Re: XBOX 360 as Set Top Box - 11/7/2010!!

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

WhiplashChick wrote:
Sorry, but I'm not paying $154 for someone to pop in a CD, give me a remote I already have and plug in a (I assume) USB dongle. I'm ok with the truck roll, but not the total cost which will take 22 months to make up.

The "dongle" is a HPNA converter, it basically converts a coax line to an Ethernet line to hook your Xbox directly to the RG. My problem is that while most people will probably need it, not all, like me

WhiplashChick · ‎09-06-2004

Yeah, I wouldn't need that either. My STB is ethernet and the whole apartment is wired.

My guess is ATT knows what setup I have and should be able to cater the product/service and the costs of it to each customer. I'd happily pay $55 for the truck roll/install. I have the remote. I have the right hookup. I have the right 360.

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

WhiplashChick wrote:
I was looking to add an additional box. You can't do the Xbox thing without at least 1 STB, so actually, they won't be getting anything additional. Snarkfail.

Actually at&t uses the term "standard receiver" which IMO isn't clear. I believe it means is what we refer as the main DVR, since it can also act as just a receiver (U100 & U-Basic). They refer to what we call and STB, an "additional receiver"...

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

WhiplashChick wrote:
Yeah, I wouldn't need that either. My STB is ethernet and the whole apartment is wired.

My guess is ATT knows what setup I have and should be able to cater the product/service and the costs of it to each customer. I'd happily pay $55 for the truck roll/install. I have the remote. I have the right hookup. I have the right 360.

I would suggest contacting U-verse support about your situation, maybe they can do something about it. I intend to do the same when the time comes...

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

I think eventually you will be able to download the Uverse application directly off of Xbox Live. I think it make sense, since both Microsoft & at&t want to promote that you can watch TV directly off of the Xbox 360.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

I can't wait until they start running ads for this on TV!

Let's see Cable & Satellite top this!

Been a long wait for this option!

alemis · ‎10-11-2010

The pricing is beyond disappointing. I've had to send three Xbox 360s back in my life and I'm not about to drop another $150 and hope that it lasts another two years. AT&T needs to understand that there is a population of enthusiasts who want to install this on their own and who can be great PR for them.

Looks like I'll be buying an ASUS WiCast instead. That can be used with other devices and if you check out the review it works with U-Verse. I'll have to also buy an RF remote. It's more money, but I just don't trust the Xbox 360s durability.

http://www.amazon.com/WiCast-EW2000-Wireless-Transmitter-Receiver/dp/B0042JST4E

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

I'm glad you brought that up, as my son has had 3-5 360s, I've lost count. 1 was the infamous RRoD, the others were HDD errors.

So far, his last exchange has been fine and runs much quiter and cooler, but yeah, I'd be worried a bit as well.

alemis wrote:

The pricing is beyond disappointing. I've had to send three Xbox 360s back in my life and I'm not about to drop another $150 and hope that it lasts another two years. AT&T needs to understand that there is a population of enthusiasts who want to install this on their own and who can be great PR for them.

Looks like I'll be buying an ASUS WiCast instead. That can be used with other devices and if you check out the review it works with U-Verse. I'll have to also buy an RF remote. It's more money, but I just don't trust the Xbox 360s durability.

http://www.amazon.com/WiCast-EW2000-Wireless-Transmitter-Receiver/dp/B0042JST4E

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

The new Xbox Slims should be more reliable, as well as the model before it (Jasper) because they have cooller running chips inside them. I would be wary of any of the earlier Xboxes that don't have a HDMI port in them...

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Yeah, the latest replacement has HDMI and has made a difference in performance; probably shouldn't have said that (jinx!).

equake · ‎09-11-2007

The offering is definitely an improvement of reducing my connections but at the cost of $155 for current customers its a bit much. I don't need a truck roll to load up software from a CD. It would free up my current STB for another connection.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Blast from the Past! (for new users to our Forum)

jskiba · ‎10-12-2010

I just read this news article

http://www.tgdaily.com/games-and-entertainment-features/51972-att-brings-live-tv-to-xbox-360

"... Xbox 360 users can receive chat and game invitations from friends through Xbox Live while watching live TV, and switch from game to TV mode without switching video inputs on the TV screen.

