X-box mod for Mame help (Also Best Console Game Ports)

[Hoopz]

You're overthinking the DVD v. Cd thing.  Bottom line is that it's labeled a CD player as that's the functionality built into it.  Calling it a DVD would cause some ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow--- lawyer like Shmokes to get his panties in a bunch since the XBox doesn't play DVDs without the additional DVD remote (until you mod it, that is).  Yours will play DVD, CDs, cassettes, 8 track, LPs, etc.   

[Ginsu Victim]

I just used a usb thumb drive and hacked in a USB cable into an Xbox controller extension cable. Allow the xbox to format the drive, then use the Action Replay software to copy over the save file.

Yeah, but if he can't hotswap an IDE drive, he can't do this.

I was about to argue with you, but then I understood what you meant.

[Ginsu Victim]

Just to clarify. It's a DVD drive, but without the remote, it wouldn't play DVD MOVIES. DVD based games ran fine (they would HAVE TO).

Of course, XBMC gets around that whole "needing a remote" thing.

[jukingeo]

Just be gentle with the drive and you'll be fine.  I actually powered my Xbox drive off of the PC's power supply to make it easier.  IDE cables are longer than drive power supply cables.

Well, I guess if you stand the Xbox on end (with the top open) and place it side by side next to a PC, then the cables SHOULD reach to and fro, correct?  Isn't it better to power it from the PC anyway?

You're overthinking the DVD v. Cd thing.  Bottom line is that it's labeled a CD player as that's the functionality built into it.  Calling it a DVD would cause some ---smurf-poop--- lawyer like Shmokes to get his panties in a bunch since the XBox doesn't play DVDs without the additional DVD remote (until you mod it, that is).  Yours will play DVD, CDs, cassettes, 8 track, LPs, etc.   

Yeah, I kind of figured that out late anyway.  Most people are not comfortable handling hardware to begin with and then if Microsoft comes along and says, well you need to have this drive installed....Well you get the idea.  So they put a DVD drive in from the get go and just put a CD label on it because the unit can play music discs out of the box.  But then you have to buy this add on kit (which anyone can install) to access the DVD features.

Ok, I guess that clears that up. 

Just to clarify. It's a DVD drive, but without the remote, it wouldn't play DVD MOVIES. DVD based games ran fine (they would HAVE TO).

Of course, XBMC gets around that whole "needing a remote" thing.

Yeah, as I said above, I kind of figured that out late in the game anyway.  The giveaway was that the CD-Audio logo was on the RIGHT side of the Xbox, when the actual drawer was on the LEFT side.  So it was like Hoopz said...it is a legal thing because the Xbox really can't play DVD's straight out of the box, but it CAN play CD Audio discs.  So if the DVD logo was on the front people would think the thing plays DVD's right off the bat.

The whole thing caught me off guard because I am by right a Playstation user and I have have both the PS1 and PS2.  The PS2 has a DVD player and it CAN play DVD's out of the box without any kind of upgrade kit.  So Microsoft decided to suck some more dough out of the people that want to play DVD's on the Xbox.  Perhaps a nice little marketing ploy for them.  But it almost had me fooled thinking the Xbox didn't have a DVD player inside of it.

So I am happy to hear that once the box is modded, I can access the DVD functions.

At any rate, I am not sure if I am going to get to testing the box before this weekend.  There is still much to do for Christmas and it is right around the corner.  I will see if I have a chance to hook up the Xbox tonight, but I doubt it.  More then likely I am going to do more research though.

Geo

[ChadTower]

Well, I guess if you stand the Xbox on end (with the top open) and place it side by side next to a PC, then the cables SHOULD reach to and fro, correct?  Isn't it better to power it from the PC anyway?

Nah, you're making it harder than it has to be.  You'll see when you get the Xbox open.  The drive cabling inside the Xbox is pretty long and the mount is designed to be cold swappable.

[jukingeo]

Nah, you're making it harder than it has to be.  You'll see when you get the Xbox open.  The drive cabling inside the Xbox is pretty long and the mount is designed to be cold swappable.

So what is entailed with a hot-swap anyway?  I never did something like that before.  Usually I made all connections when the computer was OFF.  I come from the old school that says doing anything with the cables while the computer is on is generally a very bad thing.

So I guess the key is that you need the power on to 'unlock' the drive.  So once it is unlocked then you have to switch the IDE cables from the XBox to the computer, right?

