Need general help with an Xbox 360 with Kinect

[twilyth]

I know I'm being a lazy ponce starting a thread like this and I could probably figure this out on my own - eventually. But if the mods don't mind, I'd like to use this thread to field general questions about this system - setting it up, getting online, tweeking it, etc.

My first question is why can't I use the HDMI output? But first, here is the setup.

Xbox, Kinect sensor, controller, 20gig on board, 500gig external hard drive

I tried to set it up using HDMI going to my receiver and then to the HDTV but I got nothing. So I yanked it out and used the composite connector - which is designed to block the HDMI port. They even say in one of the manuals that you can't use both at the same time.

Am I stuck with composite video or can I use HDMI? I went through the setup and didn't see any option for it.

Question 2 - how do I set up the external drive?

Question 3 - how important is it to set up xbox live? I have it connected to my network and I eventually want to use the xbox to stream video from the HTPC. Do I need to set up Live for that?

OK, that's it for now. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[cheesy999]

Question 3 - how important is it to set up xbox live? I have it connected to my network and I eventually want to use the xbox to stream video from the HTPC. Do I need to set up Live for that?

don't think so for the streaming, but i'd get live anyway, even if it's just the free one it'll make things easier in the long run

Question 2 - how do I set up the external drive?

plug it in, although xbox is a bit strange with external drives and has a tendency to not accept large drives

Does the HDMI work plugged straight into the TV?

 

[twilyth]

OK. I'll go ahead and set up the live account. I just feel like I'm being spied on but I'll get over it. I've got plenty of tinfoil so at least they won't be able to read my mind.

I didn't try going direct. This is an old HDTV so there are only 2 HDMI ports but since everything else goes through the receiver, one is open so I'll try that in a little while.

Does the xbox set up the external drive on it's own or is there a menu buried someplace where I can force the issue?

Thanks again.

 

[digibucc]

live is required for most game/dash updates, so just get the free one as i did and you're set.
hdmi should work fine... my first thought is it's something of a mix up. the xbox won't fully turn
on until it detects something receiving the hdmi signal... maybe the receiver was switching slow
or on the wrong channel?

as for the drive: from xbox.com

To format a USB flash drive

Plug a USB flash drive into a USB port on the front of your console.
Go to My Xbox, and then select System Settings.
Select Memory.
Select USB Storage Device.
Select USB Storage Device
Format the USB flash drive. You have two options:

Option 1: Erase the USB flash drive and configure 16 GB for Xbox storage
Select Configure Now.

Note If the USB flash drive does not have at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of space available, the options on this screen are not available. Use another USB flash drive.

Select Configure Now
Confirm that you want to erase all data on the USB flash drive.

Option 2: Configure a portion of the USB flash drive (up to 16 GB)
Select Customize Configuration.
Move the Reserved Storage slider to select the amount of space you want for Xbox storage.

Note 512 MB is reserved for system use.

Select Configure.
Custom USB configuration
The console tests your USB flash drive to make sure it works correctly with the console. If your USB flash drive passes this test, you can use it.

Xbox 360 Flash Drive: The USB flash drive is being tested and configured

Note If the USB flash drive is rated as below the recommended speed, you might experience reduced game performance and quality. To cancel and try another USB flash drive, select Cancel.

Your USB flash drive is ready to use and is listed as a memory unit under Storage Devices .