28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 315

Index

AO (Adults Only) game rating (United • Numerics • States), 192 12(A) movie rating (Great Britain), 196 audio, audio connections. See also 15 movie rating (Great Britain), 197 sound, sound systems 18+ (Explicit 18+) game/movie rating analog audio, 159–160, 163–165 (Australia), 195 connecting to 360, 35 18/R18 movie rating (Great Britain), 197 digital audio, 159–161 48KHz 16-bit audio support, 158 Dolby Digital setup, 161–163 480i broadcast , 143 48KHz 16-bit audio support, 158 576i broadcast standard, 144 with games, importance of, 158–159 720p , 144 headphones, 171–174 1080i video, 145 high-fidelity output, 9 1080p video, 145 home theater systems, 174–177 online information, 177 planning placement of, 29 • A • subwoofers, 167–168 Account Information screen, 49 Windows Media Professional audio, 162 Account Management screen (Edit Audio page (Console Settings page), 112 Profile), 70–72 Australia, game/movie rating systems, Achievements page (Games blade), 129 195–196 AC-3 (Dolby Digital) setup process, Auto-off option (Console Settings 161–163 page), 115 ActiveXbox.com Web site, 252 AV cable socket (console), 17 ad hoc connections, 218 A/V television cable, versions available Adults Only (AO) game rating with, 12 (), 192 Alcohol Reference game descriptor, 192 • B • All Channels remote option (Remote Control page), 116COPYRIGHTEDbackgrounds, MATERIAL photos in, 103–104, alternative games for LAN parties, 216 181–182 ambient sounds, value of in games, 158 backward compatible files, analog audio downloading, 306 availability, 159–160 bad behavior on Xbox Live, connectors and setup, 163–164 reporting, 273 mono output, 164–165 batteries Animated Blood game descriptor, 192 battery chargers, 184–185 for LAN parties, 296 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 316

316 Xbox360 For Dummies

BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) clans, 283 movie rating system, 196–197 Clock menu (System blade), date and blades time settings, 113–114 defined, 20 Code of Conduct (Xbox Live), 72 Games blade, 55 Comic Mischief game descriptor, 192 Live blade, 54 communications features Media blade, 55–56, 83 online forums and support, 20–21 navigating between, 53 overview, 10 Navigation blade, 58 Communications option (Xbox Live System blade, 56–57 Privacy and Friends), 207 Xbox Live blade, 54–55 communities, gaming blogs blogs, 286–287 creating community using, 286–287 clans, 283 defined, 250 ’ conventions, 289 Blood and Gore game descriptor, 192 LAN parties, 289 Blood game descriptor, 192 work and school friends, 287–288 Bluetooth speakers, 170 Xbox Live-based communities, 279–284 bonding button (console), 16 Xbox.com forums, 285 Briere, Danny Community blade (Xbox Live blade), HDTV For Dummies, 141 73–77 Home Theater For Dummies, 141 Component HDAV television brightness of screen displays, 153 component video settings, 110–111 British Board of Film Classification features and uses, 302–303 (BBFC) movie rating system, 196–197 HDTV settings, 109–110 .net Web site, 248–249, 264 resolution options, 109 buttons, text entry shortcuts, 45 component video connections cabling for, 25 HDAV cable for, 145–146 • C • plugging in, 32–33 cable connections setup process, 110–111 television-Xbox connectors, 24–26 switches for, 31 video cables, installing, 32–33 testing with composite video, 111 2 game, 265 when to use, 51 Canada, game/movie rating systems, 195 composite video connections cars, using Xbox in, 224 cable for, illustration showing, 32 Cartoon Violence game descriptor, 192 with computer monitors, 155 Casual Zone game , 50, 282 for HDAV television cable, 24 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions, locating, 223 148–149 with SCART adapters, 160 CDs, ripping music from, 104–105 setup and testing, 111 CES (Consumer Electronics Show), 289 with standard televisions, 147, 214–215 chargers for wireless controllers, using in cars, 224 184–185 yellow video jack/plug, 110–111 child status, defined, 203 with Core System, 25, 30, 109 children’s accounts (Xbox Live), 202–205 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 317

