mod an xbox into a media center?

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zixxer

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
7,326
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Is it possible to mod an xbox to have it play divx movies streamed across the network? What option/benefits are there to mod an xbox?

I want to setup a media center pc but I've been told that I might be better off using an xbox and modding it...

 
M

Maverick

Diamond Member
Jun 14, 2000
5,900
0
71
thats what I've got...works good using Xbox media player and the XNS streaming application. Just keep it running on your PC and you can stream everything in. I thought about trying to do it wirelessly but I've heard even high speed wireless isn't fast enough for smooth streaming video.

I tried the HTPC method but just couldn't find a good interface for it. Using 10 different programs just didn't make sense to me. Not only that, I had overscan problems on my TV. Xbox worked out better for me.
 
F

FFactory0x

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2001
6,991
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yea you can but its complicated if you have no cluewhat your doing. You need to open up your console and install a mod chip. There are solderless available but they are a pain in the ass compared to solderones. Check out the link for all xbox needs xbox scene
 
R

royaldank

Diamond Member
Apr 19, 2001
5,440
0
0
Not that it's all that difficult, but you'd probably have an easier time doing it with a PC and a video out card. Finding all the info to mod it, the software, and the instructions can take awhile. There are lots of different ways to set up something like that and reading all the info can take some time. Best of luck if you do go this route.
 
M

MercenaryForHire

Lifer
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: Maverick
thats what I've got...works good using Xbox media player and the XNS streaming application. Just keep it running on your PC and you can stream everything in. I thought about trying to do it wirelessly but I've heard even high speed wireless isn't fast enough for smooth streaming video.

I tried the HTPC method but just couldn't find a good interface for it. Using 10 different programs just didn't make sense to me. Not only that, I had overscan problems on my TV. Xbox worked out better for me.
Click to expand...

Details on that setup (ie what can it play, interface style, can you use the DVD remote?)

Pics? :D

I'm currently trying to build an HTPC myself, and if an Xbox is that much easier I'll go that route.

- M4H
 
Z

zixxer

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
7,326
0
0
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: Maverick
thats what I've got...works good using Xbox media player and the XNS streaming application. Just keep it running on your PC and you can stream everything in. I thought about trying to do it wirelessly but I've heard even high speed wireless isn't fast enough for smooth streaming video.

I tried the HTPC method but just couldn't find a good interface for it. Using 10 different programs just didn't make sense to me. Not only that, I had overscan problems on my TV. Xbox worked out better for me.
Click to expand...

Details on that setup (ie what can it play, interface style, can you use the DVD remote?)

Pics? :D

I'm currently trying to build an HTPC myself, and if an Xbox is that much easier I'll go that route.

- M4H
Click to expand...


My issue isn't so much what is cheaper; but what is easier and more functional. It would be nice to have my games all on a hdd and not have to switch dvd's.
xbox: $179
120gb hdd: $100ish..

mod chip?? $50 maybe?
 
J

Joker81

Golden Member
Aug 9, 2000
1,281
0
0
Originally posted by: FFactory0x
xbox: $179
120gb hdd: $100ish..
mod chip?? $50
Shorting out your box: PRICELESS

:)
Click to expand...

Just to stream you don't need the bigger drive. But it helps.


Remember its illegal to play xbox backups unless you actually own them.

And most xbox bios are illegal since they hacked M$ code.
 
dabuddha

dabuddha

Lifer
Apr 10, 2000
19,579
17
81
That's the way I have my xbox setup right now cept for the XNS streaming application. Even nicer using my wireless logitech controller. :)
 
Y

Yzzim

Lifer
Feb 13, 2000
11,990
1
76
Originally posted by: FFactory0x
xbox: $179
120gb hdd: $100ish..
mod chip?? $50
Shorting out your box: PRICELESS

:)
Click to expand...

No need to get a "name brand" modchip for $50 unless you want a non-solder one.

Just get a cheapmod for $10 and you'll be set.

I plan on upgrading my Xbox hdd from 120gig to 200gig tonight :) Finally found some cdrw media my Xbox will read....Slayers works great now :)
 
sygyzy

sygyzy

Lifer
Oct 21, 2000
14,001
4
76
Yeah it works great. To answer some questions, concerns -

1. It is possible to mod the xbox to play divx. It is possible to stream
2. 802.11g streams wireless full motion video just fine. It is borderline though so say your server is running something cpu intensive, you will see glitches. I am running a wireless Linksys bridge.
3. I have thought/tried using the HTPC method too and I think the xbox is infinitely better. The device *just works*. I mean you dont have to deal with viewing the nasty PC resolution on the TV. Has anyone tried using a TV as a monitor? It's horrendous. (320x240). You can't avoid it. I mean how else do you browse your network and launch a file?
4. You can use the DVD remote.
5. You don't need a new HD but it's nice. I just finished backing up last night so I am going to install my Maxtor 120 in it tonight.
 
sygyzy

sygyzy

Lifer
Oct 21, 2000
14,001
4
76
And X-Box Media Center is another one. It's from the creators of XBMP that left and worked on their own project. The two are basically the same though, synonymous.
 
J

JackBurton

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
15,993
14
81
Originally posted by: Yzzim
Originally posted by: FFactory0x
xbox: $179
120gb hdd: $100ish..
mod chip?? $50
Shorting out your box: PRICELESS

:)
Click to expand...

No need to get a "name brand" modchip for $50 unless you want a non-solder one.

Just get a cheapmod for $10 and you'll be set.

I plan on upgrading my Xbox hdd from 120gig to 200gig tonight :) Finally found some cdrw media my Xbox will read....Slayers works great now :)
Click to expand...
Dude, I don't know if the XBox can see past the 137GB limitation. Let us know how it goes.

 
Z

ZaneNBK

Golden Member
Sep 14, 2000
1,674
0
76
www.xbox-scene.com also details how to flash your original BIOS by just soldering a couple points on the circuit board or using a conductive pen to connect a couple of points.

With XBMP you can use the DVD Remote (who's only failing is no power on/off switch) but XBMP doesn't really play DVD's but it can be setup to spawn the MS Dashboard to play (which in turn can be modded to play progressively). Basically you can setup your box to power on to XBMP and auto-play games and movies when inserted.
 
K

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
5
81
I use my xbox as a media center. Plays DVD's, streams music and movies from my computer, and the dvd remote works. I prefer to use the controller though, since its always right there anyway. If you really want, you can do another mod that lets you cold-boot the xbox from the controller.

I use Relax to stream.

EDIT: xbox-scene
 
I

ILikeStuff

Senior member
Jan 7, 2003
476
0
0
is there any advantage to streaming the vids instead of just using SMB file sharing?

<-- loves his XBox Media center :)
 
H

hevnsnt

Lifer
Mar 18, 2000
10,868
1
0
Originally posted by: JackBurton
Originally posted by: Yzzim
Originally posted by: FFactory0x
xbox: $179
120gb hdd: $100ish..
mod chip?? $50
Shorting out your box: PRICELESS

:)
Click to expand...

No need to get a "name brand" modchip for $50 unless you want a non-solder one.

Just get a cheapmod for $10 and you'll be set.

I plan on upgrading my Xbox hdd from 120gig to 200gig tonight :) Finally found some cdrw media my Xbox will read....Slayers works great now :)
Click to expand...
Dude, I don't know if the XBox can see past the 137GB limitation. Let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...


Newest Xecuter bios gets around the 137 barrier.

Yes, I use my Xbox as a Media Center as well, any questions I would be more than happy to answer.

Modchip I use: homebrew cheap mod.
 
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