Third-party HDMI cable coming for non-Elite Xbox 360
by Ross Miller 
{ Jun 25th 2007 at 5:55PM }
No details have been revealed as to how it will work, and if any modifications to the hardware will be necessary -- the above image is listed as conceptual, totally baffling our concept of reality. Our friends at Engadget reported when the Xbox 360 Elite came out that the visual upgrade is nigh discernible when using the HDMI cable, but we're betting someone will like the idea of using only one plug head as opposed to the five (three for video and two for audio) for component cables.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
erac3rx @ Jun 25th 2007 6:04PM
Just a guess, but it seems to me that the most logical way for XCM team to do this would be to simply make the cable look like a VGA monitor to the 360. Then take the VGA signal that is sent and digitize it for HDMI. This way the user would be able to choose 1920x1080 or 1366x768... from the available VGA choices and the cable could output a 720p or 1080p signal through HDMI.
A similar device is being created for PS3 folks, that does something a little different-- it handles the HDCP handshaking and converts the video into an analog signal so that the PS3 can output 1920x1080 over VGA.
ill trooper @ Jun 25th 2007 6:08PM
While the HDMI 360's image is 'nigh discernible,' it's the _hardware_ that can likely now discern if it's handshaking with another protected device, using future HDCP over HDMI protection schemes. I suspect Microsoft had to do this to keep content providers (studios, tv networks) on board with the download-ables in the future.
As for this wunder-intention, I don't really need something like that as my older LCD HDTV has no HDMI. Maybe sometime in the future. But I don't see how they could do what Microsoft wouldn't/couldn't... Unless there's no HDCP possible with this solution, which takes me back to my original theory. Hmmm.
Evan @ Jun 25th 2007 6:11PM
Useless. Your tv already has analog-digital conversion hardware, so your tv can already does this internally.
Ian Von Porter @ Jun 25th 2007 6:11PM
The only thing this lets you do is play upscaled DVDs n TVs that have HDMI but not vga input at 1080p (if it digitises the vga signal instead of component.. which it should).
Lame.
teitoku @ Jun 25th 2007 6:36PM
Wait, five cables? You're not implying that you've got an HD TV set but you're using the poor thing's built in crap speakers instead of 5.1? That's disgusting.
Leobebes @ Jun 25th 2007 6:42PM
I know Engadget said that the HDMI was non discernible, but there is a noticeable difference on mine. For example the images and gamer pic on xbox live blades have a definite markable difference. Also Gears of War has less jagginess to it as well. It kind of smoothed it out a bit. The color seem richer and solid on all the games. Maybe it's just my "eagle" eye and my TV but I am very happy with the difference in quality.
Richard Mitchell @ Jun 25th 2007 6:57PM
Of course, XCM was also responsible for the craptastic XFPS 360 KB & Mouse adapter. I'm not holding my breath.
toohightocomply @ Jun 25th 2007 7:14PM
Component video shows degradation on displays above 48".
Doc @ Jun 25th 2007 8:00PM
look reality is that if you need a computer program to tell the diff. then it's a mood point. Look all that this is, is a marketing plot the vga cable looks great IMO and with the new enhancements for the vga option it's even better. And with the vga i can match my tv's resolution better since most of our HDTV's are native 1366x768 the vga has an option for 1360x768 an almost glove fit. I'm all for better ,but if your looking to improve your pic quality go with the vga and enjoy the upscaling for the dvd player. At the end of the day it's all just one thing and that is hype it's like the diff. between 1080i and 1080p most can even tell the diff. and if even the diff. is marginal at best
SniperFodder @ Jun 25th 2007 7:36PM
I have a native 720p projector on a 136" screen, and at a viewable distance of 20' to 25' I see no difference. Waste of time if you ask me...
Yagami-Iori @ Jun 25th 2007 7:56PM
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the X360's output only analog, which would make this basically useless, because the signal isn't pure digital anyways? You're still going to get the lack of the finest detail no matter what (might as well just let your TV do w/e it does with the analog signal)
RevDGray @ Jun 25th 2007 10:19PM
ROTFL@11 - "mood point"
teitoku @ Jun 25th 2007 11:31PM
"Someone correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the X360's output only analog, which would make this basically useless, because the signal isn't pure digital anyways? You're still going to get the lack of the finest detail no matter what (might as well just let your TV do w/e it does with the analog signal)"
You're wrong. Some TVs can display 1080p, but only from digital inputs...not from component. This is a way for those people to get 1080p from a piece of crap TV.
Matt B @ Jun 25th 2007 11:44PM
If it does 1080p, How crappy could the "TV" be?
On a side note. The cable is $199.99.
Final Prototype @ Jun 26th 2007 1:26AM
@14. For $200, I'm better off trading in my current 360, upgrading to the elite and buying a standard HDMI cable.
I was actually just looking for something like this earlier today. I just bought a new 1080p 42" tv (and I finally understand the Blu-Ray hype) and my only beef is with my 360. I use the VGA cable for it and the resolution for it maxed out at 1366x768, where HDMI would bring it to full 1920x1080. Plus for some reason, using the VGA cable makes the colours look washed out. I've noticed this on two different HDTVs and a PC monitor.
Stewie @ Jun 26th 2007 3:02AM
LOL, more things to buy for the 360.. That must be close to $1000 to even come close to the spec of the PS3...
Shame they don't sell a reliability upgrade kit, or a silencing kit...
nightfend @ Jun 26th 2007 10:18AM
Should only be 4 cables (3 component cables, and a single fiber optic audio cable). If you are using the red and white audio cables, then you are losing out on the full surround sound experience.
Player1 @ Jun 26th 2007 10:12AM
Final Prototype,
Are you missing a dashboard update or something? You should be able to get 1080p and adjust the black levels with the VGA cable.
Kizzle @ Jun 27th 2007 8:57AM
"I use the VGA cable for it and the resolution for it maxed out at 1366x768, where HDMI would bring it to full 1920x1080."
You said you have a 42" set...unless you have your nose practically pressed against the screen, you're not going to notice the difference between 1080p and 720p. You don't have to believe me, go ask at avsforum.com and ask, if you're skeptical.
Also, after the updates, the VGA signal looks fine. Not washed out at all.