The Xbox 360 Compendium
10-24-05, 04:06 PM
#1051
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Originally Posted by DARTH GAMER
I just got a bit of bad news. (a small bit) I was just at my local EB and was talking to a friend of mine who is the manager. He told me just recieved a call from his boss stating that they made a clarification on the charge and play kit. It does not come with a battery like everybody (including myself) thought. You have to buy the battery separate. I thing I just paid 12$ for it. My friend said that he now has to call back everyone who preordered this kit. Kinda sucks but OH Well.
ebgames.com
compusa.com
walmart.com
buy.com
and xbox.com (although currently down) among others include this description or similar:
"Recharge your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller while you play and kiss disposable batteries goodbye! Complete with a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit is all you need to juice up your Wireless Controller – even in the midst of battle."
10-24-05, 04:12 PM
#1052
I had no problem preordering at gamestop way back in July because it was just $50 down and if I ever decided to cancel Id get my money back. If I lost my recipt, theyd give me $50 back in store credit which I could easily spend too.
10-24-05, 04:47 PM
#1053
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Adam Tyner
Mine were during the height of pre-ordering, a list of launch titles, a release date, and even a price hadn't been pinned down. I have no problem pre-ordering, but I would like to know what I'm getting and when.
10-25-05, 08:39 AM
#1054
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The www.xbox.com site is back up and updated to 360 mode 
10-25-05, 10:15 AM
#1057
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http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/10...s_6136388.html
Wal-Mart pulls plug on 360 kiosks
Xbox maker acknowledges consoles interfering with Wal-Mart's internal management systems; says fix is in the works.
Gamers looking to be among the first to get their hands on an Xbox 360 controller at Wal-Mart demo kiosks can still do it, but they won't actually be controlling anything.
Xbox 360 kiosks placed in Wal-Mart stores across the country have been shut off, said a Microsoft spokesperson contacted this afternoon. The reason, according to Microsoft, is due to the console causing interference with Wal-Mart's wireless "hand scanner" inventory system. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem as being "minor" and says a software solution is in the works to correct it.
GameSpot became aware of the problem after one of its editors entered a Wal-Mart store and discovered the Xbox 360 kiosk had been shut off. The Wal-Mart rep confirmed that the console had been causing problems with the store's scanners.
Wal-Mart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, instructed all stores to shut down the 360 kiosks.
According to Microsoft, the kiosk program, which was initiated nationwide over the past week, "encountered some minor wireless interference issues that are specific to some retail environments."
Since the advent of 2.4GHz signals--like those commonly found in next-generation consumer electronics such as cordless phones, wireless routers, and, now, the Xbox 360--some retailers have discovered that their network-based inventory management systems can be impacted by products using modern wireless signals, according to the spokesperson.
"While retailers are constantly updating their internal management systems, sometimes new products being introduced into the market can cause this kind of temporary interference. We are working closely with our partners to provide a software solution that mitigates this problem within their retail environments. Adjustments and tweaks to kiosks of any kind are quite common once they're deployed in a live retail environment, and we consider making such adjustments a standard part of the launch process."
Microsoft said it identified the problem and within 24 hours had deployed new software to Wal-Mart stores.
It is still unclear which specific part of the 360 console was causing the interference in the first place...and whether it could interfere with other consumer wireless devices as well. When questioned about this issue, a Microsoft spokesman was confident that it would not.
"The issue is specific to the equipment used in a few retail environments," the spokesperson said.
"Xbox 360, like portable phones, wireless network routers, and Bluetooth devices, emits radio frequency in the 2.4GHz band. It is possible that devices that do not comply with FCC/ETSI rules of operation in this band may not properly handle interference from other 2.4GHz sources. Such devices would be extremely rare in a home environment."
At this time, it is unknown exactly how many Wal-Mart stores with 360 kiosks were affected.
