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Hawkeye_a · Apr 5, 2006, 11:26 PM

Just curious as to what you guys thought about that. you could use either as a media hub in your living room, which one would you choose and why ?

Price is definately on the XBox360's side over the Mac mini. but yeah.... i'd like to know what you guys thought about it. the pro's and cons of each 'box'.

Cheers

PS>>Obviously im a Nintendo fan, so ill just sit back and watch.

(please dont turn this isnt a fanboy thread)

Landos Mustache · Apr 5, 2006, 11:54 PM

The 360 is the best gaming system I have ever owned. They did a remarkable job with it and that is the only nice thing you will ever let me say about MS.

Anywho, since you are a gamer get the 360. it easily connects to your mac and connects with iPhoto and iTunes.

http://www.nullriver.com/index/products/connect360

The mini doesn't really do media serving any better.

ort888 · Apr 6, 2006, 01:07 AM

Define media hub.

Kenneth · Apr 6, 2006, 01:20 AM

I just got the xBox 360 yesterday. So far, it's a sweet gaming machine. However, I don't think one will compare the Mac mini and xBox 360 if you decide to put one machine in the living room.

Hawkeye_a · Apr 6, 2006, 01:55 AM

Oh, im not going to be getting either for digital media hubs. im getting my new iMac this week, and since we can hook it up into TVs, that's all i'll need. once they get Airport to support video streaming that'll take care of it all for me.

point: i wont be buying a seperate box for a media hub...but thats just me

im just curious to know the pros n cons of each of these boxes for media hubs.

screamingFit · Apr 6, 2006, 05:10 AM

A modded XBOX and Xbox Media Centre is oh, so sweet.

And cheaper than either the 360 or a Mini and with more functionality, I would think.

OB1 · Apr 6, 2006, 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by Landos Mustache

Anywho, since you are a gamer get the 360. it easily connects to your mac and connects with iPhoto and iTunes.

http://www.nullriver.com/index/products/connect360

Nice. How would photos, from iPhoto, look on a non-HD screen?

Landos Mustache · Apr 6, 2006, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by OB1

Nice. How would photos, from iPhoto, look on a non-HD screen?

They would be 640 x 480 and look fine.

ort888 · Apr 6, 2006, 09:08 AM

If you want to use it to record TV and stream movies from your iMac, you don't want an Xbox 360.

However, I've been pretty pleased with the Xbox 360s ability to read photos and music. It has great iPod support (it even reads all of your playlists) and can read pics of any camera you hook up to it. You can also put in a CD full of pics and have a slideshow.

Nothing incredible, but a nice extra feature on a game console.

Dark Helmet · Apr 6, 2006, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by ort888

If you want to use it to record TV and stream movies from your iMac, you don't want an Xbox 360.

Thing is the iMac can't do that either without some expensive add ons.

ort888 · Apr 6, 2006, 10:15 AM

True, but when someone says "media hub" I think that you have to include video playback. In my mind anyway.

If you just want music and pics, get the 360. It's a good system so far.

Dark Helmet · Apr 6, 2006, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by ort888

True, but when someone says "media hub" I think that you have to include video playback. In my mind anyway.

Well you can download movie trailers from Xbox live for free so I guess its got that covered.

BladeRunner80 · Apr 6, 2006, 10:42 AM

I was thinking about doing the whole Mac Mini route as a media center too, 700 buck+ seemed a little too much. So I just had my xbox modded and put XBox media center on it.....its really cool. Now if I could just figure out how to FTP all my media over to it....... Although the mini is a much more classy machine!

iREZ · Apr 6, 2006, 12:46 PM

i have an xbox and would LOVE!!! and i mean LOVE!!!! to mod it and use it as a media server. anybody willing to share some links that could get me started in the right direction?

