What resolutions does the Xbox 360 support?

The Xbox 360 supports all worldwide variations (NTSC, PAL) of composite video, all component video resolutions (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) and VGA resolutions (from VGA 640x480 at 50 Hz and 60 Hz, passing through 1024x768 at 50 and 60 Hz, to 1920x1080 at both 50 and 60 Hz)

Do I need a HDTV capable TV to play Xbox 360?

No, you don't need a HDTV capable or a HDTV compatible TV to play the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 will work fine on a traditional analog television with 4:3 aspect ratio.

If my TV only supports both 480p and 1080i, will the Xbox 360 reduce game visuals to 480p?

The high-definition support for Xbox 360 is dynamic, so even if a game is designed with 720p in mind, but your TV only supports 480p or 1080i, Xbox 360 will run the game in the best resolution your TV offers; in this case would be 1080i.

What audio and video connections does the Xbox 360 have?

The Xbox 360 has a proprietary A/V connector like the Xbox and a cable adapts this signal to a standard A/V format such as composite, component, S-video, VGA/stereo, and surround sound.

What video connections will the Xbox 360 support right out of the box?

The Xbox 360 will support composite and component video out of the box in North America and Europe. The Xbox 360 Core system only supports composite video right out the box while the Xbox 360 Premium edition includes the Component HDAV Cable that has both component and composite video cables in addition to stereo and optical surround sound audio.

What are the different A/V packs?

So far Microsoft has launched an S-Video, a VGA, and enhanced SCART RGB in addition to composite and component cables. A surround sound optical connector is also available in addition to standard stereo audio.

Can I connect the Xbox 360 to my PC monitor?

Yes, you can connect the Xbox 360 to your PC monitor using the an Xbox AV to VGA cable (sold as an aftermarket product).

Does the Xbox 360 support DVI or HDMI?

At the moment, Microsoft does not offer a DVI or HDMI pack, but it may be available in the future. Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox Product Group at Microsoft, elaborated, "We're poised to hit the sweet spot of the HD market at launch and as the market matures, we will provide an HDMI for our customers when it makes sense. The reality is, you don't need HDMI for HD gaming."

If I have a HDTV, do I need the HD cable in order to play the games in high definition, or will the games be in high definition without the cable?

Yes, in order to play Xbox 360 games in HD, you need either the component or VGA cable. If you use the regular composite video or the S-Video cables, you'll only be able to play Xbox 360 games in standard definition.

Is there any way to play Xbox 360 games through a large HD screen that only has a DVI connector? I heard Microsoft may release a DVI cable.

Since there is currently no Xbox 360 cable with DVI or HDMI output, you'll need a VGA to DVI adapter if you want to connect via a DVI input.

I have ordered an Xbox 360 and I want to know how to connect via the HD-AV cable. I imagine 2 plugs are for Audio, 3 plugs are component video, what is the remaining plug for?

The AV cable that comes with the Premium Edition of the Xbox 360 has three audio connectors and four video cables. The red and white cables are for standard stereo audio; that is left and right audio channels. There is one optical audio connector that plugs into the Xbox 360 AV port. Finally, you have four video cables: Red, Green and Blue are the component video cables, while the yellow one is for composite video.

If I put a high definition AV cable on my TV would I get the same viewing experience as if I put the regular A/V cord or will the HD AV cable be better?

No matter which type of TV you have, component video cables will always be better than standard composite video. If you have an HDTV, then the HD AV cable is a requirement for you to enjoy 720p. However, if you have a regular TV with component inputs, Xbox 360 will play content in standard 480p but you'll definitely receive a better picture using component video instead of composite.