By John Andersen -- GameSpot
Posted Oct 24, 2005 4:08 pm PT
Chris
Wal-Mart pulls plug on 360 kiosks
Xbox maker acknowledges consoles interfering with Wal-Mart's internal management systems; says fix is in the works.
Gamers looking to be among the first to get their hands on an Xbox 360 controller at Wal-Mart demo kiosks can still do it, but they won't actually be controlling anything.
Xbox 360 kiosks placed in Wal-Mart stores across the country have been shut off, said a Microsoft spokesperson contacted this afternoon. The reason, according to Microsoft, is due to the console causing interference with Wal-Mart's wireless "hand scanner" inventory system. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem as being "minor" and says a software solution is in the works to correct it.
GameSpot became aware of the problem after one of its editors entered a Wal-Mart store and discovered the Xbox 360 kiosk had been shut off. The Wal-Mart rep confirmed that the console had been causing problems with the store's scanners.
Wal-Mart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, instructed all stores to shut down the 360 kiosks.
According to Microsoft, the kiosk program, which was initiated nationwide over the past week, "encountered some minor wireless interference issues that are specific to some retail environments."
Since the advent of 2.4GHz signals--like those commonly found in next-generation consumer electronics such as cordless phones, wireless routers, and, now, the Xbox 360--some retailers have discovered that their network-based inventory management systems can be impacted by products using modern wireless signals, according to the spokesperson.
"While retailers are constantly updating their internal management systems, sometimes new products being introduced into the market can cause this kind of temporary interference. We are working closely with our partners to provide a software solution that mitigates this problem within their retail environments. Adjustments and tweaks to kiosks of any kind are quite common once they're deployed in a live retail environment, and we consider making such adjustments a standard part of the launch process."
Microsoft said it identified the problem and within 24 hours had deployed new software to Wal-Mart stores.
It is still unclear which specific part of the 360 console was causing the interference in the first place...and whether it could interfere with other consumer wireless devices as well. When questioned about this issue, a Microsoft spokesman was confident that it would not.
"The issue is specific to the equipment used in a few retail environments," the spokesperson said.
"Xbox 360, like portable phones, wireless network routers, and Bluetooth devices, emits radio frequency in the 2.4GHz band. It is possible that devices that do not comply with FCC/ETSI rules of operation in this band may not properly handle interference from other 2.4GHz sources. Such devices would be extremely rare in a home environment."
At this time, it is unknown exactly how many Wal-Mart stores with 360 kiosks were affected.
By John Andersen -- GameSpot
Posted Oct 24, 2005 4:08 pm PT
Chris
10-25-05, 11:41 AM
#1058
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051025/...xbox_processor
New Xbox Processor Offers Powerful Speeds
By MATTHEW FORDAHL, AP Technology Writer
Tue Oct 25, 7:19 AM ET
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Less than a month before Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 hits store shelves, International Business Corp. revealed details of the microprocessor that powers the long-awaited video game console.
The IBM-built chip features three customized PowerPC computing engines that can each handle two simultaneous tasks at clock speeds greater than 3 gigahertz. It was customized for Microsoft in less than 24 months from the original contract.
"Working with IBM gave us the flexibility to design a processor to give game developers the kind of targeted power they need to make great games," said Todd Holmdahl, Microsoft vice president of Xbox hardware.
The original Xbox, released in the fall of 2001, used an Intel Corp. 733-megahertz Pentium III microprocessor. In 2003, Microsoft decided to switch to a different vendor for the next-generation system.
The company best known for its market-dominating Windows operating system instead turned to IBM — the same company Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news). worked with to jointly develop the upcoming PlayStation 3's Cell microprocessor.
But the Cell processor, which is expected to be deployed in devices beyond the PlayStation, is fundamentally different from the Xbox chip, said Ilan Spillinger, director of the IBM Design Center for Xbox 360.
"We took a general purpose core ... and we implemented a few more instructions that were key for them to accomplish the performance (Microsoft) was looking for," he said.
