XBOX MCX setup and Hi Def pointers wanted

[jimbob19]

Have just bought an MCX kit on Ebay from Aus for my chipped xbox , have also bought a Hi Def connection kit. Has anyone any links/guides to setting up MCX ? (looks hopefully at LisaG and NigelBB )

[pjclark1]

what is Xbox MCX?

[jimbob19]

Sorry - Xbox Media Center eXtender

[pjclark1]

If you have a chipped Xbox you can just install "XMBC pimped 25-11-05", it's free to download (Google it) and needs no setting up, just a network cable from your Xbox to your router. It has far better functionality than the extender and can see any shared files on any PC in your network without having to install software on your PC. It can play any media files you can find (without having to unzip or unrar) and also connects straight to the internet so you can stream All the pop videos from "Loaded".

I run it on my Xbox with 720p and it's really great, runs HD Divx files as well.

[lisag]

Hello!

Ok, well yes definitely install xbmc as pj says, as you can use that for files that MCX does not support (divx, xvid, vobs). But you want MCX as well for live and recorded tv, and also to access the guide and the tv record scheduling etc.

From memory - you use the MCX disc for the MCE PC first, install that on your MCE machine, enter the serial number etc. Then set your chipped xbox to playback NTSC discs, and put the xbox disc in it will try and connect to the MCE machine, and generate a number - enter that number into the MCE machine and then it should all magically connect and work, good luck!

lisa

Oh, I have not used the hidef pack, so don't know if that makes a difference to above.

I wouldn't bother with XBox MCExtender - I've found it to be pretty lousy, keeps dropping the connection etc.
Google for "Paul Thurrot" and check out what he has to say about Xbox MCE.
He gives the Xbox 360 MCE a thumbs up tho'. Looks like they got it right with the Xbox 360 (MCExtender is built in to the 360).

XBMC on the other hand is fantastic (but can be really geeky to set up).

You need a chipped/modified Xbox to use the hidef pack on the original Xbox as MS disabled 720p ability on PAL Xboxes. 720p is only available on xboxes that think they are NTSC.
XBMC looks fantastic in 720p.

Get the official MS component video/optical sound high def pack.
I've used some of the 3rd party ones and can see ghosting etc on screen text with them

[lisag]

I disagree - I use Xbox MCX and it is fab, very reliable, pq is great and I get to watch live/recorded tv via my MCE pc (lounge) on my xbox (bedroom). XBMC is very good too - I use both.

XBOX 360 - no divx / xvid or vob support, and no xbmc... not that great

[jimbob19]

Already have XBMC installed and working , but as Lisa says I want it for the live and recorded dvr-ms and the guide etc.
Thanks for all the info , agreed a 360 would probably be better, but I alredy have a chipped xbox and xbmc

[David PluggedIn]

playing around with the Xbox360 MCE in to a MCE2005 PC running SweetSpot MCE tuners, so far it seems very slick indeed

[evolution400]

I aggree wil lisa the extender is brilliant the only bad point is no DIVX.
I have 2 Extenders on WIFI and they are perfect.

[nigelbb]

The Xbox MCX is excellent especially as other noted when used in combination with XBMC. The remote works in both applications. I have 4 modded Xboxes around the house. The one connected to the projector has the HiDef connections. The picture quality with 720p is great.