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LTTP: Modded Xboxes are awesome.

G

Gio_CoD

Banned
I finally decided to give my PSP the old heave-ho and traded it to another poster for an Xbox chipped with the Xecuter 3 modchip. I received it last weekend, and I've spent the last week upgrading the HDD, loading up XBMC, emulators (NES, SNES, Genesis, MAME, NeoGeo, CPS1, CPS2, N64), and TV shows. I can't believe how versatile this thing actually is. I've been watching TV shows in near-DVD quality, playing all my old favorite games in almost perfect emulation (except for N64. The emulation for that is pretty... rough), and just tinkering like hell with this thing. It's AMAZING the type of things you can do with this. I'm actually shocked at the amount of community development for this thing. You can pretty much find a program/plug-in/script that does anything you could ever want it to do.

I remember back when the Xbox was launching Microsoft was making a huge deal out of trying to make the Xbox the "center of your living room." They preached on about the different ways you would be able to use it to get on the internet, play movies and music, play games, etc... Well, it finally happened. It's funny that MS wasn't the one that did it though. It took the support of the homebrew scene to actually make this box live up to it's potential.

And now that I see the type of things that people have done with the original box, it makes me think that MS needs to embrace the ideas that come from these people and start legitimately including these features in the 360. They're already on their way with the inclusion of Live Arcade (which is fast becoming a reason for me to plop down 400 bucks for the 360), and they need to strike up some iTunes type deals with content distribution companies so I can download movies, shows, and music on the 360. Legally, of course.

To go back to Live Arcade, it's funny how the one game that has seriously made me itch to buy a 360 is an emulation of Street Fighter 2: Turbo. If they did the online mode right, that could honestly be one of the best games ever released for the system. I'm still one of those people that thinks the balance and control of SF2:T has yet to be matched.

So to get back on topic, anybody out there with a modded box have any suggestions for me? Programs I have to try, things I have to do, etc?
 
well, since you seem to have tried it all and have an xecuter 3, i can only suggest one thing...

an x3 control panel!

x3lcd.jpg
 
I've been recently considering an Xbox for this reason, too. Is it easy to set it up to stream stuff wirelessly from a PC? If not, is there a better alternative? I'd love to be able to play video and music on my PC through my television and stereo.

Also, is it known how PS3 will handle this kind of thing?
 
human5892 said:
I've been recently considering an Xbox for this reason, too. Is it easy to set it up to stream stuff wirelessly from a PC? If not, is there a better alternative? I'd love to be able to play video and music on my PC through my television and stereo.

Also, is it known how PS3 will handle this kind of thing?
Click to expand...
pretty easy, set up a share on PC, enter info in the xml config file, and you're done
 
Setting it up to steam files from your computer is pretty rad. I had to enable windows sharing in OS X to do it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it works from the get go in Windows.

Can you setup the xbox as an ftp server? I have a ton of stuff on mine, and it would be awesome to have it as an ftp server for my friends.
 
classmate of my has his Xbox filled with porn... LOTS of porn.... and maybe two normal movies.... but mostly porn
 
The Faceless Master said:
pretty easy, set up a share on PC, enter info in the xml config file, and you're done
Click to expand...

You don't even need to mess with the XML file if it's not a MAC if I recall right (sold mine a while back) it just browses the network and reads any unrestricted shares.

Can you setup the xbox as an ftp server? I have a ton of stuff on mine, and it would be awesome to have it as an ftp server for my friends.
Click to expand...

Well if you are running either avalaunch or the other one which name i forget now, it's an ftp server by default. If you configure your house router to pass FTP traffic to it, you should already be good to go. default username/pass is xbox/xbox though, so you might want to change that if you are opening it to the world.
 
Zaxxon said:
Setting it up to steam files from your computer is pretty rad. I had to enable windows sharing in OS X to do it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it works from the get go in Windows.

Can you setup the xbox as an ftp server? I have a ton of stuff on mine, and it would be awesome to have it as an ftp server for my friends.
Click to expand...
should work fine, only problem is the 40 character limit in file/foldernames
 
The Faceless Master said:
well, since you seem to have tried it all and have an xecuter 3, i can only suggest one thing...

an x3 control panel!

x3lcd.jpg
Click to expand...
Hmmmm.... that's pretty cool looking! I'll look into that. Thanks for the heads up.

human5892 said:
I've been recently considering an Xbox for this reason, too. Is it easy to set it up to stream stuff wirelessly from a PC? If not, is there a better alternative? I'd love to be able to play video and music on my PC through my television and stereo.

