360 Box Core X Article
Facts about the Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is a powerful, next-generation gaming console created by Microsoft. It is among the latest videogaming craze that has its own built-in broadband and networking support, along with memory card storage and an optional hard drive. This cool game console has a built-in Ethernet port for the purpose of online gaming. The DVD storage is 7 gigabytes and the hard drive upgrade has 20 gigs of storage space and allows users the ability to save game blocks without the need to transfer games or to use a memory card. The storage system will also allow uses to update the Xbox they own with new levels, missions, characters, and more.
The Ethernet port allows users the ability to multiplay – you can connect up to more than one box and create a gaming network – better known as “Ian.” Up to 16 players can join in multiplayer gaming modes. There are many Xbox 360 games that allow for multiplayer gaming. You also need an Ethernet port to play games online. The Xbox 360 doesn't have analog Internet support connections. A broadband connected (cable, DSL or isdn) is needed.
ATI created the graphics chip called Xenos which is a step beyond older graphic chips in that it is capable of both vertex and also pixel shading. The GPU contains two dies and this enables the Xenos to do z- buffering and alpha blending withough any noticable undesired effects on performance.
The Xbox 360 memory card allows the transferal of saved games between boxes. It plugs right into the back of an Xbox Controller when being used. If transferals are not planned, then the optional external hard-drive has plenty of memory storage to be utilized. Each memory card hold up to 64 MB and two cards may be used at a time.
The AV output is located on the back of the Xbox console and comes with a Standard AV Pack that outputs regular composite (known as RCA) signals to most television sets. You can also purchase an Advanced AV Pack that outputs S-video and has the ability to connect to digital or surround sound receivers. An Advanced AV Pack is high definition. It allows you to connect to a TV that has the component inputs. It comes with the component cables and standard RCA audio cables, but optical audio cables must be purchased separately in order to output to the digital or a surround sound receiver.
Xbox 360 consoles are designed to work with high-definition TV’s. HDTV and TV both have resolutions of up to 1920x1080 if the High Definition AVE Pack is purchased. The controller for the Xbox 360 is ergonomically designed by Microsoft. It fits well into a medium size hand and it quite light. The controller has an Xbox Guide Button located in the center to give you quick access to the multi-functions of the Xbox 360.
