Using an xbox (old) for media, is it still viable?

Neorion · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Jul 2008 Karma :

So I have the chance to get my hands on an old xbox and I can put XBMC on it.

I have a fair amount of HD stuff but also a lot of TS folder's (DVD) and AVI etc.

Now, is it worth me doing this now seeing as its so cheap? I love the XBMC GUI but I have a PS3 and an XBOX but they are both wireless which is terrible for streaming and I find the interface on both crap and FF and RW is a nightmare without crashing out the film I am trying to watch.
I have a macbook which is great on the N network but its a fiddle and I would rather have a solution that stays put.

SO

Is the xbox completely useless at HD content? Is it worth me getting a HD lead for it?

And what is the easiest way to mod them nowadays? The last time I did one it was years ago.

cheers all

Karma

____________________
VFR FI 2000- Shiney Red Thing
"some things man was never meant to know, for everything else there's Google"

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Nopes, the original xbox is shit for hd stuff. it just cant handle it.

Tarmacsurfer · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2004 Karma :

I still run one and have another in the loft as a backup, it's that useful. It won't cope with HD sources at all as it simply doesn't have the processing power to decode them but for standard DVD rips it's fantastic and with the HD pack it will also upscale very nicely indeed onto a big screen.

Soft mod it. It's incredibly easy to do, you just need something like an "action replay" tool to transfer a save file you download to the PC onto an Xbox memory card, there are many guides on the net Thumbs Up

Are you based around Birmingham at all? If so then I have all of the kit needed.
____________________
I'm immortal. Well, so far.

Neorion · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Jul 2008 Karma :

Cheers guys, I think I will have a look at my media and see if its worth bothering. I will be getting a "proper" media center but just cant warrant the cash at the moment.

I am based in Aberdeen mate which is a shame!

HD pack, ok I will look that up just now.

Cheers

Kev Thumbs Up

____________________
VFR FI 2000- Shiney Red Thing
"some things man was never meant to know, for everything else there's Google"

kawakid · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Karma :

Been using mine for years.

Yes it can't handle HD.

But it's great for watching divxs, playing mp3s, looking at pics etc.

It's also multi region which helps and HD component cable, so picture is perfect on a HD TV.
____________________
I've a twin and a 4.

Stowelly · Traffic Copper Joined: 25 Oct 2009 Karma :

on a related note. catchup tv video plugin has been released for xbmc and works good as long as you have half decent broadband https://plugins.tvcatchup.com/~xbmc/

perfect for if you have a room without a arial connection!

Neorion · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Jul 2008 Karma :

I managed to get the box for free I also have splinter cell I just need the cable to plug a usb drive in and I think I am set?
____________________
VFR FI 2000- Shiney Red Thing
"some things man was never meant to know, for everything else there's Google"

Stowelly · Traffic Copper Joined: 25 Oct 2009 Karma :

is 2 ways you can do it

im sure if you search ebay for a xbox memory card with usb youll get it quite cheap

or if you like (and can garuntee ill get it back) i can lend you my memory card with the exploit already on

or if your feeling a bit techy you can do the hotswap method. which involves taking the box apart, turn it on until its booted. unplug the hard drive, plug it into pc (still with the power on) then copy the save file onto the hdd that way