Hooking up an XBOX
 

Has anyone used the Monster Cable GameLink cables? I was planning on ordering the GameLink 400 but realized that my TV only has 2 Component hookups and both are in use. Now I am planning on getting the GameLink 300 and using the S-Video route along with the Optical for sound. Do these cables make a noticable difference compared to the ones out of the box?
tks
b.

Sorry if this has been discussed before but i couldn't find it.

Do you have a High Def TV?

Yes.
Only 2 Component hookups on back and both are in use. 1 is being used by DVD Player and other is by the HiDef Decoder for my dish.

Well then it should be a big difference between S-video and Component, because you won't be sending a high def signal via the S-video.

I myself do not have an HDTV so I can't speak to the difference specifically from experience, but if you want high def, you won't be getting it via the S-video.

I personally would buy a component switching box instead of the Monster cable, and use the one from the 360 (assuming you got the premium) and you would probably end up saving money.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1113534250337
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1130980621234
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

EDIT: Just realized you are talking about a standard XBox. I would then just go to S-video, unless you are planning on getting a 360, in which case the component switcher would be a good investment for the future. Or try Ebay, I am sure some decent deals can be had for less than Monster.

I have no plans right now for a 360.
I will go ahead and get the Monster GameLink 300 and use the S-Video. Has anyone used these cables?? Will it be a noticable difference from the cables that come with the box?

You will notice a slight upgrade in picture due to switching from composite to s-video, but that is due to the connection type and not the brand of cable. As for audio, if you are using the TV speakers there will probably be no difference.

Oops, I figured we were talking 360 as well...

I should have stated in title.
Sorry
b.

I just think you would have the same hapiness from a $10 pelican or Mad Catz s-video cable that you would from a $35 one from Monster, and use the difference to buy 1/2 a game.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1126592233458

The Monster GameLink 300 is $70 up here in Canada. :( I will definitly look for a cheaper one. It was only last night I realized I never had another Component Out on my TV. Glad I never ordered the 400.
b.

You'll definitely enjoy playing in surround sound if you're going to hook up your XBOX to a surround sound system. There are some games with absolutely jaw-dropping 5.1 audio.

I am going to hook the video up via S-Video and Audio up via a optical cable.

I think if you are doing optical, you will need a different cable than what I was linking to.
I believe something like this:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Micro...oductDetail.do

Unless the Xbox has an optical built into the back, which I am not sure of. I see the Monster 300 has only s-video and composite R/L cables, with no port for optic.

I have my XBOX set up with the "Hi Def pack" and some games look awesome while others like just ok.

Either way you'll definately want to take advantage of XBOX's 5.1 DD. :up::up: When I had my PS2 I had the Optical from both the XBOX and PS2 going to an inexpensive 2 way Optical splitter from Radio Shack that then went to my YAMAHA 5.1 Receiver. It worked perfectly. As far as the video I simply switched between systems with a S-VIDEO capable game switcher unit that cost me $20.

Here is the link to the Monster versions.
http://www.monstercable.com/monstergame/xbox/

GameLink 300 is the one I want and the Lightwave 100. Hopefully there are cheaper brands out there of these.

I provided links for other brands, and you can go to Radio Shack and pretty much buy any optical cable that will provide the same results. I am still not sure if you need the hi-def pack I linked above to provide the optical port. Hopefully some other XBox owner can provide feedback on the requirements for this (Robo?)

Monoprice is a good place to buy good inexpensive cables.

http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

Why are you against using a component switch? The original XBOX still looks a lot better with Component cables.

The Box's Optic is regular on one end and unique to the XBox on the other. I have extra optical cables here but they will not fit.

I am not totally against a switch but i'd rather just buy a cable. There is no Radio Shack up here in Canada and the local "The Source" don't seem to carry anything like it only the Monster. There is no Best Buy here on the island either. :(

I just got a 16:9 HDTV. I have no plans on upgrading to a 360 any time soon. I want to hookup my XBOX with the HD av pack, but I've been to several sites and all are out of stock/not available. Why is this so hard to find now?

It's always been relatively hard to find.

For the OP, buy the component switch box. It's worth it. Also, check your receiver -- it should have some component video switching if it's not that old.

The HD pack shouldn't be hard to find anymore.

They started selling them again months ago and I can find boxes of them for you at CC and Toys R Us.

Yeah, that is what I do...I run two component cables through my receiver....that is a good option also.

If anyone is still interested, the link above will take you to MonsterGame cables. If you look below you will find HOOK-UP TIPS.
It helped me. I use Gamelink 400 with analog (5 wire) along with the light wave. That allows me to play on regular TV when my family complains about the surround sound in the middle of the night.