Microsoft KB Archive/927345

Knowledge Base

Xbox 360: How to use the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player

Article ID: 927345

Article Last Modified on 4/25/2007

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APPLIES TO

• Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Player
• Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
• Microsoft Xbox

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SUMMARY

This article describes how to set up and use the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player along with an Xbox 360 console.

MORE INFORMATION

The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is exclusively for use with the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

Set up the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player

Before you can use your Xbox 360 HD DVD Player with your Xbox 360 console, you must follow these steps:

1. Install the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player software.
2. Update the HD DVD player software.
3. Position the HD DVD player.
4. Connect the HD DVD player to a power source.
5. Connect the HD DVD player to an Xbox 360 console.
6. Configure the display settings of the console to view high-definition content.

Install the HD DVD Player software

Turn on the Xbox 360 console, insert the software disc that was included with the player into the console, and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

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Update the HD DVD player software

To experience new features for HD DVD discs as the features become available, you must update the software for the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player.

You can obtain updates for an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in the following two ways:

• Download the update from Xbox Live directly to the console.
  
  If you connect the console to Xbox Live, you will be prompted to download and install the latest software updates for the HD DVD player.

  Note To receive updates from Xbox Live, you must have a high-speed Internet connection and a Silver or Gold Xbox Live membership.

  To receive the latest updates, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to Xbox Live.
  2. Put a HD DVD movie in the HD DVD player's drive, and then close the drive.
  3. If an update is available, select the appropriate response when you are prompted to download and install the update.
• Download the update from the Xbox.com Web site, and then create an update disc.
  
  By using this alternative, you also download the update from the Xbox.com Web site, but then you create a CD or a DVD that you use to update the console. This method is an effective way to receive updates if you do not have an Internet connection at home or if you use a dial-up connection for the console. If you do not have an appropriate Internet connection in your home, you can download the update at another location, create a CD or a DVD, and then take the CD or DVD home to update your console.
  
  To create an update CD or DVD, follow these steps:
  1. Obtain the update. To do this, follow these steps:
     1. Visit the following Xbox Web site:

        http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360hddvdplayer/downloadredirect.htm

     2. When the File Download dialog box appears, click Save.

        Note The update is in a compressed file format.

     3. Select the download location where you want to save the file, and then click Save.
     4. After the download is completed, extract the file to obtain the Default.xex file and the System Update folder to a location on your computer.

        Note Windows XP has a built-in decompressing utility. However, if you are using an earlier version of Windows, you will need a third-party utility to open the file. If this is the case, make sure that you name the update file Default.xex. The update will not run automatically unless the file names and the folder structure remain intact.

  2. Create an update disc. To create an update disc, you must have a CD or DVD burner and a blank writeable CD or DVD. Follow these steps:
     1. Put a blank disc in the burner.
     2. To use the CD copying feature that is built in to Windows XP, select Open Writable CD Folder Using Windows Explorer when you are prompted, and then click OK or open the CD drive folder manually.
        
        If you want to use a third-party CD or DVD writing software utility, follow the appropriate instructions for that utility to create a data disc that contains only the update files on the disc.
     3. Copy the Default.xex file and the System Update folder to the CD folder. Make sure that you add these items to the root level of the disc.
     4. Click Write these files to CD.
     5. Follow the steps in the CD Writing Wizard.
     6. Remove the disc from the drive.

        Note Wait until the CD drive ejects the disc.

  3. Update the console and HD DVD player.
     
     After you create the update disc, put the disc in the Xbox 360 console drive, and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen to update the console.

     Note This procedure updates the HD DVD player software and the console operating system software.

Note By installing this update, you agree to the software license and other related terms that are in the Xbox Live Terms of Use. For more information about the Xbox Live Terms of Use agreement, visit the following Xbox Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/live/legal/legal-tou.htm

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Position the HD DVD player

You can position the HD DVD player horizontally or vertically, just like the Xbox 360 console. However, unlike the console, the HD DVD player has rubber feet only on the horizontal base. Therefore, the HD DVD player is more stable when you horizontally position the HD DVD player.

Important Do not position the HD DVD player so that the cooling vents on the HD DVD player or on the Xbox 360 console are obstructed.

Never change the orientation of the HD DVD player when a disc is in the disc tray or when the HD DVD player is turned on.

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Connect the HD DVD player to a power source

Connect the HD DVD player to a power source by using the power cord and the AC power supply that are provided. To connect the HD DVD player to a power source, fully insert the power supply cord plug into the back of the HD DVD player. Firmly connect the AC power cord plug to the power supply. Firmly connect the other plug on the power cord to a standard wall outlet.