Also, is it known how PS3 will handle this kind of thing?
Click to expand...
Like the other poster said, it's dead easy. Most of these dashboards/apps are entirely configurable through an XML file. You just open the the XML file in Notepad and edit it right there. I don't know if you've ever edited an XML file before, but it's dead easy. The sections are all well commented, and they tell you exactly what to type in to set things up.

So for a network share, you'd go to the network portion of the XML file, type in the IP address where the network share is (some programs autodiscover it), copy the XML file to your Xbox, and boom... you're done. Simple.
 
Don't forget to enable the web client in XBMC. You can control the app (play music, video, view images) from your PC/laptop.

 
Are there any guides out there that detail everything from installing a chip like Xcuter3 all the way to installing/setting up various emulators, playing divx movies, etc? I've been meaning to mod my XBox for forever, but now all the advancements and possibilities make it seem overwhealming. I know xboxscene.com is a great resource, but there's no real definitive guide...
 
Himuro said:
What're some good sites for xbox cases? The logo on the normal xbox case is fugly.

Also, what all does that control panel do?

I want to mod my xbox but those mod chips are pretty expensive. I'll get one later.
Click to expand...
modchipman.com sells cases, there's others, google it...

the panel shows what's playing in XBMC, time, date, resolution, etc and there's even a special mode in XBMC to start up in your Music menu and navigate via the panel for a 100% tv-less music solution
 
It's the single best gaming/media device I own. It's neat that the 360 has some media sharing capabilities, but the modded xbox makes it seem old hat. The PS3, etc. won't do what this thing does because they will be taking baby steps worrying about how and what is shared between components in your house over legal issues.

I've even played a few games over the internet that had system link but not Live components when they were shipped. With a big hard drive, you can even further drop load times just like with the PS2 hd.

XBMC is godlike.
 
tedtropy said:
Are there any guides out there that detail everything from installing a chip like Xcuter3 all the way to installing/setting up various emulators, playing divx movies, etc? I've been meaning to mod my XBox for forever, but now all the advancements and possibilities make it seem overwhealming. I know xboxscene.com is a great resource, but there's no real definitive guide...
Click to expand...


Of course there are.
 
XBMC is unreal. My xbox was gathering dust until I installed XBMC yesterday. I was so sick of converting movies and burning them to watch them on my home theatre... now i just stream them in all their glory!
 
tedtropy said:
...and might you have a link or two to said guides?
Click to expand...


I have complete faith in you. I know you know how to work the Internets.
 
Haleon said:
Like the other poster said, it's dead easy. Most of these dashboards/apps are entirely configurable through an XML file. You just open the the XML file in Notepad and edit it right there. I don't know if you've ever edited an XML file before, but it's dead easy. The sections are all well commented, and they tell you exactly what to type in to set things up.

So for a network share, you'd go to the network portion of the XML file, type in the IP address where the network share is (some programs autodiscover it), copy the XML file to your Xbox, and boom... you're done. Simple.
Click to expand...
Thanks dude -- I have indeed edited XML before and should have no problem with it (if Windows doesn't autodiscover it right off the bat as someone else mentioned).

Once I get the cash (or maybe when I can catch an Xbox on firesale in the coming year) I'll definitely pursue this, especially if the PS3 isn't going to be able to be as comprehensive.
 
human5892 said:
Thanks dude -- I have indeed edited XML before and should have no problem with it (if Windows doesn't autodiscover it right off the bat as someone else mentioned).

Once I get the cash (or maybe when I can catch an Xbox on firesale in the coming year) I'll definitely pursue this, especially if the PS3 isn't going to be able to be as comprehensive.
Click to expand...
I don't see the PS3 natively supporting .MKV or .OGM files, and automatically picking up on any included subtitle tracks. I've thrown just about every format I can at XBMC, including .CBR, and it handles everything astoundingly well.
 
Where can I get my Xbox modded?
It's just sitting here waiting for an encounter with
a mod chip, but I sure as hell won't install it, I will pay the
extra bucks to have it done, but where is the most reliable
and pocket friendly place to get it done?
 
