I have a newer 32" Toshiba Flat TV with all the hook-ups in the back. Do I get the HD A/V kit or the Advanced A/V kit? Also, I know I need to get an optical cable for sound into my receiver, but, what about video cable? Do I need to purchase the component video cables or S-video cable or does it come with it? One last question: If I use the either kit, will be able to get sound if my receiver is off? I don't want to have to shake the house every time I play xbox, ya know? My wife and neighbors don't really appreciate it at 1:00 AM

1) As to which kit to buy...
Assuming your TV has both component and s-video inputs, you can get either the HD or Advanced A/V kit. If you want to use the component inputs on your TV (for the best picture), get the HD pack. If you want to use s-video (for a slightly worse picture than component), get the advanced pack.

The HD pack comes with a cable that has the component video connectors and RCA L/R audio connectors. The Advanced pack comes with a cable with an s-video connector and RCA L/R audio connectors. Both packs support an optical cable (but NOT digital coaxial), but neither comes with it. You can get one for $15-20.

2) As to what other video cables you will need...
If you are planning to be switching video through your receiver, you will need ONE additional component or s-video cable (depending on which pack you choose) to run from your receiver to the TV. Check to make sure your receiver can switch component video. Most newer ones can.

3) As to whether you can get sound when your receiver is off...
Well, the simplest option seems to be to turn down the volume on your receiver. Otherwise, it may be complicated depending on whether you are running the video through the receiver. If you are running the video straight to the TV, then all you would have to do is also connect the RCA L/R audio connectors. (You may also have to change some settings in the Xbox menu to switch between optical out and RCA audio out--not sure because I've never tried this). If you are switching video thru the receiver...it is doable but just save yourself the trouble and use the volume on the receiver.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the detailed reply! Much appreciated...

Rather than start a new thread, I figured I'd just continue this one. As I've mentioned in this thread (advice appreciated: http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=187084), I'm looking to get a new tv (anything's better than my current setup). Anyhoo, if I have a 27" tv with component and S-video input, which cable would I want to get? Would it be worth getting the HD AV cable kit even if the tv isn't an HDTV? Also, does the cable kit come with the actual cables to connect from the adapter to the tv or would I have to get those separately somewhere? Does the adapter plug directly into the back of the tv? Any info is greatly appreciated.

Tuan Jim

How about this....Get the Advanced AV pack. Then go all digital into the receiver (s-video/optical), and then use the RCA's to go into the back of the tv. That would work.

I've got the Advanced pack, not the hi-def. The Advanced pack came with an S-video cable and RCA Audio Only. No optical cable. I don't know about the Hi-def pack. Maybe check previous posts.

Well, if quality is the only factor, get component. It is slightly better than S-Video, although the difference may not be as noticeable on a 27" TV.

Yes. The HD pack is the only way to get component video from the XBOX. You don't have to have an HDTV to use the HD pack.

Yes, it comes with the video cables. It does not come with an optical cable for audio.

The adapter is a block which plugs into the XBOX. The video cables (3 normal RCA composite cables--red, green, and blue) plug into the box. The other end of those cables are run to the component input of your TV (or through your receiver if you have and choose that option).