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Week of May 14, 2006
Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit Update and New Products
>> A bit more info (incl. expected retail price) has been released by Team Xecuter(info) about the Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit (that you can already pre-order from divineo.cn, divineo.com, divineo.co.uk, divineo.es and divineo.fr). They also announced a few new products currently in development: a Dual Firmware Kit, ODD to USB Convertor, ODD to IDE Convertor and a 360 Dissasembly Kit:
[QUOTE]
* 360 ODD Adapter
This adapter supplies power to your ODD (Optical Disc Drive) from your PC so you can connect direct to Sata without any fuss. It also has an eject switch and a debug (modeb) switch. Currently modeb is supported by Hitachi drives (The Samsung we tested needed to be flashed with the xtreme_0800 firmware to be recognized in windows).
The adapter is incredibly convenient and perfect for those who dont want to have the Xbox 360 hooked up to their PC so you dont have to move all your equipment / get behind your TV to unplug your video cables and mess around with that huge power supply if the Xbox 360 is in another room, and it's also for those who want the to use Debug Mode or have the eject option without any other cables or soldering. It is especially ideal for those who happen to have a spare Xbox 360 ODD. It's all about CONVENIENCE!
* 360 HDD Adapter
This adapter enables you to connect your Xbox 360 Sata Hard Drive to your PC without any fuss. It is a clean and tested design with no frills, perfect for the 360 enthusiast.
This complete kit will be available to buy in June from Xecuter stockists. Resellers tell us that they are setting the RRP at $29.95 for the complete kit, not bad considering other versions of HDD Adapter alone has been on sale for $20+.
We are also in the process of developing a Dual Firmware Kit, ODD to USB Convertor, ODD to IDE Convertor and a 360 Dissasembly Kit which will make it a breeze to take your case apart (those clips on the rear are a pain in the ass arent they?)
[/QUOTE]
Their previous news post about the Kit has also been updated with some new details about the debug firmware mode:
[QUOTE]
Debug mode (modeb) currently works with the Hitachi drive - we are investigating a method for the Samsung drive. Also we have noticed Hitachi is detected in windows but not in DVD Info Pro so unable to send custom commands at the moment so you will still need to flash the 0800 firmware [on a Samsung drive, there's no '0800 firmware' for the Hitachi yet], however once this adapter is in the hands of the firmware hackers we are sure that better tools will be available.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
Pre-Order Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit ($29.95): divineo.cn | divineo.com | divineo.co.uk | divineo.es | divineo.fr
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
SS.bin Confusion
>> From team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
It seems many people are having issues when they are trying to boot their games with SS (Security Sector) files that they have downloaded.
I think we may have spotted the problem. let's take an example - Call of Duty 2.
We checked every single version of the ss.bin for COD2 NTSC/U and each and every one has the same MD5 884E8BA44329D133973289A0CD8C8374. However when checking the PAL version we found 3 different versions (so far !)
DF77CCA54F575225DF6C07DF459A8652, 510A6C63D95CB26B072D5C214D207DC8 and 2F66E72B3E3A2895AB883628749C778B
So our guess is that their are different versions of game for PAL countries (Probably UK, Euro/Multi language & Australia).
This would definatley explain why many PAL users are having issues. Someone needs to start a database of which ss goes with which iso - best to have MD5's of both so it helps people from tearing their hair out and wasting money on expensive dual layer discs.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Updated TS-H943 Firmware Hack Guide *Update4*
>> Mksoftware and Geebee released a new version of their guide on our forums on how to patch and flash the FOROS360s Xtreme firmware and make your own dumps both the 'xtreme'-way and 'wxRipper(info)'-way.
"Backing up, Modifying & Flashing the Samsung Drive & How to Create Backups of Games you own"
What's updated?
* Process of making a SS.bin (v2)
* Some small details are also included in this release (v2)
* Grammatical errors (don't expect everything to be 100% correct, but it's lots better then last release) (v3)
* Included an overview (v3)
* Layout has been improved (v3)
* Included a tools list: What's needed to get the job done? (v3)
* More information about the Booktype / Bitsettings that need to be configured (v3)
* Making a working game back-up with wxRipper (v5)
What need to be done?
* The process of hex-editing the original released firmware and making it work.
Download (v6): here (PDF)
Official Discussion Thread: here (forums.xbox-scene.com)
Of course - do all this at your OWN risk. It can destroy your Xbox 360 if done wrong, it will void your warranty, it might be illegal in your country and MS will be able to detect it if they want.
More discussion threads about DVD firmwares: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 Controller USB Drivers for Mac OSX
>> From tattiebogle.net:
[QUOTE]
Introduction
I have created a USB driver which allows you to use the XBox 360 [Wired] Controller on an OSX machine, including support for the Apple Force Feedback library. The driver is licenced under the GPL.
Update
It appears that Microsoft have now announced the USB dongle to allow the wireless controller to work with a PC. As soon as I can get my hands on one of these I will attempt to figure out how it works and update this driver to support it.
Force feedback-enabled games
Games I've currently tested for force feedback support (only games that support basic rumble will probably function currently, as I've only implemented triangle, square and sine wave-type effects. I also lack any other force feedback device for comparison :) ):
* Jammin' Racer - seems to work fine
Still needing implemented
* I don't think settings are persistent
* More settings, e.g. trigger deadzone, button remap
* Force feedback may elongate effects
* Force feedback (DirectInput-style interface) emulator may need more work
* Preference pane currently only tests rumble motors, by creating a force feedback interface but then just using the Escape functionality
* Driver needs to handle more possible errors.
Possible future additions
* Ability to alter HID descriptor, both to remap buttons and change device type (e.g. make it function as a keyboard)
* Support all 360 controller devices without adding to the plist file - I attempted to make it match by interface but it wasn't picked up by the kernel when I tried
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://tattiebogle.net/index.php/ProjectRoot/Xbox360Controller/OsxDriver
Download: Driver (disk image) | Source (ZIP file) (The Driver disk image contains an installer, which when run will install the driver, and a Preference Pane to control it.)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Joystiq Interview: Epic's Cliff Bleszinski
>> Joystiq.com posted a new interview with Cliff Bleszinski (aka CliffyB) the game lead designer of Gears of War:
[QUOTE]
* JoyStiq: I wanted to congratulate you on the success of Gears of War at E3. In a year without a lot of standout titles, Gears of War was the talk of the show. That said, why wasn't it playable on the show floor?
* CliffyB: We wanted it to be playable with the versus multiplayer. Thing is, the show floor -- to me -- is a clusterfuck. It is an absolute trainwreck of noise, and boobs, and sweat, and swag, and there is no worse venue to pick up a game and start to play than the show floor of E3. Taking people away from the show floor and putting them into the little theater is a much better experience and that's what we wanted to do with the versus multiplayer.
* JoyStiq: Graphically do you feel there's anything you've been unable to do on the 360 that the PS3 might enable you to?
* CliffyB: I think we're at the point where technologically ... I have what I call the "mom test." Take a game that's on 360 and on PS3, can your mom tell the difference in graphic quality? If she can't, is there that much of a difference?
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole interview on joystiq.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Sign up for the Media Center Extender for Vista Beta
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
Want to help the Vista team make sure that the Media Center Extender experience on the Xbox 360 is great? Then sign up for their beta program...but only if you can answer yes to all of these questions:
* You have an Xbox 360 connected to the Internet
* You have a PC capable of running Vista Ultimate or Home Premium (Read the minimum hardware requirements here.)