Question:

Looking up the downloads for XBMC, I don't see a download selection for XBox.  The choice options are: OSX, Linux, Windows, Apple TV, and Live.  Which is the one the Xbox uses?

Geo

[ChadTower]

You need the Xbox motherboard to unlock the drive.  Once it has booted you can swap the IDE cable to the PC, do your mods, then put it back onto the Xbox to lock it again.  It's pretty simple once you have the stuff all set up to go.  Be careful not to jostle the drive while it is powered up - an IDE cable swap is pretty safe because there is very little potential to short anything.  Even if you did it's data voltage so you'd most likely just get parity errors without any physical failure.

[ark_ader]

Just buy a modchip.  Doing the hot swap is not without its risks.

Hope you are using a Maxtor 5400 with that xbox....

[ChadTower]

The hot swap is a hell of a lot riskier than taking a soldering iron to the motherboard.

And the hot swap only requires a drive change if you are upgrading capacity.  I usually don't bother - XBMC is most effective as a streamer anyway.

[Malenko]

You need the Xbox motherboard to unlock the drive.     

yeah with that said, whatever it was, best bet is to softmod the system or grow a pair and softmod it. This isnt the best forum to be on for this kind of help, you really should register and read www.xbox-scene.com

[Ginsu Victim]

This isnt the best forum to be on for this kind of help, you really should register and read www.xbox-scene.com

Which I've pointed out several times.

[Malenko]

This isnt the best forum to be on for this kind of help, you really should register and read www.xbox-scene.com

Which I've pointed out several times.

just sayin I agree, but chad keeps googling out "advice" and Im tryin to tell the guy to hit up the scene

[jukingeo]

You need the Xbox motherboard to unlock the drive.  Once it has booted you can swap the IDE cable to the PC, do your mods, then put it back onto the Xbox to lock it again.  It's pretty simple once you have the stuff all set up to go.  Be careful not to jostle the drive while it is powered up - an IDE cable swap is pretty safe because there is very little potential to short anything.  Even if you did it's data voltage so you'd most likely just get parity errors without any physical failure.

Ok, sounds good to me.

Just buy a modchip.  Doing the hot swap is not without its risks.

Hope you are using a Maxtor 5400 with that xbox....

Why is that?  Also are you referring to the drive in the Xbox or the PC?   My PC has Sata drives, so the IDE channels are clear.  Would that be a problem?

The hot swap is a hell of a lot riskier than taking a soldering iron to the motherboard.

Oh, thanx...that just boosted my confidence.  I thought above you said it was easy?

And the hot swap only requires a drive change if you are upgrading capacity.  I usually don't bother - XBMC is most effective as a streamer anyway.

I don't have intentions to change the drive.  Now on the XBMC site, which version is used for the Xbox?

This isnt the best forum to be on for this kind of help, you really should register and read www.xbox-scene.com

Which I've pointed out several times.

The site is large and not very well organized.  While there is a lot of good info there, it would take much longer to find out what I need there than here.  There is quite a bit of outdated stuff there too.  Every time I go to that site, I end up getting confused.  At least you guys are better at clearing things up.  So I would rather stay here than go there.

I know the people here deal with Mame and arcade cabinets all the time so what I need seems to come more direct here.

Thanx,

Geo

[Ginsu Victim]

As soon as I remember to post it, I have a link at home that will help you. Much more organized, but it's a saved-based softmod, not the hotswap.

[jukingeo]

As soon as I remember to post it, I have a link at home that will help you. Much more organized, but it's a saved-based softmod, not the hotswap.

Ok, sounds good.

Listen I know you guys mean well about directing me to Xbox-Scene, but this is one of the things I found and I would just like to illustrate my point:

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=215055

Typical soft-mod tutorial, right?  Look how long this thing is.  I actually DID fall asleep trying to read it LOL!

First look at the date...2004.

Then in the tutorial they go on to mention stuff about the BIOS and Phoenix Bios.  Then they mention Splinter Cell exploits?!?!

This is stuff we didn't talk about here, so I don't know if much of this is necessary anymore or even relevent.  Needless to say it causes me to ask more questions then perhaps is necessary.

I also have noticed that with the Xbox and modding, there seems to be 100 ways to skin a cat.  So being that it was mentioned that softmodding is riskier than hard modding, I looked into a couple of mod chips.  However, instead of linking to a couple of chips...it seemed like I linked to a couple hundred chips.

