have an HDMI port:

Xbox 360 Elite
Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition
Xbox 360 Pro*
Xbox 360 Arcade*

The following Xbox 360 model never has an HDMI port:

Xbox 360 Core

The following Xbox 360 model sometimes has an HDMI port:

Xbox 360 "Premium"; some 360s built in summer of 2007, before the Pro bundle replaced the Premium, did have an HDMI port, but not the ones built from launch until summer 2007.

Only the Elite comes with an HDMI cable, though you can buy one cheap online and it will work just as well as an expensive one (assuming you aren't running more than 10 feet or so of cable).

* These are the new bundles from this fall.

 

[drothgery]

The price shouldn't be that much of a difference. You can get a TV that can handle HD at a respectable size for way under $1000. I would say just save up a bit more if you can't get a LCD/plasma that can handle HD.

It's probably worth noting that DLPs and other similar modern rear projections are quite nice if you want the most HD screen size for your money, and they don't mangle standard def signals nearly as badly as LCDs do. My brother's is quite nice. Having said that, I like my LCD, especially given that I'm using a smaller room than he is.

But how is it for non-HD TV? That's what I mostly use my TV for these days. I have a Wii (no 360 or PS3) and no BluRay/HD player. I assume that getting an HD TV and receiver for sports and the odd TV show probably isn't worth it yet.

Just as an FYI, most new network programming and sports broadcasts are available in HD now.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Xbox 360 "Premium"; some 360s built in summer of 2007, before the Pro bundle replaced the Premium, did have an HDMI port, but not the ones built from launch until summer 2007.

I have a 360 Premium which I purchased in the Fall of '06.

There should not be much of a reason why an HDMI cable length should effect transmission quality. It's not an analog signal and so the signal degradation and shielding issues that effect analog cables should not matter with an HDMI.

The original 360 was like a harrier jet taking off in my living room, as you no doubt have experienced as well.

The Elite is quieter, but not as quiet as the PS3. It also runs MUCH cooler than my old 360. To answer your question about the noise, I am very happy with the amount of noise the unit is producing now compared with being very annoyed at the noise of the old one. I can still hear the disc spinning during gameplay but it spins down to a more reasonable level outside from time to time. A few more notches on the volume (when no one is sleeping) cancels all noise from the unit completely.

I haven't actually posted the old 360 yet on ebay, just took pics and will be posting it tonight. It appears that people are getting at least $200 plus shipping for their old unit, which isn't bad.

The noise is, indeed, like a Harrier Jump Jet and it annoys the hell out of me. I expect the older Premiums are easier to hack as well - which is fine for whoever wants to do it - I'm just not one of em.

So $200? No it's not bad at all. Mine is in good shape - I have the box and the XBox Live headset is pristine and in the shrink.

I may be tempted to do this. I'll speak with the gaming shop owner across the street first. He might give me a decent upgrade deal.

 

[John Crichton]

The noise is, indeed, like a Harrier Jump Jet and it annoys the hell out of me. I expect the older Premiums are easier to hack as well - which is fine for whoever wants to do it - I'm just not one of em.

I considered keeping the old unit for reasons like this and quickly came to the same conclusion. It already does everything I want it to.

So $200? No it's not bad at all. Mine is in good shape - I have the box and the XBox Live headset is pristine and in the shrink.

Yeah, I was a little surprised but it makes sense if one wants a 360 on the cheap. I keep my gaming materials in good condition. I should even have the original box for it, just gotta search for it. I have full confidence that when it sells it won't come back. That coupled with MS's new warranty should seal it.

I may be tempted to do this. I'll speak with the gaming shop owner across the street first. He might give me a decent upgrade deal.

I may try that first, too. I kinda wish Gamestop was still doing their upgrade deal they had going on when the Elite was released to save on potential ebay hassle.

 

[John Crichton]

It's probably worth noting that DLPs and other similar modern rear projections are quite nice if you want the most HD screen size for your money, and they don't mangle standard def signals nearly as badly as LCDs do. My brother's is quite nice. Having said that, I like my LCD, especially given that I'm using a smaller room than he is.

That's true. I've seen some nice pictures on tube and DLP TVs running HD. I should have clarified more about the 'buying new' aspect of my initial post. Oop.

There are also projectors that do well with the proper set up. I just assume most people buying new will take advantage of the LCD/plasma prices going down so quickly and the space advantages that go along with owning that kind of hardware.