IBM also incorporated high-speed connection between the microprocessor and the Xbox's graphics processor developed by ATI Technologies Inc. The graphics hardware can read directly from what's stored on the primary processor's onboard memory.
IBM will discuss the new custom chip Tuesday at the Fall Processor Forum, which is being held this week in San Jose.
The Xbox 360 is slated to be launched in North America on Nov. 22, and the top model is expected to retail for $399.99. A scaled-back version — without a hard drive, wireless controller and other features — will cost $100 less.
Chris
New Xbox Processor Offers Powerful Speeds
By MATTHEW FORDAHL, AP Technology Writer
Tue Oct 25, 7:19 AM ET
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Less than a month before Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 hits store shelves, International Business Corp. revealed details of the microprocessor that powers the long-awaited video game console.
The IBM-built chip features three customized PowerPC computing engines that can each handle two simultaneous tasks at clock speeds greater than 3 gigahertz. It was customized for Microsoft in less than 24 months from the original contract.
"Working with IBM gave us the flexibility to design a processor to give game developers the kind of targeted power they need to make great games," said Todd Holmdahl, Microsoft vice president of Xbox hardware.
The original Xbox, released in the fall of 2001, used an Intel Corp. 733-megahertz Pentium III microprocessor. In 2003, Microsoft decided to switch to a different vendor for the next-generation system.
The company best known for its market-dominating Windows operating system instead turned to IBM — the same company Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news). worked with to jointly develop the upcoming PlayStation 3's Cell microprocessor.
But the Cell processor, which is expected to be deployed in devices beyond the PlayStation, is fundamentally different from the Xbox chip, said Ilan Spillinger, director of the IBM Design Center for Xbox 360.
"We took a general purpose core ... and we implemented a few more instructions that were key for them to accomplish the performance (Microsoft) was looking for," he said.
IBM also incorporated high-speed connection between the microprocessor and the Xbox's graphics processor developed by ATI Technologies Inc. The graphics hardware can read directly from what's stored on the primary processor's onboard memory.
IBM will discuss the new custom chip Tuesday at the Fall Processor Forum, which is being held this week in San Jose.
The Xbox 360 is slated to be launched in North America on Nov. 22, and the top model is expected to retail for $399.99. A scaled-back version — without a hard drive, wireless controller and other features — will cost $100 less.
Chris
10-25-05, 12:03 PM
#1060
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Originally Posted by DJ_Longfellow
Thanks...but didn't we all know about the processor in the 360. It doesn't seem like radical news, but news nonetheless.
Chris
10-25-05, 12:33 PM
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The newly updated xbox.com site states:
“Xbox 360 is the perfect centerpiece for your hi-tech living room. Watch your DVD movies in glorious 720p from the get go.”
This appears to confirm that the 360 will upconvert DVDs to 720p.
“Xbox 360 is the perfect centerpiece for your hi-tech living room. Watch your DVD movies in glorious 720p from the get go.”
This appears to confirm that the 360 will upconvert DVDs to 720p.
10-25-05, 12:50 PM
#1062
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by Fripp
The newly updated xbox.com site states:
“Xbox 360 is the perfect centerpiece for your hi-tech living room. Watch your DVD movies in glorious 720p from the get go.”
This appears to confirm that the 360 will upconvert DVDs to 720p.
“Xbox 360 is the perfect centerpiece for your hi-tech living room. Watch your DVD movies in glorious 720p from the get go.”
This appears to confirm that the 360 will upconvert DVDs to 720p.
10-25-05, 01:21 PM
#1064
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by Save Ferris
to people with 1080p, a pixel like this: .
will look like this instead: .
and if that bothers you, sit back in your chair 4 inches and the difference will be less obvious.
will look like this instead: .
and if that bothers you, sit back in your chair 4 inches and the difference will be less obvious.
10-25-05, 03:33 PM
#1067
DVD Talk Reviewer/ Admin
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Originally Posted by Save Ferris
Is there a rule from MS that all 360 games have to have some form of LIVE play?
