Thursday, April 28, 2011

How to Connect My Wii to My Onkyo HT-6100

The Onkyo HT-6100 is a 7.1 channel home theater system that offers Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding for superior audio quality. It also includes four HDMI inputs, two component inputs, three S-Video inputs and four composite inputs to connect all of your AV components, including video game consoles. When an analog source such as the Nintendo Wii is connected, the HT-6100 scales video resolution to 1080i through an HDMI output.


Instructions 

  1. Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI "Out" port on the back of the HT-6100.

  2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to an open HDMI port on your TV.

  3. Connect the Wii AV cable to the AV port on the back of the Wii console.

  4. Connect the other end of the Wii AV cable to one of the yellow, red and white composite inputs on the back of the HT-6100. The yellow port is for video while the red and white ports handle stereo audio.

  5. Turn on your TV and set it to the HDMI input and set the HT-6100 to the composite input that corresponds with the Wii connection.

Tips & Warnings

    * If you have the Wii component cables, you can connect those to one of the component inputs on the HT-6100.



Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable





HDTV HD AV Cable For Nintendo Wii
Component AV Cable for Nintendo Wii Cow MP3 Player with OLED Screen - Big Moo Sports Headset Handsfree MP3 Player 2GB Blue

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Datel Announces Xbox 360 Hard Drive Back-Up Solution

The problem with the Xbox 360’s built-in hard drive is it just isn’t big enough. 12GB of usable space might be sufficient for the casual gamer, but the hardcore joypad juggler needs more. With XSATA, the latest devious device from Datel, you can free up hard drive space by transferring content between your console and your PC. You need never run out of hard drive space on your XB360 again!

Using your XBOX 360 file manager software such as the free PC app Xplorer 360, you can transfer materials from your console’s hard drive to your PC, using your computer’s hard disc space to store demos, game saves and other such materials you’re not currently using. When you need them again, just transfer back to the XB360’s drive. Once the data is on your PC, you can email anything that’s not locked to your machine or L!VE account to your friends for them to use on their own consoles too.
XSATA is a plug-and-play device that sits between your XB360’s hard drive and the console itself. There’s no need to remove your XB360’s hard drive to use it. The PC and the 360 can then ‘share’ the HDD so it can remain in place at all times.






To connect, just plug the supplied cable into the High Speed USB port on the back of XSATA and into any spare USB port on your PC. XSATA is USB 2.0-compatible, so you can expect ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 480mbps. It looks great too, with a blue laser giving a real cool edge to your console.







things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Xbox 360 Wireless Controller 3600mah Battery + Charger Headset Headphone Microphone for XBOX360 XBOX 360 Hard Drive Data Transfer Cable HDTV AV Cable for Xbox 360 Component

Monday, April 11, 2011

How to Use a Hard Drive on Two Xbox 360 Consoles

Instead of hauling your Xbox 360 with you wherever you go, simply take the gaming console's hard drive. This way, you can maintain your Xbox gamer achievements, account information and Gamertag. Since Xbox 360 hard drives are detachable, you can connect them to different consoles without losing data. Use a hard drive on two Xbox 360 consoles by switching the drive whenever you want.

Instructions

  Remove Hard Drive

   1. Locate the hard drive on the top of the console.
   2. Press the release button on the hard drive.
   3. Lift the drive off of the console to remove it.

  Attach Hard Drive

   1. Align the back of the hard drive with the back of the console's hard drive bay.
   2. Press the front end of the hard drive downward until it clicks into place.
   3. Turn on the console and navigate to the 360 Dashboard to access your information.

 Warnings

    * According to Microsoft, you should "avoid touching the hard disk drive bay contacts or the hard disk drive connector with your fingers or metal objects."


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




ETHERNET NETWORK LAN CABLE FOR XBOX 360 RGB HD Audio Video AV Cable for Xbox 360 Headset Headphone Microphone for xbox 360 HARD DRIVE DISK 250GB HDD + Data Cable for Xbox360

How to Use a Laptop With Wireless Internet to Connect to a XBox 360

The original Xbox 360 does not include a wireless Internet adapter. So if you have to connect to Xbox LIVE wirelessly, you must purchase a separate adapter. There is a less expensive workaround, however, as long as you own a PC laptop with a wireless card. Microsoft includes a feature called "network bridging," which allows your laptop to share network connections with other devices. This means you can share your laptop's wireless Internet connection with your Xbox 360.