Index 317

computer monitors as displays, 155 adding headsets, 31 Computers page (System blade), 125–126 buttons and options, 27 Condemned: Criminal Origins game, 265 function, 26 connectors and setup overview, 145–147 navigation shortcuts, 45 console planning placement for, 28 back view, 16 wired versus wireless, 27, 184–185 faceplate, 179–180, 304 conventions, gamers’, 289 features and components, 27 cooperative games, 277 front view, 15 copying saved games, 119 locating serial and ID numbers, 116 Core System package networking, 218–222 composite video cable, 25 orientation and placement, 29 features, 11–12, 291 parental control settings, 197 purchase decisions, 14–15 power usage, 215 CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) televisions, resetting, 126 148–149 restricting Xbox Live access, 62 Crude Humor game descriptor, 192 starting DVDs from, 84 Crutchfield Web site, 154 system linking, 213, 217–218 customizing the Xbox USB ports, 100 Dashboard, 181–183 versions available with, 11–12 faceplates (console), 180 Console Controls menu (System blade) block Xbox Live access, 62 DVD Movie Ratings menu, 86 • D • options, 117–118 dance pads, 274 restricting game access, 111, 117 Dashboard Console Settings page (System blade) accessing parental controls, 198 accessing, 198 adding Xbox Live themes, 182–183 Audio page options, 112 blades, 53–57 Auto-off option, 115 displaying photographs, 181–182 date and time (clock) settings, 113–114 function, 41 Display page options, 108–111 High Definition Settings options, 51–53 Dolby Digital setup, 161–163 Initial Setup options, 41–50 Dolby Pro Log II audio output, 165–166 language settings, 42 Language page options, 112–113 starting games from, 128–129 Locale setting, 114 Date and Time options mono sound setup, Analog Option, 165 (Clock menu), 113 parental control settings, 198–202 Daylight Savings Time settings pass code setting, resetting, 197–198 (Clock menu), 114 Remote Control page, 115–116 Deactivated message (Windows Media Screen Saver option, 115 Connect), 99 System Info page, 116 Dead or Alive series games, 262–263 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), 289 Demos option (Games blade), 137 contact information, updating, 70 design team, 16 Devices tab (Windows XP), viewing Xbox 360 connection in, 93, 98–99 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 318

318 Xbox360 For Dummies

digital audio progressive scan feature, 86–87, 144 benefits of using, 159 quiet mode, 87 cabling requirements, 25 using Xbox as, 8–9 connection process, 160–161 DVRs (digital video recorders) digital cameras, connecting to with Media Center Edition, 225–228 Xbox 360, 100 TiVo versus Media Center Edition, digital video recorders (DVRs) 235–237 with Media Center Edition, 225–228 dynamic range compression (DRC), 174 TiVo versus Media Center Edition, 235–237 digitizing games, 156 • E • direct-view televisions, using Xbox 360 E (Everyone) game rating (United with, 148 States), 191 disc tray (console), 16 Early Childhood (EC) rating disconnecting personal computers, (United States), 190 125–126 Edit Gamer Profile option (Gamer Profile Display page (Console Settings page), screen) Component HDAV cable settings, Account Management section, 70–72 109–111 changing Gamer Zone, 67 display screens Gamer Picture, 69 brightness, 153 Gamer Zone, 69–70 computer monitors, 155 Gamertag, 70 HDTV versus standard television, 19 motto, 69 and screen types, 148–150 overview, 46 DLP projector televisions Edit Settings page (Network Settings rear-projection televisions, 150 page), 122–123 using Xbox 360 with, 149 EDTV (Extended Definition TV), 144, 147 documentation package, 27–28 Edutainment game descriptor, 192 Dolby Digital (AC-3) sound system setup, 18+ (Explicit 18+) game/movie rating 161–163 (Australia), 195 Dolby Headphone, 173 18/R18 movie rating (Great Britain), 197 Dolby Pro Log II audio output, Electronic Ratings Board 164, 165–166 (ESRB) Download Games page (Xbox Live ratings, 190–193 Arcade page), 136–137 using as basis for parental controls, 201 dramatic effects, enabling sound for, 159 emulator software, downloading, 10 DRC (dynamic range compression), 174 error messages during installation, Drug Reference game descriptor, 192 troubleshooting, 37–38 DVD Movie Ratings menu (Console Ethernet port (console) Settings page), 86, 200 connecting consoles using, 219–222 DVD players. See also movies connecting to Internet using, 36 console operation, 84 location, 17 limits, 10 Expo (gaming convention), 289 parental controls, 85–86 Europe, gamers’ conventions in, 289 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 319

