Xbox 360 Arcade - $179.99 @ Amazon

[axia55]

Go easy on me, this is my first HD post! Seems like a pretty good deal with all the other major retailers at $199.99.
$179.99 Arcade Version

Also, most of the reviews seem to be indicating that these are the new Jasper chipset!

 

[ClockerXP]

Is this all I need if I just want to stream video from my WHS to a SD or HD TV (plan to use an ethernet connection)?

 

[PingSpike]

Shit! I just bought one of these for regular price from worst buy!

 

[Sniper82]

sweet deal, says its the newest version aswell.

 

[DaveSimmons]

FYI, MS is about to reduce the price of the 120 GB Elite to $299 so if you want to download content and install games to the console (much quieter than the DVD drive) that will be a good choice too.

There may be closeout deals on the 60GB soon too.

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
FYI, MS is about to reduce the price of the 120 GB Elite to $299 so if you want to download content and install games to the console (much quieter than the DVD drive) that will be a good choice too.

There may be closeout deals on the 60GB soon too.

also, the new slim ps3 if anyone is interested. both of those are sweet deals if you haven't bought a console yet.

I wouldn't buy an arcade unless you are looking to install a non-xbox hd

 

[fatpat268]

Originally posted by: slayer202

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
FYI, MS is about to reduce the price of the 120 GB Elite to $299 so if you want to download content and install games to the console (much quieter than the DVD drive) that will be a good choice too.

There may be closeout deals on the 60GB soon too.

also, the new slim ps3 if anyone is interested. both of those are sweet deals if you haven't bought a console yet.

I wouldn't buy an arcade unless you are looking to install a non-xbox hd

A lot of people buy the arcade to replace an older model Xbox... either because it RROD'ed and is out warranty, they want a quieter more reliable system, or because they want HDMI. So I'd imagine, most people buying this already have an HD.

If you're a newcomer to the 360, get one with the HD. The Elite is dropping to $300, so there should be some deals on the 60gb soon.

 

[axia55]

Originally posted by: fatpat268

Originally posted by: slayer202

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
FYI, MS is about to reduce the price of the 120 GB Elite to $299 so if you want to download content and install games to the console (much quieter than the DVD drive) that will be a good choice too.

There may be closeout deals on the 60GB soon too.

also, the new slim ps3 if anyone is interested. both of those are sweet deals if you haven't bought a console yet.

I wouldn't buy an arcade unless you are looking to install a non-xbox hd

A lot of people buy the arcade to replace an older model Xbox... either because it RROD'ed and is out warranty, they want a quieter more reliable system, or because they want HDMI. So I'd imagine, most people buying this already have an HD.

If you're a newcomer to the 360, get one with the HD. The Elite is dropping to $300, so there should be some deals on the 60gb soon.

I bought the Arcade after my PS3 died for a second time and Sony wants ANOTHER $150 to fix it. I figured $180+$70 120gb HD+$16 for HDMI Cables = as good or better than a deal on a discontinued Pro. Plus the Arcade is almost sure to be a Jasper!

 

[ClockerXP]

Originally posted by: ClockerXP
Is this all I need if I just want to stream video from my WHS to a SD or HD TV (plan to use an ethernet connection)?

Can someone help me with this please? Does the Arcade version do HD if you use HDMI? I am an XBox NOOB.

 

[child of wonder]

Could a guy buy this and install the 20GB HDD from my old 360 Pro?

 

[axia55]

Originally posted by: child of wonder
Could a guy buy this and install the 20GB HDD from my old 360 Pro?

Yes

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: ClockerXP

Originally posted by: ClockerXP
Is this all I need if I just want to stream video from my WHS to a SD or HD TV (plan to use an ethernet connection)?

Can someone help me with this please? Does the Arcade version do HD if you use HDMI? I am an XBox NOOB.

Component or HDMI, yes. Games are almost always rendered at 720p then upscaled to 1080 if that's what you have the output set to.

The only difference between Arcade, Pro, Elite is what hard drive you get (none for the Arcade) and what accessories are in the box.