Instructions 

   1. Turn the console and laptop on.
   2. Connect them via Ethernet cable.
   3. Right-click your PC's wireless Internet connection signal strength icon in the taskbar's notification section.
   4. Select "Network and Sharing Center."
   5. Go to "Change adapter settings." A list of your PC's network connections appears.
   6. Highlight the wireless Internet connection by clicking it once.
   7. Hold "Ctrl" and click "Local Area Network." Release "Ctrl." Both connections are now highlighted.
   8. Right-click one of the connections. A menu appears.
   9. Choose "Bridge connections."

Warnings

    *  The "Local Area Network" is the connection between the PC and Xbox 360.


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Component AV cable For XBOX 360 XBOX 360 DVD Remote Controller Xbox 360 Wireless Controller 3600mah Battery Xbox360 HARD DRIVE 250GB HDD + Headset

How to Connect an XBox to a Laptop's Limited Connection

Microsoft's Xbox Live online gaming and entertainment service is an excellent value for just a few dollars per month. Connecting to Xbox live, however, can be difficult for some, if a typical high-speed Internet connection, such as cable or DSL, isn't available in your area, or you live in an apartment or dorms where an Internet connection is provided with Wi-Fi. In these cases, you can still connect to Xbox Live through your laptop's limited Internet connection, via Wi-Fi or 3G.

Instructions

   1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the Xbox 360 and the other end of the cable into the laptop's Ethernet port.
   2. Click on the "Start Menu," and select "Control Panel" then "Network Connections" on the laptop.
   3. Select both the laptop's Internet connection, whatever it may be called, and the "Local Area Connection" by dragging a selection box around the two options or by clicking on each connection while continuously holding down the "CTRL" button on your keyboard.
   4. Right-click either connection, once they are highlighted, and select "Bridge Connections." Wait while the bridging process is completed, which could take a few moments.
   5. Turn on your Xbox 360 and navigate to "My Xbox," "Settings" then "Network Settings," using the "A" button on the controller.
   6. Choose "Test Xbox Live Connection," and the Xbox 360 will complete the process of connecting to the Xbox Live service. This process can also take a few minutes, so be patient.


 Warnings

    * If "Unbridge Connection" isn't available, you may have to follow the first three steps above, then right-click the bridged connection and select "Unbridge Connection" or delete the bridged connection itself. This will allow you to resume normal Web surfing on the laptop. This is necessary, due to the possibility that it may not be possible, in some cases, for the laptop to access the Internet while the connection is bridged. Unbridging the connection can take several minutes, so be prepared, and do this in advance if you have important, time-sensitive business to conduct online.

   * If you don't have an unlimited data plan and are using a 3G Internet connection, beware, as the standard data rates will apply. While playing games, or downloading content from Xbox Live, you could use a very high amount of bandwidth. If you are not careful, this could result in an incredibly high bill due to excessive data transmission.


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Controller Converter Adapter Cable For PS2 to Xbox 360 Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows DVD Remote Control for xBox 360 Battery Charger Station For XBOX 360 wireless controller

How to Connect the Xbox 360 to My Computer Through My Home Network

Many Microsoft products can communicate and share data, such as your Xbox 360 and PC. You can connect both devices to your home network to begin the process of sharing media. However, don't expect your computer to automatically begin sharing data. In order to finish connecting the console to your computer, you must enable sharing on your PC's "HomeGroup."


Instructions 


  1. Connect both your PC and Xbox 360 to the same network.
  2. Log in as the administrator on your PC.
  3. Click "Start" on your PC.
  4. Click "Control Panel."
  5. Select "Network and Internet."
  6. Click "HomeGroup." The HomeGroup consists of the devices connected to your home network.
  7. Choose "Change advanced sharing options" from the HomeGroup setup page. A list of options appears.
  8. Scroll down to "Media Streaming."
  9. Select "Choose media streaming options" from the "Media streaming" section.
  10. Select "Turn on media streaming."
  11. Confirm the change on the pop-up prompt.
  12. Click "OK."
  13. Turn on the Xbox 360.
  14. Go to "My Xbox."
  15. Choose a media option, such as "My Videos," "My Music" or "My Pictures," to stream that data off your computer.

