XBOX 360 units are released worldwide and it was made available first in Japan. It has two configurations: arcade mode” or “elite”. XBOX 360 Arcade is an entry level version introduced last October, 2007. It has default memory of 256MB only but it can be upgraded into XBOX Elite. To improve the gaming experience, one can buy an external hard drive with 120GB memory. Because this is a little bit more expensive, it would be better to buy the XBOX Elite especially that there is no headset and network cable included in this version.

Xbox 360 Elite on the other hand is definitely the better counterpart of Arcade version. There are lots of improvements from the original Xbox 360 which make more users hooked with this one. It has an excellent selection of games including Xbox exclusives. Each game is of good quality and high definition. This “Elite” has a wider range of supportability including wireless controllers and other accessories in a network.

The Xbox Live service that is associated with Xbox Elite offers unlimited games plus multiplayer option with matchmaking and voice chat. Most of the latest games can be downloaded here including those that are backward compatible. Though it depends on the Xbox titles, visiting this online community is still worth the player’s time.[youtube:1FwA10on2nc;[link:xbox 360 hack];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwA10on2nc&feature=related]

Some of the few services in Xbox Live online are buying of mini games, downloading of game add-ons, searching for newest game and others. But playing online requires paid subscription. More digital media features and exceptional games in this console make Xbox more famous.

Xbox 360 Dashboard has a dazzling look such as that of TiVo. The slick and user-friendly interface make the navigation easier and enjoyable. Various features have their own color-coded tabs and you can check each of them using the directional keypad. The dashboard can also be customized depending on the user’s preference. Those preset themes can be found on the hard drive and available on the internet as well. One of the remarkable personalizations that you can do is the Gamer Card comprised of your avatar and status message not more than 21 characters in length.

Aside from being a gaming console, XBOX 360 Elite is also a powerful digital media hub. You can install supported software such as Microsoft’s Windows Media Player, Windows Media Connect and Zune software to let it read your media files. It is compatible to your digicams, flash card reader, thumbdrives, and MP3 player as long as it works well on Windows computer. Other network devices can be connected on it plus your CD or DVD players. These all around features make XBOX Elite a formidable media tool and a tough gaming console competitor.

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There are, however, a few ways for you to remove the disc by hand. Initially your Xbox 360 repair guide will suggest you do is to reset your console by unplugging it for a few minutes. Then, reattach the power cord and see if this did the trick. If you did not garner any results, repeat the process.

Things can get a little tricky now, which makes it crucial to closely follow your Xbox 360 repair guide. First you should dismantle face plate on the console. Then, grab a thick paper clip or something with similar malleability and straighten one end of the paper clip. Upon removing the face plate you will notice two small holes underneath the DVD player, and one hole to the right.

The next step will vary being that there are three different DVD drives the Xbox 360 uses. If you have a Samsung or Toshiba, your Xbox 360 repair guide will advise you to find the small hole located on the right underneath the X on the DVD drive faceplate. Now, push your straightened paper clip (or bendable object) in the hole until it hits the gear. The gear needs to be spun clockwise. Continue to push gently until you feel it move smoothly.

For Hitatchi DVD drive users, you are going to want to poke the first hole on the left. Follow the same previously listed procedures and poke the hole to get the gear to move. Regardless of what type of DVD drive you have, it is vital you take your time and do not push too hard. If you miss the correct spot, you can cause more damage than progress.

As soon as the tray starts to eject, pull it gently and carefully. After successfully opening the tray, future issues should be much more manageable thanks to the helpful Xbox 360 repair guide. Disc out, and a couple of hundred dollars saved.

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Read online: Xbox 360 Repair Guide: Stuck Game Disc

It is imperative to keep in mind that you do not blow canned air into the drive without opening it. It is a common misconception that this will work. In fact, it could actually cause even further damage to the console. All you will be affirming is that the dust will be redistributed evenly inside the drive.

Try not to feel bad about your newly acquired problem; you will find there are actually a few simple steps that can be taken to solve your DVD drive problem. The first option is to use a standard CD/DVD cleaner. These are widely found at many retail and/or video game stores. This cleaner resembles a normal CD, but with two small brushes attached on the bottom of them. Once inserted, the benefit of the CD is that only the lens will be cleaned.

Your second procedure for repairing your Xbox 360 is to gather the information you have, and then figure out what drive you are working with. Figure out the manufacturer of your Xbox DVD drive and complete the disassembly tutorials. Some manufacturers you will most likely be working with include Thomson, Phillips, Laser Installation, or Samsung.

Once you have determined the manufacturer and completed the tear down tutorials, the next proceeding is to clean the lens and mirror manually. This is where it is highly beneficial to you and your console to have thoroughly read and completed the tear down tutorials.

