Finally Got an XBox 360... Have some questions???

[BigDPW]

Picked up the premium package, a transfer kit, a memory card, CH2K7, and a free copy of COD2 last night. I have had a few minutes so far to play the CH2K7 since we have a new member of the household in the last 2 weeks (see this thread - http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=55393 )

I have a couple of questions for you guys that have taken this plunge before...

1) What is neat and cool to do on Xbox Live that is new since my time on the original XBox? Anything I should really look at? Anything that is free that I should really check out? I know there is a marketplace and arcade but beyond that I am unsure what the highlights are and what new functionality exists with XBox Live...

2) How does the points payment system work? Is this something you guys utilize at all?

3) What will happen to most of my Xbox Games if I put them in the 360 (assuming they are supported to be backward compatible)? Will they be enhanced at all?

4) I have a Sony Plasma HDTV that is about 2 years old now... It supports all HD signals except 1080p (780p, 1080i)... Which should I set it at? Do you end up getting more stutter with 1080i signal than 780p due to the progressive scan nature??? I have read this but wasn't sure if anyone has any real experience?

5) What type of functionality is available for moving files from my PC to the 360? Especially music files, photos, etc???

6) In general what are some cool things about moving from XBox to 360 that might not be something I have heard of yet???

[gstelmack]

1) What is neat and cool to do on Xbox Live that is new since my time on the original XBox? Anything I should really look at? Anything that is free that I should really check out? I know there is a marketplace and arcade but beyond that I am unsure what the highlights are and what new functionality exists with XBox Live...

They've added HD movies and shows to purchase over Live. There is also presence information so you can see what your friends are doing, compare gamer cards, etc. Achievements are pretty popular in some circles to track progress through games.

2) How does the points payment system work? Is this something you guys utilize at all?

Points allows for micro-transactions: spending a few bucks on different things. You can buy everything from new gamer pictures for your gamercard to full-blown expansion packs for your games. Anything you want to buy from the marketplace costs points. You can buy points on cards in stores, or direct from the marketplace. 80 points = $1 if I remember correctly.

3) What will happen to most of my Xbox Games if I put them in the 360 (assuming they are supported to be backward compatible)? Will they be enhanced at all?

Many have received an HD treatment to up the resolution where possible.

4) I have a Sony Plasma HDTV that is about 2 years old now... It supports all HD signals except 1080p (780p, 1080i)... Which should I set it at? Do you end up getting more stutter with 1080i signal than 780p due to the progressive scan nature??? I have read this but wasn't sure if anyone has any real experience?

720P. Most games don't support 1080+ due to the memory requirements for the framebuffers (you'll see the same on the PS3). And you don't want an interlaced signal...

5) What type of functionality is available for moving files from my PC to the 360? Especially music files, photos, etc???

There is media extender software you can download for free to your PC. Then on the PC you tell the software what you want to share. On the Xbox, you can then set up a connection to the PC, and all the music is there for the sharing. I have my CD collection ripped to the PC, and can then grab playlists and use them as sound tracks in games (I do this for Project Gotham Racing 3 as I can't stand the techno-hip-hop they put in these games).

6) In general what are some cool things about moving from XBox to 360 that might not be something I have heard of yet???

HiDef really is the big one. Easy sharing of media files is right behind it. Wireless controllers are cool, just make sure you get the rapid charging kit so you can charge batteries off-line; the play-and-charge kits are useless.

[GoldenEagle]

So it is better to have your settings in 720p instead of 1080i?

[gstelmack]

So it is better to have your settings in 720p instead of 1080i?

In my opinion, yes. You're not going to get more info in the dashboard or anything, most games are going to be in 720P (better to cram a few more textures in, and 720P looks stunning), and why would you want interlacing?

[Eaglesfan27]

In my opinion, yes. You're not going to get more info in the dashboard or anything, most games are going to be in 720P (better to cram a few more textures in, and 720P looks stunning), and why would you want interlacing?


I'm a bit suprised as before the update, I thought games looked great in 1080i, but I have to admit I never tried 720p. Is there any downside in your opinion in running games that are optimized for 720p on the new 1080p setting?