bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: (1) This cable is the BEST way to connect your XBOX 360 to a VGA computer monitor.

Weaknesses: (1) Pricey unless you find it on sale/clearance

Summary: The Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable is the best VGA cable available for the XBOX 360. I was very pleased to open the package and see that it includes everything that you need to hook your XBOX 360 up to a VGA monitor and separate speakers or receiver. They even included a "gender changer" that changes the VGA connector from a female connector to a male connector so you can connect to a CRT monitor, too. Overall, this was a great find for me as I purchased it on clearance. I had already wasted money on a third-party VGA cable from dealxtreme.com and that one does not compare to the official cable.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Up to full 1080P resolution, regular computer monitor support, awesome picture!

Weaknesses: A bit pricey unless it's on sale

Summary: Everybody says that this cable gives good quality video and audio, and I fully agree 100%! If you are looking for HD support on your older, non-HDMI equipped Xbox 360, then the VGA cable is for you. There is really nothing else I can say about the quality other than it's awesome! But here's the main thing I really liked about the cable: Microsoft was thoughtful enough to include a gender changer and a RCA audio jack to 3.5mm headphone jack converter. Why are these little add-ons so great? Well, the gender changer is really handy so you can connect this cable to a VGA extension cable. For example if you have an overhead projector, you can connect the projector + VGA cord + the Xbox cable. And the headphone jack converter is so helpful if you are wanting to use a regular computer monitor that has speakers. Since most monitors don't have RCA jacks, the adapter takes the RCA audio out and converts it to a regular mini headphone jack type input which they do have. Although it's minor, another bonus for this cable is that it frees up a component input on your TV which is handy since most TVs only have just one or two component inputs. I really recommend this cable!

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: Clear View of the Xbox 360 Content; Uses 1080p to Display in 1920x1080 Resolution; Works with My LCD Monitor; Easy to Install and Use; Comes with RCA Components to 3.5mm Stereo Jack Converter

Weaknesses: Does not come with 3.5mm Stereo Jack to 3.5mm Stereo Jack Converter; Does not come with VGA to DVI Converter

Summary: I have the Microsoft Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable connected to my Computer LCD Monitor. It shows a clear view of my Xbox 360 content by using 1080p to display in 1920x1080 HD resolution.This cable has the flexible ability to display not only in 1080p but also in 480p, 720p, and 1080i. It supports Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound output, and because this cable is 8-foot long and shielded, it is very easy to install and use. These features are crucial to this product's importance.Including the RCA Components to 3.5mm Stereo Jack Converter with this package was a convenient move by Microsoft. However, this package neither comes with a 3.5mm Stereo Jack to 3.5mm Stereo Jack Converter nor a VGA to DVI Converter. This forced me to buy some additional components to get everything working.Despite the setback(s) of these nonincluded items, I was able to enjoy my Xbox 360 experience much more easily rather than suffering with this product's nonexistence thanks to Microsoft's release of this product into the gaming marketplace.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: Allows 1080p for HD DVDsLooks better than component cables

Weaknesses: None

Summary: I purchased an Xbox 360 awhile ago, prior to the release of all Xbox 360s having built-in HDMI ports. I also have a TV that can accept 1080p over component, so I thought I was good to go for HD-DVDs. BIG MISTAKE!! For some reason, HD DVDs will only output at 720p/1080i with the included component cables that Microsoft provides. So, for 1080p HD DVDs on my Sharp 1080p TV, I had three options- return the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive and buy a stand-alone player like the Toshiba A30/A35, etc for twice the cost, buy a new Xbox 360 that has the built-in HDMI port, or just buy a VGA cable! The choice was clear since my TV also has a VGA port that accepts its native resolution: 1920x1080. To me, the VGA connection provides brighter colors and a clearer picture compared to the Component Cables; just make sure you adjust your Xbox 360?s Display Settings to ?Expanded? under Reference Level.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Years

Strengths: +Looks much better than the packaged HD cable, better with LCD screen+Able to upconvert DVDs +Get better screen resolution+must buy

Weaknesses: -Rather expensive-3rd party VGA cables should give similar results and are cheaper

Summary: I own a 27inch Olevia LCD screen that I use for gaming. Before I bought the Xbox 360 VGA cables I was originally using the 360 HD AV cables. There is a large noticeable difference with using VGA. Everything seemed crispier and brighter. With the VGA cables you will also be able to adjust your screen resolution to match your screen?s capabilities. With recent Xbox Live updates the VGA cable has become every better. With VGA cables, the 360 will automatically upconvert DVDs. The 360 also allows users to adjust reference levels (something like color depth) to suit their viewing pleasure. If you own a LCD screen that you use for gaming you must upgrade to VGA cables. I am using a Microsoft VGA cable, however I hear 3rd party VGA cables will work equally as well.