Xbox component cable: A must have for anyone that owns an HDTV television.
Written: Nov 06 '05 (Updated Jan 30 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Durable, great graphics and sound.
Cons: No optical cable provided, not all games will be improved.
The Bottom Line: A must buy accessory if you own a high definition television.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Microsoft XBox High Definition AV Pack |
If you own an Xbox and a HDTV (high definition television) then you need this cable. It will cost 20-40 dollars but it is worth it. If you do not own an HDTV then this is a useless accessory for you.
What is comes with
One switch box that plugs into the Xbox.
One cable with 5 cables strung together on it (3 component and 2 audio RCA like connectors.)
How it works.
All it does is replace your original composite cables with component ones. Just unplug your composite cables and box that came with your Xbox. Plug in the new box, the sound cable(s), and component cables; and your done. The connectors are color coded so there is no confusion in where they go. One problem is they do not provide you with an optical cable so you will need to buy one yourself.
When you load up your Xbox, go into options. You will see an option to change the view to 16:9 (widescreen) instead of 4:3. Go ahead and switch it to 16:9. Then play your game. The Xbox can automatically tell what the best resolution for a game is but keep in mind that your television may not. I have to manually change my television from “normal” to “wide”.
When you watch a game (particularly a recently released game) you will see a big difference. My first time playing Star Wars Battlefront I was shocked to see that the cut scenes were actually “DVD quality”. And the graphics of the city and units were beautiful. It was well worth the purchase.
Note: not all games will have improved graphics. Check the back of the box to see if it has hi-def graphics.
Can I replace the cables?
The RCA connectors can be replaced with longer/better cables.
Cable length
Length of the component/AV cable: 59 inches
Length of the cable from the switch box: 23 inches
Durability
I have had no problems. Like most first-party adapters, it is well made.
Summary
This is a must buy accessory for any HDTV owner. If improves both your graphics and sound of some games. It is easy to use and requires no special modification other than a small setting change in the Xbox menu. It is worth the money.
Other related reviews.
Nintendo Wii game console
Logitech wireless controller.
Jedi Hunter Wireless controller.
Pelican Eclipse wireless controller.
Recommended:
Yes
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