Next, you are going to adjust the potentiometer on the laser. This is fancy jargon meaning the voltage divider. Lastly, replace the laser in the DVD drive with your replacement laser you purchased from Samsung, Phillips or Thompson. Although it may seem a bit drastic, replacement is actually a fairly manageable process if you accurately follow the steps.

The last item to consider on repairing the Xbox is purchasing a completely new drive. However, if money is a factor, there are quality instructions widely available on the internet that can help you repair the system on your own. Also, make sure that you follow a reputable guide. Sometimes it can prove to be a relatively quick fix done manually, and it may prove to be a wise choice in the end.

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Read online: Your Xbox 360: Repairing the DVD Drive

However, during the excitement and enjoyment of the games, users often forget about proper maintenance of their Xbox 360. You may place it anywhere, bring it any which way, and just leave it be until you realize that the dreaded “ring of death” has manifested itself on your gaming console. By then, it will almost be too late to rectify the errors of your past ways.

However, you can keep your Xbox 360 in good working order as long as you follow the maintenance tips below. The important thing is to protect your Xbox from heat, dirt and dust – the three things which can take your console out of commission.

In order to keep your Xbox 360 from overheating, it is essential to give your console a rest from time to time, especially during those marathon gaming sessions. Just taking a 30 minute break every couple of hours can make all the difference. Keep your Xbox 360 away from heaters and direct sunlight and off of blankets, carpets and other materials which tend to trap heat to prevent overheating.[youtube:boDiN869Ilg;[link:XBOX 360 Repair];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boDiN869Ilg&feature=related]

Electronics like amplifiers are also sources of heat which can cause overheating in your Xbox 360; keep your console clear of these products. You should also avoid using your console while it is in an unventilated area such as a closed entertainment center. Your Xbox 360 needs adequate ventilation in order to disperse heat – the best places for using your Xbox are rooms where there is air conditioning or where you can position a fan to provide ventilation for your console. If you use external cooling accessories with your Xbox 360, make sure to power them from a wall outlet rather than using your console for power.

For dust problems, it is highly recommended that the Xbox 360 be positioned away from areas that generate plenty of dust. These can include constantly open windows and outside doors, even under the bed. (You will be surprised at how many users hide their units for one reason or another) And if you are not using the Xbox 360, it is a good idea to provide dust protection for it.

If you must travel with your Xbox 360 in tow, be sure that you have a special carrying case for it. This way, you provide protection for the console from the dirt, dust and grime as well as the bumps and grinds of transportation.

You can keep your console protected from dust and dirt by keeping the area you keep your Xbox in as free of dirt as possible. You should also keep your Xbox 360 discs protected by keeping them in your cases, since dust and dirt can also damage your games. If you smoke, make sure not to do it around your console; smoke can also damage the system.

Indeed, when it comes to keeping your investment in the pricey Xbox 360, the most important thing is taking care of it like a diligent father would take care of his kids.

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There are a few different methods available for you to remove the disc by hand. Initially, your Xbox 360 repair guide will suggest you do is to reset your console by unplugging it for a few minutes. Then, reattach the power cord and see if this did the trick. If you did not garner any results, repeat the process.

Things can get a little tricky now, which makes it crucial to closely follow your Xbox 360 repair guide. First you should dismantle face plate on the console. Then, grab a thick paper clip or something with similar malleability and straighten one end of the paper clip. Upon removing the face plate you will notice two small holes underneath the DVD player, and one hole to the right.

The next step will vary being that there are three different DVD drives the Xbox 360 uses. If you have a Samsung or Toshiba, your Xbox 360 repair guide will advise you to find the small hole located on the right underneath the X on the DVD drive faceplate. Now, push your straightened paper clip (or bendable object) in the hole until it hits the gear. The gear needs to be spun clockwise. Continue to push gently until you feel it move smoothly.

For Hitatchi DVD drive users, you are going to want to poke the first hole on the left. Follow the same previously listed procedures and poke the hole to get the gear to move. Regardless of what type of DVD drive you have, it is vital you take your time and do not push too hard. If you miss the correct spot, your progress can be hindered and can even cause more damage.

As soon as the tray starts to eject, pull it gently and carefully. Upon completion, it should be a breeze to fix this problem in the future thanks to the helpful Xbox 360 repair guide. Disc out, and a couple of hundred dollars saved.

Eric Frey is an avid XBox 360 gamer who has dealt with the 3 red lights, a.k.a the Ring of Death on his XBox. If you want to learn the techniques he used to fix his XBox, then you will need a XBox Repair Guide that will walk you through the process. Eric found a few really good 3 Red Light Fix guides that are guaranteed repair your XBox.