Tips  Warnings

     You can connect the PC and Xbox 360 to the same network in three different ways. 1) Use an Ethernet cable to connect the two devices directly. 2) Use Ethernet cables to connect the two devices to the same hub or router. 3) Connect them to the same network using each device's wireless controls.


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Microsoft XBOX Game Controller Headset Headphone Microphone for XBOX360 AC power adapter for XBOX 360 Earphone Headset Converter for Xbox 360

What Resolutions Does the 360 HDMI Cable Unlock?

The Xbox 360 is a high-definition video gaming device, capable of stunning game and movie images. High definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables help to optimize this, given the increased resolution and video enhancement options the cable enables. Although the Xbox 360 can display 1080p (1920x1080p) using component or VGA cables, most HDMI-equipped displays require specific subsettings for optimization. In addition, HDMI unlocks specific resolutions such as these to optimize video quality when it's connected to an HDMI-enabled PC monitor.

 1024x768

   1024x768 is a common computer monitor resolution. Found on older liquid crystal displays and smaller non-widescreen LCD monitors, 1024x768 mimics the default output resolution from most PCs running Vista or XP, and is optimized for these monitors.

 1280x1024

   This resolution is designed to accommodate larger or widescreen PC monitors. Selecting this resolution will also allow correct geometry for images sent by the console, without odd stretching effects.

 Reference Black Levels

  HDMI cables offer the option of changing the reference black level sent from the console to the display. This setting, although modifiable by the gamer, is really dependent on the television used. Improper settings can result in a loss of detail in dark areas on-screen. Selecting "Standard" optimizes black level for nearly all modern HD sets using HDMI, although your results may vary depending on your hardware.

 HDMI Color Space
 
  Three major color space options are enabled when using HDMI. RGB, YCbCr709, and YCbCr601 become available when an HDMI cable is detected. RGB is the default standard used for high definition sources, equally appropriate for HD gaming and movies. However, YCbCr601 is optimal for standard DVDs. If media is mixed often with the Xbox 360, selecting "Auto" from the options menu will detect and properly set the right color space for the media type in use.


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Cooler Fan for XBOX 360 Wireless Controller for Xbox 360 HDMI Cable For 1080p HDTV XBOX 360 250 GB Internal Hard Drive for Xbox 360 Slim

How to Connect Xbox to Windows

The Xbox 360 is a video game console manufactured by Microsoft that lets you play high-definition video games, view photos, listen to music and watch videos. The Xbox 360 also allows you to stream video, music and image files from your PC to your television. Connecting your Xbox 360 to your Windows PC can be done in a few minutes.

Instructions
 1. Connect your Xbox 360 and Windows PC via an Ethernet cord.
 2. Power on both your PC and Xbox 360.
 3. Click on "Start," and select "Control Panel."
 4. Choose "Network and Internet," and click "Choose Home Group and Network Options."
 5. Click on "Change Advanced Sharing Settings."
 6. Select "Choose Media Streaming Options," and click "Turn on Media Streaming."
 7. Type in a name or click on "Choose Default Settings," and select the "OK" button. Your     PC is now connected to your Xbox 360.
 8. Go the "Media" area on your Xbox 360.
 9. Select either "Music," "Pictures" or "Video."
 10. Choose "Computer," and select something to play or view.


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Xbox 360 Wireless Controller 3600mah Battery + Charger Headset Headphone Microphone for XBOX360 XBOX 360 Hard Drive Data Transfer Cable HDTV AV Cable for Xbox 360 Component

Friday, April 8, 2011

GEEK TECH WEEK 3: The Big, Shitty Cop-Out

So this is our thourougly disappointing wrap-up to controller week.
We examined the “nearly best” for third-party controllers last week, and now…we tell you what our gold medalists are. In no particular order:

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller  -- Also available in black.
This dandy controller can be found at nearly EVERY electronics retailer.
Pros: Works without a hitch.
Cons: White one can be difficult to keep clean. And seems smaller than the black one. Hmmm.

