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[JohnA]

Hi,

I've had a browse around but i've not found any 100% clear answer due to the search function being quite poor. Hopefully one of you guys will have an answer for me

I have a 1.2 XBOX (that only ever runs XBMC in 1080i, MS dash is not even installed anymore) that I would like to add a VGA port to. It's a PAL unit that has been switched to NTSC to allow for HD output at 1080i using component connection. I need the component inputs on my TV for somethign else now so I would like to make use of VGA to connect the XBOX.

I would like to add a VGA port to the back of my XBOX but don't like the idea of having to have 3 switches as shown in some guides in order to pick a video mode. Is it possible to add VGA port while leaving standard A/V port active, and will 1080i also work over VGA if I add it? Not concerned with game or MS dash use, just XBMC. I also want to add RCA output for audio but that seems fairly easy to find how to do without as much conflicting info out there.

Many Thanks
John

[FrostyTheSnowman]

Just follow the below tutorial to create a Sync-On-Green VGA port for your XBOX (which I assume your TV supports), and then just patch your BIOS using my VGA Patcher v0.7, or my Evox M8+ VGA Patcher if you use an Evox M8+ BIOS. (found in my signature)

VGA Port Tutorial:

http://www.360mods.n...cle/sid=35.html

NOTE: After patching your BIOS, you will be unable to use normal A/V cables, so I recommend that you use a Dual-BIOS setup, with one being VGA patched, and the other being the normal version of your BIOS.

NOTE 2: Switches will be necessary, and it is not possible to output 2 different types of video on the XBOX at the same time. (Meaning, you can only use VGA -or- the AVIP at any given time, but not both.)

[JohnA]

I'll be using a samsung lcd tv with this, i'm not sure if it does sync on green. If I assume it does not and use a LM1881N will it do any harm if it turns out it does do sync on green?

Will I be able to use 1080i over VGA? I ask as it seems from that guide that the resistor may have some bearing on the video mode. Also diagram is not really that clear on the RGB connections on the VGA socket (which pin on xbox goes to which VGA socket pin etc).

I've seen other guides using same diagram that lists SPDT switches instead of SPST, which one is correct? Would I be able to have a single switch so I can simply switch between VGA and component, as those are the only two modes I would ever be using. I'm going to mount all sockets on back of unit, component, vga and rca audio (not doing optical now) so I won't ever be using an xbo a/v cable. I may even remove the standard a/v port if this will do no harm.

Sorry for all the questions

Thanks again!

[FrostyTheSnowman]

Well, using switches 2 and 3 in the 'on' position will anable VGA and Component, as VGA on the original XBOX is just modified Component signals, which is why you can ONLY use VGA with a VGA patched BIOS.

So, you can easily mount connectors for both options and permanently enable switches 2 and 3, and both Component and VGA would both work, you would just have to use different BIOSes for both modes.

And as far as the LM1881N diagram goes, yes, feel free to use it if you like. In fact, I recommend it. It will do no harm to Sync-On-Green monitors or TV's. Oh, and yes, 1080i works just fine over VGA, assuming your TV can handle it.  

Follow this diagram for LM1881N-based VGA: (note the colors in the VGA connector for wiring)

NOTE: ONLY use switches 2 and 3, DO NOT use all 3, or your VGA will not work. (I don't know why the creator of this diagram put in all 3 switches, it is not correct...)

NOTE 2: Pins 6,7,8 on the VGA connector are grounds, Pins 1,2,3 are the RGB signals, and pins 13,14 are the H/V signals. (note the numbering on the top of the vga connector in the diagram)

NOTE 3: You could simply jumper the pins with wire instead of using switches if you wanted to.

[JohnA]

Thanks Frosty! Thats pretty much all I needed to know I've ordered the parts I need from maplin and will be doing the mod before the weekend. I think i'll get the base of a black case, and use the front and lid from my green case. Saves destroying the green base...

Does it matter if the resister is ceramic or will this one do? It's 470k Metal Film http://www.maplin.co...e...0k&doy=23m4

Do you know of some pictures that show these types of mods complted with connectors mounted on rear of case? Do you have any tips on making this neat?

Thanks again, i'll post some pictures myself i think after i've done it.

[FrostyTheSnowman]

Well, I don't have any completed pictures of the 'case mod' version, but here is some pictures of my own personal LM1881N-based VGA cables: (all personally built by me)


My wife's VGA cable:

http://forums.xbox-s...howtopic=598854

My friend's VGA cable:

http://forums.xbox-s...howtopic=597313

My personal VGA cable:

http://forums.xbox-s...howtopic=534615

[FrostyTheSnowman]

* Double Post *

If you decide you want to build a VGA cable (which is what I recommend) instead of mounting a VGA port, just follow the below diagram:

[JohnA]

Thank again Frosty!