* You are over the age of 18
* You reside in the US
Then sign up for the beta program here
If you are accepted, you'll get an email directly from the Vista Media Extender team sometime in the next three weeks with further details.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MednafenX-NES v6
>> Xport released a new version of MednafenX-NES(info).
What's new/fixed:
* Trigger rumble when game memory changes. Idea shamelessly lifted from nes6502 :)
* Trigger rumble when pressing emulator button
* View all potential cheat code items
* View memory dump for cheat codes
* Poke values into memory
* Added analog stick sensitivity configuration. Use this to custom define your analog stick deadzones if you are experiencing drifting.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher v1.5
>> Juanker, Scener and Apol of F-360 TEAM released a new version of the KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info) - a tool that will allow you to easily extract and write the unique DVD key to/from an Xbox 360 DVD firmware file (so no need to hex-edit it manually anymore - can be used to easily read the key out of your original TS-H943 firmware file and write it to FOROS360s version of the Commodore4Eva Xtreme firmware (don't use the original firmware by Commodore4Eva with KDX)).
What's new/fixed
* Total compatibility with Samsung firmwares
* Improved the firmware detection system
* Support for all firmware versions: Toshiba 46DH, 47DH y 32CE y Samsung MS21 y MS25
* Improved the encrypted firmwares detection
Official Site: http://www.foros360.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox360 SS Merger v1.3
>> HellDoc released a new version of Xbox360 SS Merger - a GUI tool that allows you to easily insert the Security Sectors (SS) on raw dumps made both the 'wxRipper(info)'-way and the 'xtreme'-way (with original Xbox 360 DVD drive on PC and special bios).
From HellDoc on the xboxhacker.net forums:
[QUOTE]
What's new/fixed:
* Added an ISO type autodetection feature.
* Added an ISO splitter to extract video partion, ss sector and game partition from iso file.
About autodection :
Iso dectection work fine with untouched image... So if you rip with wxripper, then apply Security Sector, iso type will be wrongly detected as xtreme....
To ensure that you already have the video partition, mount the iso file with deamon tools or alcohol. You should be able to play the video.
How to merge ss :
1 - Make sure you have .Net Framework 2 installed.
2 - Browse for the iso.
3 - Hit Detect.
4 - Make sure detected settings are right by looking at the selected layer break file. (Xbox Iso or Xbox 360 iso) (If the iso was made using the xtreme way, there no way to detect if its xbox or xbox 360 so you must specify it)
5 - Browse for the Security Sector file
6 - If its an original xbox iso, click the xbox button, it will set the ss offset and choose xbox layer break file.
7 - Hit Merge and Create Layer break file
8 - Burn the .dvd file that was created with cd/dvd.
9 - Give your feedback
10 - Donate via paypal to helldoc AT gmail D0t com so i can buy a 360 (no, i don't even have one... i sometime have access to one with an hitachi drive...)
How to use iso splitter:
1 - select your iso file (Must be a complete iso with video partition).
2 - hit xbox 360 or xbox depending on your iso.
3 - select what you want to extract (Extraction the game partion will create a xtreme type of iso)
4 - Hit split and wait.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, writen by HellDoc on xboxhacker.net forums
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team XTender XCM 360 High Speed Air Cooler
>> Team Xtender released more info about their upcoming XCM 360 High Speed Air Cooler:
[QUOTE]
Our XCM 360 high speed air cooler is to be released soon! Below are its descriptions and technical documentation:
External Xbox 360 air coolers can only cool the temperature of the Xbox 360's outer surface but do not cool the temperature of the CPU/GPU; therefore, making them useless to combat CPU/GPU overheating.
The XCM high speed air cooler directly cools the 360 CPU and GPU. Using internal temperature measuring devices, this product monitors the temperature of the 360 CPU and GPU.
XCM high speed air cooler's external controller will allow you to control the speed of the fan while it monitors the temperature of the 360 CPU and GPU. AUTO mode will automatically adjust the fan speed depending on the temperature of the CPU and GPU.
  Click to enlarge
Official Site: http://www.teamxtender.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Exec to Deliver Keynote at Game Advertising Summit
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Organisers of the GDC Focus On: Game Advertising Summit have announced that Microsoft's Kevin Browne will deliver a keynote speech at the event, which is set to take place in San Francisco this June.
Browne is the general manager for Xbox new media and franchise development. In a keynote titled Scaling Up: Growing Games into the Next New Ad Medium, he will discuss the future of the advertising and games market from the viewpoint of Microsoft, which recently purchased in-game ad network Massive Inc. in a deal worth up to an estimated USD 400 million.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 SS Merger v1.2 - Apply SS on WxRipper Images *Update3*
>> HellDoc published a program to easily insert the Security Sectors (SS) on raw dumps made with wxRipper(info) - a tool that allows you to easily dump Xbox 360 discs with a normal opened (so you can hot-swap) PC DVD drive. This is a GUI tool that will allow you to easily patch the SS on an Xbox 360 image made with wxRipper to work with the Commodore4Eva Xtreme DVD firmware (the build360.bat doesn't work with wxRipper images).
So you only need the file with the security sectors (SS) of the game (note that the SS can be different not only per game and region, but also per country ... certainly in europe with all the different languages) and the ISO made by wxRipper and then press 'merge'.
*Update* It looks like I was wrong about the nickname of the author, sorry about that, it has been fixed now. In meantime v1.2 has been released.
What's new/fixed:
*(v1.1) It will create the layer break file so you don't need to rename your iso to image.000 and you dont need to use image.dvd
*(v1.2) You can now patch images created with wxRipper (with video partion) and images created the xtreme way (without video partition).
*(v1.2) Selecting xtreme way will insert blank padding like the blank360.iso included with the xtreme package but you don't have to waste 253 mB to keep this blank file! (will also work with xbox iso). Merging the SS xtreme way does require a lot of time and hd space compare to wxRipper images as no data can be added before a file so, when you hit merge, your iso file is renamed to .old, a file with the same name is built with the blank data, SS and game iso, .old file is deleted.
*(v1.2) As video partition can be replaced with blank data, I tought I should give a try to a small feature: Insert ISO
It will allow you to select a file to replace the blank data (on video partition). ISO file must be smaller than security sector offset limit. If the inserted ISO file is smaller, 00 will be padded until the SS offset. Don't forget that 'ISO insertion' "should" only work with xtreme "style" made ISO.
Official Site: n/a, by HellDoc on XBH forums (news via elotrolado.net).
Download (v1.2): here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Pioneer 110D Bitsetting Firmware *Update* and Xecuter 360 Kits Update
>> From team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
As you may or may not know you require [for the Xbox 360 firmware hack] a Dual Layer Burner that supports bitsetting / book type setting so the burned disc will read in DVD-ROM format. Pioneer 110D drives don't support this but the Dangerous Brothers have released a firmware that adds AUTO-BITSETTING function. I have tested this and it works with 360 burns. As most people I speak to have this model of DL burner I figured i'd make a post about it.
*Update* It seems all Pioneer 109 110 11 support bitsetting for DVD+R DL however they do not for DVD+R. This firmware will be useful if a hack is released that supports +R burns (not just +R DL)
Goto their site and look for:
'Currently RPC1 with Bitsetting firmware based on 1.22 (Synthesized from 8.22)'
Simply double click on the EXE and you can upgrade with ease in Windows.