DualShock 3 Wireless 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3   Also available in silver, red, blue and pink.
Ooooh! You can find this one everywhere too!
Pros: Bluetooth connectivity, rechargable battery
Cons: Triggers havent changed since PS1. GIVE US BETTER GRIPS!

remote and Nunchuck controller for wii Also available in black.
Wow. You can find this one at nearly EVERY retailer around!
Pros: Precision control. Comes with clear Wii-condom.
Cons: Doesn’t feel as sensitive while the clear sleeve is on. Hmm.
Does our title make sense now? The big, shitty cop-out is that there’s really no replacing the first-party controllers. I mean, you can skimp and get something cheaper, but the odds that you’ll have to replace it within a year are relatively high. I mean, there are niche peripherals that make YOU feel better about gaming, with lights, rapid-fire buttons and other geegaws, but at the end of the day, any “cheating” you did doesn’t really further your cause. Sure, you might unlock an avatar t-shirt, or get a new gun, but the only person you’re cheating is yourself.

Do doo do DOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
There’s a reason that they cost so much: they work. And they KEEP working. Hell, we have a g1 Wavebird that’s still going strong.
So do yourself a favor: pony up the cash and get the first-party…until something better comes along.


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows XBOX 360 Hard Drive Data Transfer Cable Xbox 360 Wireless Controller 3600mah Battery Xbox360 HARD DRIVE 250GB HDD + Headset

GEEK TECH CONSOLE AUDIO GOLD MEDALIST: X11+DSS = Afternoon Delight

In a stroke of unabashed genius, the cats at Turtle Beach sent us two unique peripherals that complement eachother amazingly: the Ear Force X11 and the Ear Force DSS . And, well, they’re like chocolate and peanut butter—the two great tastes that taste great together! That being said, this combo gets the “Geek Tech Gold Medal” for console gaming headphones!
Let’s start with the X11: they’re wired headphones that Turtle Beach is famous for—amplified stereo , solid construction and well padded. The only real “problem” is that they’re wired, so at any given point, your entertainment system will look like E-Cthulhu has you firmly in his clutches. No joke. The X11’s require you to piggyback your television’s audio-out, which means you have a cable running from your TV to the headset plug, a USB cable running from your Xbox/PC to the headset, then a link wire running from your controller to the headset control-box.

Wiring layout. The Matrix. It haz you.
However, they make up for it by giving you an EXTENSIVE (16′) length of cable to work with, so you can comfortably sit, recline and muck about while playing. The flexible boom mic is fantastic, and picks up sound extremely well. There’s also a lightweight control box that allows you to turn up chat, main volume and a microphone mute toggle. Unfortunately, the X11 is configured for PC and Xbox 360 only, and you’ll have to pay $10 more for the X31’s if you want PS3 connectivity.
In any case, the X11′s are formidable, especially for their $60 price tag. Compared to the wedge-shaped Tritton AX-180 headset ($79), the plushy earcups on the X11’s are comfortable for all head types, and the bridge padding is unparalleled.
I tend to play games at excessive volumes, not because I NEED to feel immersion…I’m partially deaf (and no, motherfucker, it’s not from listening to music too loud). This meant, in the past, I’d have to close all the windows and doors to play games at an adequate volume. Not to mention, if the girl happens to be snoozing, I can’t really play at the volume I’d like.
Since expanding into headset gaming, I’m not bothering coworkers, neighbors or special lady-friends with booming explosions and screaming zombies. I can honestly say I was EXTREMELY surprised with how well the X11’s work, especially at its $60-or-less price. I should be clear though: these are amplified stereo headphones, not surround headphones. But honestly, the stereo expansion feels clean, with clear division between left and right channels. And the bass…oh lord the bass. The aformentioned partial deafness means I can’t always enjoy subtle nuances inherent in a lot of games. I get juiced on thunderous bass: explosions, gunshots, buildings toppling, concussive punches, you name it. While the bass thump isn’t on par with a sub, it gives a helluva admirable try.
The treble tones are crisp and clean, and layer well over the bouncing bass…never once do they overstep eachother, unlike, say the Trittons.
And the mic levelling allows you to customize how much chatter you want to hear during online matches. Having the lightweight toggle literally next to my hand during frantic multiplayer skirmishes helped hugely, since I tend to turn down chatter when I’m mobile, to get a better handle on my in-game environment. Of course, when the chatter starts, I zip up the comm volume.
Even with both settings at max, the audio doesn’t muddle much…granted, the comm chatter is REALLY treble-intensive, so I could only stand having the volume at 75%.
Pros:
+ 16′ cord ensures good mobility, and a built-in cinch allows you to gather the excess wiring.
+ Excellent clarity
+ Ear cups have nylon cross-hatch construction, so they’re soft but not easily torn.
+ Great directional sound, even though it’s only stereo.
Cons:
-  Excessive wiring isn’t a problem when you’re alone, but poses a significant tripping hazard when you have people and/or animals walking around.
Overall, for the price, the X11′s can’t be beat: the frames are solidly built, not too heavy and well padded. The sound quality is great, the comm input is good and sounds clear without having the boom lodged in your mouth. My only real gripe is the excessive wiring… if there was a single integrated jack, the X11′s would be perfect 10′s.
Final Score: 8.5/10
So the X11′s aren’t in surround…but you love ‘em so much! What’s a gamer to do!? Start by nabbing the Ear Force DSS unit.

