Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite

Xbox 360 is the first of the "next-gen" videogame consoles go to market in autumn 2005. By the time the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo hit the shops - one year later - the 360 is not only established itself as a top game consoles, whether it is on the way to become a full-service digital entertainment media hub for the living room, with built-in support for high-def TV and movie downloads as well as Vista-friendly media streaming. While Sony and Nintendo each struggling with issues begin - like Microsoft have been working hard 12 months ago - the Xbox 360 has advanced to No. 1 spot on the home console charts, with more than 10 million units sold worldwide.

What is Microsoft doing to an encore? Release of the Xbox 360 a little upgrade, of course. $ 300 Xbox 360 Elite is black instead of white, including a 120GB hard drive, and sports an HDMI output for easier hookups to HDTVs.

For current and prospective gamers: Is the Elite worth an additional $ 80? For anyone who has an existing Xbox 360, the answer is probably no - HDMI connector is more a convenience than a necessity, and the larger snap-on hard drives will be available to existing 360 users as a standalone $ 180 accessory. In addition, there is a tone clearly disappointed that the Elite higher price tag does not deliver some of the features in the package box - Wi-Fi adapter and HD DVD still be purchased separately, for example. In other words, the Xbox 360 Elite just warmed-over versions of earlier models that do not deliver any groundbreaking, PS3-killing features.

Xbox 360 currently has a larger and more impressive game library, and until the PS3 can offer some interesting alternatives - and I believe that ultimately, it will - the Xbox 360 remains the better option. And if you go with the 360 for the first time

Hardware
Except for the black finish and HDMI port, the Xbox 360 Elite is cosmetically identical to the Xbox 360 Premium. When laid horizontally, the 8.8-pound console 12.15 inches wide, 3.27 inches high, and 10.15 inches. Like the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 can also rely on a vertical position and can be customized with interchangeable faceplates that cost as much as $ 20. 360 is not as slick as the glossy PS3 nor as cute little Wii, but the Elite's matte-black finish of a big step from the "iPod white" color scheme before the Xbox 360. While the Elite one with the other black components in the A / V rack, however, it may not match all your accessories - you may need to mix and match some white 360 accessories, as not all equipment will be available in black.

Rear panel 360 Elite includes an HDMI port, A / V connector, a USB port, and an Ethernet jack. Normally, we would complain about a proprietary connection such as the Xbox A / V jack, but Microsoft included adapter cable with a second flight components and composite connectors, plus analog stereo audio and optical audio jack for surround sound output. Alternative audio adapter is included only in the case of only a TV or home theater system can not accept audio via HDMI. The point is that the Xbox 360 Elite can be connected to almost any TV or home theater systems in various configurations, without the need to buy additional accessories.

HDMI output is a welcome addition, it provides a single cable solution - digital audio and high-def video - for connecting to HDTVs and A / V receivers. Whereas the previous Xbox 360 could output HD video up to 1080p resolution via component, far more HDTVs actually accept that highest resolution through the HDMI input. The downside is that Microsoft seems to have been chosen for something less than an HDMI version 1.3 found on the PlayStation 3. That means that every movie that played on the optional HD DVD add-on will be limited to standard Dolby Digital soundtrack, not the higher resolution Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, or DTS-HD Master Audio.

While Nintendo and Sony game consoles have built-in Wi-Fi support, Xbox 360 older is limited to the wired network connection. Unfortunately, that does not change the Xbox 360 Elite - Ethernet remains the only built-in pilihan.Anda can get an optional wireless network adapter, which clips to the back of a comfortable 360 - but that alone monopolize a USB port on the back of the console.

The front of the unit, you'll find two USB ports hidden behind hinged doors in the faceplate, and two memory card slot. Unlike the standard flash memory formats accepted by the Wii and PS3, however, Microsoft chose a proprietary memory card - but you will never need it unless you need to swap saved games or other small files between two 360s. USB port provides connectivity to any USB cable controller and other accessories alternately, they allow for quick hookups to a variety of media devices, including digital cameras, MP3 players, or even your iPod or Sony PSP. Many USB keyboards are compatible, but for the most part, they are fully assigned to the communication and data entry functions, not gameplay. Another small design complaining: you will not be able to connect some thumbdrive-style MP3 player, like the original Apple iPod Shuffle, for some or all of the USB port 360 niches. You will need a USB extension cable to connect them because the entrance to the harbor was too narrow.

Xbox 360 Elite also includes on the front panel infrared, which allows you to use a variety of compatible remote control - either 360 specific models and generic universal remote - without the need for an external dongle. In contrast, the PS3 has no IR port, forcing you to use a Bluetooth remote.