Read online: Xbox 360 Repair Guide: Stuck Game Disc

When there may be a possible issue with the system, the power supply light will glow red. You can distinguish this when the power light changes from green to orange to red whilst using the console. The reasons this can occur vary, but it generally arises when the external power supply has detected a fault.

Assimilated into the system itself are safeguards to help you and your system prevent damage to the console and the power supply. Depending on the severity of the problem, the power supply will radiate a red light or simple turn itself off when there is an abundance of current, when the voltage is too high, or when the temperature of the power supply is too high.

What are some available red light repair techniques? The first thing to check is coolness of the power supply. The red light is a potential indicator that the power supply is too hot. If this is the case, you should let the power supply cool off for several hours in a well-ventilated space. Soon after it is cooled, the power supply light should change from red to orange if the problem is indeed the power supply temperature.

A sometimes overlooked problem would be the power supply plug itself. If it is plugged into an extension cord, surge protector, or power strip, the amount of voltage has a possibility of being incorrect. If this is the circumstance, plug the power supply directly into the wall outlet.

If none of these approaches perform the trick, if possible, try using a different power cord and power supply unit with your console. If the console still fails to work, the concern is with the console itself. If all three Xbox 360 red light repair methods listed in this article are unsuccessful, be prepared to dole up the money to get your console fixed.

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If you have a new 360 and it operates just fine, it is recommended that you apply the following four tips to keep your machine working trouble free.

1.) Dust free environment.

Your console must be kept clean of dirt and dust. Don’t store or use it in dirty or dusty places. Excess dust in the vicinity or on your console can get sucked into the machine through the vents.

A buildup of internal dust insulates and doesn’t allow heat to escape from the motherboard. Dust and dirt also obstructs the vents, which further impedes cooling.

2.) Enclosed or unventilated environments.

The console requires plenty of air to keep itself cool. The fans in your console are used to provide a continuous flow of cooling air. If your machine is kept in a cabinet or in a cluttered corner of the room, the fans won’t be able to draw in fresh cool air.

3.) Temperature of operational environment.

Your console generates a lot of heat. It only makes sense that you use it in a location that is cool. When doing strenuous exercise, will you overheat when you’re working out in a room that’s hot or one that’s cool?

This kind of reasoning also applies to the treatment of your console. Try not to use your machine in very warm places or in direct sunlight or next to a heater or furnace. You want to stay away from all heat sources.

4.) Give your poor Xbox a break!

Which activity will cause you to get overheated? Doing the Boston marathon or taking a stroll? Well, the same line of reasoning applies to the overheating issues of your console.

High definition games will cause a good deal more heat than simple arcade games. When you make your console work hard, take occasional breaks from your gaming. Some time should be allowed for it to cool.

The Xbox 360 can be temperamental and is a frail machine especially when it comes to overheating. Treat it with care and it should give many hours of trouble free gaming.

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Read online: Xbox 360 – Prevent Overheating And The Red Ring Of Death

While these consoles may be somewhat costly, a lot of gamers do not really treat them as such. In the excitement of Xbox gaming, it is all too easy to forget about taking proper care of your Xbox 360 and allowing it to deteriorate until the infamous red ring of death appears; and by the time things have gotten to this point, it is time to start caring properly for your Xbox – or to start shopping for a new one.

Fortunately, you can take the following measures in protecting your Xbox 360 and, hence, prolonging its life for your gaming pleasure. Keep in mind that the main enemies of the Xbox are heat, dust and dirt.

To counteract the damaging effects of overheating in the Xbox 360, you must ensure that you give it breaks after long hours of service in your gaming life. Often, even 30-minute breaks in-between 6-hour games are sufficient. You also need to position the Xbox 360 away from sources that generate heat like sunlight and heating vents as well as materials that trap heat like carpets and blankets.[youtube:boDiN869Ilg;[link:XBOX 360 Repair];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boDiN869Ilg&feature=related]

You should also keep your Xbox 360 away from electronics such as amplifiers; these can generate enough heat to cause trouble for your Xbox as well. Make sure not to keep your Xbox in an enclosed space such as a closed entertainment center while you play – your console needs adequate ventilation to stay cool. The best place to use your Xbox is in a room which is air conditioned or somewhere that you can point a fan directly at the console. There are cooling accessories which you can use to keep your console from overheating, but you need to make sure not to power these accessories from the Xbox 360 unit, since this will actually cause, not prevent overheating.