There still isn't a definitive list of launch titles, but I wouldn't expect Gun, King Kong, Condemned, or Elder Scrolls IV to have online play.
10-25-05, 03:53 PM
#1068
DVD Talk Godfather
I don't think it deserves a new thread, but if you pre-order your games at Best Buy and use your Reward Zone card, it nets you 10,000 bonus points(on top of the 500 you get for buying the game). It is equivilent to spending $100.
If you are buying a few games it could net you $10-$15 in Reward Zone certificates.
If you are buying a few games it could net you $10-$15 in Reward Zone certificates.
10-25-05, 03:59 PM
#1069
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Originally Posted by Michael Corvin
I don't think it deserves a new thread, but if you pre-order your games at Best Buy and use your Reward Zone card, it nets you 10,000 bonus points(on top of the 500 you get for buying the game). It is equivilent to spending $100.
If you are buying a few games it could net you $10-$15 in Reward Zone certificates.
If you are buying a few games it could net you $10-$15 in Reward Zone certificates.
reward zone kicks ass. Thanks Corvin
10-25-05, 04:21 PM
#1071
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Originally Posted by Save Ferris
Do you have to preorder on the BB website or instore?
10-26-05, 06:03 AM
#1072
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by Michael Corvin
I don't think it deserves a new thread, but if you pre-order your games at Best Buy and use your Reward Zone card, it nets you 10,000 bonus points(on top of the 500 you get for buying the game). It is equivilent to spending $100.
If you are buying a few games it could net you $10-$15 in Reward Zone certificates.
If you are buying a few games it could net you $10-$15 in Reward Zone certificates.
Here is from www.myrewardzone.com
Earn big bonus points, 5,000–15,000 to be exact, when you pre-order select video games, October 2–29, 2005, at your favorite Best Buy™ store or online BestBuy.com®.
5,000 bonus points:
Half-Life 2 for Xbox™
SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs for PlayStation® 2
Need For Speed: Most Wanted for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Call Of Duty 2: Big Red One for Xbox / PlayStation 2
True Crime: New York City for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Star Wars: Battlefront II for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Soul Calibur III for PlayStation 2
Spartan: Total Warrior for Xbox / PlayStation 2
The Matrix: The Path Of Neo for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Battlefield 2: Modern Combat for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Dragon Quest VIII for PlayStation 2
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks for Xbox / PlayStation 2
15,000 bonus points:
The Legend Of Zelda:Twilight Princess for Nintendo® GameCube™
5,000 bonus points:
Half-Life 2 for Xbox™
SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs for PlayStation® 2
Need For Speed: Most Wanted for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Call Of Duty 2: Big Red One for Xbox / PlayStation 2
True Crime: New York City for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Star Wars: Battlefront II for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Soul Calibur III for PlayStation 2
Spartan: Total Warrior for Xbox / PlayStation 2
The Matrix: The Path Of Neo for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Battlefield 2: Modern Combat for Xbox / PlayStation 2
Dragon Quest VIII for PlayStation 2
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks for Xbox / PlayStation 2
15,000 bonus points:
The Legend Of Zelda:Twilight Princess for Nintendo® GameCube™
10-26-05, 08:11 AM
#1075
DVD Talk Godfather
I don't frequent the reward site so I didn't know about those. Didn't know about Zelda. Might have to preorder that one.
DJ, the 10,000 is on EVERY 360 pre-order card in store.
The only thing is on the back of the pre-order card it says not valid with other coupons. I still plan on trying to use the $5 gamer gift card when I pick it/them up. So I had the cashier ring my two games up seperately for that reason.
DJ, the 10,000 is on EVERY 360 pre-order card in store.
The only thing is on the back of the pre-order card it says not valid with other coupons. I still plan on trying to use the $5 gamer gift card when I pick it/them up. So I had the cashier ring my two games up seperately for that reason.
