Xbox360
Q..What CPU does the Xbox 360 have?
The Xbox 360 has a custom IBM PowerPC-based Central Processing Unit. To read the complete technical specs for the Xbox 360 CPU click here. Additionally, for an explanation of those specs, check out this editorial titled Xbox 360 Dissected.
Q..Who is the designer of the Xbox 360 CPU?
Microsoft and IBM are the designers of the Xbox 360 CPU.
Q..Who is the manufacturer of the Xbox 360 CPU?
IBM is the manufacturer of the Xbox 360 CPU, which will be built at the East Fishkill IBM Fab in New York.
Q..What GPU does the Xbox have?
The Xbox 360 has a custom ATI graphics processor. To read the complete technical specs for the Xbox 360 GPU click here. Additionally, for an explanation of those specs, check out this editorial titled Xbox 360 Dissected.
Q..Who is the designer of the Xbox 360 GPU?
Microsoft and ATI are the designers of the Xbox 360 GPU. Microsoft licensed technology from ATI for the design of the Xbox 360 GPU.
Q..What resolutions does the Xbox 360 support?
The Xbox 360 supports all worldwide variations (NTSC, PAL) of composite video, all component video resolutions (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) and VGA resolutions (from VGA 640x480 at 50 Hz and 60 Hz, passing through 1024x768 at 50 and 60 Hz, to 1920x1080 at both 50 and 60 Hz)
Q..Do I need a HDTV capable TV to play Xbox 360?
No, you don’t need a HDTV capable or a HDTV compatible TV to play the Xbox 360.
Q..If my TV only supports 480p and 1080i, will the Xbox 360 reduce game visuals to 480p?
The high-definition support for Xbox 360 is dynamic, so even if a game is designed with 720p in mind, but your TV only supports 480p or 1080i, Xbox 360 will run the game in the best resolution your TV offers; in this case would be 1080i.
Q..Can I connect the Xbox 360 to my PC monitor?
Yes, you can connect the Xbox 360 to your PC monitor using the first-party VGA cable (sold separately).
Q..Does the Xbox 360 support DVI or HDMI?
At the moment, Microsoft does not plan to offer a DVI or HDMI pack, but it may be available in the future. Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox Product Group at Microsoft, elaborated, “We’re poised to hit the sweet spot of the HD market at launch and as the market matures, we will provide an HDMI for our customers when it makes sense. The reality is, you don’t need HDMI for HD gaming.” To read the complete interview, click here.
Q..Is there any way to play Xbox 360 games through a large HD screen (Apple) which only has a DVI connector? I heard Microsoft may release a DVI cable. Will this be ready for launch?
Since there is no Xbox 360 cable with DVI or HDMI output, you’ll need a VGA to DVI adapter if you want to connect via a DVI input.
Q..I have pre-ordered an Xbox 360 and I want to know how to connect via the HD-AV cable. I imagine 2 plugs are for Audio, 3 plugs are component video, what is the remaining plug for?
The AV cable that comes with the Premium Edition of the Xbox 360 has three audio connectors and four video cables. The red and white cables are for standard stereo audio; that is left and right audio channels. There is one optical audio connector that plugs into the Xbox 360 AV port. Finally, you have four video cables: Red, Green and Blue are the component video cables, while the yellow one is for composite video.
Q..What is Xbox Live?
Now in its third generation, Xbox Live is the world’s only unified global online console games service. This unique service unites gamers together in a dynamic community where they can experience the best online games, exclusive programming, and continuous downloadable content. Xbox Live launched in the United States in November 2002 and is available in 24 countries.
Q..Do I need to pay to have Xbox Live?
Not necessarily. On the Xbox 360, you'll have two choices of service level: Xbox Live Silver and Xbox Live Gold. Xbox Live Silver will offer limited Xbox Live functionality at no cost, while the Gold package will be a fully functional pay service.
Q..What is the Xbox Live Marketplace?
The Xbox Live Marketplace is a one-stop shop to download new game trailers, demos, and episodic content, plus new game levels, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins, and more. Accessible to everyone who establishes a broadband connection with their Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace lets you personalize and extend your experience, on demand.
Q..What does 3 red lights mean?
This is by far the greatest fear in the Xbox 360 gaming arena – the phantom of the Xbox three red lights. One minute you’re happily plugging away at the aliens as Master Chief, and the next, you’re staring at 3 flashing red lights on the screen. And no matter how much you flick your Xbox 360, they don’t disappear. Your Xbox 360 has crashed.
You don’t like taunts any more than the next guy, but red light Xbox 360 problems speak of deeper issues with your favorite toy. Hardware malfunction is the primary culprit. Your motherboard has gone into overdrive and overheated. Both the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the Gaming Processing Unit (GPU) have literally burnt themselves out.
Not necessarily from your prolonged gaming sessions, though. It’s a design flaw in the hardware itself. You probably won’t get this most dreaded of Xbox 360 problems in the first few weeks of gaming.
Over a couple of months or so, you’ll notice the screen freezing occasionally and irritating graphic glitches occurring. Those are the signs that tell you you’re headed down the red rings road.
Q..What does 1 red light mean?
Let’s say you haven’t got three red lights on your screen but just 1 red light on the Xbox 360. That doesn’t mean you haven’t got a serious issue, it just means you’ve got a different one. These sorts of Xbox 360 glitches can really upset your gaming session.
One red light is possibly an E74 error that points to a scaler chip burn out. This chip deals with the AV cable and the signal that you get on your console. It’s the source of the spectacular graphics that’s got you hooked to your Xbox. You know your scaler chip has called it a day when you’re all revved up to start play and you get an error message onscreen instead.