Xbox 360 HDMI AV Cable Reviews

• Careful with this, this is not a Converter.

  
  By A2YF4B3572T3KL on 2007-10-10
  I Love my XBOX 360 with it's Microsoft VGA Cable.
  Just wanted to Clear this up for people with the older 360's looking to boost their graphics. (This Cable dose exactly what it is meant to do, that is why I give it 5 Stars).
  
  I have a non-HDMI XBOX 360 core system mfg. 7/2007, the picture doesn't show it well, but all this package contains is a Standard HDMI cable and a adapter that connects to the large A/V port on the back of the 360 and goes out to SOUND ONLY.
  
  This WILL NOT Adapt your Standard 360 A/V port to HDMI.
  
  This product only works if your XBOX 360 Already has a HDMI port in the back and it just gives you ports for audio so you can attach your 360 to HDMI and your surround sound receiver. where as with just HDMI cable, the sound is just coming from your TV's speakers.
  
  

• Utterly pointless waste of money

  
  By A1J75JJ0Q2OEJN on 2007-10-04
  The HDMI AV kit includes an HDMI cable (which you can find online for about $5.00 if you look around) and the XBox HDMI AV adapter. The reason they sell this kit is because they designed the standard HD-AV (component) cable connector to be too big to work in conjunction with an HDMI cable, so if you want HDMI video -AND- optical or Red/White RCA audio, you have to use this adapter to get the audio connections into the XBox 360's rear port.
  
  ...Or so they want you to think.
  
  The truth is that this is just the same connector as the HD-AV cable (Component cable) but it lacks the video connection, and the housing is slightly smaller. No technological wizardry involved. It's just a smaller plastic box, and thus your HDMI cable will fit next to this in your XBox 360's connector port.
  
  You could spend the money for this if you're not very handy. By all means, I'm sure Microsoft needs the money!
  
  OR, you could take a dremel to a used XBox 360 HD-AV (component) cable, cut out some of the extra plastic, and use THAT in conjunction with your HDMI cable.
  
  I take no responsibility for your clumsiness or if you mess up your XBox 360, but I can attest to the fact that a cut-away HD-AV cable works fine for transmitting audio while your HDMI cable transmits video.
  
  So the choice is yours: $50 for this thing, or use your existing cable (the one that came with your XBox 360) and a Dremel, and save yourself some cash.
  
  

• Useless!

  
  By A1YNXJSPBRTQXS on 2007-09-18
  This product only works with the 360 Elite. NO WHERE on Amazon or Microsoft websites is this stated. Amazon even encourages you to buy this together with the Xbox 360, and they don't even work together.
  
  

• Let the buyer beware

  
  By AHPDG4OT5ZECK on 2007-12-21
  If your Xbox 360 has a HDMI port, and you have a HDTV with a HDMI port, then you probably do not need this cable. Instead, you can use a plain HDMI cable that you can buy from Amazon for ten or twenty dollars. Don't spend more money than you need to (and don't buy Monster cables, either).
  
  

• make sure that your XBox 360 has HDMI support!

  
  By ATW7IRETO11CQ on 2007-11-28
  I did not realize that this worked only on XBox 360 units with an HDMI port. I assumed (wrongly) that it transformed the regular port and turned it into an HDMI port.
  
  So I wasted my money...
  
  
• wish I didn't need it
  By A2QHJLS9C5VK3M on 2007-09-26
  Works only with xboxes that have HDMI output ports (manufactured around July 07). This kit allows you to connect your xbox to an hdmi input on your TV. It also comes with a special adaptor that allows you to connect an output dongle to the regular output of the xbox. This adaptor allows you to output an optical connection to your sound system separately (for those of you who don't want/can't get their audio through HDMI)
  
  Con: It stinks that you need this. The xbox comes with a connector that has an optical audio output, but this connector is so large that an HDMI cable will not fit into the adjacent HDMI port at the same time.
  
  
• For HDMI 360's only
  By A2ETJJMEWNF9XU on 2007-09-18
  This product DOES work with the standard 360 as long as it's one of the HDMI compatible models. All newly produced 360's have HDMI support, but onlt the Elite model comes with this cable. If you have a newer 360 and the TV to support it, dont hesitate to buy this cable and experience true 1080p HDMI video.
  
  
• All Newer 360 Premium Consoles have HDMI
  By AIT2ONSXQG36M on 2007-09-19
  All newer versions of the 360 premium consoles have HDMI ports. You need to be sure you're buying a 360 premium console manufactured after 07/04/07.
  360 Premium consoles do not come with the HDMI cable and the seperate cable for the optical audio.
  You're better off getting an elite. You get the HDMI cable and seperate cable for optical audio and you get a bigger hard drive. In the long run you save more money getting the Elite.
  