Index 319

Everyone (E) game rating fixed audio output option (United States), 191 (televisions), 164 Everyone 10+ game rating flat-panel televisions, using Xbox 360 (United States), 191 with, 150 exercise games, 273–274 folders, sharing, 92 Explicit 18+ ( 18+) game/movie rating 48KHz 16-bit audio support, 158 (Australia), 195 forums Extended Definition TV (EDTV), 144, 147 online, connecting to, 20–21 Extenders, Media Center Xbox.com sites, 248 overview, 230–232 480i broadcast standard, 143 setup, 232–234 friends Xbox 360 as, 301–302 contacting through MSN Messenger, 283–284 sending messages to, 74–76 • F • on Xbox Live, tracking, 274–275 faceplates (console) Friends tab (Community screen), 73–76 customizing, 304 Full Auto game, 266 function, 179–180 removing and attaching, 180 factory defaults, restoring, 124–125 • G • Family Settings screen (System blade) G (General) game and/or movie rating Console Settings page, 198 Australia, 195 DVD rating control settings, 86 United States, 194 features and uses, 8 game descriptors for video games, Online Gameplay options, 206 192–193 restricting game access, 116–118, 270 game engines, defined, 261 Xbox Live controls, 62, 201–202, Game Summary page (Games blade), 205–208, 270 130–132, 134 Family zone gamer level, 50, 205, 282 gamer picture Fantasy Violence game descriptor, 192 selecting and applying, 45–46 feedback uses for, 65 from game sounds, 158 Gamer Profile screen (System blade) providing to Xbox Live, 273 accessing, 68–69, 73–74, 281 15 movie rating (Great Britain), 197 creating an offline profile, 43–46 fighting games for LAN parties, 216 Edit Gamer Profile option, 46, 67, 69–72 File Complaint option (Gamer Profile), 273 initiating private chats from, 76 firewalls and Windows Media Connect limiting access, 273 problems, 99 monitoring friends, 274–275 FireWire connectors, 146 Mute option, 77 first-person games reporting bad behavior, 273 for LAN parties, 216 submitting player reviews, 76–77 for playing as a family, 277 updating Xbox Live account, 47 576i broadcast standard, 144 viewing from PC, 81 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 320

320 Xbox360 For Dummies

Gamer Profile Sharing/Viewing option Kameo: Elements of Power, 259 (Xbox Live Privacy and Friends), 207 for LAN parties, 215–216 gamer profiles original Xbox, 10, 307–314 choosing gamer level, 50 Zero, 257–258 function, 42–43 3, 259–260 for multi-player gaming, 57–59 playing as a family, 277 switching between, 59 series, 262 Xbox Live versus offline options, 43 recording to tape, 155–156 Gamer Zone (Gamercard) restricting access to, 117–118 changing, 69–70 saved, copying, 119 choosing correctly, 66–67, 281 Singapore rating systems, 197 Gamercard (Xbox Live blade) sounds accompanying, function of, accessing, 64 158–159 Gamer Picture, 65 starting from Dashboard, 128–129 Gamer Zone, 66–67 tips for playing, 21 Gamerscore points, 66, 70, 78 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Rep scores, 65–66 Warfighter, 261–262 gamers, conventions for, 289 Tony Hawk’s American , 267 gamertag (Xbox Live blade) , 260 creating, 65, 70 trailers, obtaining and viewing, 138 getting profile for, 281 United States rating systems, HTML code for adding to Web sites, 82 189–194 publicizing, 287–288 widescreens versus standard screens, games. See also parental controls 142–143 Australian rating systems, 195–196 Games blade British rating systems, 196–197 accessing, 54–55 bundled, 12 Achievements page, 129 , 265 Demos option, 137 Canadian rating systems, 195 Game Summary page, 130–132 Condemned: Criminal Origins, 265 Played Games page, 129–130 content concerns, 270 Stored Games page, 132–134 Dead or Alive series, 262–263 tabs and features, 127–129 demos, obtaining and viewing, 137 Trailers option, 138 digitizing, 156 page, 134–137 ESRB rating system, 190–192 Games From the Memory Unit page for exercise, 273–274 (Memory, Storage Devices), 119 Full Auto, 266 Games Ratings option (Console , 260–261 Settings page), 201 Gun, 266 gaming clans, 283 Halo series, 263–265 gaming consoles, overview, 7–8, See also high definition functionality, 8 console 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 321

Index 321

General (G) game and/or movie rating display resolution, 144–145 Australia, 195 features, 18–19 United States, 194 High Definition Settings option, 51 G4TV.com Web site, 254 SCART adapter with, 30–31 Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter game, screen size, 154 261–262 headphones, headsets Gold membership (Xbox Live), 36, 49–50, dynamic range compression, 174 61–63 for stereo sound, 172–173 Great Britain, game/movie rating for surround sound, 173 systems, 196–197 wireless headsets, 173–174 Guide button Xbox 360 headset, 12, 31, 171–172, 299 accessing Gamer Profile, 273 Hewlett-Packard hardware extender, changing display themes, 103 230, 232 features and uses, 28 High Definition Settings option reporting bad behavior, 273 television settings, 51 Gun game, 266 widescreen video settings, 52–53 Xbox settings, 51–52 high-definition television (HDTV) • H • component cable settings, 109–110 Halo series games connection options, 25, 145–146 description, 263–265 display resolution, 144–145 Web site for, 248–249, 264 features, 18–19 hard drives High Definition Settings option, 51 copying saved games to, 119 SCART adapter with, 30–31 multiple, naming, 293 screen size, 154 for original Xbox games, 305 high-fidelity audio output, 9 saving games on, 134 home networks, connecting Xbox separate, installing, 31 consoles using, 219–222 storage capacity, 118 Home Theater For Dummies (Briere and upgrading to, 292–293 Hurley), 141 versions available with, 12 home theater/entertainment systems HDAV television cable costs and limitations, 176–177 connections for, 24 desirable features, 174–176 versions available with, 12 using Xbox 360 with, 8–9 when to use, 145–146, 302–303 horizontal viewing angle, 154 HDMI digital connectors, 146 HTML code for gamertag, 82 HDTV For Dummies (Briere and hubs, connecting Xbox consoles Hurley), 141 using, 221 HDTV (high-definition television) Hurley, Pat component cable settings, 109–110 HDTV For Dummies, 141 connection options, 25, 145–146 Home Theater For Dummies, 141 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 322

