"Hmmm... I don't see any difference -- at all. I guess I'm taking this adapter back."

I've had my Xbox for a couple of months now, and we just got a brand new TV (32" Sony WEGA) -- very nice. It has component video inputs on the back of the TV, and I thought I might try to take advantage of those with my Xbox. It turns out this was a mistake.

I studied the box in the store, and I studied the web site at www.xbox.com to find out as many details as possible about this component. Still -- I feel dupped. I know there are two AV adapters. One for "Advanced AV" (ie, S-Video connections and Surround sound via optical) and one for "High Definition AV" (ie, Component video and surround sound via optical). I also had heard that component video was much better than simple S-Video... SO, I took the plunge and dropped $20 to pick up the High Definition AV pack.

The device is a bit bigger than a computer mouse, and is essentially a black rectangle with 6 jacks on the side (3 for component video, 2 for audio, and 1 port for optical audio). It is very simple to use and replaces the standard AV cable that comes with the Xbox. The adapter comes with a big cable, about 5 feet long or so, which is to be used for the component video and audio. The plugs are color coded, however there are two red plugs on the cable. One is intended for the video and the other is intended for audio. They are grouped together, but unless you're paying attention -- this detail is easy to miss. I could see someone easily plugging the red for audio into the red for video and causing damage to speakers or the TV. (perhaps I am just paranoid).

The adapter DOES NOT come with an optical cable to use for surround sound, so that will cost you extra.

Why did I buy the HD AV pack instead of the Advanced? Well, although I don't have a high-definition TV just yet, I do have a nice TV and it does have component video inputs. And, as I mentioned above I thought that component video was supposed to be better than S-Video. I just figured that I'd still see some marked improvement. Alas...

I plugged in the HD AV pack into the back of my Xbox, then to the TV and turned it on... it looks exactly the same -- and I can see no difference at all. I tried a couple of games I know that are made for the Xbox (Dead or Alive 3 and NFL Fever) but it didn't seem to matter. The edges of the characters were just as great looking as before, and the play seemed to be just as smooth. What's more, my TV doesn't automatically sense that there's a component video input occurring, so I have to manually change the TV to the proper input channel. What a hassle! Maybe I'm spoiled -- maybe I expected too much, but it just isn't worth the extra aggravation to me.

I don't think the device is broken, and I think it does make a difference if you have an HD TV. I just don't. If you don't believe me, just check out the other reviews on this device. However, I think Microsoft could have been a bit more honest on their website and packaging and flat out said that I won't see any real benefit unless I have an HDTV.

Oh well, back to the store... at least until I get a high-definition TV!!


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