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Like me, you probably have that "overload" feeling when you purchased your Xbox system. Like any other system, there are the "extra" things you need to buy to get the most out of your gameplay experience. An extra controller - yup. A game or two - absolutely. And if you have a high-definition capable Television set, then the High-Definition AV Pack is an absolute "must have".

What you get is a small rectangular box with a cable at one end that plugs into your Xbox AV Connector. Provided is a standard component cable with the video connectors and two standard RCA audio connectors. Hook up the color coordinated cables to their respective jacks on the box and then plug the other end into the (on most TV's) identically color-coordinated component video jacks. You'll probably want to hook up the two audio cables direct to your TV as there is not enough length available to run them over to your AV Receiver in your home theatre.

One of the absolute best features of the Xbox is the on-the-fly rendering capability of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio. You'll find a rectangular tos-link connector on the High Definition AV Pack to which you can connect the appropriate cable between the Pack and your digital optical jack on your Dolby Digital AV Receiver - unfortunately, the optical cable is NOT included as part of this kit and you'll have to spend another $20 - $40 for this cable at your local electronics store.

Once you've got the cables connected properly you'll want to go into the Xbox "Dashboard" (the standard menu that appears on your TV screen everytime the Xbox is turned on without a game disc in the drive) and tell the Xbox about your new capabilities.

You simply have to go into the Video menu under Settings and answer "yes" or "no" to whether or not your High Definition TV is capable of each of the three High Definition resolutions (480P, 720p and 1080i). Then go into Sound and tell the Xbox if you've connected it to a Dolby Digital 5.1 receiver. Once you've done these two things, the Xbox will automatically utilize the best available resolution and sound for the particular game your playing.

In short - there's no question here. If you've got a high definition Television set (with or without a Dolby Digital AV Receiver) and you don't get this, then you're missing out on getting the most your Xbox can offer you - outstanding visual clarity and, if you get the extra cable and hook it up, an incredible audio experience.

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