322 Xbox360 For Dummies • I • • L • ID number (console), locating, 116 LAN (local area network) parties Informational game descriptor, 193 defined, 211–212 infrared (IR) technology game choice and scheduling, 215–216 ports, 16 initial planning, 213–215 speakers, 170 locating and publicizing, 224 Initial Setup Complete screen, 50 packing for, 222–224 Initial Setup program (System blade), 126 using Xbox 360 for, 212–213 installation and Xbox power usage, 215 audio connections, 34–35 Language game descriptor, 193 component placement, 28–29 Language page (Console Settings page), hard drives, 31 112–113 plugging in power supply, 32–33 LCD (liquid crystal display) testing, 36–37 televisions, 150 troubleshooting, 37–38 LCOS TV projectors, 150 video connections, 29–31 Leipzig GC gaming convention, 289 Xbox Live setup, 35–36 limits of Xbox 360, overview, 10 Intense Violence game descriptor, 193 Linksys hardware extenders, 230 interlaced displays, defined, 144 liquid crystal display (LCD) International CES (Consumer Electronics televisions, 150 Show), 289 Live blade. See Xbox Live blade Internet connections, 35–36, 306. local area network (LAN) parties See also Xbox Live defined, 211–212 IR (infrared) technology game choice and scheduling, 215–216 ports, 16 initial planning, 213–215 speakers, 170 locating and publicizing, 224 packing for, 222–224 using Xbox 360 for, 212–213 • J • and Xbox power usage, 215 Japan, gamers’ conventions in, 289 Locale setting (Console Settings Joystiq.com Web site, 251–252 page), 114 Lyrics game descriptor, 193 • K • Kameo: Elements of Power game • M • description, 259 M (Mature) game and/or movie rating getting game tips, 21–22 Australia, 195 Keyboard blade, 47–48 United States, 191–192 keydrives, USB, connecting to MA 15+ (Mature Audiences 15+) game/ Xbox 360, 100 movie rating (Australia), 195 Kids-in-mind movie rating Web site, 194 machinima art, 156 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 323

Index 323

Major Nelson Web and blog site, Memory Card readers, connecting to 65, 249–251 Xbox 360, 100 Marketplace. See Xbox Live Marketplace memory devices, Xbox-supported, Mature Audiences 15+ (MA 15+) game/ 291–292 movie rating (Australia), 195 Memory page (System blade) Mature Humor game descriptor, 193 copying saved games, 119 Mature (M) game and/or movie rating features, 118 Australia, 195 Storage Devices page, 119 United States, 191–192 Storage Options page, 119–120 MCE. See Windows XP Media Center memory units Edition features, 294–295 Media blade slots for on console, 16 changing background image, 182 storage capacity, 118 for DVD movies, 84–87 messages, sending to other players, 74–76 features, 55–56 MSN Media Center menu, 238, 241–242 MSN Messenger community-building Music page, 94–96 tools, 283–284 Music Player screen, 96–97, 104–105 MSN Premium Web site, 209 PC access, 87–100 MSN Services blog, 82 Photos option, 103 Pictures screen, 98, 182 accessing, 71 uses for, 83 acquiring/purchasing, 79–80 USB device controls, 100–102 spending, 80 page, 106 versus Gamerscore points, 78 Media Center Edition. See Windows XP Mild Violence game descriptor, 193 Media Center Edition mono audio output, connectors and Media Center Extender setup, 164–165 Manager screen, 233 Motion Picture Association of America Setup screen, 233–234 (MPAA) movie ratings, 189, 194 using Xbox 360 as, 301–302 motto, setting up and changing, 69 Media Center menu (Media blade) movie ratings Online Spotlight submenu, 241–242 accessing, 86, 200 watching television, 238 as basis for parental controls, 85–86 media folders, sharing, 92 Kids-in-mind Web site, 194 media integration, 105 Motion Picture Association of America, media projector televisions, 149 189, 194 media remote controls Nick Jr. Web site, 195 bundled with Xbox, 12 rating systems, 189–197 features and uses, 297–298 movies with infrared port, 16 quiet mode, 87 Remote Control page controls, 115–116 running through console, 84 types, 84–85, 186 searching for, 241 membership options (Xbox Live), 36, 70 watching, 19–20 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 324