  
• Not for all XBox 360s!!!
  By A21TO9LJEXXVGR on 2007-11-21
  Be careful. This cable is ONLY good for the XBox 360s that have the HDMI port in the back, not the standard A/V port. This is NOT for XBoxes created before July 07. There is only a very small note on the box stating that the XBox must have an HDMI port. I had looked all over the box to see if it would work before I opened it up, but I didn't notice anything stating that it would not work on my XBox. After I opened it up, I noticed that there was no HDMI converter for the older 360s. I didn't even realize that there were more than one kind of 360.
  
  
• Stupid Reviews
  By A43NT4U69LVGQ on 2007-12-13
  Most people seem to be reviewing their own stupidity at buying the wrong product rather than the quality of the product itself.
  
  
• Overpriced, but necessary.
  By A2YUN5AR2GHEEN on 2007-10-08
  I just got a new 360 with HDMI, and I needed this because I don't have an HDMI-capable sound system. The cable is not that great. I am getting noticeable flicker (brightness flickering) that seems to go away when I switch back to my VGA cable. If Microsoft expects us to drop $50 on their product, they should at least make it top-notch.
  
  
• It is what it is
  By AI0OP3JPDTS5C on 2008-02-15
  What you see is what you get. Take a look at the package. You see two ends of an HDMI cable. That is a plain vanilla HDMI cable that you could get anywhere. Over on the right is the audio dongle, and you are seeing just about the whole thing except for the part that connects to the Xbox 360. It all works fine. This audio dongle is slimmer that the standard Microsoft A/V progressive cable, which is what gives you the room to put the HDMI cable in.
  
  Don't get this unless you have one of the newer HDMI Xbox's. This is not a conversion kit.
  
  Don't get this if you plan on running the HDMI cable from the Xbox 360 to your receiver, with another HDMI out from your receiver to your TV. If that is your setup, just get a plain HDMI cable and save money.
  
  Don't get this if you plan on running the HDMI cable from the Xbox 360 to your TV, AND you have a Digital Audio Out on your TV that you can run to your receiver, AND you have verified that the Digital Audio Out will not truncate any Dolby Digital 5.1 HDMI signal down to 2 channel audio, which can happen with some TVs. Of course, you'll need a spare HDMI cable to test with first, but if you still get DD 5.1 out of the Digital out on your TV, then no need to get this.
  
  Otherwise, if you still need this for the separate optical audio connection between the Xbox 360 and your receiver, then this is perfectly acceptable, though much more expensive than a plain HDMI cable you can get online.
  
  
• Helpful but total ripoff!
  By A2IS9UGTIWSV67 on 2008-05-10
  I'm sure people have already explained this, but the purpose of the adapter is to allow you to run your audio through the RCA connections or through optical audio rather than HDMI. The reason that is important is because some people may not have receivers (like me) that accept HDMI audio signals but do accept RCA and/or optical inputs. My TV, however, accepts HDMI, and since I want to use the HDMI for video but my receiver for audio, the only way to split the audio feed out of the HDMI connection is to get this cable. This is because Microsoft decided to place the HDMI port on the back of the Xbox (I have the arcade version) so close to the other video/audio outputs that the dongle for the component video/audit actually BLOCKS the HDMI port. That disallows you from running an HDMI cable for video while using the shipped dongle for optical audio (as I need). I hope this makes sense.
  
  The dongle you are buying simply extends your audio outputs so that you are not blocking your HDMI port. Simple, and stupid, because if they just redesigned their cables in the first place they wouldn't need to sell this accessory.
  
  Finally, why is this a ripoff? Because they package an HDMI cable with it. Most of us already have HDMI cables, or we want an HDMI cable longer than the 6 ft. cable in this package, so we are now forced to pay an inflated price because they are giving us an extra HDMI cable.
  
  Do yourself a favor and get the audio dongle from this package separately, which you can do on eBay for about $3.00. Yes, $3.00. Then do yourself another favor and buy a 10 ft. HDMI cable for about $10. Since HDMI is digital, you do NOT need to invest in an expensive cable. All HDMI cables are the same. Gold-plating means nothing and simply inflates prices and confuses consumers.
  
  In any case, I had to buy this cable because I live in Japan and I really wanted to use the HDMI port but I did not have access to eBay to get the $3 cable. So I blew $50 just because I couldn't physically get to the HDMI port and Audio ports on my xbox at the same time. Ridiculous.
  
  
• Core system
  By AXI9L6YELAN6O on 2008-04-17
  Don't get this if you have the Core system. You can't connect via HDMI, unfortunately I didn't know this
  
  
• BEST ALL AROUND!!!!
  By A1AL1SLW4M3RJV on 2007-09-21
  These cables rock very hardcore work very well in design, picture, & sound quality. perfect for that HI-DEF experiance that you want in a council and in home entertainment!! easy to setup & install thats why Microsoft rocks over Sony because they get stuff right!!! 5outof5!!!
  