So this is the point I was driving at with Xbox-Scene.  Outdated, overloaded, overcooked and convoluted.

I just would rather get straight to the point, do the mod, put in XBMC or dashboard, and Mame and be done with it.

I would like the easiest, best, and least risky way to go.    In the case of hard modding, well I am an electronics technician and I know my way around a soldering iron.  So if need be I can go that route too.  I would rather try a soft mod method first, but if it is too convoluted and confusing...such as the tutorial above, then I would like to move on to something easier.

So that was my point for avoiding Xbox Scene.

Geo

[Malenko]

if you have a 1.6 xbox you cant solder anything anyway. I was reading the same threads you are and I figured it out. Figure out which way you want to try and do it then try. If you fail or severly ---fudgesicle--- up your xbox, go buy another one for $15. I was experimenting when the XBOX was like $200 the gamble isnt so great now a days


EDIT: read the thread you liniked to, I wish it was that clear when I started.
Lemme break down a softmod for ya:

download an exploit package for a game, like Agent Under Fire. Exploit package is just a modified save game, so when you play the game and load the save, the softmod installer runs. Transfer the save game from your computer to the xbox by modding a thumb drive or however you find it easiet. Pop in the game, load the save and let the installer run.

then edit the dash to your liking or FTP over whatever you wanna do. If you really cant grasp the concept Im sure a member like SNAAAKE can sell you a modded XBOX

[Hoopz]

In the link I posted, you can follow the very first post (or two) and you're done.  Period.  None of the rest of it matters for you.

You can get people here to put a chip in.  Heck, if you're local to some of us, we'll soft mod it for you too.

[Ginsu Victim]

This is what I followed (using Splinter Cell as the exploit)
http://www.cnw.com/~josh/XBox/Krazies_NDURE_1.1_Softmod_with_Action_Replay_and_a_USB_Flash_Drive.html

[jukingeo]

if you have a 1.6 xbox you cant solder anything anyway.

How do I tell what version I have? 

On the bottom of the unit I have this info:

Mfg date: 6-25-05
Serial Number: 363298452506
Product ID: 632363298452506

I was reading the same threads you are and I figured it out. Figure out which way you want to try and do it then try. If you fail or severly ---fudgesicle--- up your xbox, go buy another one for $15.

I have not seen an Xbox for $15 as of yet.   It is just that with most of the documents on the X-Box Scene they are pretty old and they do have quite a bit of 'fluff'.  I just really need to know the simplest, cut and dry way to get the box modded.

I was experimenting when the XBOX was like $200 the gamble isnt so great now a days

No I suppose not, still I don't want to fudge things up either and end up with a $34 brick.

In the link I posted, you can follow the very first post (or two) and you're done.  Period.  None of the rest of it matters for you.

Ok

You can get people here to put a chip in.  Heck, if you're local to some of us, we'll soft mod it for you too.

Naw, I know I can do it myself.  It is just finding the RIGHT guides.  So far what I seen on Xbox-Scene I don't like.  The documents are just overwhelming.

This is what I followed (using Splinter Cell as the exploit)
http://www.cnw.com/~josh/XBox/Krazies_NDURE_1.1_Softmod_with_Action_Replay_and_a_USB_Flash_Drive.html

Until I read that post, I didn't know that was yet ANOTHER mod option.  I will check it out though.

EDIT: read the thread you liniked to, I wish it was that clear when I started.

When did you start?  That document I found on Xbox Scene goes back to 2004...that is 5 years ago and it certainly isn't that clear to me.  It just went on and on... and I kid you not, I fell asleep right at the computer reading it!

Lemme break down a softmod for ya:

download an exploit package for a game, like Agent Under Fire. Exploit package is just a modified save game, so when you play the game and load the save, the softmod installer runs. Transfer the save game from your computer to the xbox by modding a thumb drive or however you find it easiet. Pop in the game, load the save and let the installer run.

then edit the dash to your liking or FTP over whatever you wanna do. If you really cant grasp the concept Im sure a member like SNAAAKE can sell you a modded XBOX

Ok, so lets see if I follow you here.  So with this method you need a game, correct?   Now could it be any game or does it have to be Agent Under Fire?  Where do you get the modified game save?

Now once I have the game and modified game save, a USB to Xbox controller adapter needs to be constructed, right?

