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.

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! 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.

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.

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.

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 or Windows Media Player 11. 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. Higher rated content will not be blocked, but playback may be less then optimal. Use higher bitrates at your own risk.

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.

Xbox is quickly becoming an important living room entertainment hub, in addition to the leading next-generation video game platform. As such, customers can use Xbox 360 and other devices to access and enjoy photos, music and videos located on Windows Home Server and experience them on the TV. This functionality can be achieved through Windows Media Connect technology.

Xbox 360 is a major improvement on the original Xbox including a brand new sleek design and new easy to use interface. Xbox 360 gives you access to the games you want to play, the people you want to play with, and the experiences you crave-when and where you want them.

Xbox 360 is for gamers who want the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride (and the best value) right out of the box. This premium edition - distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself - comes fully loaded with all the features of the Core System plus: Wireless Controller Xbox 360 Headset, Detachable Hard Drive (for storing music, video and games, and more), Ethernet Cable, Component HD AV Cable, Bonus Media Remote (for a limited time only).

The Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next generation games and media and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience. With the Core System consumers will get Xbox features including progressive scan DVD, CD and MP3 Playback out of the box, an Xbox 360 Wired Controller, the ability to connect to Xbox Live, and an S-Video cable / SCART Cable.

There are many of these available, here is a list of some of them. Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20GB), Xbox 360 Memory Unit, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack, Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter, Xbox 360 Headset, Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote, Xbox 360 Media Remote, Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only), SCART AV Cable (Europe only), Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable and Xbox 360 Faceplates.

The Xbox 360 should be released in Europe, Japan and North America at the same time in November 2005.