  For all the people who complain stop wineing and suck it up don't post a review to just complain about nonsense no one cares that you don't have the right xbox so it's your fault for being dumb. So don't take it out on Microsoft because like everything xbox this HDMI connectors rock!! These are the best to buy no 3rd party only the origional. JUST BUY THEM YOU WON'T GO WRONG WITH THEM!!! I Give these a 5 out of 5. A slap in the face review from a real gamer not a crying wuss!!!
  
  
• Necessary for Surround Sound
  By ASXMHYOLNFPXG on 2008-01-23
  To clarify and hopefully help some of you; from what I understand, the Xbox HDMI only supports 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Also, if your tv happens to have an optical output, it most likely only outputs 2 channels and not 5.1. It is therefore that microsoft includes the adapter in this package so that you can get 5.1 true the optical output. There is a hack you can do if you have a component cable, however, leaving the metal part exposed, increases the chance of a short circuit. In short, if you'd like to have Surround sound, you may need this, else, you don't need the adapter and are better off buying a cheap $5 HDMI cable.
  
  It is unfortunate that MSFT didn't build this into the system and is charging this much for it.
  Edit: As T Berry clarifies in his comment, you can get 5.1 through the HDMI cable if you have a reciever that supports hdmi (which I don't) and go from there to your tv. This cable is needed if you need optical audio. The xbox supports HDMI 1.2 and not 1.3 and so you cannot get Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams through HDMI (if that's important to you).
  
  
• Don't bother reading negative reviews, instead...
  By A32AFX2PUJ82HG on 2008-05-11
  ...know what you are buying and what your needs are. Description clearly states that this unit does nothing except allow you to run an HDMI video signal to your TV for 1080p and a digital audio signal to your home theatre system. If you have a home theatre system with HDMI inputs and outputs you do not need this. If you want sound coming from TV speakers you do not need this. Works great for what it does and meets my needs. If you do not have an XBOX with an HDMI output, then obviously you do not need this.
  
  
• Amazing quality picture
  By A194GVRPIDYSXN on 2007-09-20
  I got this cable to go with my Xbox 360 Console Halo 3 Special Edition (with HDMI) with the HDMI port. The picture on the Sony Grand Wega tv I have is amazing, and the surround sound using an optical cable is just unbelievable. Yes, you do need a 360 with an HDMI port, and the Elite does include this cable, but if you have just recently bought a Pro console, or the Halo edition console, and want THE BEST picture possible, I would definitely go with HDMI.
  
  
• BEWARE
  By A28QV6KGME3VN7 on 2007-11-21
  This HDMI cable only works with new XBOX360 cause the old ones don't have HDMI connector.
  
  This is not mentioned anywhere in the product description. Your console must have HDMI connectors.
  
  
• Screwed for more money
  By A1IG9GZCLE7VAZ on 2008-02-03
  I own a DLP tv that only accepts 1080p resolution through the HDMI. My current XBOX is a 2006 model, and I use componenet cable for video and optical for my surround sound system (which doenst do 1080p pass through).
  
  I just went out and bought a new xbox with an HDMI port so I could get the most out of my TV....and to my surprise, the old VGA adaptor DOESNT FIT WHEN YOU HAVE THE HDMI CABLE PLUGGED IN.
  
  Essentially this accessory has a smaller housing input, so you can hook up the HDMI for video and the VGA for audio.
  
  It works just fine, but it would have been nice if MSFT didnt try to screw people out of more money...
  
  
• Excellent quality, worth every penny
  By A1APMWOABJ87WO on 2008-01-04
  I recently purcahsed this cable elsewhere, not through amazon but liked it so much I felt compelled to write a meaningful review about this product due to the overwhelming lack of accurate and worthwhile information. With that being said this cable performs exactly as well as a PS3 HDMI 1.3 cable, and the picture (perhaps it is a bit of a placebo effect but I swear I can tell a difference).I watch HD-DVD's on a 52" DLP that I utilize my premium 360 with the zephyr motherboard (with HDMI for those who are obtuse). The sound quality is amazing, the picture quality is exactly the same if not better than the other cables i have used. why that is? I have no idea, because it really shouldnt matter, my only guess is that maybe the shielding is better from Microsoft, or its an evil plot from Microsoft that other brand cables will look slightly lower in quality.... I jest, but in actuality, this fits my needs as I put a THX fiber optic monster cable from that output to my Sony home theater system. My one word to describe gameplay AND HD-DVD'S: BREATHLESS
  
  
• Xbox 360 HDMI AV Cable
  By A1UTIRCU1VE69O on 2008-01-18
  We purchased this cable to upgrade our very basic Xbox 360 to maximize the audio and video quality on our new 55" Plasma TV. Unfortunately, the Xbox doesn't have a place to plug the cable in so we haven't been able to use it.
  