BladeRunner80 · Apr 6, 2006, 01:23 PM

First off, check out xbox-scene.com, seeing how is I sit on my a$$ all day at work, I just researched the hell out of that place. They have links for online retailers that carry various modchips. I was going to do the mod myself, but its been a while since I played with a soldering iron, so I found some guy in the Seattle area to mod my box for me. I also stuck a 160gb HDD in there so I offload all my movies from my mac to the XBox. XBox Media Center is incredible, you can tell ALOT of hard work went into it. The only hang up I had was getting my XBox on the internet (XBox media center has all these cool scripts for online content like radio, RSS feeds and video content) it didn't like my Airport, so I went out and bought a cheap router and now everything is looking good. Sorry, hope I'm not hijacking this thread!

screamingFit · Apr 6, 2006, 02:48 PM

I've got a v1.4 XBOX and the mod was sodder-less. Took about 15 minutes to do the mod. I think the last rev of the XBOX may require soldering?? There's also softmods which don't require you to crack the case, too.

Anyway, BladeRunner80 is correct - xbox-scene.com is THE place to go for mod info. You'll also want to IRC to #xbins to get FTP info to a very good server that has all the software you'll need to get going.

The one bummer is that the XBOX doesn't have iPod support. But, I just setup SMB and transfer my stuff that way. There may be a way to get an iPod working but I'm just too lazy.

I've got the XBOX hooked up to a DLP projector (component out) that does 1040i and also running optical audio to a 5.1 sound system. The picture is immense (113" diagonal) and the XBMC GUI is downright nice. The video playback in XBMC has a ton of options (de-flickering, interlacing, etc.) and even does some upscaling to HDTV resolutions (well, at least it looks like it). Couple that with ripping games to the hard drive, audio support (and there's a couple of visualizers that are just awesome), picture viewing, internet connectivity, I find it does more than anything else out there. And, yes, I did look at a Mini at first and other than the Apple connectivity with iPhoto and iTunes, I couldn't justify that kind of cash outlay.

If anyone needs some XBOX hacking pointers, let me know. It can be a little confusing at first!

Dark Helmet · Apr 6, 2006, 02:52 PM

I think he is looking at the 360 not an original Xbox modded.

BladeRunner80 · Apr 6, 2006, 03:12 PM

Is there that much that you can do to the 360 as far a running a full fledge media center? I know there is support for iTunes and iPhoto, but hell I can just plug my iPod into the stereo or tv and do that. I thought you had to plug it into a Windows Home Media center thing in order to stream video. I think the original xbox is very nice cheap alternaitve to the 360 and mini as far as home theater PC's go. I just took all my PS2 stuff in and traded it for an XBox, then spent a couple hundred bucks on the upgraded HDD and mod chip/installation.

Dark Helmet · Apr 6, 2006, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by BladeRunner80

Is there that much that you can do to the 360 as far a running a full fledge media center? I know there is support for iTunes and iPhoto, but hell I can just plug my iPod into the stereo or tv and do that.

Yes you can plug in your iPod and have it play songs over any games soundtrack. Now with Bootcamp you can also reboot into windows and install media centre.

more importantly the 360's games look 100x better than the Xbox's.

screamingFit · Apr 6, 2006, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

Yes you can plug in your iPod and have it play songs over any games soundtrack. Now with Bootcamp you can also reboot into windows and install media centre.

more importantly the 360's games look 100x better than the Xbox's.

No, more importantly, most (well, what few there are) games on the 360 are boring. That said, though, most of the games on the XBOX are boring, too!

(YMMV, of course)

Used XBOX + Modchip + Hardrive + Remote = $250 and an hour of your time. Plus there's a skin for XBMC that'll make it look just like the 360 GUI, if you care

XBOX360 (if you can find one) = $500 (plus, you can't hack anything into it, yet)

Mini = $600 + $200 or so for MS Media Centre = $800. Staying with OSX, if you want to play other video formats than DVD, you loose your purty Front Row GUI, too

To do a great Media Centre on the cheap, a modded XBOX is a very good value.

Dark Helmet · Apr 6, 2006, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by screamingFit

No, more importantly, most (well, what few there are) games on the 360 are boring. That said, though, most of the games on the XBOX are boring, too!

(YMMV, of course)

Some of the best games I have ever played are on the Xbox.

Crimson Skies
Oddworld: Strangers Wrath
Beyond Good and Evil (on all platforms actually)
Halo 2

screamingFit · Apr 6, 2006, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

Some of the best games I have ever played are on the Xbox.

