Need some Xbox answers please

[Timster]

I'm contemplating purchasing Xbox. I was wondering if I could get a few questions answered from any owners out there. What I would like to do is use it as a gaming console and media player. I would then like to get an ethernet card for my computer and run a cable from my bedroom (computer) to my living room (Xbox) and be able to share multimedia files. Is all this possible? I'm also thinking of purchasing a TV tuner for my computer and run a cable in my bedroom to the computer and use some software to record TV shows, then play them on my X-box via the ethernet card. Then maybe I'll be able to get rid of my Tivo subscription.
A few questions. 1. I want one with a Samsung drive. Is this a crap shoot?
2. Do I need to buy the "DVD player addon" or do I need to buy the mod chip? 3. Which mod chip do I need to buy in order to download Xbox media player? BTW, I only have a 56k dial-up connection. Is everything I want to do possible? Which is the best site to learn all about Xbox, mod chips and such. I've done some searching on google but there seems to be quite a few sites. Any help on pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim

[orbital517]

Xbox is broadband only, so it is already out of the question if you are looking to hook up via 56K connection.

[Timster]

Not neccessarily. I don't plan on using it for online gaming. I should still be able to use an ethernet connection to connect to my PC. So what would I need a broadband connection for, except for posiibly downloading Xboxmedia player? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[thayne]

you can share any internet connection with a router, but to do what you want you will need a mod chip. I have been thinking of doing this, but I think it's illegal to buy mod chips in the US. I saw a story about some big sting operation recently and they went after buyers....

[ChipmOnk]

it's illegal to buy mod chips in the US

First of all, xbox modchips are NOT illegal. The reason is because most xbox modchips do not come flashed with their bios [code that does all the things you'd want your modchip to do]. A blank modchip is not illegal because it is useless without the code that tells it what to do. This code, however, for the most part is considered illegal because it contains copyrighted Microsoft code. However, modchips do not necessarily have to contain this copyrighted code. One example of a completely legal bios is the Cromwell BIOS and the many Debug bioses. What happened in that sting, if we're referring to the same one, happened only to a main distributer of a certain type of chip which came preflashed with illegal code. FBI was on to him for a long time before, however, because he had one of the largest websites catering to illegal software release information. FBI just really wanted that site taken down so they got him on the Xbox chips. And as far as I know about that bust, no customers of his were affected. Ok, on to Timster's questions....

I would then like to get an ethernet card for my computer and run a cable from my bedroom (computer) to my living room (Xbox) and be able to share multimedia files. Is all this possible?

Yes, this is possible. You will need RJ45 Crossover cable [if connecting your computer directly to the Xbox, if using hub/router then use regular RJ45... also, this cable can be Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6, but all that's needed is Cat5]. You will also need a FTP program of some sort, FlashFXP is a highly recommended one. As far as sharing goes, RelaX or Samba are recommended choices.

I want one with a Samsung drive. Is this a crap shoot?

Unfortunately, for the most part, yes. The three types are Samsung, Philips, and Thomson. Although I've noticed many Xboxes made circa December 2002 have Samsung drives.

Do I need to buy the "DVD player addon" or do I need to buy the mod chip?

Nope, all you need is a modchip and the DVD-X v2 software which allows you to use your Xbox controller as the "remote".

Which mod chip do I need to buy in order to download Xbox media player?

You can use ANY Xbox modchip to use XBMP. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you may pick up a v1.3 Xbox, and not all modchips are compatible with it. By far the most popular, and by most accounts, most powerful and flexible chip is the X-ecuter 2.2. There have been some exploits coming up recently which don't need a modchip, but they are very experimental, have some huge problems which need ironing out, and even when they are more stable, i wouldn't suggest a novice to try it, becuase by flashing your Xbox, instead of a chip, you are in real danger of frying your console.

BTW, I only have a 56k dial-up connection. Is everything I want to do possible?

Yes, probably the largest download you will make is XBMP which is 6.8mb.

Which is the best site to learn all about Xbox, mod chips and such.

Xbox-Scene for the most part holds the monopoly on Xbox information.

Take care and good luck,
ChipmOnk