324 Xbox360 For Dummies

MPAA (Motion Picture Association of Test Media Center Connection page, 122 America) movie ratings, 189, 194 Test Xbox Live Connection page, MSN portal (Microsoft) 120–121 MSN Messenger community-building Windows Connect Now access, 124 tools, 283–284 networking with Xbox 360 MSN Premium Web site, 209 ease of, 11 MSN Services blog, 82 extenders for, 230–232 multi-player gaming switches for, 221 adding gamer profiles, 57–59 New Online Friends option (Xbox Live LAN parties for, 211–216, 222–224 Privacy and Friends), 207 parent concerns about, 271–275 Nick Jr. Web site, 195 switching between profiles, 59 notification sounds, enabling, 158 multiple component switches, 32 NTSC (National Television Standards music. See also audio, audio connections Committee) broadcast standard, 143 categories, 96 Nudity game descriptor, 193 high-fidelity audio output, 9 Media Center Edition features, 228 music taskbar, 105 • O • ripping from CDs, 104–105 Office of Film and Literature USB players for, 100–102 Classification (OFLC), Australia, Windows Media Connect for, 94–96 rating systems, 195–196 Music page (Media blade), 94–96 The (OXM) Music Player screen (Media blade), description, 253–254 96–97, 104–105 learning about gaming from, 276 Mute option (Gaming Profile screen), 77 obtaining demos from, 137 My Arcade Games page (Xbox Live offline profiles, 43–46 Arcade page), 135–136 OFLC (Office of Film and Literature My TV menu (Media Center screen) Classification), Australia, rating movie searches, 241 systems, 195–196 viewing and access options, 238–239 online features limits, 10 Xbox Live, 9–10 • N • Online Gameplay options (Xbox Live, National Television Standards Family Settings), 206 Committee (NTSC) broadcast Online Spotlight submenu (Media Center standard, 143 Edition menu), 241–242 navigation tools Online Status option (Xbox Live Privacy controller-based shortcuts, 45 and Friends), 208 Navigation blade, 58 original Xbox NC-17 movie rating (United States), 194 backward-compatible games, 307–313 Network Settings page (System blade) extenders for, 232 Edit Settings page, 122–123 hard drive requirements, 305 Restore Factory Defaults option, obtaining software for, 306 124–125 playing games from on Xbox 360, 305 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 325

Index 325

(OXM) The Official Xbox Magazine as parental control, 117–118 description, 253–254 setting, 8, 198–199 learning about gaming from, 276 passive subwoofers, 168 obtaining demos from, 137 Passport Network adult account setup, 201, 203–204 entering or changing password, 70 • P • signing up for from Xbox Live, 47, 48 PAL (phase alternate line) broadcast PEGI (Pan European Game Information) standard, 144 rating system, 196 Pan European Game Information (PEGI) Penny Arcade Expo (PAX), 289 rating system, 196 Perfect Dark Zero game, 65, 257–258 parental controls personal computers (PCs) content concerns, 270 managing connections to, 125–126 enabling, 85 troubleshooting Xbox 360 connections, family rules, 208–209, 275–276 98–100 game/movie rating systems, 189–197 Windows Media Connect setup, 88–92 learning about gaming, 276 PG (Parental Guidance) game and/or monitoring Xbox Live friends, 274–275 movie rating pass code settings, 198–199 Australia, 195 playing games as a family, 277 Great Britain, 196 restricting access, 117–118, 197, 200–201 United States, 194 restricting play time, 270–271 PGR3 () game, Xbox Live, 201–208, 272–273 259–260 Parental Guidance (PG) game and/or PG-13 (Parental Guidance Strongly movie rating Recommended) movie rating Australia, 195 (United States), 194 Great Britain, 196 phase alternate line (PAL) broadcast United States, 194 standard, 144 Parental Guidance Strongly photographs Recommended (PG-13) movie rating as backgrounds, 103–104, 182 (United States), 194 slideshows, 102 Paris Electronic Sports World Cup, 289 viewing, 96–98, 228 Partial Nudity game descriptor, 193 Photos option (Media blade), 103 parties, LAN (local area network) Pictures screen (Media blade) defined, 211–212 accessing and using, 98 game choice and scheduling, 215–216 changing background image, 182 initial planning, 213–215 plasma televisions, Xbox with, 150 locating, 224 Play and Charge Kit packing for, 222–224 cabling for, 184–185 and Xbox power usage, 215 features, 297 party games, 277 play time, tracking and limiting, pass codes 270–271, 274 entering or changing, 71 Played Games page (Games blade), lost, replacing, 198–199 129–130 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 326