Crimson Skies
Oddworld: Strangers Wrath
Beyond Good and Evil (on all platforms actually)
Halo 2

Well, that's why I said "YMMV".

Beyond Good and Evil is a GREAT game - didn't know they made it for anything other than the PS2, tho. Learn something new everyday.

But, if you're not into PC ports, most of the XBOX library is kind of lacking, I find. Halo was the only game I can think of that made people want an XBOX. Everything else was either done before on the PC or PS2, which to me, made an XBOX purchase for games not very worthwhile.

Again, YMMV

But, couple a so-so games library with playback of DVD, MP3, MOV, DIVX, AVI, OGG, emulation and a freaking boatload of other things, a modded XBOX was a real winner.

Hawkeye_a · Apr 7, 2006, 03:54 AM

Alright, so what im hearing is that the original XBox with a few hacks is the preferred media center experience.

So, if price was NOT an issue, which one of the three would be preferable ?

I also noticed that you got photos n music on the XB360..... any particular reason why video is not mentioned ?

Cheers

screamingFit · Apr 7, 2006, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by Hawkeye_a

Alright, so what im hearing is that the original XBox with a few hacks is the preferred media center experience.

So, if price was NOT an issue, which one of the three would be preferable ?

I also noticed that you got photos n music on the XB360..... any particular reason why video is not mentioned ?

Cheers

Just so you know, the 360 does not do video local other than DVD - it is a XP Media Centre "extender" - so you need a networked Windows box running the Media Center flavor of XP running as the media library to your 360.

Even though having a Media Center PC with DVR capabilities with a pretty cool front end box that plays games is a neat idea, you're "stuck" with what Microsoft is willing to provide as features. Plus, if you don't own one already, you're going to need a Windows box, too. Seems like way too much work to me.

The problem with the Mini is that you're limited to video formats that are compatiable with Front Row if you want to stay in the Front Row GUI. Right now, that's just Quicktime and DVD, I believe.

Having a box that does it all while remaining in a consistent media-friendly GUI to access everything with a regular remote is asthetically more pleasing to me. And, the fact that I don't have to have a back-end server streaming my media over a network is also a plus.

Dollar to wow ratio is very good with a modded XBOX.

My second choice would probably be a Mini running Front Row and being a MythTV extender with a MythTV Linux box sitting off to the side.

Third, would be just the Front Row Mini

Last, for me, would be the whole 360/Media Center Experience. Just way too much trouble and too limited by propriety.

Dark Helmet · Apr 7, 2006, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by screamingFit

Just so you know, the 360 does not do video local other than DVD

Funny I remember my 360 coming with several Hi-def video's on the hard drive. I also downloaded a bunch of trailers which are also on the 360's hard drive.

screamingFit · Apr 7, 2006, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

Funny I remember my 360 coming with several Hi-def video's on the hard drive. I also downloaded a bunch of trailers which are also on the 360's hard drive.

Just going from the product information I found using a quick search.

So, it will play back video - but what TYPE? Just wmv??

Dark Helmet · Apr 7, 2006, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by screamingFit

Just going from the product information I found using a quick search.

So, it will play back video - but what TYPE? Just wmv??

I'm actually not sure about that. It doesn't show the file type when you download the trailer but in the end it is pretty much like using front row and the movie trailer service.

I haven't tried putting my own videos on it from my Mac or anything.

screamingFit · Apr 7, 2006, 02:32 PM

Just to fan the flames higher, XBMC just won SourceForge's Community Choice Awards for Best Multimedia and also Best Game categories.

http://www.digg.com/gaming/Xbox_Medi...a_Game_Project

Look at these Digg comments from many, many happy XBMC users.

Eug Wanker · Apr 12, 2006, 09:44 AM

So, I bought a 37" 1080p LCD to use with a Mac mini, but unfortunately, the DVI input doesn't support HDCP so I can't use it with my cable box. It was a good experiment though, because it reemphasized to me that text is too small on a 1080p 37". So, I want a 42-45" LCD. However, the good ones are too expensive, or aren't out yet. That means I'll probably be waiting until 2007.