To keep your Xbox 360 safe from dust and dirt, you should keep the console away from any place which tends to get dusty, such as open windows and especially underneath beds; a place where many Xbox owners seem to stash their consoles. It is recommended to use a cover to protect your Xbox 360 from dust when it is not actually in use.

If you must travel with your Xbox 360 in tow, be sure that you have a special carrying case for it. This way, you provide protection for the console from the dirt, dust and grime as well as the bumps and grinds of transportation.

You can keep your console protected from dust and dirt by keeping the area you keep your Xbox in as free of dirt as possible. You should also keep your Xbox 360 discs protected by keeping them in your cases, since dust and dirt can also damage your games. If you smoke, make sure not to do it around your console; smoke can also damage the system.

You have made a significant investment in your Xbox 360, so why not treat it like one? You can enjoy your console for much longer if you simply follow the common sense maintenance tips given here; the extra gaming excitement you will receive more than makes up for the small amount of maintenance.

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For a whole year Microsoft had cornered the market with the Xbox 360, and had record sales. However, Playstation and Nintendo finally caught up with the trend, with Sony releasing the Playstation 3, and Nintendo coming out with the Wii. This was the new 7th generation consoles, and because of that, this is when the console wars really heated up. They heated up because now the consumer was having a hard time trying to figure out where to spend their money, and gave them the best deal. This is how the Xbox stacks up against the competition.

Comparing the Xbox 360 with Nintendo’s Wii console is like comparing apples and oranges. The Xbox 360 clearly surpasses the Wii in terms of graphics simply because the Wii doesn’t concentrate in that area. But with the Wii having some similar gaming titles as the Xbox 360, the real judging goes down to the controls.[youtube:1FwA10on2nc;[link:xbox 360 hack];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwA10on2nc&feature=related]

Everything that revolves around the Nintendo Wii deals with the motion sensors. Companies have been trying to perfect this for years, but could never reach the heights that Wii has come to enjoy. Granted, you may not think about it, but the 360 has both wired and wireless controllers. You will find this extremely important when you play first person shooter games like Call of Duty or other exclusive games.

The Xbox 360 also has more highly-rated titles that are meant for older audiences while the Wii likes to keep their games accessible by people of any age. Some game makers are making special first-person titles that are Wii-exclusive, but it terms of quality of games, the Xbox 360 still ahead of the competition.

The PS3, on the other hand is the Xbox 360′s closer competitor. Both systems are beefed with some impressive system specifications that are responsible for the great graphics that these consoles produce on their connected screens. The PS3 gains an edge over the Xbox 360 with its Blu-ray support, but the Xbox 360 continues to impress with wonderful visuals that are comparable to PC games that have high-end video cards. While many gamers love to debate which console yields out better graphics, it is easy to conclude that the games look alike at a glance.

Many games that concentrate on high definition graphics usually get released on both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. The Playstation 3 currently has more exclusive franchises, but the Xbox 360 remains on top with more exclusive titles. The best gaming console in terms of the games that they offer depend on the gamer’s presence which is why both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 are making sales. The Xbox 360 still holds more titles that received positive ratings so the Xbox 360 could be the winner here.

In the end you won’t find a concrete answer regarding this debate. While all 3 consoles are unique in their own way, they all give you a great way to enjoy video games. While the Xbox 360 and PS3 continue to battle, the final decision will come from you. The wars aren’t going anywhere, but the Xbox 360 is a powerful system that offers all kinds of benefits and features to the gaming. Maybe you want to take it for a spin.

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Now the problem is to how to get your Xbox 360 running again. This very common Xbox 360 problem called the red ring of death is also called 3 red light. Instead of seeing 4 green lights on your game console which signify that your game console is working well, you see 3 red lights.

This problem is indicative of a general hardware failure or a core digital failure. This problem does not go without a warning. Before you get the dread 3 red lights, you will first go through a freeze-up. During this period, your screen will display a checkerboard or pinstripe design accompanied by a weird, static sound.

Now for the solutions: you can always bring your Xbox 360 to a Microsoft service center every time it decides to go through a phase like that. But there are a few setbacks that could come with this.

First, it can get really expensive to have Microsoft repair your Xbox 360. Second, it takes weeks before your Xbox 360 to be sent back.

If you want to employ a fast, efficient yet cost effective way to repair your Xbox 360, I suggest that you do the repairing yourself. All you need to finish the task is a 3 red light fix repair guide. If you do decide to purchase the guide, you will receive a pdf file as well as other video files.

3 red light fix repair guide includes written instructions that are very clear and easy to follow so that it won’t take you that long to understand all the procedures. You will find the pictures and the illustrations helpful as well.

Finally, you can refer to the videos for step by step demonstrations.

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