XBox remote question
 

I know the DVD playback kit does not have a power on/off button on it, but is it possible to use a universal remote (like a Harmony 688) to turn the XBox on/off with the DVD playback dongle/adapter?

No. You can program a universal remote to control the DVD features the same way the Xbox remote works. I also remember that on the screensavers, they designed something to remotely turn your xbox on and off and put it in the controller, but that takes a lot of work...

xboxscene I think is the site that had an article on how to add the on/off feature using a universal remote. Unfortunately, that is also a lot work, I was going to do it, but then figured the work wasnt worth it. I guess I'm not that lazy after all, or maybe I am since I didnt want to build the thing :hscratch:.

the easiest way is to jam a paperclip in the power button so it is always pressed in. Then go to radio shack and buy a rf power switch and plug it in between the wall socket and the xbox. Then when you turn the switch with your remote, the unit will power on/off

I was going to buy this one, but after reading what needed to be done to get it to work, I decided against it...then I found this
http://www.cheaplpc.com/XIR/
and have been happy ever since :D Simple install (a little "fiddley" to get it plugged in, but no more so than the mod chip) and does everything needed.