Electrical safety
As with many other electrical devices, failure to take the following precautions can result in serious injury or death from electric shock or from fire. These hazards can also damage the HD DVD player.

• Select an appropriate power source for the HD DVD player.
  • The power input for the HD DVD player is 12 volts at 1.7 amps. Only use the power cord and the AC power supply that came with your HD DVD player or that you obtain from an authorized repair center.
  • Even if the voltage and frequency of an alternative product appear acceptable, do not use non-standard power sources, such as generators or inverters. Only use AC power that is provided by a standard wall outlet.
• Avoid damaging the AC power cord. Follow these guidelines:
  • Position the power cord so that people will not walk on the cord.
  • Protect the cord from being pinched or sharply bent. This is especially important for the part of the cord near the connections to the power outlet and to the HD DVD player.
  • Do not jerk, knot, sharply bend, or otherwise abuse the power cord.
  • Do not expose the power cord to sources of heat.
  • Keep children and pets away from the power cord. Do not allow anyone or anything to bite or chew on the cord.
  • When you disconnect the power cord, pull the plug. Do not pull the cord itself.
  • If the power cord becomes damaged in any way, immediately stop using it and contact Xbox Customer Support to order a replacement cord.
  • Unplug the HD DVD player during lightning storms or during storage.

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Connect the HD DVD player to an Xbox 360 console

You can connect the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player to any USB port on an Xbox 360 console by using the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable that is provided together with the player. To connect the player to the console, follow these steps:

1. Connect the USB cable to the mini-USB port on the back of the HD DVD player.
   

1. Connect the other end of the cable to an open USB port on the Xbox 360 console.
   

If you use the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter, you can free the rear USB port on the console by connecting the wireless adapter to the back of the HD DVD player instead of to the console.

You do not establish a wireless connection between the console and the HD DVD player when you use this method to connect the wireless adapter. However, this method does maintain a wireless connection between a router or a second console and your console as long as the console remains connected to the HD DVD player. You must use a USB 2.0 cable to connect the HD DVD player to the console.

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Configure the display settings of the console to view high-definition content

To view HD DVD movies in high definition, you must connect the console to a high-definition TV or monitor and you must configure the console for high-definition video output. For more information, see your Xbox 360 Setup manual or visit the following Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/support

Set up a universal remote

Disposable battery safety

The universal remote control uses disposable batteries. Incorrect use of batteries may result in battery fluid leakage, overheating, or explosion. There is a risk of fire if you use an incorrect type of battery. Battery fluid is corrosive and may be toxic. Battery fluid can cause skin and eye burns and is harmful if swallowed. To help reduce the risk of injury, follow these guidelines:

• Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
• Do not heat, open, puncture, mutilate, or dispose of batteries in a fire.
• Use only type AA (LR6) alkaline batteries. Do not mix new and old batteries.
• Remove the batteries if the batteries are worn and before you store the controller for an extended period.
• If a battery leaks, remove all the batteries from the device. Make sure that you do not let the leaked fluid touch your skin or clothes. If battery fluid touches your skin or clothes, immediately flush your skin with water. Before you insert new batteries, thoroughly clean the battery compartment with a damp paper towel or follow the battery manufacturer's recommendations for cleanup.
• Dispose of batteries in compliance with local and national disposal regulations. These regulations include rules that govern the recovery and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Insert the batteries

To insert batteries in the remote control, follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery cover from the remote control.
2. Insert two new AA (LR6) batteries into the remote. Make sure that you position the batteries as shown on the bottom of the battery cover. For best performance, we recommend that you do not use rechargeable batteries.
3. Replace the battery cover on the remote control.

Program the universal remote for your TV

Before the universal remote can work with your TV, you must program the remote for use with your particular brand of TV.

Note The universal remote works only with compatible TV models.

You can enter your TV code manually or you can scan to find your TV code. For the most up-to-date list of TV codes, visit the following Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/support

To enter a TV code manually, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the TV, and then point the universal remote at the TV.
2. Press and hold the TV button and the OK button on the remote at the same time for two seconds. All the buttons on the remote will then be illuminated for two seconds. Then, only the numeric TV buttons from 1 through 12 will remain illuminated.
3. Enter the code for your TV.
4. Press the TV button again to save the code and to exit. All the buttons on the remote will blink three times to confirm the selection.

To scan for a TV code, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the TV, and then point the universal remote at the TV.
2. Press and hold the TV button and the OK button at the same time for two seconds. All the buttons on the remote will then be illuminated for two seconds. Then, only numeric TV buttons 1 through 12 will remain illuminated.
3. Press the CH/PG button to send a series of "off" commands to the TV. Repeat this step until the TV turns off.