Nightmarecast25 said:
Where can I get my Xbox modded?
It's just sitting here waiting for an encounter with
a mod chip, but I sure as hell won't install it, I will pay the
extra bucks to have it done, but where is the most reliable
and pocket friendly place to get it done?
Click to expand...

GAF ProTip: You don't have to make a hard case return every five words. We have technology that'll automatically make it fit on-screen. The future!
 
Providing that you don't want to play Xbox games off the hard drive, you are probably better off just doing a softmod yourself. I did it for my brother a few months ago usuing the Splinter Cell exploit and he just streams music and video off the network through XBMC (the REAL reason to get your Xbox modded!). Unless you have GBs of illegially obtained roms and such, your default hard drive space wont be taken up by much at all and should be more than capable.
 
Haleon said:
I finally decided to give my PSP the old heave-ho and traded it to another poster for an Xbox chipped with the Xecuter 3 modchip. I received it last weekend, and I've spent the last week upgrading the HDD, loading up XBMC, emulators (NES, SNES, Genesis, MAME, NeoGeo, CPS1, CPS2, N64), and TV shows. I can't believe how versatile this thing actually is. I've been watching TV shows in near-DVD quality, playing all my old favorite games in almost perfect emulation (except for N64. The emulation for that is pretty... rough), and just tinkering like hell with this thing. It's AMAZING the type of things you can do with this. I'm actually shocked at the amount of community development for this thing. You can pretty much find a program/plug-in/script that does anything you could ever want it to do.

I remember back when the Xbox was launching Microsoft was making a huge deal out of trying to make the Xbox the "center of your living room." They preached on about the different ways you would be able to use it to get on the internet, play movies and music, play games, etc... Well, it finally happened. It's funny that MS wasn't the one that did it though. It took the support of the homebrew scene to actually make this box live up to it's potential.

And now that I see the type of things that people have done with the original box, it makes me think that MS needs to embrace the ideas that come from these people and start legitimately including these features in the 360. They're already on their way with the inclusion of Live Arcade (which is fast becoming a reason for me to plop down 400 bucks for the 360), and they need to strike up some iTunes type deals with content distribution companies so I can download movies, shows, and music on the 360. Legally, of course.

To go back to Live Arcade, it's funny how the one game that has seriously made me itch to buy a 360 is an emulation of Street Fighter 2: Turbo. If they did the online mode right, that could honestly be one of the best games ever released for the system. I'm still one of those people that thinks the balance and control of SF2:T has yet to be matched.

So to get back on topic, anybody out there with a modded box have any suggestions for me? Programs I have to try, things I have to do, etc?
Click to expand...


Welcome to the party pal.... ;)

Seriously, a modded XBox is one great piece of hardware. I just waiting for the next gen to kick into full gear and the price on the hardware to drop. I want at least 3 more!! The modded xBox is practically the ultimate set top box. XBMC and Emulation are what got me into the 'scene' in the first place. The software mod is good enough for me sinc ei don't plan on using any of the consoles for online gaming, but more for content delivery. I have a 200GB HD in mine and I love it. Hook it up wirelessly and stream content to any TV in the house. And the ability to play any game for the 16bit golden age is a HUGE perk.
 
Deathcraze said:
Providing that you don't want to play Xbox games off the hard drive, you are probably better off just doing a softmod yourself. I did it for my brother a few months ago usuing the Splinter Cell exploit and he just streams music and video off the network through XBMC (the REAL reason to get your Xbox modded!). Unless you have GBs of illegially obtained roms and such, your default hard drive space wont be taken up by much at all and should be more than capable.
Click to expand...

I agree, and with te newer softmods, it'll disable XBL functionality so you don't have to worry about the console automatically looging on and updatingthe dashboard and ruining your softmod. The standard HDD is good enough for most pruposes. I burn my emulators and ROMS to DVD-R and play then from the disk. The only reason I upgraded my HDD (and you can do this as well with the newer soft mods) is because I got a really fantastic deal on the HDD.
 
tedtropy said:
GAF ProTip: You don't have to make a hard case return every five words. We have technology that'll automatically make it fit on-screen. The future!
Click to expand...
:lol
Sorry about that, i'm so used to doing it on other forums, I dunno why really, I have a few bad typing habits.

Thanks for the tip though. :)
 
I hate M$ and xbox, but I really want one just for the mod-features.

so it plays perfectly emulated NES,SNES, GEN games right? Or does it have its flaws?
 