326 Xbox360 For Dummies

player reviews projection televisions accessing, 66 using Xbox 360 with, 148–150 submitting, 76–77 viewing angle, 154 podcasts, defined, 250 promotional codes, 79 points, Gamerscore, 66, 70 purchase decisions, 12 Points, Microsoft puzzle games, 277 accessing, 71 acquiring/purchasing, 79–80 spending, 80 • Q • versus Gamescore points, 78 Quake series games, 262 portable video players, 224 QuakeCon gamers’ convention, 289 ports Quick Charge Kit, 185 infrared (IR) ports, 16 quiet mode, 87 USB ports (console), 100 for Windows Media Connect, 99–100 • R • power button (console) location, 16 R 18+ (Restricted 18+) game/movie Ring of Light, 37 rating (Australia), 195 power inverters, 224 R (Restricted) movie rating power supply (United States), 194 cable for, 12 racing games locating, 33 for LAN parties, 216 plugging in, 33 playing as a family, 277 socket for, 17 radio frequency (RF) technology power usage, 215 antennas/connectors, 31, 34, 147 powered subwoofers, 167–168 speakers, 170 Premium Xbox 360 system rating controls for DVD movies, 86 capabilities, 13–14 rating systems for games and movies components, 11–12 Australia, 195 purchase decisions, 12–13 controlling access using, 270 wireless controller with, 184–185 ESRB rating system, 190–192 Privacy and Friends options (Xbox Live, Great Britain, 196–197 Family Settings), 206–208 Singapore, 197 privacy, headphones for, 171–174 United States, 189–195 Privacy Statement (Xbox Live), 71 viewing from console, 200 Private Chat screen (Gamer Profile RCA jacks, 163 screen), 76 RDP (remote desktop protocol), 302 Pro Zone gamer level, 50, 282 Real Gambling game descriptor, 193 Product Info panel (Xbox.com Really Simple Syndication (RSS) news Web site), 247 feeds, 250 progressive scan feature rear-projection televisions, 149 defined, 86–87 Rechargeable Battery Pack, 296–297 Extended Definition TV, 144 recording television shows, 301. See also Project Gotham Racing 3 (PGR3) game, digital video recorders (DVRs) 259–260 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 327

Index 327

recreational gamers, 50, 282 red light flash error messages, 38 • S • Remote Control page (Console Settings SCART (United Kingdom) adapters page), 115–116 function, 25–26 remote controls with HDTV, special requirements, 30–31 bundled with Xbox, 12 with standard televisions, 147 features and uses, 297–298 when to use, 146 with infrared port, 16 school, finding gaming friends at, Remote Control page controls, 287–288 115–116 screen displays types, 84–85, 186 brightness specifications, 153 remote desktop protocol (RDP), 302 computer monitors, 155 reputation as gamer HDTV versus standard television, 19 building on Xbox Live, 280 and screen types, 148–150 viewing on Gamercard, 65–66 widescreen versus standard screen, reset question for lost passwords, 142–143 198, 199 Screen Saver option (Console resolution. See also screen displays; Settings page), 115 televisions Secret Question/Answer category, 49 defined, 143 security issues during LAN parties, 213 HDTV, 19, 109 serial number for console, locating, 116 standard broadcasts, 143–144 Service Pack 2 (Windows XP), 89 Restore Factory Defaults option Set Pass Code menu (Console (Network Settings page), 124–125 Settings page), 198–199 Restricted 18+ (R 18+) game/movie rating setup process (Australia), 195 initial setup, 41–53 Restricted (R) movie rating TV cables, 24 (United States), 194 Windows Media Connect, 88–92 reviews of players, submitting to Sexual Themes game descriptor, 193 Xbox Live, 76–77 Sexual Violence game descriptor, 193 RF (radio frequency) technology sharing folders, 92 antennas/connectors, 31, 34, 147 Silver membership (Xbox Live) speakers, 170 for children’s accounts, 204 Ring of Light (power button) features and costs, 36, 49–50, 61–63 error messages, 38 Simulated Gambling game descriptor, 193 function, 37 simulated surround sound, 171, 173 ripping music, 9, 104–105 Singapore, game/movie rating role playing games, 277 systems, 197 routers, connecting Xbox consoles using, sizes of televisions, 153 210–221 slideshows, 102 RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news Some Adult Assistance May Be Needed feeds, 250 game descriptor, 193 Sony PSP, connecting to Xbox 360, 100 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 328

