So basically, if you don't care that other people see what you purchased (and you trust they won't change your online settings) it's a way to get Live for $25 a person? What does that Primary account holder's billing account have to do with anything besides renewing the sub? I assume each secondary account holder can add their own points, right?

Well that ain't good. You could trying calling support.

I dunno, it sort of sounds like only the primary user can buy stuff.

Okay, so after a couple of days with the new controller I'm thinking it's just wonderful.

I'm damn glad I jumped in on the deal.

Nothing is OVERTLY different. But, the dpad feels better (still not Nintendo levels, but it's definitely an improvement over the mess of the original), the analog sticks feel better, the buttons, bumpers and triggers feel better. I don't know if the other new controller (the solid black one) has these refinements minus the rotating dpad, but they should definitely use this as a basis for all new controllers.

Anybody else? It's all pretty subtle, but I think still noticeable.

That's the way I feel. Nothing truly stands out as night & day different on the controller(d-pad aside), but overall everything just feels a tad better.

Wheeeeee! Mine just came in the mail, so I'm excited to try it out, glad to hear the positive initial impressions.

i concur with those that think the new dashboard is slower. to me, it is noticeably slower.

This is because it's processing the 3D menus of the previous dashboard through a 2D re-renderer.

The new dashboard is actually 4D and only those whose consciousnesses can transcend time are able to take full advantage of the upgrade. For those not so blessed Microsoft will be offering a 4D neural upgrade for $99.99 or a 4 person Family Pack for $349.99. It really makes the Kinect kick ass I tell ya.

Black and red tiger comes as a code sent via email.

Is anybody else having issues watching ESPN? I've watched a couple of football games and it constantly falls out of HD, and gets very blurry almost unwatchable for a at times. I was watching an NBA game and it didnt seem to happen as often.

I watch netflix all the time and never have this issue with it.

i haven't watched anything with it yet, but that would seem to be an issue w/ the signal quality. seems weird that you'd get two different levels of quality, running through the same service, though.

Ya I mentioned it doesn't happen with Netflix for that reason. I wonder if it has something to do with the programming that ESPN is using, maybe it's not as stable as Netflix because it's so new and they have some kings to work out?

Edit: I just ran a speed test and I'm running at 18 mbps down and 3.3 up. I don't think signal strenght is the issue, it only takes 3-6 mbps for HD I believe.

I just watched a little of the Celtics game and it looked pretty good. I have noticed the ESPN3 on my computer seems to be better some days than others. I have a pretty quick speed as well so I am thinking something on the ESPN side. Still pretty cool to have another option.

At least you guys get it, 3 ISPs around here and none offer it.

You guys need to be careful talking about sports and/or ESPN around these nerds in their nerd thread.

I tried watching ESPN on the 360 during the preview and I thought it looked terrible on a big screen TV. Maybe I need to try it again.

I popped on a tennis match the other night and it looked okay, about Netflix SD quality. When your team is blacked out of local channels and only on ESPN3, it'll suffice.

I’m getting a 360 for our family for Christmas have a few questions. Some of these may be very basic and answered when I get a unit, so forgive me if I’m putting the cart before the horse:

1. I’m a bit concerned about the kids saving over my game saves (this happened on our GameCube). Is there a way to tie a gamesave to a specific player so this can’t happen? Or at least a way to back up your game saves?
2. I don’t see us needing a Gold account. Do you recommend creating a basic account for every member of your family that plays? Or just the adults?
3. The main players on our system will be young kids. After a little research, it seems to me that if I get a 4GB slim + 16GB USB stick, I should be set for quite a while for just game saves and a few Live Arcade games. We won’t be playing anything intensive like Halo Reach or anything. Am I correct in my thinking?
4. For extra wireless controllers (not used TOO much), would you say “generic” brands are fine? Or am I better off paying a little more for genuine MS controllers?

1. Saves are specific to the player profile.
2. See above. I'd create basic profiles for each player.
3. Absolutely.
4. 3rd party accessories are rarely good, spend the extra $5 and get the 1st party ones.

For 1 and 2, set up an account for each person, then you won't deal with saving issues. The only way you'll run into problems is if you want to go online with Gold.

I'd suggest just getting the HD now, yeah you may not need it, but if you end up getting into music games, it'll be a nice thing to have. (it's definitely not required though)

I'd pay for the genuine controllers, often you can find them on sale for under $30 online.

I agree with this. While you may not consider use of the HD now a necessity, in the future you may want the capability so just bite the bullet at the outset and you don't have to worry about it.

I'd also invest in rechargable batteries (either a specialized pack for the 360 controllers or standard rechargeables). With little kids button mashing you may go through batteries in a hurry.

Yeah. Rechargeables are a must. I just bought a ton of AAs, since I have so many remotes floating around the house.

Bear in mind that you can also create a local offline account. This can later be converted to a Live account if you wish.

I know! at the nerds.

By the way, I saw over at TrueAchievements that you're looking for a boosting partner for gamer points on Red Dead Redemption. I'd be up for that!