Also, Arcade is more likely to have the Jasper motherboard revision, while Pro still has a lot of older Falcon units out there, and Elites are almost all Falcon.

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: child of wonder
Could a guy buy this and install the 20GB HDD from my old 360 Pro?

I did. Bought a 20gb off the forums and stuck it on there.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: ClockerXP
Is this all I need if I just want to stream video from my WHS to a SD or HD TV (plan to use an ethernet connection)?

unless things have changed within the last 6mos, i couldn't get a 360 to stream anything via windows media player. whs may be different, have not tried it, just built a htpc w/ some leftover parts i had and ended up w/ a much better setup than what the 360 did for me.

 

[taltamir]

Originally posted by: axia55

Originally posted by: fatpat268

Originally posted by: slayer202

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
FYI, MS is about to reduce the price of the 120 GB Elite to $299 so if you want to download content and install games to the console (much quieter than the DVD drive) that will be a good choice too.

There may be closeout deals on the 60GB soon too.

also, the new slim ps3 if anyone is interested. both of those are sweet deals if you haven't bought a console yet.

I wouldn't buy an arcade unless you are looking to install a non-xbox hd

A lot of people buy the arcade to replace an older model Xbox... either because it RROD'ed and is out warranty, they want a quieter more reliable system, or because they want HDMI. So I'd imagine, most people buying this already have an HD.

If you're a newcomer to the 360, get one with the HD. The Elite is dropping to $300, so there should be some deals on the 60gb soon.

I bought the Arcade after my PS3 died for a second time and Sony wants ANOTHER $150 to fix it. I figured $180+$70 120gb HD+$16 for HDMI Cables = as good or better than a deal on a discontinued Pro. Plus the Arcade is almost sure to be a Jasper!

i just ordered 4 HDMI cables... at 4$ each +4$ Shipping for the lot of them.
And why would you WANT to use the crappy HDD that comes with the xbox? buy an arcade and connect a REAL HDD to it. The arcade is the best buy...

HDMI in xbox sucks, audio doesn't work with many receivers, video quality is NOT any better than component unless you have a display capable of 1920x1200 (component can do 1080p, aka 1920x1080 @ 60fps). And the HDCP is crap, I couldn't even play DVDs on my brother's TV (sony grand wega 50 inch) with it because it just got stuck on a black screen saying "HDCP link not found"...

 

[LordGestle]

Originally posted by: taltamir

i just ordered 4 HDMI cables... at 4$ each +4$ Shipping for the lot of them.
And why would you WANT to use the crappy HDD that comes with the xbox? buy an arcade and connect a REAL HDD to it. The arcade is the best buy...

HDMI in xbox sucks, audio doesn't work with many receivers, video quality is NOT any better than component unless you have a display capable of 1920x1200 (component can do 1080p, aka 1920x1080 @ 60fps). And the HDCP is crap, I couldn't even play DVDs on my brother's TV (sony grand wega 50 inch) with it because it just got stuck on a black screen saying "HDCP link not found"...

Not to doubt your experience, but here is mine.
1) You can use any USB HD, but you cannot save games or xbox live items to this drive. So unless you use it for your own files (example music, pictures, and etc) the use of a non MS HD is limited only due to MS making the restriction. PS3 you can install any drive and use it as if it came bundled. Some places sell "hacked" drives, in which they are modify to spoof as if it were an original. People have a concern they may get banned from live due to these being modified, but I have yet to see anyone report of an instance.
2) Obliviously I have only tried 3 receivers, Onkyo or HK, and do not have an issue with HDMI audio but I do recall an update a while back that impoved compatiblity. Having said that, also I recall seeing several name brand receivers also release updates for PS3 and Xbox 360 issues. However, the HDCP I have not experienced on roughly 10 TVs I have tried (both via HDMI and Component) and/or Monitors (including non HDCP). I do know the PS3 requires a HDCP monitor if one were used, unlike the xbox.

I must admit I don't own a PS3, but I do own 3 xbox 360s. So thought I would provide my feedback, especially on the HD situation.

