xbox 360 advice....

[jq74]

Hi, I've never been much of a gamer but I just fancy geting one of these for a bit of fun as i have a new plasma display with HDMI and thnk it will be a bit of fun.

so my questions id who is doing the best deals and what the are best games to go for on a bundle (not into scifi stuff). will want a good racing game F1 / GP bikes etc...

I work just by Tottenham Court Road if any one has a local recommendation? thanks for advice!

[randlemarcus]

360 Elite, Games Forza 2, PGR4, Check online in Game/Comet etc, then wander round TCR to see if they'll match.

[threesixty]

I brought my 360 from game last week.

PGR4 is currently free with any xbox purchase and ontop of that i got forza2 and a extra controller for £25 as part of a bundle deal.

You need the premium or elite unit if your planning to run HD (stunning btw).

p.s HDMI out is only available on the newer premium boxes, check before you buy.

[RobDickinson]

All 360's can do HD, some only via component or VGA, some(core) dont come with the required cables), Only the Elite comes with a HDMI cable. All 360's can now come with HDMI (Arcade, Premium, Elite).

Theres a new core replacement pack coming out, called the 'Arcade', wireless controller, 256mb memory stick, 5 arcade games (tho demo's I've heard) includes HDMI.

There should be new premium packs with included games but I dont see them bettering whats out there now realy. IMO get the MS wireless wheel too if your into driving.

[jq74]

Xbox 360 Premium Console with Halo3 and Forza 2 and Extra Wireless Controller
£279.99 seems a good deal.... this is at GAME

Is it worth going a bit extra for the Elite or not given that i have HDMI on my TV...?

[Silverbullet767]

Not really, the ordinary 360 (not the poverty spec one) comes with component cables, does HD perfectly, as for the bigger HDD, I have never got to less that 6GB remaining on mine, just delete demos you dont play anymore.

Also, connect it up to Xbox live, there is an offer on subscriptions £35 for 13 months at play.com

You do have a router dont you??

[jq74]

thanks... I donthave a router (yet).
Broadband internet is upstairs on a normal fixed PC.
Xbox will go downstairs... do i need wireless perhaps or maybe there is a way to connect to phone line downstairs?

cool so HD works on regular model but what cables required... i will be putting it through a Pioneer amp / Home cinema system to a 42" plasma.

I already have HDMI lead going to the TV from the amp. Amp has two input sockets one of which is already in use for DVD player... so still one spare.

[Silverbullet767]

jq74 said:

thanks... I donthave a router (yet).
Broadband internet is upstairs on a normal fixed PC.
Xbox will go downstairs... do i need wireless perhaps or maybe there is a way to connect to phone line downstairs?

cool so HD works on regular model but what cables required... i will be putting it through a Pioneer amp / Home cinema system to a 42" plasma.

I already have HDMI lead going to the TV from the amp. Amp has two input sockets one of which is already in use for DVD player... so still one spare.

You could either.

1. Buy a wireless router and a wireless xbox360 adapter or CAT5 cable upstairs to router. ££££££££ or
2. Run a crossover CAT5 network cable from upstairs to downstairs ans use ICS (internet connection sharing) for the price of some network cable some jiggery pokery getting a network cable upstairs.

HD works from the included component cables, get sound with a toslink (optical) cable, the rear of the Xbox component cable as a toslink port, connect to amp this way. or...

Connect the sound phonos (red,white) to the amp or through a scart converter.

[jq74]

thanks for the advice.. sounds a bit complex but sure i'll work it out.
not keen on having lots of cables so may just go with HDMI cable which covers sound and picture...
i'll update on how i get on. cheers.

[Silverbullet767]

jq74 said:

thanks for the advice.. sounds a bit complex but sure i'll work it out.
not keen on having lots of cables so may just go with HDMI cable which covers sound and picture...
i'll update on how i get on. cheers.

Component cables do cover sound, I thought you ment you wanted it through the amp too....

ICS is not that complicated, you just set up your PC to share the internet connection with your PC network port, easy 5 min job.

[Ultra Violent]

Can't you use one of the mains network adapters. I run both wireless and mains networks for the areas wireless wont reach.

[jq74]

Ok great......... So I got a XBox premium from Game and really enjoying playing it so far.. Forza is good but am always crashing at nearly every 30 seconds! Tiger Woods golf is more my cup of tea I think.
Maybe forza will be better (easier) with a steering wheel...

So i need to get online.
Broadband is upstairs / not wireless.
Xbox downstairs, not sure how i can route a cble down there.
Does anyone know more info about these mains network adapters?

[Steve Evil]

Mains network adaptors are crap, alright for small data throughput, but for the level of data you'll need for gaming on the XBox you'll want to get a cable routed through, or move the router to a location closer to the XBox.

[Silverbullet767]

I ran a wired connection from my spare bedroom (where the router is) to my living room, if you have the tools and patience then it IS the cheapest and most reliable way to connect, I was fortunate to have a house which used to have white meter heating, so I used 2 of the blacking plates (1 from each room, and made them into network ports. You dont have to go that that much trouble. If you like you could run a cat 5 cable along your skirting, up the corner of the room and through the ceiling to upstairs (maybe behind a large piece of furniture to hide the wiring). Or if you have a set of rods you can go behind the walls (what I done) for a mess free job.

Theres not alot else you can do, move the router closer to the living room, but then you would have the same trouble of connecting the PC up, or buying a wireless router with a wireless Xbox adaptor, but this will probably cost in the region of £120+ and would still not be as good a connection as a wired one.

ETA: If your having trouble with Forza 2, then buy PGR4, its more 'arcade' like handling and makes you feel like a driving god when you hit a 90 degree bend perfect at 100mph going sideways

Forza's more sim like and very unforgiving. PGR4 is more fun, but less realistic.

Edited by Silverbullet767 on Monday 12th November 13:40

[Mr E]

Steve Evil said:

Mains network adaptors are crap, alright for small data throughput, but for the level of data you'll need for gaming on the XBox you'll want to get a cable routed through, or move the router to a location closer to the XBox.

Gaming doesn't require lots of data. It requires low latency, but not lots of data.

[Steve Evil]

Mr E said:

Steve Evil said:

Mains network adaptors are crap, alright for small data throughput, but for the level of data you'll need for gaming on the XBox you'll want to get a cable routed through, or move the router to a location closer to the XBox.

Gaming doesn't require lots of data. It requires low latency, but not lots of data.

I'll admit, my specific knowledge on the requirements isn't great, but the sentiment still stands, mains network adaptors are craptacular.

[Mr E]

Steve Evil said:

I'll admit, my specific knowledge on the requirements isn't great, but the sentiment still stands, mains network adaptors are craptacular.

Tested a few. They all worked pretty well for me.

[Silverbullet767]

To the OP, any luck yet??

[jq74]

thanks for the advice (silverbullet) I think i will try this when i have time over the next week or so.

I cant get on with Forza at all though.. drives (forgive the pun) me mad as i am always crashing into the wall... is it much better with a steering wheel?

TW Golf is brill though.. what other game do you gents recommend?

Thanks.