Xbox 360 Elite hard drive, is located on proprietary removable module that is locked to the console. Since the 20GB Xbox 360 hard disk is filled with very real fast - download a game demo here 1GB, 4GB HD movie in there, and threw several TV episodes, and things get tight fast - so the 120GB Elite is basically a must for anyone who wants to take full advantage of the Xbox 360 media function. The same 120GB drive module will be available as a separate accessory for $ 180 which is 360 owners who want to upgrade; also, the transfer kit accessory will allow existing settings and files to be moved from the old hard drive to the new one.

As part of the $ 300 Elite bundle, you will also get a wireless controller and Xbox Live headset, which is connected to the controller. They are identical to previous models except for the black color scheme - the Elite controllers do not add new functions, such as sensitivity or the slope of the PS3 Wiimote motion control. They accept two AA batteries, or you can choose for a snap-on rechargeable model. Each 360 console can support as many as four wireless controllers. Green LED on the 360 itself and the controller indicates exactly which controllers are connected. This also applies if you're playing with a mix of wireless controllers and cables, you know who the controller. All in all, we really like the design of the Xbox 360 controller, with the possible exception of the four-way D-pad, which occasionally slips axes when tapped.

Two other less-than-star aspect of the Xbox 360 Elite has been done to the massive external power supply and console noise. While the giant power brick can be hidden away behind the entertainment center, remove the fan and especially DVD still crowded to the point of interruption.

Xbox 360's dashboard interface screen real star, and it was clear that the people at Microsoft seem more toward Windows and more toward pride TiVo interface for their model. Yes, 360-obvious interface has some ties with the Windows Media Center PC, but it's slicker and more user-friendly, with color-coated tabs for the various system features, including games, media, system settings, and Xbox Live. To page through a variety of activities, you simply move the buttons on the controller left to right. With the increased processing power, windows open quicker than they did in the original; system and the overall interface just feels zippier. Like the faceplates, the Dashboard is customizable, with a number of themes contained in the hard drive and many more are available for download.

Xbox 360's customization kick is the Gamer Card, which consists of a personal avatar - a picture is selected from a batch of Microsoft approved images or images you've captured using the Xbox Live Vision Camera - as well as a motto 21 characters or less. The core of the Gamer Card is the Gamerscore: a point-total representative of predetermined goals, known as Achievements, met in each and every game. This is a good way to develop the competitiveness between gamers offline, as even completely single-player games such as Elder Scrolls IV. Oblivion include Achievements. But if Microsoft is planning to take the same angle as personalized 3D level as Nintendo's Mii avatars or Sony's Home environment.

Digital media and DVD
Although primarily a game machine, the Xbox 360 Elite is a formidable digital media hub as well. Plug a digital camera, flash card reader, a thumbdrive, or a music player into the Xbox 360's USB port, and if it is compatible with Windows PC, you'll likely have plug-and-play access to browse pictures, listen to MP3s, and playing video WMV. Digital media on your home network are equally accessible: just install Microsoft Windows Media Player 11, Zune software, or Windows Media Connect on any PC running Windows XP or Vista, and the 360 will be able to stream music and access photographs and WMV video from a remote PC. If your PC is Media Center-enabled, closer integration. 360 functions as a Media Center Extender, allows you to access recorded TV - including those in high-def - from the MCE PC network.

Of course, the 360 is a capable, CD / DVD player as well. You can not copy music files from a connected device or network, but you can rip CDs directly to the 360 hard drive, then use the songs as a soundtrack for pretty much any native Xbox 360 game.

On the DVD front, the Xbox 360 Elite offers essentially the same performance as before disappointing 360. DVDs are generally soft and lacking detail, and the Elite failed some of the basic HQV tests that even many inexpensive DVD players can ace. It's OK for casual viewing, of course, but the HDMI connector does not seem to give a clear improvement. In happier news, the quality of the external HD DVD drive and Xbox Live Marketplace video downloads star general. But the rub here is that the HD DVD drive remains an add-on, while the PS3 Blu-ray drives standard equipment.

Xbox Live
Xbox 360 Each model has a base level, called Xbox Live Silver membership. Which offers the ability to create a friends list, see their gamer cards, and communicate with them outside the game via voice chat and voice messaging using the headset, or even video chat with the Vision Camera. In order to play multiplayer games, however, you must upgrade to Xbox Live Gold, which costs $ 50 per year. While Sony offers similar online multiplayer chat and head-to-head games for free on the PS3, it remains a less polished experience than Xbox Live, which has a few more years to perfect its online capabilities are now best in class country.

Xbox Live is much more integrated throughout the 360 than on the old Xbox. At any time, you can hit the Home button on the controller to open the Live message center. In theory, you can play offline, single player game, say, Enchanted Arms, get an invitation from a friend, then pop out to the Dashboard while you swap discs.