Also please re-read our last news post. Some people are confused about a few points, especcially how convenient and useful the ODD (Optical Disc Drive) adapter is. I have re-edited a little to make it clearer.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Live Anywhere Dev: Xbox 360 Pad Beats Keyb. and Mouse in Close Combat
>> From gamesfirst.com:
[QUOTE]
"Originally, we thought the PC would destroy the Xbox controller," said Bill Gross, a Software Test Engineer working on Shadowrun, the premiere Live Anywhere title for the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista. "But it didn't."
Balancing the gameplay between the two systems took a lot of trial and error. And contradictory to what most gamers would expect, the keyboard and mouse didn't dominate. In fact, it lost. Repeatedly.
"There will always be people that say the keyboard is better," Gross said. "In our game, we've found that's not the case. When we first started testing it, the keyboard tended to have an advantage in long distance combat, and the controller had an advantage in close combat. You could do things quicker on the controller (than the keyboard)."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesfirst.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
1UP Best of E3 Results
>> 1up.com just released their 'Best of E3' results:
[QUOTE]
The editors of 1UP.com, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Computer Gaming World, and Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine have placed their votes for the best games at the 2006 E3 show.
Game of the Show: Spore
Best Xbox Game: Ultimate Alliance
Best Xbox 360 Game: Mass Effect
Best Action Game: Lost Planet
Best Adventure Game: The Twilight Princess (GC)
Best Shooting Game: Quake Wars
Best Racing Game: Excite Truck
Best RPG: Hellgate: London
Best Simulation Game: Spore
Best Strategy Game: Supreme Commander
Best Fighting Game: Virtua Fighter 5
Best Visuals: Crysis
Best Game Trailer: Metal Gear Solid 4
Best Sports Game: NCAA Football 07
Most Original Game: Wii Sports
[/QUOTE]
See the full list of award and all runners-up on 1up.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Thursday 18 May 2006 17:25 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
FBA-xxx Pro v1.15
>> + T + released a new version of FBA-xxx Pro. What's new/fixed:
* Added minimenu and several fixes from the latest FBAxxx(info). (by GogoAckman)
* Added working driver for sf2ce13. (by iq_132)
* The following sets have been added: (drivers by iq_132) tigerh2, tigerhj, slapfiga, slapfgtr, slapbtuk, alcon, opwolfb, ffightua
Official Site: 1emulation.com forums
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kits and Case Disassembly Kit *Update2*
>> From team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
We are pleased to finally reveal the Xecuter(info) 360 Connectivity Kit. As you can see the quality is of the usual high standard that you have come to expect from Xecuter and we have spent the last couple of weeks adjusting the designs to make sure they work perfectly out of the box with no fuss. You will notice that the ODD (Optical Disc Drive) power adapter has a Debug mode which enables the drive to be recognised by Windows or Linux so you shouldn't need to flash the Xtreme0800 360 firmware, we have also included an Eject button and also status LED's - works perfect with all current types of 360 ODD - we have tested all methods of reading/writing to the firmware and also all functions in Debug mode.
The ODD adapter is ideal for those who dont want to have the Xbox 360 hooked up to their PC so you dont have to move all your equipment / get behind your TV to unplug your video cables and mess around with that huge power supply if the Xbox 360 is in another room, and it's also for those who want the drive to be recognised in Windows/Linux without any special firmware. It is especially ideal for those who happen to have a spare Xbox 360 ODD. It's all about CONVENIENCE! The Sata HDD adapter is essentially a bonus add-on, so you don't have to spend $15-$30 elsewhere.
Edit: Debug mode (modeb) currently works with the Hitachi drive - we are investigating a method for the Samsung drive. Also we have noticed Hitachi is detected in windows but not in DVD Info Pro so unable to send custom commands at the moment so you will still need to flash the 0800 firmware, however once this adapter is in the hands of the firmware hackers we are sure that better tools will be available.
We hope to ship the first batches next week and at a cost that won't break any budget. We will also have a 360 Case Disassembly kit to deal with the pain in the ass clips which makes taking apart the case a breeze, this will be revealed shortly. We are also still working on the 360ODD to USB adapter too, development is still in progress along with a dual firmware mod with quite a few extra features - all to be released as soon as we feel the quality is good enough. Here is a selection of Connectivity Kit pictures to wet your appetite.
The DVD Connectivity Kit (with eject + mode (normal/debug) button and status/power LED)   More Pictures: Pic03 | Pic04 | Pic05The HDD Connectivity Kit   More Pictures: Pic03 | Pic04
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New DVD-drive by Lite-On Coming to Xbox 360.
>> It propably doesn't have anything to do with the DVD firmware hacks as the decision to add, back then, BenQ as DVD manufacturer was made in january already, but it looks like we'll soon see a 3rd drive in the Xbox 360 (a BenQ-LiteOn-Philips or whatever they'll call it, and maybe MS will try secure it more?).
From digitimes.com:
[QUOTE]
Following the takeover of BenQ's optical disc drive (ODD) unit, Lite-On IT has landed loader orders for Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console with volume shipments slated to start in the third quarter, according to the company.
Lite-On IT inherited the loader orders from BenQ and the company recently gained validation from Microsoft.
BenQ reportedly landed the orders in January via its joint-venture with Philips, Philips BenQ Digital Storage (PBDS).
[/QUOTE]
Read More: digitimes.com(1) and digitimes.com(2).
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher v1.2
>> Juanker, Scener and Apol of F-360 TEAM released a new version of the KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info)(info) - a tool that will allow you to easily extract and write the unique DVD key to/from an Xbox 360 DVD firmware file (so no need to hex-edit it manually anymore - can be used to easily read the key out of your original TS-H943 firmware file and write it to FOROS360s version of the Commodore4Eva Xtreme firmware (don't use the original firmware by Commodore4Eva with KDX)).
What's new/fixed
* Added new language files
* Fixed bug with variable keys of Samsung firmwares completely at he moment
Official Site: http://www.foros360.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
24 Million Downloads for Xbox Live
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Xbox Live becomes the world's largest platform for high-definition on-demand content
Xbox Live, the first and only unified online games and entertainment network, is now the world's largest platform for high-definition on-demand content, surpassing 24 million downloads following the launch of Xbox 360 on November 22, 2005.
Over 1.5 million gamers connected to Xbox Live last week, downloading exclusive content direct from the E3 show floor.
Xbox Live members downloaded over 5 million pieces of gaming and entertainment content during the 7 days of E3: Bringing It Home, consuming more than 600 Terabytes of data, shattering all previous records for the network.
