bit-tech Shopping: Monster Cable GameLink 400 X (Xbox)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: Built well, look great, allows you to get the best out of your xbox.

Weaknesses: Better than being too loose but a little too tight when you plug it into your TV.

Summary: Built well, look great, allows you to get the best out of your xbox. Better than being too loose but a little too tight when you plug it into your TV.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: perfect 720p and 1080i signal

Weaknesses: hard as heck to plug in

Summary: This is the second set of GameLink Xbox component cables I have bought. I just purchased another used Xbox for my bedroom for multimedia purposes, so of course I needed the higher quality display. I almost forgot how much of a difference there was between the stock video cables and component cables, but believe me, there is a huge difference. The first time around these cables cost me over $50, but thanks to pricegrabber, I managed to snag them for under $20 this time. These cables work absolutely perfect and I would recommend them to anyone at this price. The only issue I've had with these cables is that they're incredibly hard to install. The individual plugs are so tight that it's frustrating and almost painful. I eventually had to use some needle nose pliers to help me out in fear of breaking my thumb. I know the tightness probably helps with the secure connection, but it's pretty ridiculous. On my first set, I actually called Monster tech support thinking the plugs were out of spec. Anyway, once they're installed, they work great. I don't think I'm ever going to remove them though, in fear of having to plug them in again.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 30 Days

Strengths: length, build, optical connector

Weaknesses: none

Summary: this is an excellent cable to use the original xbox console on a hi-definition tv. it has excellent build quality and is light weight too. the cable is long and has a optical audio output plug to connect to a receiver. works great and makes the xbox look much nicer in hi-def.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: Breathes new life to your Original XBox games with HD resolution (i.e. 720p, 1080i).

Weaknesses: VERY tight fit! Use extreme care when connecting the cable to the Component Video Inputs of your TV.

Summary: If you're a proud owner of a new HDTV but haven't yet jumped on the XBOX 360 bandwagon, the Monster Cable GameLink 400 will keep you satisfied until you do. After you connect the cable and change the Display Settings on your original XBox (i.e. 720p, 1080i), you'll benefit from clear and crisp picture quality. However, be very careful when installing this cable. The plugs are extremely tight. I actually had to use pliers to bend (and at times break off) some of the individual plug's "teeth" in order for me to connect it to the Component Video inputs, for fear of damaging my new (and expensive!) LCD HDTV.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: The quality of the cable is great.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: One feature that hasn't been mentioned much is the cable shielding - you can turn the volume up all the way on your tv, and you won't hear any extra noise from EMF.Also, make sure you check your xbox settings once you've plugged this in; once you connect a high-def adapter, you will have new options under Display Settings for choosing HD capabilites. Make sure you at least give yourself the option of 480p and 720p, otherwise there isn't that much difference.