Then the game save gets loaded on from my computer on to the USB stick and then I can use the adapter and load it into the Xbox, correct?

So using this method, you don't have to open up the Xbox or do the hot swap?

Well, I will say that overall this does sound much easier than the hot swap method...especially if I don't have to open up the Xbox...which was my initial goal anyway.

Now I am sure there is a document somewhere here on making that special adapter right?

In regards to the modified game save, are there other games besides Agent Under Fire?  Oh!  Light bulb moment.  What is meant by "Splinter Cell Method" is that Splinter Cell is a game too, right?  Yes, it is. I just looked the game up on Amazon.  Or should I say gameS.  There sure are quite a few Splinter Cell games.   When I bought the Xbox I bought Midway Arcade Treasures with it.  Would there be a modified game save for that?

I think I can now see where this is driving at.   The issue here is to unlock the drive for the Xbox and then get in there some way to modify or replace the dashboard.   So like hot swapping, when you run a game, the drive unlocks.  Ok, I think I am slowly getting it.

I think what it is that makes the issue confusing is that I am discovering that there are many ways to modding the Xbox and everything that I am reading is criss-crossing in my mind.

I will read up on that link you sent and hopefully that method is a bit more cut and dry.   You see the way you guys explain things it seems pretty clear, but when I go out and look for these documents and tutorials, I usually end up with a mile long text document of confusion that does nothing for me except to ask more questions.

I think what is needed over there at Xbox Scene is a true cut and dry 'beginner's' guide.  While that document I linked to was labeled 'beginner's' it seemed more like 'novice' to me.

Ok...so I am off to more digging and reading.  I have off from work tomorrow so I will see if I can run some tests on the Xbox.  I noticed that I don't have an official controller.  It looks like the smaller 'S' controller, but it isn't.   It is actually pretty nice.

Thanx again guys.

Geo 

[Ginsu Victim]

How do I tell what version I have? 

On the bottom of the unit I have this info:

Mfg date: 6-25-05
Serial Number: 363298452506
Product ID: 632363298452506

You have a 1.6

[Malikai]

I have used the mech assault method to soft mod many xboxs and it has been the easiest way I have found.  You basically need a action replay or a hacked connector to put your xbox controller on the pc.  Then you use the action replay software to move over the hacked save file to the memory card in the controller.  Load up the game and then start the hacked save file and it pretty much takes care of the rest.  I will see if I can find the guide I used to do it with for ya.

[Malenko]

the 3 games I know work are Agent Under Fire, Mech Assault, and Splinter Cell. Also, you have a 1.6 like Ginsu Pointed out, so forget about soldering the points to flash the TSOP, infact totally forget everythign about flashing because the only way to mod your xbox is softmod or modchip.

Also, I read those guides......jeez, it was before I moved to texas (and back) so like 2002 is when I started, heck if you search "Malenko" on x-s you can see threads where I pooched my second xbox and was asking for help on getting the MSDash to boot, good times.

[Hoopz]

You're all worked up about a thread that started in 2004 on a machine that came out in 2002?  So the thread is 5+ years old.  It's still valid as far as how to do it.

[ChadTower]

The hot swap is a hell of a lot riskier than taking a soldering iron to the motherboard.

Oh, thanx...that just boosted my confidence.  I thought above you said it was easy?

Damn, that's what I get for doing 5 things at once.  It's safer.  I got the wrong direction on the operator.  My bad.

Don't sweat asking questions here.  We've all been through this before.  Hell look at the Wii hard drive thread as a similar example.  But use xbox-scene as your first resort.

[ark_ader]

The hot swap is a hell of a lot riskier than taking a soldering iron to the motherboard.

Oh, thanx...that just boosted my confidence.  I thought above you said it was easy?

Damn, that's what I get for doing 5 things at once.  It's safer.  I got the wrong direction on the operator.  My bad.

Don't sweat asking questions here.  We've all been through this before.  Hell look at the Wii hard drive thread as a similar example.  But use xbox-scene as your first resort.

First thing:  There are mods that are solderless, and it takes 10 minutes to complete.  Worth the extra $15.

Second thing: You can mod 1.6 soft or chip.

Third: There are so many things you can do with a Xbox with an Executer chip like 1080HD, VGA, 500gb HDD, cromwell, the list goes on.