Top 10 downloads during E3: Bringing It Home:
1. Halo 3 Game Trailer (Microsoft Game Studios)
2. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Free Playable Demo (Capcom)
3. Test Drive Unlimited Free Playable Demo (Atari)
4. MotoGP '06 Free Playable Demo (THQ)
5. X-Men: The Last Stand Pack (20th Century Fox)
6. Gears of War GameTrailer (Microsoft Game Studios)
7. Call of Duty 2: Skirmish Map Pack (Activision)
8. Spiderman 3 Game Trailer (Activision)
9. Fable 2 Trailer (Microsoft Game Studios)
10. Uno Xbox Live Arcade Game (Microsoft Game Studios)
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole press release here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
FBAxxx build 17-05-2006
>> Team XXX released a new version of FBAxxx(info). What's new/fixed:
* fixed simple1x,scanlines 50 et 75%, simple2x and hq2x filter, the bug was perceptible in tiger heli or other games
* fixed simple1x -] it is now filtered, no more flickering but can result in some performance loss in cps1 or 2, not perceptible
* rewrote simple2x -] 1,5% less CPU time used
* fixed minimenu, it is perfect now
* fixed vmm, should fix last blade2 and other neogeo roms problems
* fixed screenshot filtered in simple1x
* fixed init of YM2151 in finalstarforce
* corrected lowpass filter (not really corrected, but it is like before now)
* added green screen and calendar fix for neogeo boot by IQ132
Official Site: http://fbaxxx.fr.st
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Hacked Xbox 360 - Microsoft's Official Response (revisit)
>> From the Team Xbox GamerScore Blog:
[QUOTE]
A few folks are asking about the Microsoft response to Optical Disc Drive (ODD) hack. We sent out some messaging when the news first appeared, but since more information about the hack has been released publicly, we're revisiting. The bottom line hasn't changed: we take attacks on the system seriously, both to protect the security of the system, and to prevent piracy.
Here is the official messaging:
The core security system has not been broken. However, on some Xbox 360 consoles the authentication protocol between the optical disc drive and the console may be attacked via a complex software and hardware modification which could allow people to play illegally copied and modified games. We continue to invest in the security of the platform and will respond appropriately as unauthorized activity is identified.
When a person purchases a genuine Microsoft Xbox360 console and genuine Xbox 360 games, they receive the real product which is complete and suited for the use intended. They know its source and can expect the console and games to function properly and provide a satisfying gaming experience. Genuine and unmodified Microsoft Xbox products provide gamers with the reliability, security, support and dynamic gaming experience that they expect, and genuine and unmodified Microsoft Xbox 360 products are eligible for technical support. If there are any questions regarding the use and enjoyment of the Xbox 360 console, the Xbox Live service, or Xbox 360 games, gamers can be assured that Microsoft will stand by its product and provide the necessary support. Modified consoles will not be eligible for technical support and the user's warranty will be voided.
Lastly, the protection of intellectual property rights is a high priority for Microsoft and our partners, one that significantly and positively impacts economic growth, technological innovation, and most importantly, the confidence of customers who count on the integrity and quality of their products.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team XTender Announces New Colors for XCM360 Cases
>> From teamxtender.com:
[QUOTE]
The following are the 10 new colours that will be released for the XCM 360 Full Case Replacement:
(Black, Gold, Crystal - released already)
Crystal Blue, Halo Green, Ruby Red ,Smoke, Chrome, Crystal Purple and Yellow.
Pictures will be posted on this site soon!!!
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Some Tutorials for Modified TS-H943 DVD Firmware *Updated*
>> Here are some tutorials posted by people on our forums for installaling the Xtreme modified firmware for TS-H943 Xbox 360 DVD drive. Of course - do all this at your OWN risk. It can destroy your Xbox 360 if done wrong, it will void your warranty, it might be illegal in your country and MS will be able to detect it if they want.
*(UPDATED!) Creating a working Toshiba-Samsung DVD-Firmware and the process of installing it on the Xbox 360 and how-to create your own back-ups of games you own - tutorial for the FOROS360s Xtreme firmware modified to work with KeyDrive Patcher/Xtractor.
Written by Mksoftware: Download PDF (forum thread).
* Xtreme Firmware Install Guide - tutorial for the original Commodore4Eva Xtreme firmware.
Written by PC_Arcade: tutorial link
* Bitsetting / Booktype Tutorial.
Written by geebee: tutorial link
More discussion threads about DVD firmwares: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 Core Package More Chances to get TS-H943 Drive?
>> Team-xecuter.com reports that chances are higher you'll get a Toshiba-Samsung H943 DVD-drive (where you can flash the recently released Commodore4Eva Xtreme modified firmware for TS-H943 or Foros360's edited version) in the UK if you buy a Core package:
[QUOTE]
We just got a call from one of our customers in the UK. He tells me that all the CORE packs he bought today had the Toshiba DVD Drives and all the Premium packs he bought had the Hitachi DVD Drives. So our recommendation if you are looking to get a Toshiba drive is to get a new core pack.
[/QUOTE]
What drive do you have? (easy check) Core/Premium? Country? Manifacturing date?
Let us know!
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gamasutra Podcast: Dean Takahashi Interview
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
In this installment of the podcast, Gamasutra Podcast executive producer Tom Kim took the chance to quiz veteran San Jose Mercury News journalist Dean Takahashi, who just published the eBook The Xbox 360 Uncloaked. In a fascinating longform interview, Takahashi discusses the book, which charts "a true insider's look at the creation of the XBox 360 and Microsoft's multi-billion dollar gamble to become a leading force in the globalvideo game industry", and commented on Microsoft's efforts so far to dominate the home game console market.
[/QUOTE]
Read More/Download Padcast Interview: gamasutra.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 17 May 2006 12:24 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
X360 Demo For... PlayStation 1?
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
In 1998, Sony gave away this promo item, which features two demos that showcase the PlayStation's sound capabilities. One of the demos is a FPS that puts emphasis on "the explosion effects as it travels past you through sound." Woah, that sounds way cooler than it probably really is. And no, it has nothing actually to do with the Xbox 360.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: kotaku.com, gamesetwatch.com and game-rave.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
How to Install a Dualboot Homebrew Firmware Mod on the TS–H943 DVD drive
>> Iriez sent us a tutorial written by LittleJonny of Team Cavern Imports: "How to install a dualboot homebrew mod on a 360 DVD rom - The TightMod360 (v0.43DA)".
It explains how you can piggyback a SST39sf020a flashrom onto the Xbox360 TS-H943 DVD drive, so you have 2 firmwares chips on the drive and you can easily switch (for example) between the original DVD firmware and Commodore4Evas Xtreme firmware for the TS-H943 Xbox 360 DVD drive.
Download the PDF tutorial here.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
ZsnexBox v1.4
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
What's new/fixed (since v1.2):
*(v1.4) Added support for HDTV mode 480p
*(v1.4) If HD is enabled on your Xbox, then ZsnexBox will render in 480p, otherwise it will render in 480i. All previous versions including 1.3 used interlaced (480i) and not progressive (480p).
* Core switched to the ZSNES WIP 2-28-05 core (big thanks to dohopoki and Consoleman! for help testing this version).
This is much more stable than the code used in 1.2. The result is many games no longer crash (Super Bomberman 2-5, Battletoads/Doubledragon, Super Mario RPG, Blackthorne, and probably others), games that were choppy now run much smoother (Ninja Gaiden Trilogy, Super Mario World, Megaman X, and probably others), Star Fox runs at the correct speed, Chrono Trigger no longer has that annoying screen flash during battles, and all the BS-Zelda hacks now work. Top Gear 3000 does not work very well in this version. Use 1.2 to play this game.
* New logo on ROM browser (courtesy of kiteless)
* Added game Rewind support.
* Changed Direct3D swap effect method from Copy to Discard. This provides a speed increase of about 3-4 FPS.
* Assembled the NASM files with the -09999 switch for more optimized obj files. This should provide a speed increase.
* All new input code. It should be much more stable and hopefully solve all the input problems in the previous releases.
* Player 3/4 support added
* Added option to disable/enable controllers 3 and 4. Disabling controllers 3/4 is necessary for some games to work (example Tetris and Dr. Mario). These games will not run if they detect that a multi-tap (players 3 and 4 enabled) is plugged in.
* Added controller configuration screen (logo courtesy of zenstrom).
