I went to Best Buy today and Happened upon one these units in an open box on sale for $9.60. What a deal I couldn't resist besides I needed one and would have spent the $19.95.
I have 2 TV sets in the house. One has s-video and the other only has RF inputs. The TV that does have AV inputs has a DVD and a satellite receiver connected to it through a switch box. When I connected the X-Box to it with the standard connector I had to unplug the S-video from the TV. What A Pain in the rear. So it became apparent that I needed the Advanced AV Pack for My X-Box.
Enough background. The unit itself is very simple. It has 6 connections they are: Left and right Audio, Composite Video, S-Video an OPTICAL digital output, the connection to the X-Box itself. It also comes with a stereo audio/S-Video cable to connect the adapter box to the TV.
I have to say that I was surprised by the OPTICAL digital output. The fact that there is an optical output on this unit means that it is not simply a passive cable. This unit actually does something in that it converts the digital audio signal from the X-Box to an OPTICAL digital output. It really gives this unit a lot more value for the money than I was expecting. In the real world adapter boxes that produce an OPTICAL audio signal can cost $50.00 or more.
I feel that the X-Box should have come with a S-Video adapter in the first place.

Does this thing work? Heck yes. When I plugged in the X-Box to my TV via the S-video connector I was stunned by the Video quality on my 32 inch SONY TV. It looks terrific compared to my other TV using the RF adapter which has no A/V inputs. The sound is much cleaner as well. Unfortunately I do not have a receiver that has a OPTICAL input (I wish I did) so I can not test the 5.1 DOLBY digital audio.
The operation is very simple. the plugs are color coded so it is tough to make a mistake and the S-Video only goes in one way.
Do you need this? Yes if you want to use your X-Box with a TV that has S-Video inputs and want to get the best picture possible. Yes also if you want to get the most out of the sound abilities (DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1) of the X-Box.

This unit will take you right up to the point where the only way to see and hear your X-Box games better will be with a HDTV System (you will need the X-Box HDTV adapter at that point).
I find it strange that all of the X-Box A/V cable are the same price.
The unit seems well built. It is made out of a Black plastic. The cable seem to be a reasonable quality.

What else can I say the X-Box Advanced AV adapter is a must if you want to get the most out of your X-Box.

Recommended: Yes