[jukingeo]

I have used the mech assault method to soft mod many xboxs and it has been the easiest way I have found.  You basically need a action replay or a hacked connector to put your xbox controller on the pc.  Then you use the action replay software to move over the hacked save file to the memory card in the controller.  Load up the game and then start the hacked save file and it pretty much takes care of the rest.  I will see if I can find the guide I used to do it with for ya.

the 3 games I know work are Agent Under Fire, Mech Assault, and Splinter Cell. Also, you have a 1.6 like Ginsu Pointed out, so forget about soldering the points to flash the TSOP, infact totally forget everythign about flashing because the only way to mod your xbox is softmod or modchip.

Ok, so then the 'exploit' game save method will only work with those three games.   At any rate, none of you guys mentioned flashing here so I figured that would be out of the question.  It just added to the confusion of which seemed to be the case every time I tried to look something up on the Xbox scene site.

Also, I read those guides......jeez, it was before I moved to texas (and back) so like 2002 is when I started, heck if you search "Malenko" on x-s you can see threads where I pooched my second xbox and was asking for help on getting the MSDash to boot, good times.

You're all worked up about a thread that started in 2004 on a machine that came out in 2002?  So the thread is 5+ years old.  It's still valid as far as how to do it.

Oh, I am not doubting it's validity.  It is just that I would think that new ways and methods for hacking the Xbox could have been discovered in the meantime.   Point in mind was the Bios methods I saw in the document.   Being that Ginsu stated I have a version 1.6 Xbox, that stuff then is clearly outdated. 

The hot swap is a hell of a lot riskier than taking a soldering iron to the motherboard.

Oh, thanx...that just boosted my confidence.  I thought above you said it was easy?

Damn, that's what I get for doing 5 things at once.  It's safer.  I got the wrong direction on the operator.  My bad.

So you meant it is safer than soldering on the board?   Well overall for my first go through on the Xbox, I would like to go the softmod route and would rather not open the box and try a hardware mod.  I DID look into a hard mod, but found out the that choosing the right modchip is not without it's confusion as well.

So thusfar it looks like the game save method would appear to be the most attractive to me at this point.   I don't need to have the Xbox near a computer and I can do everything via a memory stick.

Don't sweat asking questions here.  We've all been through this before.  Hell look at the Wii hard drive thread as a similar example.  But use xbox-scene as your first resort.

I did try to use Xbox-scene so I wouldn't have to ask so many questions here, but I found out that when reading over there, I ended up asking TEN TIMES more questions here.  So I am wondering if it is hindering more than helping.

Ok, then so before I do anything I have to construct one of these USB to XBOX adapters.   I looked up the memory sticks that work with the Xbox and found that I do have a 4gig San Disk Cruzer which is known to work.  So I will set that up.  Then I have to go out and purchase one of those three games.   I am going to look up some information on the games to see which one I will like anyway and then take it from there.

Now in order to make the cable I am assuming that I am probably going to need both a USB extension cable and an Xbox controller extension cable and then cut the cables and splice them  so a USB female is on one end and an XBox male is on the other, correct?   Xbox-Scene should have a document on wiring this adapter up, right?

Ok,  I guess I will do some more research as well in regards to the 'game save' method of modding the Xbox.  Hopefully things will get clearer soon.

EDIT:

Ok, I found this thread tonight on Xbox-Scene and it pretty much described the SAME issue I am going through here.

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=601523&mode=linearplus

So the last post pretty much outlines what has to be done and it looks easy enough.

I looked into the games and out of the three the 007: Agent Under Fire seems like the most interesting game, followed by the Mech Assault.  Now it seemed like the key was to get the ORIGINAL versions of the game.  So that was something I didn't know either.

Now another thing that is mentioned is Action Replay.  Is this another item that has to be purchased or is it downloadable?

What is it anyway?

Thanx again for all your help.

Geo

[slycrel]

Action Replay is a brand of memory card reader.  You need to learn how to google search better.  =)

http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/homemade-action-replay.php

A number of years ago this is what I used.  An original mech assault, and an action replay.  Load the save game onto the action replay memory card, then load up mech assault and restore the saved game from the memory card.  Once you do that you're into some software that will softmod the xbox for you.

Merry Christmas.

[ChadTower]

Third: There are so many things you can do with a Xbox with an Executer chip like 1080HD, VGA, 500gb HDD, cromwell, the list goes on.

Links to anything you can do with a hard mod that you cannot do with a softmod, please.

Especially to 1080i or p.  The Xbox has the software capability of 1080 but not the horsepower.