* All 4 controller mappings, FPS display, Game Exit, Rewind, Save State, Load State, and Fast forward can be changed. This will allow people not using a controller with analog sticks (i.e. a real SNES controller or the Street Fighter gamepad) to use ZsnexBox.
* Controller hotswapping is now supported. Controllers can now be plugged in/removed/changed at any point during the menu or during emulation
* Added an Options screen (graphics courtesy of Albino and Antiriad)
* Hardware Filters supported: None ; Point ; Bilinear (recommended) ; Trilinear ; Antisotropic ; Quincunx ; Gaussian Cubic.
* Software Filters Added: HQ2X ; Advance MAME 2X (recommended) ; Simple 2X
* Flicker Filter can be set to 0 (Off and recommended), 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (Full Blur)
* Soften display can be turned on or off (Off recommended)
* Sound Frequency can be changed to: 32000 (recommended) ; 44100 ; 48000
* Added Sound Interpolation option. The choices are: Gaussian (recommended) ; 8-Point ; Cubic Spline
* Added support for the SNES Low Pass Filter generator. This adds more bass to the game audio. The choices are: None ; Simple ; Dynamic ; High Quality
* Added option to disable savestates
* Add option to disable menu sound effects.
* All of the above options are dynamic. The changes take affect instantly regardless of whether emulation has started or not.
* Most options (and controller configuration) are saved to the ini file. If the ini is missing it will be created. This is useful to set everything back to the defaults.
* Exiting from a game now goes to the option menu. The user can exit to the ROM browser, change options, and/or resume the game.
* Screen resize uses the blue and red borders if a game is not running. It uses the in game screen if a game is running.
* X, Y, Width, and Height values are displayed on the resize screen.
* Save and Load State can be done from the Options screen. Disable Savestates is the master control for these features. If Save/Load State is assigned to a button, but Disable Savestates is turned on in the options menu, the buttons will do nothing.
* FPS Display can be turned on and off from the options screen. This is the master setting. If FPS Display toggle is assigned to a button, but it is turned off in the options menu, the button will do nothing.
* Directory support. The current path always starts in D:\roms folder
* Rom browsing to all partitions (except X, Y, and Z) on the hard drive and the DVD drive.
* Running from the DVD added. An Xbox compatible image must be made.
* All files saved\loaded from E:\ZsnexBox\sram, E:\ZsnexBox\ini, and E:\ZsnexBox\save. These are created if they do not already exist.
* Rom menu scrolling is much more responsive.
* The in game emulation volume can be adjusted with the right analog stick. Up increases the volume and down decreases it. The current volume level (0-100) will display on the screen during adjustment.
* Set Advance MAME 2x as the default filter. It looks the best (in my opinion) and it is even faster than Super 2XSai.
* Fixed problem where graphics from one game were still displayed along the top and bottom of the screen when a new game was launched.
* Added screenshot support for the following extensions: sfc, swc, fig, mgd, ufo, bin, 058, 078, usa, eur, jap, jma
* Added "Exit ZsnexBox" as an option to the options screen. This will reboot to the dashboard.
* Added PAL video code detection. PAL 60 is used if available, otherwise PAL 50 is used.
* Add region setting to the options menu. The choices are: Auto ; NTSC; PAL
This can only be changed before a game is started. Some games (for example: Tetris and Dr. Mario) will not run if the incorrect region is set. NTSC or PAL will force ZSNES to render at 60 FPS or 50 FPS regardless of the region.
* The complete selected game is displayed beneath the ROM browser.
* Changed Direct3D format flag to D3DPRESENTFLAG_INTERLACED
* Increased the Stack size for the compiled xbe. Hopefully this will prevent any "mystery bugs" the XDK can sometimes introduce.
* Several general speedups
* 99% of games still run 60/60 with 0 frame skip (with auto frame skipping turned on) with or without filters (with the exception of HQ2X)
Known Issues:
* Sufami Turbo games are still not supported
* jma support is currently broken
* "1" file format not supported (unless it is zipped)
* Games sometimes still don't start and require an exit/restart to fix. This is rare, but does happen depending (I think) on the size of the game last run and the size of the new game. It is usually harmless and can be fixed with a simple game restart. There are times this will cause a crash. I am still looking into a fix for this issue.
Untested issues (please post an answer if you know one):
* Don't know if DVD sensors will still cause problems.
* Haven't tested the X-Arcade stick with the new input code.
* The previous issue of controllers working in the GUI but not during emulation.
* There may be issues with savestates generated with the 1.0 - 1.2 working with 1.3/1.4.
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 (official support thread on our forums)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
GearLive Video Interview with Peter Moore
>> From gearlive.com:
[QUOTE]
In this special episode, we sit down with Microsoft's Peter Moore and hit him with questions about the Xbox 360. We sat with Vlad from Joystiq, Ryan from Engadget, Chris from The Chris Pirillo Show, and of course, Andru, Jake, and Jesse of the Gear Live crew. We cover such topics as:
* Lumines Live
* Xbox Live Vision Camera
* Xbox 360's lack of motion control
* Xbox Live Anywhere
* Games for Windows
* HD DVD Player
* PS3 built to drive Blu-Ray format
[/QUOTE]
Read More/Download Video Interview: gearlive.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Countersues Lucent Over Xbox 360
>> From betanews.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft struck back at Lucent late Monday, filing a countersuit in an attempt to have the company's patent infringement lawsuit dismissed. Additionally, it accused Lucent of violating several Microsoft patents.
Lucent claims video decoding technology within the Xbox 360 infringes on its patents. It said Microsoft had failed to license the next generation system, and filed suit in April.
In the countersuit, Microsoft claims that two patents from Lucent are not valid, as well as accusing the communications equipment company of infringing on the Redmond company's own patents. A spokesperson for Microsoft expressed disappointment that Lucent had chosen litigation over negotiations.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: betanews.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MTV2 Presents 'Gears Of War: The Race To E3'
>> From the Team Xbox GamerScore Blog:
[QUOTE]
This Friday, you can tune into MTV2 as they follow the rock star team at Epic Games and Microsoft Game Studios as they race to complete a playable demo of "Gears Of War" that premiered at E3, the gaming industry's high-stakes conference.
What's it like to work at a place like Epic Games? Here's your chance to find out!
Tune in Friday, May 19 at 10PM, May 20 at 9:30PM, or May 24 at 2:30AM.
MTV sent us a link to the promo spots they're airing this week:
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xtreme Xbox 360 firmware Modified to Work with KeyDrive Patcher/Xtractor
>> The FOROS360 Team released a modified version of Commodore4Evas Xtreme firmware for TS-H943 Xbox 360. It will make the firmware compatible with FOROS360s KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info) so you can easily patch the firmware with your unique DVD key (no need to manually hexedit it anymore). News from foros360.com (translated from spanish):
[QUOTE]
Thanks to a small modification that we have done to the firmware released by Commodore4Eva, now KeyDrive Patcher/Xtractor v1.1 can be used to modify the key of your reader without no kind of problem.
Right now there are 2 releases of our firmware:
* a full firmware image
* a ppf patch that will turn the release of Commodore4Eva in our modified version.
Tutorial:
* First extract your firmware from your DVD drive like we explained in our video tutorial (in spanish)
* Extract your key of your original firmware with KeyDrive Patcher/Xtractor (KDX) v1.1 and copy this key.
