Yes it can. However some files play pretty slow, not sure why it happens (my H264 encodes work fine, 2-3 other files I tried play very slow). I'll have to do some tests to confirm what caused that. Remember that Xbox doesn't have the fastest CPU out there (Pentium 3 733MHz) so to be honest the nice playback of most H264 files impressed me.

Yes it can. However some files play pretty slow, not know the reason. (my H264 encodes work fine, 2-3 other files I tried play very slow.)I’ll have to do some tests to find the reason. Remember that Xbox doesn’t have the fastest CPU out there(Pentium 3 733 MHz) So actually the nice playback of most H264 files attracted me. About the new Xbox 360, I don’t know.

Every Xbox 360 also works as a Media Center Extender-which means you'll be able to access recorded TV (including high-definition shows) and digital movies (including high-definition films), music, video, and photos stored on Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PCs through any Xbox 360. What's more, you can stay connected to Xbox Live and still receive game invites and messages from your friends while watching your favourite TV shows or movies.

No, the Xbox 360 is not a Media Center PC. It can connect to a Windows XP Media Center PC to stream content, but it is more of a Media Center PC amplifier/extender than a Media Center PC substitute.

Yes! Xbox 360 can play DVDs and is a progressive scan DVD player so DVDs will look as good, plus up-scaling to High Definition may be possible but has not been confirmed. The remote control is not required but this allows access to regular DVD controls plus Media Center features for the built in Media Center Extender.

Holiday units of Xbox 360 (not Xbox 360 Core System) will ship with a bonus media remote while supplies last. This remote is a non-retail smaller version of the Universal Media Remote that will be sold ongoing at retail as an accessory.

The bonus media remote promotes that the Xbox 360 platform is about more than video games - it's about gaming, movies, music, photos and more right out of the box. Also, it includes the Media Center PC button, an important feature that enables Media Center PC users instant access to their digital content stored on their PC, and promotes important digital lifestyle features of the Xbox 360 platform.

Yes, but only video downloaded from the Xbox Live Marketplace or preloaded on the Xbox, not your own videos.

The Xbox 360 will be backward compatible with the old games - this is done using something called an "emulation profile" which tells the new console how to play your old game - one is needed for each game. The top 100 selling games will have their profiles on the Hard Drive so titles such as Halo 2, Forza, and Project Gotham Racing 2 etc will play fine on the new console. Games outside the top 100 will also be supported as additional profiles will be available to download.

The first 75 people to join will receive an Xbox 360 after they solve the first tier 3 or tier 4 issue that is sent to them.

Portable Media Centers play more than just music. You can also play video, such as TV shows that you record on your computer; movies and home video that you download from the Internet; and you can view digital photos anywhere at anytime.

No, PC games cannot be played on the Xbox 360 also burned discs or discs from other video game systems cannot be played either.

How do I get a cool icon like yours? Obviously "cool" is subjective, but you can have your own icon displayed here by signing up for a gravatar. Note that I currently accept up to an R-rated icon though that may change in the future. In order to comply with COPPA and cover my own ass, you must be 13 or older to post a comment here. Period, no exceptions. You are current reading Xbox 360 High Definition and HD-DVD FAQ posted on November 10,2006 and filed under Games.

No. The Media Center Extender in the Xbox 360 only supports playback of DVR-MS, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and WMV video.

The Xbox 360 it is not a personal computer in the sense of PC as a productivity tool. However, its hardware capabilities and technical specifications make the Xbox 360 more powerful than any desktop computer available on the market at this time.

You can play video from a USB 2.0 FAT32 removable drive, optical media, and by streaming from the Zune software, Windows Media Player 11, or Windows Home Server. Please refer to question 32 on how to configure Windows Media Player to share these file types to the Xbox 360. Xbox 360 does not specifically block video from playing based on a maximum bit rate, resolution, or frames per second. The maximums listed above for each codec are what we have tested for various video playback sources.

No, you need no external hardware to enjoy Xbox 360 games in high definition. The only “extra” thing you’ll need is either the Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable or the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable.