Microsoft KB Archive/945974

= Xbox 360: Description of the Family Play Timer feature =

Article ID: 945974

Article Last Modified on 12/6/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
 * Microsoft Xbox

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SUMMARY
This article describes the Family Play Timer feature of the Xbox 360 console. You can use the Family Play Timer to set time limits on how much an Xbox 360 console can be used in a day or in a week.



MORE INFORMATION
The Xbox 360 Family Timer became available in early December 2007 as a software update download through Xbox LIVE. It will also be available on new game discs.

Overview
The Family Timer is an addition to the existing Xbox 360 parental controls that help make the Xbox 360 experience safer and more secure for the whole family.

The Family Timer lets parents control how much the console can be used by members of the household in a day or in a week. For example, a parent could set the console to allow only two hours of play per day. After two hours expire, the console cannot be used again during that 24-hour period, unless additional time is granted by the parent.



Features
The Family Timer is easy to use and to monitor. Limits can be set by the day or by the week. The console will give notifications at 60-minute, 30-minute, 15-minute, and 5-minute intervals before the allocated time expires. Parents can also easily enter the security pass code to suspend the Family Timer functionality. This pauses the timer temporarily.

Access details
To access the Family Timer, follow these steps:
 * 1) In the System area of the Xbox Dashboard, select Family Settings.
 * 2) Select Console Controls.
 * 3) Select Family Timer.

This is the only access point for initial setup of the feature. After the Family Timer is set up, the parent can press the Guide button and then select Personal Settings to access the feature. Family Timer will appear as an option.

Settings details
A parent has three options for setting limits: Daily, Weekly, or Off. The Daily option lets the parent set a limit on console use per day in 15-minute increments. The Weekly option lets the parent set a limit on console use per week in 1-hour increments.

During the initial setup of the Family Timer, the system prompts you to set the clock to the current time and time zone. This enables the timer to track time correctly. The first time that any Family Settings feature is accessed, either the Family Timer or any other setting, you must create a four-button pass code. If a pass code has already been set, the system will ask for the code when you try to modify any Family Settings.

The Family Timer is set for the Xbox console, not for each user profile.

Timer details
When the console is being used, notifications will appear 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and 5 minutes before the time expires. In addition, the Xbox Guide includes a real-time countdown so that users can check the timer status at any time. These functions give gamers sufficient notification so that they can save their games.



When the allocated time expires, a message alerts the gamer of the end of the session and offers three options: Add More Time, Suspend Timer, or Shut Down Console. To select Add More Time or Suspend Timer functions, the user must enter the Family Settings pass code.

Note The Suspend Timer option lets users who have the pass code spend time on the console without using up the time allocated by the Family Timer.

When the Suspend Timer function is turned on, the Family Timer is suspended for that session only. As soon as the console is turned off, the Suspend Timer option will automatically be turned off, and the predetermined Family Timer settings will again be applied for the next session.

Keywords: kbxbox360ext kbgraphxlink kbxbox360pacrimportal kbxbox360europeportal kbxbox360americasportal kbxboxlivefeatures kbpubtypekc kbinfo KB945974

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