* Open xtreme_proper.bin (FOROS360s modified version of Commodore4Evas Xtreme firmware for TS-H943 Xbox 360) with KDX v1.1 and you will see that the key this completely 0.
* Put the key of your firmware on the key of xtreme_proper.bin
* Save firmware
This firmware is now prepared to be flashed!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.foros360.com
Download: n/a (firmware contains copyrighted code and might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD (even ppf patches probably) - don't ask for it and don't link to it from our site, thx)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Updated: Bungie/Xbox.com Removing Threads of 'leaked' Halo 3 Screens?
>> All over the net, stories are quickly popping up regarding these recently released photos, taken of what is allegedly an early Halo 3 Menu screen.
It's not uncommon to get real and fake/manufactured pics of hot upcoming projects months before a project goes gold/final. What I find even more interesting is the follow-up reports we're getting of people having posts/thread about these two photos being closed on Xbox.com and Bungie.net forums.
The legitimacy of these photos will be questioned until someone from within the key organizations either acknowledges them as legit early screens, or dismisses them as outright fabrications.
It's your call.
UPDATE From: www.bungie.net:
[QUOTE]
Here's the deal, folks.
The longstanding policy that in these forums that leaked information is not allowed stands. However, we're tightening the restrictions a bit.
There's a lot of jerks out there that are going to try to get attention by faking "leaked Halo 3 information." A good example would be that "leaked" Halo 3 start menu that people are fruitlessly freaking out about as I write this.
The fact of the matter is that the people that know whether leaks are real or not, namely myself or anyone else that actually works at Bungie, do not have time to go through the forums, watching for leaked content. Nor do we have the time to reply to every stupid rumor you hear with a yay or nay to its veracity. With exception to Ninja on Fire, the rest of the moderators know just as much as you do about development. That means that, with some fakes, they won't be able to tell, just as you won't.
So, we're changing the rule to make it easier on the moderators that don't have an inside track at Bungie.
Any poster that provides any information they claim to be "leaked" will be blacklisted from the forums without the option of appeal. This includes:
Links to alleged screenshots
Links or pasted documents that are alleged descriptions of gameplay, scripts, or whatever.
Any attempt to claim to have "insider information" into the development of Halo 3, or Bungie Studios in general.
The exception to the rule is discussion about rumors mentioned in magazines or reputable websites. "Websites" does not include forums. Posting what you read in randomxboxforum.com constitutes rumormongering and will be treated the same as someone trying to start a rumor from scratch: Blacklisting.
[/QUOTE]
for more on this story.. www.bungie.net
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Does This Explain the Xbox 360 Camera?
>> From siliconera.com:
[QUOTE]
GestureTek previously worked on Sony's EyeToy and now they created a head lock on program for the Xbox 360's camera. The early demonstration showed how the camera can lock on to a person's face and follow their movements. GestureTek also mentioned Halo 3 in their presentation. They hinted to the fact that the camera could be used in a way that when players physically turn their heads, the in-game camera will turn respectively. Check below for a video of the camera's functionality.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: siliconera.com (via kotaku.com)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 with HD-DVD to be priced below PS3
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Retail sources in the UK have told GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft has intimated to them that the HD-DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 will be priced such that console and peripheral combined are cheaper than Sony's PS3.
Microsoft's alleged comments to UK retailers seem to suggest that the HD-DVD peripheral, which allows playback of high definition movies using Toshiba's next-generation DVD standard, will be priced below GBP 130 [~190EUR, ~245USD], making an Xbox 360 and HD-DVD player bundle into a potentially attractive option at Christmas.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
xHexen v1.1 , xHeretic v1.1 and xDescent v1.0
>> A600 released a new version of xHexen(info) and xHeretic(info) and he also released a new game port called xDescent, a port of the PC-game Descent I/II engine.
* xHexen v1.1 and xHeretic v1.1
What's new/fixed:
- Added a wad selector (read more here)
- Added HDTV modes, thanks to Lantus. For 720p, use the default720.xbe
- Fixed the joypad sensitivity for look up/down
This is an update so you need the v1.0 version. Overwrite the default.xbe
and edit and copy the wads.cfg file if you want to use the wad selector.
* xDescent v1.0
[QUOTE]
This port is based on D2X-Rebirth and it was possible thanks to the SDLx libs by Lantus, Bradley Bell and the D2X team, zico and MD 2211
For Descent copy the following files to the folder where you installed xDescent: descent.hog, descent.pig
For Descent II: descent2.ham, descent2.hog, descent2.s11, descent2.s22, alien1.pig, alien2.pig, fire.pig, groupa.pig, ice.pig, water.pig, intro-h.mvl, other-h.mvl, robots-h.mvl
This port supports HDTV modes but it you want to use the 720p mode, you must run the default720.xbe or rename it to default.xbe
Addon levels must be copied to the \missions folder.
Recorded demos are saved to the \demos folder.
By default, xDescent plays the midi files located on the \music folder but you can overwrite them with the music of your choice. Supported formats are: ogg, mid, xm, s3m, mod (mp3s aren't supported). These are the names of the music files: briefing.mus, credits.mus, descent.mus, game01.mus, game02.mus, game03.mus, game04.mus
KNOWN BUGS
- Death scene isn't displayed
- Descent II has some minor graphic glitches
- Descent has some major graphic glitches but they don't affect the gameplay
Until a new version of d2x-Rebirth SDL fixes these bugs, there is nothing I can do about them.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by A600 (xHexen and xHeretic support thread, xDescent supporr thread)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: xHexen and xHeretic v1.1, xDescent v1.0
Xbox 360 and Wal-Mart on The Apprentice Tonight
>> From the Team Xbox GamerScore Blog:
[QUOTE]
Just got an email from Bill Brownell, Director of US Games Channel Marketing, about tonight's episode of The Apprentice, featuring the Xbox 360.
A few months ago, Wal-Mart and Xbox teamed up and provided a task for an episode of the Apprentice Season 5 that will appear tonight (May 15, 9PM ET/PT) on NBC.
Gold Rush and Synergy compete to create the most compelling in-store interactive display that highlights the digital entertainment lifestyle features of Xbox 360. Contestants have 24 hours to use any of Wal-Mart product assortments to create a retail interactive display that demonstrates the breadth of the Xbox 360 capabilities.
J Allard, along with Wal-Mart's Steven Quinn, Sr. VP of Marketing, presents the tasks to the teams and I'm told you will be amazed by team Synergy and team Gold Rush's creativity as they set up Xbox 360 experiences in the stores.
Wal-Mart will be showcasing the Xbox 360 experience in the electronics department in 1,500 stores. Wal-mart will also be distributing Xbox 360 demo disks that feature extra Apprentice footage, movie trailers, and game trailers. You can find the disks in the Electronics department or on Walmart.com.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
TS-H943 DVD Firmware Hack for Xbox 360 Out in the Wild
>> Commodore4Eva, who already released a working modified Xbox1 DVD firmware some weeks ago, now released a firmware for the Xbox 360. The release has already been tested by SniperKilla and Arakon and seems to be working fine.
The modified DVD firmware has been released for the Toshiba-Samsung H943 Xbox 360 DVD drive. Just like Commodore4Eva's modified Xbox1 FW, it will need raw/unmodified dumps (of same region as your console if game is region locked), some patching (security sector on ISO and DVD drive key on firmware), DVD+DL (yes double layers!) recordable discs and a DVD burner that allows to put DVD+R DL booktype to DVDRom to work. This release comes with tools to make this all as easy as possible. Also included is a 2nd firmware that will allow you to extract the security sector (what you have to patch on the raw ISO) from an original discs with your TS-H943 drive connected to a PC.