   Note Give your TV enough time to respond to the "off" command after you press each button. Some TVs take more time to react to "off" commands than other TVs take.

4. Press the TV button to save the code and to exit. All the buttons on the remote will blink three times to confirm the selection.

Notes

• After 30 seconds of inactivity, the remote will exit the TV programming mode. If you press any button other than 0 through 9 or CH/PG, the remote returns to the original settings.
• If you notice that the remote is not completely functional after you set the TV code, try a different code for your brand of TV or scan for another code. To scan for another code, again turn the TV on after it turns off in step 3. Then, continue to press CH/PG for other codes before you go to step 4.
• The universal remote works only with TVs, the Xbox 360 HD DVD player, the Xbox 360 console, and Windows Media Center–based computers. The universal remote does not work with VCRs, DVRs, other DVD players, or audio equipment.

Watch movies

The Xbox 360 HD DVD player can play HD DVD movies at the highest resolution that is supported by the Xbox 360 console and by the TV.

To play HD DVD or DVD movies, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the HD DVD player is connected to the console, and then turn on the HD DVD player.
2. To open the disc tray, press the eject button on the HD DVD player.
   
   
3. If the HD DVD player is in the horizontal position, put the disc in the disc tray with the label facing up. If the HD DVD player is in the vertical position, put the disc in the disc tray with the label facing to the right.

   Note If the HD DVD player is in the vertical position, make sure that the disc is held in position by the tabs on the disc tray.

4. Press the eject button to close the disc tray. The disc will start to play after the player determines the type of disc.

   Note This process takes longer for HD DVD players than for standard DVD players.

5. To use the DVD controls that appear on the screen, press any button other than the Xbox Guide button on the universal remote or on an Xbox 360 controller.

Important

To help avoid disc jams and to help prevent damage to the disc or to the player, follow these guidelines:

• Remove discs before you move the HD DVD player.
• Never use cracked discs. Cracked discs can shatter inside the player and jam or break internal components.
• If the HD DVD player is in the vertical position, do not use discs that are smaller than standard DVDs. If the disc drive is damaged or cannot open, contact Xbox Customer Support to have the HD DVD player repaired.

The Xbox 360 HD DVD player can only play HD DVDs that have the following logo:



The DVD region setting of the console governs standard DVD playback.

Connect more devices

The HD DVD player can also serve as a USB 2.0 hub. This lets you connect up to two other Xbox 360-licensed devices in addition to the Xbox 360 console.

Use the universal remote control

The universal remote control operates like a typical remote control. The universal remote also includes controls for your HD DVD player and for your Xbox 360 console. The universal remote also includes a button that gives you immediate access to a connected Windows Media Center–based computer.

Remote buttons

The Xbox Guide button on the universal remote puts the Xbox 360 experience at your fingertips. Use the Xbox Guide button, the A button, the B button, the X button, the Y button, and the OK button to move around and to control the Xbox Guide and the Xbox Dashboard on your Xbox 360 console, just like you would use these buttons on your Xbox 360 controller.

To give you full access to advanced content menus that may be available on select HD DVDs, the A, B, X, and Y buttons on the universal remote also function just like the A, B, C, and D buttons, respectively, on a controller.

Important The Open/Close button on the universal remote opens and closes the disc tray on the Xbox 360 Console. The Open/Close button does not open or close the disc tray on the HD DVD player.

You can open and close the disc tray on the HD DVD player in the Xbox Guide. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Xbox Guide button.
2. At the bottom of the screen, the Disc Tray bar appears. The Disc Tray bar contains a circle icon together with an open tray prompt. Select the bottom half of the circle to open the disc tray for the HD DVD player. Select the top half of the circle to open the disc tray for the console.

   Note The Disc Tray bar does not appear in the System section of the Xbox Guide.

Windows Media Center Start button

The Windows Media Center Start (Start) button lets you access a connected Windows Media Center–based computer by using an Xbox 360 console.

If you configured your Xbox 360 console to function together with a Windows Media Center–based computer, you can start Windows Media Center by pressing the Start button on the universal remote.

If you have not configured your Xbox 360 console to function together with a Windows Media Center–based computer, you will start the Windows Media Center setup wizard when you press the Start button on the universal remote.

The Start button also turns the console on.

TV mode

To use the universal remote with a TV, press the TV button before the other TV-control buttons.

Note Buttons are backlit and each button will remain illuminated for a short time after you press the button. This helps you see the controls in a dark room. A light near the TV mode button indicates when the remote is in TV mode.

Clean the HD DVD player and the universal remote control

Clean the HD DVD player and the universal remote with a dry cloth or with a cloth that is only slightly damp. Avoid using cleaning solutions because they may damage your HD DVD player or the universal remote.

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