Strengths: Enables an XboX to output high quality S-Video digital signals and Dolby Digital playback!
Weakness: Microsoft charges you ~$20 for something that should have been included with your XboX purchase.
This addition is intended for those of us who are "blessed" with Audio/Video (A/V) equipment that has digital inputs. These features are included with most of the modern-day low-end electronics available, so it doesn't take much to be part of the crowd. Once you have the equipment and this pack, ignore the RCA jacks as if they weren't there. (The color-coded circular plugs) Output your XboX's Digital Video signal to your TV or receiver using the S-Video connector and the Dolby Digital Audio signal using the Optical connector.
What kind of differences can you expect? The results depend on the equipment you are using, of course, providing noticeableably better results for higher-end TVs and audio equipment. I can say that even the low-end *modern* TV gamers will notice a difference in comparison to the standard RCA connectors provided with the XboX. The video will have better color saturation and clarity, whereas the audio will be crystal clear in all its 6 separate signals of pure bliss. Let me also add that the game has a huge impact on the difference, make sure to use ones that have these features in mind when doing a comparison. (ie. Halo 2)
Bottom Line: The Advanced A/V Pack offers two crucial features that are *necessary* for anyone with a modern TV, 5.1 surround sound system with dolby digital receiver, and/or HDTV. As great as it is, it has one major flaw, the HDTV A/V Pack is almost the exact same price, so buy that instead! For the same price you get all the features the Advanced A/V Pack has plus the option to output an HDTV signal should you ever get an HDTV. (Lost a star since it's a no-brainer ;)
86% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
Strengths: Delivers Optical and S-Video outputs with crystal clear clarity.
Weakness: None
This works exactly as intended for TVs using S-Video and or Yellow, Red, and White RCA jacks. It came with the S-Video/RCA cables needed. Does not come with an optical cable. You need this device to send the 5.1 Dolby Digital sound, through an optical cable, to a Dolby Digital receiver or Home Theater in a Box. Once connected, games sound great!!
50% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
Xbox Advanced AV Pack
Strengths: Enables an XboX to output high quality S-Video digital signals and Dolby Digital playback!
Weakness: Microsoft charges you ~$20 for something that should have been included with your XboX purchase.
This addition is intended for those of us who are "blessed" with Audio/Video (A/V) equipment that has digital inputs. These features are included with most of the modern-day low-end electronics available, so it doesn't take much to be part of the crowd. Once you have the equipment and this pack, ignore the RCA jacks as if they weren't there. (The color-coded circular plugs) Output your XboX's Digital Video signal to your TV or receiver using the S-Video connector and the Dolby Digital Audio signal using the Optical connector.
What kind of differences can you expect? The results depend on the equipment you are using, of course, providing noticeableably better results for higher-end TVs and audio equipment. I can say that even the low-end *modern* TV gamers will notice a difference in comparison to the standard RCA connectors provided with the XboX. The video will have better color saturation and clarity, whereas the audio will be crystal clear in all its 6 separate signals of pure bliss. Let me also add that the game has a huge impact on the difference, make sure to use ones that have these features in mind when doing a comparison. (ie. Halo 2)
Bottom Line: The Advanced A/V Pack offers two crucial features that are *necessary* for anyone with a modern TV, 5.1 surround sound system with dolby digital receiver, and/or HDTV. As great as it is, it has one major flaw, the HDTV A/V Pack is almost the exact same price, so buy that instead! For the same price you get all the features the Advanced A/V Pack has plus the option to output an HDTV signal should you ever get an HDTV. (Lost a star since it's a no-brainer ;)
86% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?