Of course ... try all this at own risk. Your warranty will be broken, it's certainly possible to break your Xbox 360 if you don't know what you are doing. Chances are also high MS will very fast find a method to detect this firmware via LIVE.
From the readme/xboxhacker.net:
[QUOTE]
Xtreme firmware for TS-H943 Xbox 360
Here it is, the long awaited World first Xbox 360 backup firmware modification to boot all game backups!
Features
* Boots all Xtreme Xbox 360 backups
* Boots all Xtreme Xbox 1 backups
* Boots all Xbox 360 originals
* Boots all Xbox 1 originals on Xbox 360
* Xtreme0800 extraction firmware enables drive to function natively under Windows without any hardware conversion/adaptors
* Use on Xbox Live at own risk
Technical details
* Reads Xbox 360 security sector from PSN 04FB1F (Layer 0)
* Reads Xbox 1 security sector from PSN 605FF (Layer 0)
* Security sector must be extrated using Xtreme0800 360 firmware for Xbox360 games and Xbox 1 games
* Will not boot Xbox 1 backups made with Xbox1 605b 0800 firmware (maybe in future release)
Flashing your drive
Advisable to make a backup of your dvd drive firmware first ("mtkflash r /m orig.bin"). Please make sure you hexedit the Xtreme.bin firmware (not Xtrm0800.bin firmware) to include your dvd drive key from your original firmware (usually at $4000-4200).
Plug SATA cable from DVD drive to PC. Power cable drive still connected to Xbox 360 Power on Xbox 360 Power on PC Boot with standard dos boot disk with included mtkflash utility.
Run "mtkflash w /m firmwarename.bin" with relevant firmware file (Xtreme.bin for running backups or Xtrm0800.bin for security sector extraction)
Extracting Security Sector
Ensure DVD drive has been flashed with Xtrm0800.bin firmware. Drive can now work under Windows.
Insert original game disk into drive and wait for windows to detect disk change.
Run DVDinfoPro.
Enter the following four custom cdb commands:
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 01 C0
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 03 C0
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 05 C0
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 07 C0
Then save hexadecimal display as bin file as SS.bin
Creating a game backup
Ensure DVD drive has been flashed with Xtrm0800.bin firmware. Drive can now work under Windows.
Extract Isobuilder.rar
Insert original game disk into drive and wait for windows to detect disk change
Run DVDinfoPro
Enter the following custom cdb command to unlock drive: (game data visable)
FF 08 01 01
Run Isobuster
Right click on DVD and select Extract From-To
Click Length and enter number of LBAs as follows:
Xbox 1 Original Number of LBA to read 3431264 decimal
or
Xbox 360 Original Number of LBA to read 3567872 decimal
Select User Data (2048 bytes/block)
Click Start Extraction
Enter filename as game.iso and click Save
Upon read error dialogue box choose fill with blank zeros for sector and select use this selection for all errors
Copy game.iso and ss.bin to the relevent isobuilder directory (Depending on Xbox 360 or Xbox 1 game)
Run build360.bat (Xbox 360 game) or build.bat (xbox 1 game)
Ensure your burner will set the booktype of DVD+R DL to DVDRom
Burn with CloneCd and choose the image.dvd file
Thanks to everyone at Xboxhacker.net for all their discussions. Now you guys will have to get homebrew running.
Next on the list will be the PS3 and this one will be done much quicker (once it comes out!)
[/QUOTE]
DVD Firmware Hack?
The hack is a modified firmware of the Xbox 360 Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943 DVD-ROM drive. It will ONLY work on that drive - the Hitachi-LG drives will need their own modified firmware).
It's easy to find out what drive your Xbox 360 has (no need to void warranty) ... just open the DVD tray and compare to the image below:
All Xbox 360 executables (XEX containers files) are signed by Microsoft (with a private key only MS has). This means that if you try to change anything to the XEX file, the signature will be wrong and the file will not boot.
To protect from booting raw/unmodified copies of a game from a DVD-R or other recordable media, microsoft gave each XEX file a 'mediaflag'. This mediaflag tells the Xbox 360 from which media (cd-r, dvd-r, dvd+r, dvd-rw, hdd, dvdxbox, dvdxbox360, ...) the XEX is allowed to boot. Changing this mediaflag in the XEX is not an option as it'll break the signature of the file (see above), so ... what's done in this firmware hack is 'break' the detection of the disc.
Retail 360 games usually get a mediaflag where they only allow 'DVDXBOX360' (Xbox 360 discs - different than a normal DVD because they have some specific bad sectors and special info in lead-in/out that can't be written with a standard dvd burner). The modified firmware will trick the DVD drive into reporting a DVD-R (or other) as a 'DVDXBOX(360)' to the Xbox 360.
In short what you have to do (detailed instructions on 'how to' are above in the quoted readme): open xbox 360, leave DVD power connected to Xbox 360 and connect SATA to your PC (on PCI-addon card or motherboard), boot PC with DOS floppy, run mtkflash to dump FW of drive, get your DVD key (guess you can use programs like KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info) or KeyGen360(info) for that), patch the 'Xtreme firmware' (Xtreme.bin) with your DVD key then flash this FW back to your drive with mtkflash.
To make a working copied disc: To start you'll need the exact security sectors (SS) of your game (it's different for each game!). To get this you'll need to flash your TS-H943 drive with the Xtrm0800.bin FW, using a DOS floppy and mtkflash (like described above, except that Xtrm0800.bin does not have to be hexedited with your DVD key). With this firmware Windows will detect the DVD drive and usign DVDinfoPro you can extract the security sectors (SS) from the orignal Xbox 360 disc (exact instructions/commands in readme).
When you have the SS you need to make a raw copy of the disc. Because with the Xtrm0800.bin FW the TS-H943 drive will be detected in Windows you can use Isobuilder to raw dump discs (with DVDinfoPro you can unlock drive to read Xbox 360 discs, see instructions in readme quoted above). You can also use the hot-swap method with wxRipper(info) to make the raw dump with a normal PC DVD drive. Once you have the image you'll have to patch it with the SS (simple .bat file included with release to make this easy - see readme).
Burn this iso with CloneCd on a DVD+R DL and with booktype of DVD+R DL set to DVDRom (not all burners support this) and use the image.dvd file included in the release to burn.
Some points:
* Because executables also get a regionflag, this modified DVD firmware will not allow you to boot region-locked games (changing region of game would require modifying the XEX file which would break the signature). So if a game is region-locked it MUST match the region of your console to work.
* For the same reason it will not run homebrew code, it's not signed with the MS key, so it won't run. However this hack could help find an exploit in software, who knowns ;)
* This firmware release requires dual-layer discs, it will not work with simple DVD+-R discs because the patched security section must be present on the 2nd layer. Maybe something for future versions?
* You will have to open your Xbox 360 (to get DVD drive out so you can connect it to a PC) and thus void the warranty.
* Thanks to the modified version of mtkflash included with this release you'll be able to dump the drive firmware and flash it easily from a PC with SATA ports (either on motherboard or with an PCI addon-card) booted with a DOS floppy (not sure if it'll work with all SATA chipsets. The Sil3112 chipset apparently doesn't with with mtkflash. It does not work with SATAtoUSB or toFireWire adapters either afaik).
