Customer Reviews

Microsoft Xbox AV Pack Advanced - Game console link cable - S-Video / composite video / audio - 4 pin mini-DIN, RCA, TOSLINK (F) - Xbox AV connector (M) - black

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I scoured the Web to find info on the Advanced AV Pack with no luck. I called several stores, got a different answer from each one, all of which turned out to be wrong. So here's the real scoop: The Advanced AV Pack has an S-Video output, a standard RCA-type analog video output, RCA-type analog left and right audio outputs, and an optical audio output. An S-Video cable is included. My TV doesn't have S-Video; I bought it purely for the Dolby Digital 5.1 output, which is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! It's definitely worth it for the digital surround sound alone! Remember, for Dolby Digital sound you'll need a Toslink optical cable, and an Xbox game (like Ghost Recon) that supports Dolby Digital.

The product picture doesn't show everything that comes with this kit. It also includes an S-Video/RCA cable that will connect the audio and s-video to your system. What it DOES NOT include is the fiber-optic digital audio cable which is a must have if you have a Dolby Digital AV system.

I can't tell you how much better the sound is with Dolby Digital enabled. You've got to hear it to believe it.

The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is that you can't use one of the cheaper coax digital cables, but instead have to fork out another $ for the fiber optic cable.

The Advanced AV Pack offers a audio and video upgrade over the standard pack that comes with the XBox system. The standard pack has composite (RCA) video output and standard audio output (also uses RCA cable.)

The Advanced AV pack allows Dolby Digital sound (you will need a separate optical cable and a Dolby Digital receiver with an optical input), and offers a s-video output for better picture (if your TV has s-video inputs.)

Both are dramatic improvements over the standard pack (if you have the matching TV and stereo equipment.) If you only have 1 of the 2 available, it is still worth the price- the picure and sound difference are both significant.

I bought the Monster cable XGL-LW100 (fiber cable) in conjunction with the Monster XGL200 (rca video and audio), and Dolby Digital simply did not work. This was not the case of me not setting the option in Dashboard - Settings, the XBOX simply did not recognize the cable as implementing Dolby Digital. This is very disappointing, I have been a loyal Monster Cable customer for as long as I can remember, and their product simply didn't work. Microsoft XBOX support knows of these problems, and the tell you to get the Microsoft kits, so buyer beware on the Monster Cable solutions, they don't work on all XBOX's.

I returned both the XGL200 and the XGL-LW100 for the Microsoft Advanced AV kit and got Acoustic Research fiber cable and gold plated RCA video cable and I enjoy Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS from my XBOX now. Couple things to set straight. This box in includes the following connection: S-Video, RCA Video and Audio, Optical Out. The Microsoft Advanced AV kit includes the breakout box and basic cables to hook up S-Video and RCA audio, but not a fiber cable or RCA video cable.

I recently purchased the Xbox Advance AV pack. I have never heard a game in true 5.1 digital sound and wow its totally incredible. The only down side is that they make you buy a fiber optic cable,instead of giving you the choice of the digital coaxial which is relatively less expensive. I am also a little worried about losing sound quality running into in to the pack from my reciever. I'm not quite sure if I am losing quality in my sound or not. However if you have a dolby digital reciever or a tv with s-video it will make you feel like your in the game. One thing I did like though was the fact that they included the s-video cable.

Well first up, dont buy this unless you have a reciever that decodes dolby digital and or dts since if you dont you wont reap the rewards of the av pack. Second you will need a second s video cable to go from your reciever to your tv if you run everything through the reciever. If you have a tv with s video inputs but you dont have the reciever to process the dolby digital and dts then you still can enjoy better picture but just the rca plug sound. I have a sony wega tv and the s video really did not make that big a difference since the picture is already so nice. Would be helpful for the lower end tvs for sure.

For those of you that don't know (and as I've recently discovered there are a few of you), there are a few ways of improving the already exceptional performance of the X-Box. The best bang for your buck is the advance AV pack which allows you to upgrade from those yellow, red, and white AV cables, which are standard for almost all home entertainment equipment, to S-video and dolby digital.

I was originally planning to order the monster component video cables which are far more expensive, but offer the very best in performance. Eventually I decided to go with S-video instead because my 36" Sony Wega has s-video hookups in the front, as does my second TV, and the televisions of all my friends whose houses I sometimes take my box. When I saw this product on the shelf for half the price of the monster hook-ups, I bought it impulsively and I'm very pleased with the results.

For those with very high-end equipment, HDTV, or those willing to shell out a little extra dough, there's no substitute for Monster. For the rest of us, this little set-up does the job quite nicely. I've got a decent system: 36" Sony Wega, Onkyo receiver and Polk speakers, and it feels like I'm finally getting all my money out of my Xbox.

After playing these game for two months with the standard cables, the difference is stunning. The Dolby Digital sound is immersive and incredible. There's just no comparison. The superior video actually makes some games easier to play. S-Video improves the depth, clarity and color, allowing you to see distant objects clearly, which is important when playing Halo or Gotham Racer. You can see creatures clearly or the outlines of an impending turn allowing you better reaction time. A surprising benefit, but a welcome one.

While I'm satisfied with this inexpensive little product, there's a few things you should know: if you want dolby digital sound, you'll need to buy an optical cable seperately. If you can afford HDTV, you can definitely afford Monster component cables, so do yourself a favor and buy them. If you're new to things like S-video and aren't sure what they are, make sure your TV has at least one S-video inlet. If you have a mid-range TV built in the last 4 years, you probably do, but know what your TV can do before you buy any of the available wires.

If you have S-Video and optical audio capabilities, you have no choice but to buy this adapter. The audio is the beauty of the connection. There is no substitute for surround sound.

My name is Jonathan and I am not really into games but when I bought the advance AV pack I can't stop playing. Everything sounds killer in 5.1 sound. I'm more into stereo equipment than anything. So when I combine my game system with my Home Entertainment equipment its like woah! This is for anyone who likes to feel like they have been placed in the game. The only downside to this product is I'm afraid I might lose a little bit of sound running it into the box then to my receiver. Also it did cost 60 bucks just to get dolby digital surround if you don't have the optical cable already. However I highly reccomend this. Although Bill Gates should have put a direct input for S-Video and Digital Audio - OPTICAL/COAXIAL. Other than that everything is great! I rate the product 4 stars.

It works very well.. If you are interested in getting better picture and 5.1 Dolby Digital sound.. GET IT!! It bring a S cable.. and 2 Stereo wires.. I gave it a rating of 4 stars because they are not the highest grade quality wires. I bought it and got the Monster S video and Digital cables. Dont get the Monster Game cables.. avoid them at all costs if you are interested in getting dolby 5.1 Digital sound.