  
• A good alternative
  By A2BNMI84DJYQ6X on 2008-04-08
  I wouldn't say that theres anything special about this cable, as you can use just about any HDMI cable to connect your xbox to your HDTV. The selling point, at least in my case, was the audio out cable included which has 2 AV connections (not important) and an Optical out (which I use to connect to a receiver). This is the bigger peice which plugs into the analog output of the xbox. Overall the quality seems good enough although not as sturdy as a Monster cable.
  
  
• You Do NOT Need this Cable
  By A28ONX4RK00DD9 on 2008-05-28
  I purchased the xbox hdmi cable a while back. I don't even use mine. Before buying you need to make sure that your xbox has an hdmi port. Second, if it does, you still don't need this cable. You can use the HD network cables that came with your machine for your sound. You just have to remove the plastic casing at the end that plugs into your xbox 360. By doing so any hdmi cable has room to slip into the hdmi port. I bought an hdmi cord here on Amazon for a penny plus shipping, and it works perfectly.
  
  
• It is what it's meant to be
  By A2395COJVECD1C on 2008-06-17
  Great product, but heavily priced. Now, if i were you guys, I'd take advantage of buying this cable from one of those Marketplace sellers. Chances are you will find a good deal (like me, 14.99 like new condition) and you won;t have to go through a hassle of using a dremel. For what it is, it is definitely worth it.
  
  NOW, i will say this to you people. My component cable is able to send 1080p signal to my TV. I thought the differences would be noticable between 1080p component and HDMI. And honestly, not much of a difference at all.
  
  I'm using a 42" Philips 42ta648bx 1080p w/ HDMI. HDMI SLIGHTLY has an advantage in terms of graphics, as it is slightly sharper.
  
  BUT, hdmi makes a big difference on playing DVDs. HDMI allows DVDs to upscale to 1080i. Now that is a night and day difference. So instead of buying a upscaled DVD player, just visit this page from time to time for a good deal on the marketplace. dont buy it at its full price, not worth it.
  
  Oh and as for the audio, only if u really need to hook up your home theater with this. Id still recommend to save the cash and just buy a new hdmi that has hdmi out.
  
  
• Works just as it should
  By A3J6VI1B3IPS33 on 2008-01-29
  Not much to say here. The HDMI cable works just like it should, with no problems. It sends a beautiful 1080p signal with audio to my TV. I did not use the separate audio cable, but I assume it would also work as expected. It has left/right RCA outputs as well as an optical digital output to connect to a home theater receiver. An excellent package to make use of the HDMI output on your Xbox 360.
  
  
• HDMI plugs
  By A2SL73LVZCS7I7 on 2008-02-08
  I BOUGHT THIS CABLE BECAUSE I BOUGHT A HD FLAT SCREEN AND LET ME TELL U IT WAS WORTH IT. MAID THE GAMES LOOK CRISPY. SHIPPING WAS RIGHT ON TIME AS SCHEDULED.
  
  
• Great accessory..ONLY if you have the console with an HDMI output
  By A5CNCJ9NXV8WG on 2008-02-15
  Otherwise just use the HD component cable which will give you the same results if you have a HD TV, most 360 games range from 720p to 1080i anyway.Ergo there's no need to invest $50 for a cable that is not compatible with the older systems (05-06) Trust me you are better off buying a new console (prefebly the arcade system) which has the HDMI and a new motherboard that prevents the dreaded RROD.
  
  
• Waste of Time and Money!!
  By A4BN77V2A2SZS on 2008-02-25
  Do not buy this item! What Microsoft doesn't tell you is bad: The chances that this cable works with your console are slim. What Microsoft does tell you is worse: You have to buy and Elite system to get HDMI output from an XBOX 360. I received my XBOX 360 Pro as a gift last August. It is not possible to use this cable with my console because an HDMI-out port does not exist. All versions of the XBOX 360, including the Arcade entry-level model, are currently being manufactured with HDMI-out capablity. CHECK THE BACK OF YOUR BOX FOR AN HDMI PORT!! If it's got one, don't give 50 bucks to Microsoft for a seventeen dollar HDMI cable. Amazon was great about my return of this item for a full refund, even though the package was open! Great service.
  Bottom line: Whatever you do, don't buy this, it's an absolute rip-off.
  
  
• This should be standart part
  By ALNV40Z0TOAPC on 2008-04-05
  i does the work but i think that should be part that comes with the box
  
  

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