* If you have a Hitachi-LG drive Xbox360 and you managed to get a Toshiba-Samsung drive you can theoretically swap the drive in your Xbox 360 as long as you first retreive the unique DVD key from the firmware of your Hitachi-LG drive (mtkflash doesn't work with the Hitachi-LG, but there are other methods for this drive) and patch that key on the firmware of the Toshiba-Samsung drive. Brand of DVD doesn't matter, but if DVD key is wrong your Xbox 360 will not work.
* Can Microsoft detect it via Xbox LIVE? They probably can ... and when they start checking they will probably act like with the Xbox1, ban your Xbox 360 console serial for life from the LIVE servers ... or maybe even more, who knows what they are planning. You've been warned!
* Burning at high-speed seems to make loading slower (or stutter game), but at the basic 2.4x speed for DVD+R DL discs, they play OK on an Xbox 360.
Download: n/a (firmware contains copyrighted code and might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD - don't ask for it and don't link to it from our site, thx)
News-Source: xboxhacker.net forums
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xodus Xenium 24k Gold Review
>> Here's the Xbox-Scene review for Xodus' xenium Gold Xbox Modchip. This is not a review of the pre-production package but of the retail final with the keyring. It took a while, but once again you'll get the most informative, detailed and honest review you'll find on the net with quality pictures and several videos to give you a real-life feel of the chip and OS. A short excerpt of the introduction:
[QUOTE]
Just before Christmas of 2005 we saw the Xodus hype and announcements of the xenium 24k gold version. I was both excited, and a little dismayed at the same time. Xodus chips have time and again been a hardy breed, with a lot of fan support in the scene, and a lot of work behind the scenes by some great people work and tweaking their Xenium(info) OS(info). Xodus has time and again innovated, and came up with new and interesting ideas for the Xbox modding world. Xodus in their various incarnations gave us the first real Solderless solutions, and to this day despite a lot of competition I still hold them up as the best solderless solution on the market. (check previous reviews I wrote and filmed about their solderless solutions.)
That announcement though also seemed to hallmark a changing of the times for the scene. Xbox 360 had been around over a month.. and it was clear around the scene that the old guard was changing. This 24k Gold Chip, while a thing of beauty in those initial announcements screamed "last call" to those paying attention. (not necessarily for the team.. but for innovation/features in chips for the first Xbox console).
Clearly, the Xenium 24k Gold was cosmetic in nature. Designed to appeal to those easily swayed by it's simple esthetic beauty. Comments from TeamXodus indicate that this chip is an offering, to cement it's place in the scene and to say thanks to it's loyal supporters over the years.
[/QUOTE]
Read our complete review that includes a full overview of the modchip, addons and the Xenium OS. All with pictures and several videos:
http://www.xbox-scene.com/hardware/xeniumgold-review.php
Official Site: http://www.teamxodus.com
Buy the Xenium Gold modchip: Divineo.com | Extreme-Mods.com | Divineo.cn | Divineo.es | Divineo.fr | Divineo.se | Divineo.de
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Peter Moore: The Space Ghost Interview
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-05-13 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Here's the added/changed stuff from the changelog since the 2006-05-05 T3CH CVS release:
* added: wma codec to paplayer (builtin).
* added: daap protocol to add network location dialog.
* added: shoutcast, last.fm, soundtracks and replaytv to add media source.
* changed: VoiceMasks.xml to System/ and Kai(info)Vectors.xml removed from CVS.
* changed: don't show zoom overlay in slideshow when viewing comics.
* changed: libcurl will now follow 2 redirects on connection
* changed: samba now allows domain\user type usernames. smb://workgroup;domain\user@computer/share. workgroup is the workgroup of the computer (only needed for computername to ip lookup), domain is the logon domain of the user
* changed: removed hardcoded ip's. a DNS server is now required for all internet access in xbmc.
* changed: default log set to NOTICE instead of ERROR.
* changed: moved screenshot-, recordings-, playlists- and trainerpaths from xboxmediacenter.xml.
* changed: Rss feed setup to UserData\RssFeeds.xml, Keymap.xml to UserData\Keymap.xml, System\LCD.xml to UserData\LCD.xml, System\Partymode.xml to UserData\Partymode.xml
* changed: Removed old thumb code.
* changed: Background thumb loader for My Programs + changed My Programs + Kai thumb location.
* changed: you can now alter trainer settings while kai is running. upon launch you will be asked to choose between kai and trainers.
* changed: when viewing a .cbr/.cbz, move to top left corner on image change.
* changed: Cleaned up more thumb related code (Picture thumbs are now in UserData/Thumbnails/Pictures/0..F/)
... rest of changelog (including many fixes): here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes in this build:
* SF CVS had yet another infamous outage, so fewer changes than usual.
* Please note: Support for skins with versions < 2.0 has been removed
* Includes Chokemaniac's 'Project Mayhem II' skin upgraded to 2.0 'Reloaded' by Smokehead.
* Needs repeating: Team XBMC has started to move towards a new setting system. I can't explain it all here, but I can say this much - you will have to move some of your old folders, if you don't want to start fresh. I suspect there will be even more changes soon, so you might want to wait with upgrading till things stabilizes a bit. Music and Video libraries may need rescanning to get the thumbs. More info here and here
* Removed hardcoded ip's. A DNS server is now _required_ for all internet access in xbmc.
* Moved files: \Keymap.xml to UserData\Keymap.xml, System\LCD.xml to UserData\LCD.xml, System\Partymode.xml to UserData\Partymode.xml, \VoiceMasks.xml to System\VoiceMasks.xml, \KaiVectors.xml REMOVED
* Keymap.xml: <Remote> Volume now works in VideoPlaylist/MusicPlayList & MyFiles. MoveItemUp(2), MoveItemDown(5). MyFiles : Highlight(1), Copy(4), Move(7).
* XBoxMediaCenter.xml: Rss feed setup moved to UserData\RssFeeds.xml ; Removed screenshot-, recordings-, playlists- and trainerpaths from XBoxMediaCenter.xml (xbmc prompts for path first time).
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Fantasy360 Crystal Controller Case and Full Xbox 360 Cases Coming Soon
>> Xtreme Enterprise informed us their new Fantasy360 "Crystalized Dreams" Controller Replacement Case has been released. This is a full case replacement for the wireless Xbox 360 controller (like the Bleu East, Smoke and Crimson South we showed before). They also plan to release full case replacements for the Xbox 360 console very soon.
From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Continuing our efforts into the NextGen console gaming experience, we introduce the Fantasy360 Crystal Dazzle Replacement Shell. Indeed, a beauty like no other, the Crystal Dazzle will quickly find a place in your hearts (but more likely, your living rooms). Built from high quality ABS materials with an additional coating of polyurethane for that shiny gloss, durability and better grip, the Crystal Dazzle will enhance your gaming experience and make you the life of the party.
Doubling the joy of obtaining a crystal dazzle controller, XE shall also be introducing the brand new Project Fantasy360-Console in the coming months. As you can understand from its name, the Fantasy360-Console is a case replacement of the system case in colors that will match our Fantasy360-controllers. Using only the best materials and technologies for our production processes, you can expect once again, a high quality product which you will pre-order and buy without thinking twice. Installation will be a breeze as online instructions will be provided. Expect the first few colors to be rolled out as follows: Crystal Dazzle, Crimson South, Smoke, Bleu East.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.e-linksoft.com and http://www.xbox-central.com/blog/
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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