328 Xbox360 For Dummies

Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format Strong Sexual Content game (SPDIG) digital audio, 29 descriptor, 193 sound effects (games), enabling, 158 subwoofers, 167–168 sound, sound systems. See also audio, Suggestive Themes game descriptor, 193 audio connections surround sound baseline audio, 166–167 headphones for, 173 connecting to Xbox 360, 34–35 speaker placement, 168–169 with games, importance of, 158–159 wired connections, 169 headphone options, 171–174 S-Video connections simulated surround sound, 171, 173 deciding to use, 30 subwoofers, 167–168 with standard televisions, 147 surround sound, 168–171 System blade SPDIG (Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Clock menu, date and time settings, Format) digital audio, 29 113–114 speakers, surround sound Computers page, 125–126 placement, 168–169 Console Controls menu, 62, 86, 111, wired connections, 169 117–118 wireless rear speakers, 169–170 Console Settings page, 108–116, specifications, televisions, 152–153 161–163, 165–166, 197–202 split screen games, 277, 296 features and uses, 56–57 sports games Game Profile blade, 46, 47 for LAN parties, 216 Initial Setup page, 126 playing as a family, 277 Memory page, 118–120 standard televisions Network Settings page, 120–125 broadcast display standards, 143–144 subpages, 107 connection options, 147 System Info page (Console features, 142 Settings page), 116 screen size, 154 System package, features, 291 Storage Devices page (Memory page) system-linking Xbox consoles, copying saved games to hard drive, 119 213, 217–219 Storage Options page, 119–120 Stored Games page (Games blade) copying games to memory unit, • T • 132–133 TeamXbox.com Web site, 252 features, 132 Teen (T) game rating (United States), 191 stored value systems, 71 televisions straight zoom, 142 audio output options, 164 stretch zoom, 143 built-in sound systems, 177 Strong Language game descriptor, 193 cable connections, 24 Strong Lyrics game descriptor, 193 connecting to, 29–34 Extended Definition TV, 144 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 329

Index 329

G4TV.com information Web site, 254 Top Spin 2 game, 260 HDAV television cable, 24–25 Toslink digital audio output High Definition (HDTV), 18–19, 144–146 advantages of using, 29, 160 Media Center DVR features, 225–228 connecting to Xbox 360, 35 Media Center TV channels, 226 simulated surround sound, 173 multiple component inputs, 31 Trailers option (Games blade), 138 My TV Media Center options, 238–239 transmitters, wireless systems, 170 purchase decisions, 151–155 TriXie (Xbox.com) e-mail site, 247 scheduling and recording shows, troubleshooting 239–240 installation problems, 37–38 screen types, 148–150 PC connections, 98–100 sound systems, 151 TruSurround simulated surround sound standard broadcast display systems, 171 resolution, 143 tuners, 227 viewing angle, 154 12(A) movie rating (Great Britain), 196 widescreen displays, 142 Xbox 360-compatible, 141 zoom options, 142–143 • U • ten-foot UI (user interface; Windows U (Universal) movie rating Media Center PC), 300 (Great Britain), 196 Terms of Use (Xbox Live), 71 UC (Universal Child) movie rating Test Media Center Connection page (Great Britain), 196 (Network Settings page), 122 UI (user interface) Test Xbox Live Connection page with extenders, 232 (Network Settings page), 120–121 ten-foot user interface, 300 text entry shortcuts, 45 Windows Media Center PC, 11, 238, 300 themes (Xbox Live), 182–183 Windows Media Connect, 90–91 thumbnail displays, 103 Underground gamer level, 50, 282 Time Format options (Clock menu), United States 113–114 game/movie rating systems, 189–195 time spent gaming, controlling, gamers’ conventions in, 289 270–271, 274 Universal Child (UC) movie rating Time Zone settings (Clock menu), 114 (Great Britain), 196 TiVo digital recorder, pros and cons, Universal Media Remote 235–236 advantages of using, 186 Tobacco Reference game descriptor, 193 features, 84–85, 297–298 Tokyo Game Show, 289 versions available with, 115 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Universal (U) movie rating Warfighter game, 261–262 (Great Britain), 196 Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland Unlisted message (Windows Media game, 267 Connect), 99 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 330