Ear Force DSS 
I know what you’re thinking: “more fucking wires!”…am I right? Actually, the Ear Force DSS isn’t as problematic as you’d think.

Not so bad, eh?
If you’re using an optical cable (because, well, why wouldn’t you?), it’s no more of a problem than using the X11’s—it’s actually one less issue to worry about. Tthe optical cable and the USB cable should be the only two wires running from your system, unlike the X11’s that require you to piggyback your TV audio-out jacks. The issue is more for people like me who sit 8-12 feet from the television while playing: the included optical cable is only 6’ and the USB  is 7’ in length, so the DSS “box” has to either sit on the floor, or stretched taut to a coffee table.  Then, the SUPER-long X11 cables can get cumbersome (if not secured with the Velcro cinch), and at the very best, you have a heavy-ass cord cluster hanging from your headphones. Of course, you could be smart and slide the cinch down toward where you connect to the DSS, but you’re still towing a large mass, regardless of placement. But, if you can deal with the setup and wire mess, you’ll find that the DSS is pretty slick.
Used in conjunction with the X11’s, the DSS sounds superb. The already impressive sound range of the X11’s skyrockets into glorious 7.1 (or Dolby Pro Logic IIx without optical) and honestly sounds phenomenal. We tested the unit on PC, PS3 and 360, and it performed well on all of them.
My main problem was the “bass boost control”…we used the DSS with the X11’s, a set of Sennheiser 202’s headphones, and a pair of Skullcandy Ink’d earbuds. With the X11′s, the “boost” barely added to the already impressive tone, and when I increased the “level” it just topped out, giving me a buzz instead of a rumble. Similarly, the non-powered Sennheiser’s exhibited a buzz when we increased the “bass boost.” The Ink’d buds were the only one that actually seemed to offer extra bass, but I suspect that’s more from creating a seal in the ear canal, rather than any extra-amazing tech.
Regardless, the directional audio is really where it’s at. We tested it with Borderlands, Arkham Asylum, Bad Company 2, Red Dead Redemption and Fallout—titles that have an entire spectrum of tones, from amazing explosions to the tinkling of broken glass in an empty hallway. This is where the DSS truly shines: we could hear people walking outside and above us in Battlefield 2, and could hear people sneaking about in Borderlands. It. Was. Siiiiiiick!
Pros:
+  Amazing directional sound, usable with PC, Xbox 360, PS3, and Ipods!
+  compact setup that doesn’t rely on an AC source.
+  Comes bundled with an optical cable (albeit, only 6’)
+  Extremely user friendly—minimum toggles/buttons
Cons:
-  “Bass Boost” doesn’t boost too much.
-  Adding an extra component means more wires.
-  In 7.1, sounds can bleed out of the headphones and be picked up on the mic.
-  USB/B and Optical cables are only 6’/7’ long
Final Score: 9.5/10
Overall, if you have the coin and are looking for a great headphone experience, the Ear Force DSS is a no brainer. It’s usable on all consoles and can be balanced for sound that’s perfect for YOU. Plus, the DSS ($89.99) + the X11′s ($59.99) will cost you $150 if you buy ‘em together, you’re still saving $20 over the Tritton AX Pro’s, and you don’t have to worry about AC-powering them.


things you'll need:


Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3

Black Wireless Bluetooth 6AXIS Controller For Sony PS3
PS2 to PS3 Controller Converter Cable




Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows XBOX 360 Hard Drive Data Transfer Cable Xbox 360 Wireless Controller 3600mah Battery Xbox360 HARD DRIVE 250GB HDD + Headset

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