In-game Xbox Live experience is not changed drastically, but again, the service was already near-perfect on the Xbox 1. By virtue of the system processing power, games should be able to support more players online. Perfect Dark Zero, for example, can handle 32 players, more than all but a few Xbox1 games. Test Drive Unlimited alter the open roads of Hawaii into the game lobby, where you can pass a potential opponent in the street. Then there are games that support video chatting, like Xbox Live Arcade in the Texas Hold 'Em. As developers have learned the ins and outs of hardware to the 360, we began to see more players and less left behind in many online-compatible 360 titles.

Marketplace
Both free and paid Xbox Live accounts have access to the Xbox Live Marketplace, which offers up free movie trailers and game demos and premium content, such as Dashboard themes, gamer tag pictures, and additional content for games with full features. The items purchased by using Microsoft points, which is the proprietary 360 currency purchased through the system or via prepaid cards.

One big draw for the Xbox Live Marketplace is a variety of titles available for Xbox Live Arcade. There is a healthy mix of completely original titles and classic PC and arcade games with a refreshing high-def visuals, some even include online multiplayer options. All games are played as a demo for free, but to compete online and earn achievement points, you have to pony up the dough Marketplace.

Other major markets are downloading episodes of the show features TV and movie rental length. Available in standard and high-definition, videos will run Microsoft 400-800 points in TV shows are downloaded "to continue", while the film should be watched within two weeks and then disappear within 24 hours of visits. Judged against other downloadable or streaming video providers, video quality is good Marketplace good content. While false Contouring can be seen in the transition to and from scenes drenched in black, most of the video free of artifacts most of the others mentioned, and the resolution was enhanced in HD versions. In short, the Video Marketplace is one of the more promising TV / DVD alternatives to date, and the Xbox 360 Elite's expansive 120GB hard drive is much more suited to power Downloaders than the 20GB Xbox 360.

Games
Xbox 360 Elite has the same basic guts as earlier 360 models: a customized IBM PowerPC CPU boasts three cores running at 3.2GHz each, each offering two hardware threads, while the ATI graphics processor capable of pumping out say 500 million triangles per second. The console has half a gigabyte of memory is shared between system and video card, plus an additional 10 MB of dedicated video RAM just for good measure. We could go on, recounting the 360 should be 16 gigasamples-per-second fill rate using 4X antialiasing and 48 billion shader operations per second - not to mention, of course, 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically scheduled shader pipelines and 9 billion multiplication point operations per second. But, frankly, even if we understand what-half sounded impressive specifications mean, we have no way to verify.

What we can say that the Xbox 360 is the graphics, by and large, ranging from very good to spectacular. Yes, the PC still can provide higher resolution and frame rate better than the HDTV offer, but you have to invest in a video card that costs as much as 360 itself. And while the pride of the PlayStation 3's Cell processor is as if the "more powerful" than that of the 360, software developers have not hit full capacity the PS3 graphics capabilities. In other words, 360 games tend to look as good or better than the PS3 counterparts them. Consider the broad environmental games like Elder Scrolls IV. Oblivion or the number of characters on the screen at one time in Dead Rising. Likewise, Call of Duty 3 had us ducking for cover as we slogged up through some of the heaviest shoot-out World War II. Meanwhile, within the limits of the more intimate than the ring, the boxers in Fight Night Round 3 looked astonishing - when a knockout blow was landed, a close-up replay would reveal copious amounts of saliva, sweat, and blood from the victims of the brutal pugilistic. Furthermore, a major stock 360 exclusive title, you will not find people like Gears of War, Lost Planet, or the upcoming Halo 3 on PS3.

Compatibility
While the Xbox 360 library continues to grow, it also can play more than 340 games designed for the original Xbox. Backward compatibility is enabled through downloadable emulation profiles; they are free, but you'll need a hard drive to install them. In fact, the software for Halo and Halo 2 compatibility is installed on the hard drive. Unfortunately, while the 340-plus sounds like a high number, which makes hundreds of old Xbox titles unplayable on the 360 for a while. Microsoft is working to expand the list - it's added dozens of new titles since launch - but no timetable was announced when the remaining games will be ported over.

Backward compatibility on the Xbox 360 has its pros and cons. Microsoft claims that it is pumping up the resolution and adding antialiasing effects to the older game, and both tweaks seemed in evidence while playing Halo 2. Also, play online-enabled Xbox1 game allows you to interact with the smooth Xbox Live players still using the old console. On the other hand, some games such as Fable: The Lost Chapters has brought a new graphical glitches and no soundtrack-enabled Xbox1 game will recognize the traditional songs that you import into the 360. Finally, there is no way to transfer your Xbox1 save to 360, so you must reconfigure your workout regimen in Yourself Fitness.

In comparison, the PS3 can play most of the games published for the PS2 and even original PlayStation - though the fact that Sony is always tweaking its underlying architecture can make the future of the PS3 less backwards compatible than previous versions. Nintendo Wii plays nearly all the games released for the GameCube.