[DJ_Izumi]

Third: There are so many things you can do with a Xbox with an Executer chip like 1080HD, VGA, 500gb HDD, cromwell, the list goes on.

This is 100% untrue.  You can use VGA on a softmoded Xbox just by having it load a VGA enabled bios at boot.  That's what a soft moded Xbox does afterall, it launches with an exploit and then uses that to load a modded BIOS into the memory.  You can use any BIOS if you configure it to load that up.  This includes the Cromwell bios.  You can also use larger hard drives, I have an 80GB drive in one of my soft modded Xbox's and could use any size hard drive I wanted.  and... The Xbox isn't doing 1080p under any circumstances.  However it can do 720p and 1080i if the application supports it and it can do that soft modded or hard modded.  XBMC supports 1080i for example, but as someone else stated it gives you memory issues.

There is only one thing that a hard modded Xbox1 can do that a soft modded one can't: Use an unlocked hard drive.  With a soft mod, you will have to lock any HDD you put into the system with the same HDD Key that the last drive was locked with.  So you have to invest some effort in using a PC to ensure the upgraded drive is locked with a matching key to the system.  It can still do any sized hard drive, you just need to think a bit more.

[ark_ader]

Third: There are so many things you can do with a Xbox with an Executer chip like 1080HD, VGA, 500gb HDD, cromwell, the list goes on.

This is 100% untrue.  You can use VGA on a softmoded Xbox just by having it load a VGA enabled bios at boot.  That's what a soft moded Xbox does afterall, it launches with an exploit and then uses that to load a modded BIOS into the memory.  You can use any BIOS if you configure it to load that up.  This includes the Cromwell bios.  You can also use larger hard drives, I have an 80GB drive in one of my soft modded Xbox's and could use any size hard drive I wanted.  and... The Xbox isn't doing 1080p under any circumstances.  However it can do 720p and 1080i if the application supports it and it can do that soft modded or hard modded.  XBMC supports 1080i for example, but as someone else stated it gives you memory issues.

There is only one thing that a hard modded Xbox1 can do that a soft modded one can't: Use an unlocked hard drive.  With a soft mod, you will have to lock any HDD you put into the system with the same HDD Key that the last drive was locked with.  So you have to invest some effort in using a PC to ensure the upgraded drive is locked with a matching key to the system.  It can still do any sized hard drive, you just need to think a bit more.

Oh really DJ_Izumi?  Please can you supply the link to the Xbox -> Vga cable that will work with a soft modded xbox, especially a 1.6 Xbox?

[DJ_Izumi]

Oh really DJ_Izumi?  Please can you supply the link to the Xbox -> Vga cable that will work with a soft modded xbox, especially a 1.6 Xbox?

It's not about the cable, it's about the BIOS.  The modded BIOS that most softmod installers load into memory od not have VGA support, but you can use something like FrostyTheSnowman's VGA BIOS instead.  Hell for the people who can't figure out the complicated stuff, there's even a bootable DVD that'll toss it into memory on a softmodded machine to minimize installation efforts for the user.  I don't think you understand this, but native VGA support was a problem for hardmods too, the support is done by adding it to the BIOS and you can do anything to the BIOS for either a softmod or a hardmod.

Here's a thread on it, and they even explicitly state softmod support:
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=620760

There isn't support for 1.6 model Xbox's but the hardmods don't seem to support this either.  Anything you can load into a hardmod BIOS you can load into a softmod BIOS.  The only difference is, the Xbox needs to be 'stock' to boot before it's exploit is used to load a custom BIOS into memory.  This is why the HDD Locking is a requirement on softmodded units but hardmodded units can bypass that need.

[Malenko]

The Xbox has the software capability of 1080 but not the horsepower.

wut?  Ive had my softmodded xbox push out both 720p and 1080i in XBMC but there were some issues with it and it wasnt worth the touble especially considering at the time very little of my media was HD.  Even the PS2 had games that put out HD graphics (before you ask GranTurismo 4 comes to mind) go on, google it, I know you dont believe me.

[DJ_Izumi]

Only two games on on the PS2 did 1080i, and they didn't REALLY do it either.  Gran Turismo 4 and Tourist Trophy.  However they actually did 480p but featured an internal software scaler to scale the output up to 1080i, it was never rendered at that resolution.