The service is 'virtually the same' as that on the company's standard set-top box, providing live TV and DVR use, as well as allowing users to access interactive apps, program guides and the On Demand library.

It's free to existing U-verse subscribers, or $99 for new customers. "

I really like the FREE part for existing users (that would be great, hopefully it's not just media reporting error, cause $154 is way to much to use xbox as an stb)

Fingers crossed.

muzzymate · ‎11-09-2009

It's a reporting error. According to AT&T's press release:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/att-extends-tv-watching-to-more-devices-with-launch-of-u-ver...

In the fourth paragraph after About AT&T:

Purchase of $99 Xbox kit required. For existing U-verse TV members, additional $55 installation charge will apply.

Sorry, I'm not thrilled about it either and think the charge is completely ridiculous!

ExtremeGamer · ‎02-02-2008

Without question, over the last 3-4 years of having U-Verse, they have without a doubt the worst customer service of any company I've ever dealt with.

I have called 3 times today to get info on this. First time I was transferred around 4 times before I was just "accidentally" disconnected as no one had a clue.

Second time, I was told that told that U-Verse doesn't support Xbox and I'm mistaken. Then put on hold for 5 minutes before being transferred to 1-800-4MyXBox. LOL

Third time, I was told the install would be $199, $99 for the kit and $7.99 a month. LOL

AT&T...worst company out there. If I had an option other than Time Warner I would cancel in a heart beat.

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

I read in another forum that the PTs are getting the parts of the "kit" in a piecemeal fashion (CDs, HPNA bridges, remotes), they are not all packaged together. So it seems that you should only get charged for the parts you need, however a PT stated that they have no means to report if a customer used a part or not...

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

You know that would be too easy, give the customer only what they need; and that's not just ATT. Maybe it is a requirement of MS? Both companies want to have equipment in the package from which to make a profit.

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

In the other forum, a PT is saying that the U-verse app for Xbox only needs 50Mb of space to run and he believes the instructions stated it could be put on a Xbox memory card. If true this would directly contradict what at&t stated what was a requirement for this program. Actually for me it throws everything into question about what the necessary fees and requirements actually are.

It may be a few weeks after getting this process started and customer installs, to get this all sorted out properly...

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

When I told my son about the setup, he immediately said, why can't the software just be downloaded via stream from Xbox?

The downside to this is customers will be responsible for getting their Xbox replaced if something goes wrong (it dies/explodes), no more free STB exchanges. I can hear it now, ATT made my Xbox RRoD.

Who knows, maybe they'll offer them for a monthly fee if you don't have one already? All kinds of possibilities for sure.

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

spd2demun wrote:
When I told my son about the setup, he immediately said, why can't the software just be downloaded via stream from Xbox?

The downside to this is customers will be responsible for getting their Xbox replaced if something goes wrong (it dies/explodes), no more free STB exchanges. I can hear it now, ATT made my Xbox RRoD.

Who knows, maybe they'll offer them for a monthly fee if you don't have one already? All kinds of possibilities for sure.

That goes without saying that the customer will be responsible for their Xbox, should it break. But I feel that the newer Xboxes are fairly reliable at this point. The Uverse App will hardly be taxing the Xbox 360's capabilites, so I am not worried about it breaking if that is what is mainly used...

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

You mean the new, new ones with the 250GBs?

And you think it is possible to stream the CD download to make it operational for UV, if you're already Ethernet to the RG and have the Xbox remote...just that ATT isn't planning on doing it that way?

wingrider01 · ‎05-26-2008

spd2demun wrote:
I can't wait until they start running ads for this on TV!
Let's see Cable & Satellite top this!

Been a long wait for this option!

4 HD dvr's, can record 6 high definition shows and can still watch 2 others. that tops it easily

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

wingrider01 wrote:

4 HD dvr's, can record 6 high definition shows and can still watch 2 others. that tops it easily
How much does it cost to have 4 HD DVR's?