330 Xbox360 For Dummies

unrated games, cautions about, 189 Unreal game engine, 261 • W • USB devices Web sites connecting to Xbox 360, 100 ActiveXbox.com, 252 ports for, 16, 17, 100 audio information, 177 Use of Alcohol game descriptor, 193 Bungie.net, 248–249, 264 Use of Drugs game descriptor, 193 Crutchfield, 154 Use of Tobacco game descriptor, 193 Electronic Software Ratings Board, user interface (UI) 192–193 with extenders, 232 extender software, 233 ten-foot user interface, 300 G4TV.com, 254 Windows Media Center PC, 11, 238, 300 gaming conventions, 289 Windows Media Connect, 90–91 headphone information, 172 Joystiq.com, 251–252 • V • LAN parties, 224 machinima series, 156 variable audio output option Major Nelson Web and blog site, (televisions), 164 249–251 VCRs, running Xbox through, 155–156 Media Center Edition information, 242 versions movie ratings, 194 Core, 11–12, 14–15, 25, 291 MSN Premium, 209 Premium, 11–14, 184–185 Office of Film and Literature vertical viewing angle, 154 Classification, Australia, ratings, 195 video connections Official Xbox Magazine, 253–254 HDAV input jacks, 24 original Xbox software, 306 planning placement for, 29 Passport.net, 47 understanding connector types and TeamXbox.com, 252 functions, 30 for troubleshooting network video games. See games connections, 123 Video Graphics Array (VGA) connections TruSurround, 171 features and uses, 303–304 Windows Media Connect, 90, 93 special requirements, 30 Xbox forums, 21 when to use, 146 Xbox.com, 81, 246–248, 285 Videos page (Media blade), 106 Xbox4Dummies.com, 106, 255 View Games screen (Gamer Profile weight of televisions, 152–153 screen), 68–69 wide zoom, 142 viewing angle, 154 widescreen television Violence game descriptor, 193 features, 142 voice chat (Xbox Live), control settings, video settings, 52–53 272–273 Windows Connect Now feature voice messages, sending, 75–76 (Windows XP), 123–124 Vport connections Windows Media Center PC adapters for, 146 features and uses, 9–10, 19 special requirements, 31 recording television shows, 301 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 331

Index 331

ten-foot user interface, 300 router connections, 220 using Xbox 360 with, 11, 19–20 surround sound connections, 169 Windows Media Connect WMA Pro (Windows Media Professional) accessing and playing music, 94–96 audio, 162 checking for prior installation, 89–90 work, finding gaming friends at, 287–288 configuring, 90–92 , 289 features and uses, 87–88 sharing media folders, 92 troubleshooting problems using, • X • 98–100 X 18+ (Explicit 18+) game/movie rating using Xbox 360 with, 20 (Australia), 195 viewing pictures, 96–98 Xbox Extenders Xbox 360 activation, 93 overview, 230–232 Windows Media Professional (WMA Pro) setup process, 232–234 audio, 162 Xbox Live Windows PC , 20 account management options, 70–71 Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) adding new profiles to, 58–59 add-ins and custom applications, blocking new accounts, 202 228–229 children’s accounts, 201, 202–205 digital recording, 225–228, 239–240 Code of Conduct, 72 extender overview, 230–232 demos and trailers, 137 finding and buying, 237 displaying achievements, 129 information about, 242 Family Zone, 205 music and photo features, 228 features, 9–10 pros and cons, 236–237 finding community/friends, 73–77, remote controls for, 185–186 279–284 testing connections to, 122 gamer profile, 43 third-party applications, 242 monitoring friends, 274–275 versus TiVo, 235 obtaining access to, 12 using through Xbox 360, 237–242 pass codes, 8 Xbox Extender setup, 232–234 reporting bad behavior, 273 Windows XP systems restricting access to, 62 advantages of using, 88–89 setup process, 35–36, 47–50 Connect Now feature, 123–124 Silver versus Gold memberships, Service Pack 2, 89 36, 49–50 wired devices Terms of Use, Privacy Statement, 71 controllers, 11, 27 testing connections for, 120–121 router connections, 221 themes, 182–183 surround sound connections, 169 voice chat controls, 272–273 wireless devices Xbox Live Arcade page (Games blade) controllers, 11, 27, 184–185, 295–296 accessing and tracking games, 134–135 networking adapters, 36, 217–219, Download Games page, 136–137 298–299 My Arcade Games page, 135–136 receivers, 170 purchasing games, 80 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 332

332 Xbox360 For Dummies

Xbox Live blade Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, 295–296 Community blade, 73–77 Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter, function, 53–54 298–299 Gamer Profile screen, 68–72 Xbox.com Web site Gamercard screen, 64–67, 70, 78 finding games on, 246–248 as home page for Xbox, 63 forums, 248, 285 navigating, 63 Product Info panel, 247 Xbox Live Marketplace TriXie, 247 accessing, 78 viewing Gamer Profile using, 81 downloading games from, 136–137 Xbox4Dummies.com Web site, 106, 255 purchasing Microsoft Points, 79–80 Xbox 360 console. See console Xbox 360 controller. See controller • Z • Xbox 360 Dashboard. See Dashboard zoom options (television), 142–143 Xbox 360 Guide button. See Guide button Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack, 296–297 28_771805 bindex.qxp 12/20/05 7:59 PM Page 333

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