On the Xbox, the higher res is a memory issue, though some Xbox1 games did feature actual 720p rendering.  Even on XBMC you can see the memory issues with doing HD, it's not cripping, but you see it needs some time to get things into memory.

[ChadTower]

wut?  Ive had my softmodded xbox push out both 720p and 1080i in XBMC but there were some issues with it and it wasnt worth the touble especially considering at the time very little of my media was HD.  Even the PS2 had games that put out HD graphics (before you ask GranTurismo 4 comes to mind) go on, google it, I know you dont believe me.

Did I say 720p?  It works great for 720p.

The xbox cannot do 1080i streaming consistently.  There just isn't the memory or CPU.  You can hook the source right to the same router and it still skips.  It doesn't upscale to 1080i consistently either. 

[Malenko]

wut?  Ive had my softmodded xbox push out both 720p and 1080i in XBMC but there were some issues with it and it wasnt worth the touble especially considering at the time very little of my media was HD.  Even the PS2 had games that put out HD graphics (before you ask GranTurismo 4 comes to mind) go on, google it, I know you dont believe me.

Did I say 720p?  It works great for 720p.

The xbox cannot do 1080i streaming consistently.  There just isn't the memory or CPU.  You can hook the source right to the same router and it still skips.  It doesn't upscale to 1080i consistently either. 

You said it couldnt do it, now you are backpeddling and saying it cant do it consistently. I'll wager a dollar to donuts you never tried, you just go by what you googled online. Hook source to router? Im not talking streaming media, Im talking playing media from the HD. Mostof the time when you stream, with options like TVeristy, the decoding is done "server side" so the player shouldnt have much impact on playback performance.

I think youre missing the point (trend) that what can be done in a mod chip can be done in a softmod, cept an unlocked drive and that the xbox CAN do 1080i just not well due to memory issues

[jukingeo]

Action Replay is a brand of memory card reader.  You need to learn how to google search better.  =)

http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/homemade-action-replay.php

No it isn't a matter of Google searching better, but rather finding the most current and/or reliable information.  Much of the stuff that is on that xbox-scene site is outdated (namely the BIOS stuff, as I have a ver 1.6 box and it wouldn't apply).  So I would rather come to trust those here of whom have been building arcade controls and cabinets rather than a Xbox hackers site in which I was lead to and fro and ended up asking more questions than getting answers.  Needless to say, I wanted the straight answer as to the best way to soft mod my Xbox and not get the run around.

A number of years ago this is what I used.  An original mech assault, and an action replay.  Load the save game onto the action replay memory card, then load up mech assault and restore the saved game from the memory card.  Once you do that you're into some software that will softmod the xbox for you.

Couldn't a hacked USB Female to Xbox male control cable work too?  Or would you feel the Action Replay is the cheaper and/or better bet?

Merry Christmas.

You too (well it is actually after Christmas, so hopefully you had a good one!

Third: There are so many things you can do with a Xbox with an Executer chip like 1080HD, VGA, 500gb HDD, cromwell, the list goes on.

Links to anything you can do with a hard mod that you cannot do with a softmod, please.

Especially to 1080i or p.  The Xbox has the software capability of 1080 but not the horsepower.

Guys, this stuff is way over my head.  So you don't have to go back and forth on it.  Trust me, I am FAR from this level.  All I really want to do is use the Xbox to run Mame for now.

Thanx,

Geo

[ChadTower]

You said it couldnt do it, now you are backpeddling and saying it cant do it consistently.

Dude said he's not upgrading the hard drive.  Why would we even discuss whether or not he can play HD content locally?  Pay attention.  The Xbox cannot stream 1080i/p without stuttering a good amount of the stream.  Period.  I've been using XBMC in multiple rooms for years - along with a lot of others here - and we're all saying the same thing. 

[ark_ader]

If you want to run MAME on your xbox this can be done simple and quick.

You need to buy a non classic Splinter Cell (NTSC or PAL determined by your location)

A way to get two game saves to a xbox memory unit.

I did this via the action replay method, and yes it was a real pig trying to find a legitimate link for the software, especially since the hardware is not available to buy in the shops - but you can probably get it on ebay but you do not need it as there are free versions out there.  Google for soft mod action replay -  I just did now and found everything needed for transferring the files on top.  Well the guides were very easy to follow.

Get yourself a xbox memory unit (any 2nd hand game shop should have them) a crap controller you do not want anymore, wire strippers, soldering iron or you can use tape, and a usb A to B lead you can snip off the A end.  You can use the Xbox safety connector to wire it up if you wish, but I used a xbox controller for use with the PC later on.