I thought about getting a modded Xbox, but nowadays I have no real interest in doing the hacks. I also am thinking about getting the Xbox 360 with Connect360, but it doesn't do video from the Mac. Plus I'd have to pay $$$ to get the wireless adapter.

I had planned on getting a PS3, but now that they're delayed I'm getting a little antsy, and there's no guarantee it will do Mac video either, and right now I have no video game console at all to play.

I'm almost considering getting a cheap GameCube with Mario Kart Double Dash for CAD$130 (US113) and a NFS version just to ride it out (

) until the PS3 lands. I'd probably get some Mario or Sonic games too if cheap.

P.S. Where can I get the original Mario Bros. and Sonic Hedgehog games? Are they available for the Xbox 360 as downloads?

screamingFit · Apr 12, 2006, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

P.S. Where can I get the original Mario Bros. and Sonic Hedgehog games? Are they available for the Xbox 360 as downloads?

Nope. But, you can run them through emulation on the XBOX!

(Sorry - just had to do that!)

Dark Helmet · Apr 12, 2006, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

I'm almost considering getting a cheap GameCube with Mario Kart Double Dash for CAD$130 (US113) and a NFS version just to ride it out (

) until the PS3 lands. I'd probably get some Mario or Sonic games too if cheap.

Oh god that will make you happy for all of 5 min. I loved the other mario carts but the level design on the Cube version was a bore. The graphics are also quite ugly.

I'm already thinking of getting rid of my cube as the upcoming Zelda doesn't have that much appeal to me visually after I've tasted HD with the 360.

Eug Wanker · Apr 12, 2006, 10:57 AM

Hmmm... I wonder what I would get for an Xbox 360 six months from now. I have a gift certificate that would take $150 off the CAD$500 sticker price for the console bundle, which is another reason I'm considering buying one.

I had been hoping to take advantage of a price drop by now, but no dice, I guess it helps to be the only next gen machine available.

Bah. I just checked and none of the Future Shops have the Xbox 360 anyway.

Dark Helmet · Apr 12, 2006, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

Bah. I just checked and none of the Future Shops have the Xbox 360 anyway.

Are you sure, they had quite a few on Saturday.

Call the stores, the online inventory isn't that accurate.

I don't think you will see a price drop of more than $100 and not before the PS3 ships. It isn't worth waiting that long to save $100.

Eug Wanker · 11:51 AM

I'll call. The online listing shows the core unit is available, but the bundle is sold out everywhere around here according to the website.

EDIT:

Yup a few stores still have it. The online site is useless. It doesn't even list all the stores.

Do others agree... PGR 3 for a racing game, and Kameo for a non-racing game to start? That's what the Star Wars guy has suggested. Do I need a second controller?

Teronzhul · Apr 12, 2006, 06:45 PM

This is kinda off the wall and late to the game, but the mini will allow direct hdtv recording from a stb or tv over firewire via the Virtual DVHS application included in the firewire sdk. Recording and playback of HD content out of the box is a nice feature if you have an hdtv, especially since most DVHS decks seem to be in the $500 range anyway.

Eug Wanker · Apr 12, 2006, 08:52 PM

I got the Xbox 360. It will take me a while to figure everything out.

P.S. My cable DVR box has Firewire, but the Firewire functionality has been firmware'd out by the cable provider.

So, AV/C Browser is useless to me.

Eug Wanker · Apr 15, 2006, 12:58 AM

Connect360 works very well over the network with my iMac and Xbox 360, and I also really like having full plug-n-play compatibility with my iPod. All my non-DRM'd AAC and MP3 files work fine on the Xbox 360, and fortunately, DRM'd AAC files represent only about 0.05% of my music collection.

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

P.S. Where can I get the original Mario Bros. and Sonic Hedgehog games? Are they available for the Xbox 360 as downloads?

Originally Posted by screamingFit

Nope. But, you can run them through emulation on the XBOX!

(Sorry - just had to do that!)

Hmmm... It turns out the Sonic series is available for the original Xbox as a game collection title, and that Xbox disc runs fine on the Xbox 360.