ScottMac · ‎08-16-2008

Logical_Dolphin wrote:
In the other forum, a PT is saying that the U-verse app for Xbox only needs 50Mb of space to run and he believes the instructions stated it could be put on a Xbox memory card. If true this would directly contradict what at&t stated what was a requirement for this program. Actually for me it throws everything into question about what the necessary fees and requirements actually are.

It may be a few weeks after getting this process started and customer installs, to get this all sorted out properly...

The application will only load to the hard drive. No option is requested or input available for, "where do you want to load it?"

I am an AT&T employee and the postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent AT&T’s positions, strategies or opinions.

wingrider01 · ‎05-26-2008

texasguy37 wrote:
wingrider01 wrote:

4 HD dvr's, can record 6 high definition shows and can still watch 2 others. that tops it easily
How much does it cost to have 4 HD DVR's?

with directv 14.97

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

wingrider01 wrote:
texasguy37 wrote:
wingrider01 wrote:

4 HD dvr's, can record 6 high definition shows and can still watch 2 others. that tops it easily
How much does it cost to have 4 HD DVR's?
with directv 14.97

When DirecTV can use an Xbox 360 as set top box, get back with us.

Ronin559 · ‎11-26-2008

I too have 2 Xbox 360s that I want to use instead of my current STBs, both have are hooked up via Ethernet cables directly to the RG. I also have remotes for both, one is the same 360 media remote shown in the video and the other is a Logitech Harmony 360 remote (highly recommended).

So like most who have posted here I do not need the coax to Ethernet dongle or the remotes, I need is the CD. I am going to take the approach of “just wait and see” I think At&t is trying to get some money back from the lost STB monthly fee by requiring the kit. I have a hunch that in a few months the only need will be the $55 install fee or a similar fee for a self install kit. I am still excited about this feature on my Xbox 360, but still have a few questions I want answered, and until I have heard from other customers about this I will wait.

--A question I posed a few pages back, will the Xbox 360 have Pause/FF/RW feature? Or will only the DVR have that feature? The STB as they are now are not capable of doing so, but At&t is rolling out an upgrade that will bring Pause/FF/RR to the non-DVR STBs. It is a factor because I use the feaure a lot in my living room where my DVR is, but would like to use one of the 360s as a instead.

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

ScottMac_1 wrote:

Logical_Dolphin wrote:
In the other forum, a PT is saying that the U-verse app for Xbox only needs 50Mb of space to run and he believes the instructions stated it could be put on a Xbox memory card. If true this would directly contradict what at&t stated what was a requirement for this program. Actually for me it throws everything into question about what the necessary fees and requirements actually are.

It may be a few weeks after getting this process started and customer installs, to get this all sorted out properly...

The application will only load to the hard drive. No option is requested or input available for, "where do you want to load it?"

How do you know this? The "PT" apparently had instructions that said that application would give you a choice where to install it...

Edit: It looks like that PT has changed his tune, he now says HD is required.

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

spd2demun wrote:
You mean the new, new ones with the 250GBs?

And you think it is possible to stream the CD download to make it operational for UV, if you're already Ethernet to the RG and have the Xbox remote...just that ATT isn't planning on doing it that way?

Yes the new Xbox Slims (4GB/250GB) should be much more reliable.

As far as streaming the install CD, it could be distributed over Xbox Live like the Netflix application...

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

Ronin559 wrote:

--A question I posed a few pages back, will the Xbox 360 have Pause/FF/RW feature? Or will only the DVR have that feature? The STB as they are now are not capable of doing so, but At&t is rolling out an upgrade that will bring Pause/FF/RR to the non-DVR STBs. It is a factor because I use the feaure a lot in my living room where my DVR is, but would like to use one of the 360s as a instead.

I'm sure the Xbox acts just like the current STB in terms of its abilites. If I want video control on a live TV program, I simply set it to record and watch the recording, then I will have the ability to manipulate the video. Since I am still using 1 video stream it will almost be the same as watching live video off the DVR...