Strip xbox joypad cable and snip the yellow wire.  Strip the USB A and marry the ends either by solder or tape.

Use the action replay to transfer the 2 files to the xbox memory unit via the hacked controller.

Copy the save games to the Xbox HDD via dash.  Fire up Splinter Cell load file LINUX.

Locate Auto Installer Deluxe and burn to cdrom.  Wait a few minutes to read the disc.  Follow the readme and backup all the Xbox data.

Locate CoinOPS and BAE- <so simple>.

Done!

It is that easy - I find the memory unit quite handy and now it is just a matter of plugging the unit in and running the game.

I love my Xbox Arcade - so many arcade games and so little time.   

[northerngames]

the xbox can be modded with a ram upgrade to 128MB and it helps some emu's like mame big time but it is a pain in the bum to do and others charge a hefty fee if you can even find someone that does them anymore.

most just leave them at the stock 64 but the 128's are nice if you can get one for cheap or have it done for cheap by another.

[jukingeo]

If you want to run MAME on your xbox this can be done simple and quick.

You need to buy a non classic Splinter Cell (NTSC or PAL determined by your location)

I think to avoid confusion I would be greatful if someone posted the box cover art for each of the three games, so I can make sure to get the correct one.  I am mostly interested in the 007 game, but the Mech game looks cool too.  I doubt I would play Splinter Cell because that genre doesn't interest me much.   I know it isn't a big deal in the context of what I would like to do with the Xbox...BUT I might want to play the game someday and not just use the exploit.

A way to get two game saves to a xbox memory unit.

I did this via the action replay method, and yes it was a real pig trying to find a legitimate link for the software, especially since the hardware is not available to buy in the shops - but you can probably get it on ebay but you do not need it as there are free versions out there.  Google for soft mod action replay -  I just did now and found everything needed for transferring the files on top.  Well the guides were very easy to follow.

Get yourself a xbox memory unit (any 2nd hand game shop should have them) a crap controller you do not want anymore, wire strippers, soldering iron or you can use tape, and a usb A to B lead you can snip off the A end.  You can use the Xbox safety connector to wire it up if you wish, but I used a xbox controller for use with the PC later on.

Strip xbox joypad cable and snip the yellow wire.  Strip the USB A and marry the ends either by solder or tape.

Use the action replay to transfer the 2 files to the xbox memory unit via the hacked controller.

Ok, so instead of a memory stick you are going with an actual Xbox game save.  Now instead of going through all the hacking above, wouldn't it be possible to purchase a USB to Xbox controller adapter and access the memory unit that way?  I know for the PS2 I have such an adapter to use it on my computer.  However, the PS2 controller doesn't have memory units so I don't know if the memory unit will work using an Xbox to PC adapter.  At any rate, I figured I would ask.

Copy the save games to the Xbox HDD via dash.  Fire up Splinter Cell load file LINUX.

Locate Auto Installer Deluxe and burn to cdrom.  Wait a few minutes to read the disc.  Follow the readme and backup all the Xbox data.

Locate CoinOPS and BAE- <so simple>.

What are CoinOPS and BAE?

Done!

It is that easy - I find the memory unit quite handy and now it is just a matter of plugging the unit in and running the game.

I love my Xbox Arcade - so many arcade games and so little time.   

Well, I probably will too once I get it going.

BTW, where did you get that Avatar from?  That is pretty creepy and would go good in a haunted house venture I am planning next year.

the xbox can be modded with a ram upgrade to 128MB and it helps some emu's like mame big time but it is a pain in the bum to do and others charge a hefty fee if you can even find someone that does them anymore.

most just leave them at the stock 64 but the 128's are nice if you can get one for cheap or have it done for cheap by another.

Well, when it comes to Mame, I am mostly interested in early games (late 70's) to about the early 90's.  I don't play many newer games.  By 1994 when I bought my first PC, I pretty much ceased going to the arcades.  The Playstation and PS2 pretty much sealed the arcade's fate with me.  There are only about 2 or 3 'modern' arcade games that I like.   More then likely if it is a modern game I would play it on my PC or PS2.   I would say that the bulk of my interest in arcade games would be from 1978 (Space Invaders) to 1988 as those years I was pretty heavy into going to arcades.

Thanx,

Geo