NES = 100%
SNES = 90%
Genesis = 95%
SegaCD = 95%
MAMEoX/MAMEX = Every game is different. Some games just don't work though. Some are perfect
Final Burn = 100%
PC-Engine = 100%
GBA = 90%
SMS = 100%
GB = 100%
C-64 = 100%
Amiga = 100%
 
Note to all: Softmodding lets you do pretty much everything a modchip does, and once you do it to one Xbox, you can do it to many.

The biggest hurdle is getting the saved game onto the Xbox. If you can get a Pro Action Replay memory card dongle or a Mega X-Key and rent/buy Splinter Cell, Mech Assault, or 007: Agent Under Fire (I think there are more), you're set.

so it plays perfectly emulated NES,SNES, GEN games right? Or does it have its flaws?
Click to expand...

All of these are as perfect as you'd find them on PC. Maybe a wonky SNES special-chip game here and there.
 
Theres a thread at Something Awful forums, that details a full guide on softmodding your xbox, itll be $10 to sign up tho, for the games forum, also a how to softmod your ps2 guide aswell :)
 
xbox-scene has a whole forum dedicated to just that and it's free.
 
Also, just to be clear, you can have a bigger HD and be using a softmod.

I just keep my case unscrewed, with one mod HD and the original Live one, free to swap at will.

Pretty much the only difference between the modchip and softmod that matters is that preparing a bigger HD is harder, since it needs to be locked. Still not too bad, if you know what you're doing.
 
The large HD drive thing is pointless IMO, unless you plan on taking your XBOX from place to place... Or are in a LANless environment.
 
DaCocoBrova said:
NES = 100%
SNES = 90%
Genesis = 95%
SegaCD = 95%
MAMEoX/MAMEX = Every game is different. Some games just don't work though. Some are perfect
Final Burn = 100%
PC-Engine = 100%
GBA = 90%
SMS = 100%
GB = 100%
C-64 = 100%
Amiga = 100%
Click to expand...

Playstation 95%

I love making the damn thing do backflips for me.
 
DaCocoBrova said:
The large HD drive thing is pointless IMO, unless you plan on taking your XBOX from place to place... Or are in a LANless environment.
Click to expand...

It's good if you don't have a big HDD in your main computer though. I used to use my PC as a download machine and the xbox as storage. It was really great at my old flat, one flatmate had a projector and 3 people had networked computers all with media shares that the 2 modded xboxs could access. I miss that place *glances at 14 inch tv and dvd player that is missing the av cable*
 
Eh...95% percent as represented by my collection then. Let's just say unless you own something super obscure there's a good chance it will load and run fine. only 3 games have given me problems and it's only a matter of time till i sort two of them out.
 
I haven't tried PSX emulation yet since I have a PS2 right next to my Xbox. If I want to play a PS1 game, I just pop it in there and play it with the DualShock. But my NES, SNES, Genesis, and uh... NeoGeo and CPS1 and CPS2, are retired to the closet.
 
Wait, there's a newer emulator? When did this happen? pcsxbox worked with some, but was way too slow with all the stuff I actually wanted to play.
 
Do a search and you'll find that you can get one new for ~$250. They can't ship with the bios you'll need, so you will need to reflash the XBOX Bios w/ a more functional one.

You really should just do it yourself. The challenge is the fun part. They have a ton of solderless solutions btw.
 
Just tried ePSXe under xdsl.

It does seem to be better overall, but the window and general inconvenience is a dealbreaker for me.
 
BuddyC said:
I don't see the PS3 natively supporting .MKV or .OGM files, and automatically picking up on any included subtitle tracks. I've thrown just about every format I can at XBMC, including .CBR, and it handles everything astoundingly well.
Click to expand...

Well, sadly it can't handle X264 videos. Too choppy to be enjoyable...but that is, of course, more because of the Xbox hardware than the actual media player itself. I've heard they're working on making it run more smoothly though.
 
Hmm... I might try to soft mod the old one i own.

A question: Besides running pirated Xbox games, is there any other reason for a mod chip?
 
IJoel said:
Hmm... I might try to soft mod the old one i own.

A question: Besides running pirated Xbox games, is there any other reason for a mod chip?
Click to expand...

Emulation

Region-less DVD player

XBMC of course (play music, movies, view pics, stream content from internet)


Pirated Xbox games? You mean legal backups, right? :P
 
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