 

[John P]

For those with a Microcenter in town - you should be able to pick up a refurbed 20GB hard drive for 30 bucks if they are in stock.

 

[taltamir]

Originally posted by: LordGestle

Originally posted by: taltamir

i just ordered 4 HDMI cables... at 4$ each +4$ Shipping for the lot of them.
And why would you WANT to use the crappy HDD that comes with the xbox? buy an arcade and connect a REAL HDD to it. The arcade is the best buy...

HDMI in xbox sucks, audio doesn't work with many receivers, video quality is NOT any better than component unless you have a display capable of 1920x1200 (component can do 1080p, aka 1920x1080 @ 60fps). And the HDCP is crap, I couldn't even play DVDs on my brother's TV (sony grand wega 50 inch) with it because it just got stuck on a black screen saying "HDCP link not found"...

Not to doubt your experience, but here is mine.
1) You can use any USB HD, but you cannot save games or xbox live items to this drive. So unless you use it for your own files (example music, pictures, and etc) the use of a non MS HD is limited only due to MS making the restriction. PS3 you can install any drive and use it as if it came bundled. Some places sell "hacked" drives, in which they are modify to spoof as if it were an original. People have a concern they may get banned from live due to these being modified, but I have yet to see anyone report of an instance.
2) Obliviously I have only tried 3 receivers, Onkyo or HK, and do not have an issue with HDMI audio but I do recall an update a while back that impoved compatiblity. Having said that, also I recall seeing several name brand receivers also release updates for PS3 and Xbox 360 issues. However, the HDCP I have not experienced on roughly 10 TVs I have tried (both via HDMI and Component) and/or Monitors (including non HDCP). I do know the PS3 requires a HDCP monitor if one were used, unlike the xbox.

I must admit I don't own a PS3, but I do own 3 xbox 360s. So thought I would provide my feedback, especially on the HD situation.

Component is completely IMMUNE To HDCP issues, there is no HDCP for component. the xbox HDMI connector has an HDCP trusted platform chip with keys that messes up the system.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webap...=-1&productId=11030483
I could not get any audio at all over HDMI with sony grand wega, and I could not get HDCP to work even on regular DVDs with the grand wega. Oh, and even if it would have worked, it adds a noticeable DELAY when switching channels and several other actions, during which "your" DRM handshakes.

On ebay... 20GB Xbox HDD for 30$. 120GB for 60$... so 199 (or the current deal of 179$) for arcade + 30 or 60 HDD + 4$ HDMI is still a lot cheaper... Assuming HDMI doesn't suck for you.

 

[RESmonkey]

Sears has 120GB Xbox 360 HDDs for $49. My friend and I went to one and there were two; he bought one. I didn't, but should have in case anyone on the forums needed it. Call your local Sears for this clearance item.

Also, VERY RARE, Kmart is getting rid of these, too. Cheapassgamer forum members say either $17 or $37 (both crazy deals).

^^Just keeping these arcade buyers informed Oh, and these Arcades are Jasper, so you're good to go.

 

[cruzer]

Originally posted by: taltamir
I could not get any audio at all over HDMI with sony grand wega, and I could not get HDCP to work even on regular DVDs with the grand wega. Oh, and even if it would have worked, it adds a noticeable DELAY when switching channels and several other actions, during which "your" DRM handshakes.

With my 360, I use HDMI to the TV and the optical audio port to the receiver at the same time and the HDMI audio that comes out of the TV is always a split second behind the optical audio. So much so that I have to mute the TV. Perhaps the HDMI DRM is the reason.

 

[leglez]

About to bite for a bedroom netflix box. Anyone know if you can combine ECA with consoles?

Edit:

Checked more and ECA is not compatible. I went ahead and grabbed it with overnight shipping. Thanks OP!

 

[taltamir]

what is ECA?

 

[leglez]

ECA Thread $20 and you get 10% off most video game purchases from amazon for a year.

 

[GEOrifle]

In NY Amazon is charging 10% sales TAX, so doesn't worth it, just buy from NEWEGG...

 

[R Nilla]

Deal appears to be dead.