Component Cable Question for Original XBox

On the Xbox Dashboard, go to Video, then Settings, and you should be able to Enable the 480p 720p and 1080i settings right there. I don't believe you need to connect to live to update the dashboard. And I checked the settings for letterbox and normal screen and all the options are there for enabling HD settings. I have mine set on widescreen with all the HD outputs enabled on component. Makes a huge difference in games with dark shading and textures for example Prince of Persia The Two Thrones. I have an off brand as well, not sure of the brand, but picked it up at EB Games.

If that doesn't work, I would maybe unhook the PS2 from the component connection. Maybe some kind of signal interference.

If that doesn't work try hooking up to live. I think Dead or Alive Ultimate had some kind of update for Xbox Live. Not sure if this affected the dashboard though. You can look for a used game at Gamestop that has one of those 2 month trials and set up a new live account for free, just cancel before it renews. Some games usually have the trial cards tucked away behind the instructions. They say they expire, but they really don't. You can use them to create aNEW Live account on the original xbox. I also believe ESPN 2k5 did some kind of system upgrade. That may haveupdated the dashboard. That's a good game and only a couple bucks at GS.

Post back. Hope this works for you. And I know what you mean about the difference on PS2 and Xbox games. I always picked up the xbox version of a game over PS2. Much better graphically all the time.

Let me know if this works.

Did what you suggested and and the guy at GameSpot told methat I would need a HD AV Adapter to get component output. Have read on line that many people are using Component cables and that the original xbox did have component output. Don't know whether to bother trying to find a HD AV adapter on ebay or not. Any other suggestions? Thanks for your input.

The HD AV Pack is hard to find, and it's an un needed piece of equipment when you can get the same result from a component cable. I just picked one of these up for $20 off ebay. (They retail for $50.) It was easy to setup. Just hook it up and select widescreen on your xbox from the video menu, then you will be able to turn on 480p, 720p, and 1080i.

Here's a list of HD Games.

Did the cable do it's job? Yes. Colors look very nice. I suffered from a cloudy crappy looking picture with the standard AV cable. Now it's nice and crisp. It's not near what you can get from a next-gen system, but can tide you over.

Thanks, bought a HD AV Pack off EBAY 20 dollars with shipping. Would prefer your cables, but ordered the pack last night. Oh well, if the HD AV Pack doesn't work will look for a set like you have. Guess there is a difference in Component cables. The ones I bought from GameSpot didn't work, and one of the sales clerks told me that I would need the HD AV Pack because just component cables wouldn't work alone. Live and learn I guess. Thanks again.bishop331

Hopefully it works out for you man. There were plenty of my listed cables on ebay, so if your interested just start searching. I explained the connection issue on the other thread. Basically, you can use a normal set of component cables but this will require the HD AV Pack to satisfy the connection to your xbox. There are other companies that made cables (like Monster) specifically designed for the xbox that do not require anything but their cable to be used.

And your never too old to stop gaming! :) Game on!

Found a set like you have on line also. If the HD AV Pack doesn't work will order them. May order them also, to bypass the HD AV Pack, as now I will have to purchase some regular component cables to go from the pack to the Monitor, as what I ordered did not have the cables with it. Was 9.95 plus shipping 9.95 (20.00). I found cables like yours for 15.99 up to 50 something. Too bad I ordered the other, but like I said you live and learn. Thanks again for the help.

bishop331,

You aren't alone. I've owned an XBOX a few years and just recently decided to softmod it with XBMC installed. I love it so much I wanted to use it to the fullest ability and connect it to my 50" plasma (Vizio from Costco). I bought a genuine xbox av pack off eBay ($40), but I'm impatient so while waiting for that I bought a $15 Gamestop universal component set. I'm disappointed. Connecting it to the XBOX and to either Component 1 or Component 2 of my HDTV reveals -- jack squat! That is, I get the same old fuddy duddy 3 screen options (normal, letterbox, widescreen) and no 420p, 720p, 1080i options. I told the chick at Gamestop that I might return them if they didn't work so tomorrow, back they go.

Anyway, it's not you, your age ;-) or your XBOX. It's that garbage cable that Gamestop sells!

I know a trick that might work: in the Xbox menu screens, press both the left and right triggers and click both the analog stick buttons at the same time to enable progressive scan mode (480p).