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

[txnroger]

Part of that fee is a per box license fee.

[muzzymate]

Ugh! I figured that's all there would be to it. So why isn't there a self install option again? :-)

Thanks for the info and being the guinea pig ayoj42! I'm looking forward to using my 360 as a STB but will wait awhile so I can do everything I want to do in one tech visit. 

[ayoj4s]

But $99.

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

When people complain about the cost of something like this it reminds me of this story:

“A guy comes in to fix something and he hits it with a hammer, and says, ‘That’ll be $250.’ The customer says, ‘What for? You just hit with a hammer.’ The guy says, ‘That’s $50 for hitting it with a hammer, and $200 for knowing where to hit it.’ ”

[Logical_Dolphin]

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txnroger wrote:

Logical_Dolphin, I was told that this is a future enhancement that will be coming out, however, in the meantime you can set the Xbox up to startup with the U-verse app by default.  I will get the instructions on how to do that and post it here.

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That was all I was asking about, if the Xbox can be configured to start the U-verse app by default when you turn it on.

[Logical_Dolphin]

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WhiplashChick wrote:

Well, I've got a tech coming out tomorrow to replace my DVR (it has died 3 times, twice in the last 2 weeks or so) and I wonder if I should try and get this Xbox thing set up while they're out here. Would that save me the truck roll fee?

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I would think so, since the Tech is coming primarily to address at&t equipment, but if he doesn't have the kit on him at the time of the visit, you may end up paying that fee after all...

[Logical_Dolphin]

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txnroger wrote:

Part of that fee is a per box license fee.

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I wish we could find out how much that licence fee actually is, and pay around that amount instead.

Subtracting the cost of the equipment included in the kit, I'm guesstimating the licence fee is about $50...

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

I guess it really doesn't matter what the breakdown of the $99 fee might be.  AT&T is going to set the price for using the xBox as an STB, and we as customers can either accept that price or not.

[Logical_Dolphin]

I don't expect anything to happen with the price in the short term, but at least the appropriate product team has heard our concerns...

[txnroger]

Logical_Dolphin I can vouch that they have heard!   The Project Manager is a friend of mine and we talk about the items on this discussion daily.  

I did find out today that it will run on the new Xbox360 by the way.  I actually got to see on in action and I really, really want one now!  It is so much quieter than my older Xbox360. 

[dhascall ACE - Professor]

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txnroger wrote:

Logical_Dolphin I can vouch that they have heard!   The Project Manager is a friend of mine and we talk about the items on this discussion daily.  

I did find out today that it will run on the new Xbox360 by the way.  I actually got to see on in action and I really, really want one now!  It is so much quieter than my older Xbox360. 

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Count me in the camp that $154 for the kit and install is a bit (if not very) steep.  I would have considered getting an X-Box for additional flexibility but that kind of slammed the door on that happening, at this time.  

Although I doubt that UV will ever use the existing Mediaroom features to make Windows 7 PC's act as a STB, I'd bet there would be loads of fees, there too (something tells me).

One question - since U-Verse will be plugged into the XBox, will that also be a pipeline for XBox Live and other XBox widgets that use the internet, or do you still need a separate connection to the RG / Home Network, for that?

Thanks.

[txnroger]

I haven't tried it yet but from what I understand if when you are watching TV you are hooked up to Xbox Live and your friends will be able to see you online and chat with you.

[Logical_Dolphin]

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dhascall wrote:

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txnroger wrote:

Logical_Dolphin I can vouch that they have heard!   The Project Manager is a friend of mine and we talk about the items on this discussion daily.  

I did find out today that it will run on the new Xbox360 by the way.  I actually got to see on in action and I really, really want one now!  It is so much quieter than my older Xbox360. 

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Count me in the camp that $154 for the kit and install is a bit (if not very) steep.  I would have considered getting an X-Box for additional flexibility but that kind of slammed the door on that happening, at this time.  

Although I doubt that UV will ever use the existing Mediaroom features to make Windows 7 PC's act as a STB, I'd bet there would be loads of fees, there too (something tells me).

One question - since U-Verse will be plugged into the XBox, will that also be a pipeline for XBox Live and other XBox widgets that use the internet, or do you still need a separate connection to the RG / Home Network, for that?

Thanks.

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According to at&t's brochure, you can IM and chat with your friends over Xbox Live at the same time as watching TV.

http://att.com/xbox360

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

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dhascall wrote:

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txnroger wrote:

Logical_Dolphin I can vouch that they have heard!   The Project Manager is a friend of mine and we talk about the items on this discussion daily.  

I did find out today that it will run on the new Xbox360 by the way.  I actually got to see on in action and I really, really want one now!  It is so much quieter than my older Xbox360. 

---

Count me in the camp that $154 for the kit and install is a bit (if not very) steep.  I would have considered getting an X-Box for additional flexibility but that kind of slammed the door on that happening, at this time.  

Although I doubt that UV will ever use the existing Mediaroom features to make Windows 7 PC's act as a STB, I'd bet there would be loads of fees, there too (something tells me).

One question - since U-Verse will be plugged into the XBox, will that also be a pipeline for XBox Live and other XBox widgets that use the internet, or do you still need a separate connection to the RG / Home Network, for that?

Thanks.

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Since I have the service running in my home, I can tell you that the Xbox Live integration works wonderfully.  I don't have any friends yet that also have U-Verse and the Xbox install but I was told that you can have viewing parties similar to the ones that you do with Netflix or Zune videos.

[Logical_Dolphin]

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ayoj4s11 wrote:

Not installed until this afternoon, but when looking at my order, I see a receiver install fee of $55, a change fee of $5, and I see an Xbox network integration fee. There is no charge for that yet. Just a heads up for those who are thinking about it for latter.

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Any updates to your install? Did you get 3 Xboxes installed?

[jskiba]

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americangame wrote:

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Since I have the service running in my home, I can tell you that the Xbox Live integration works wonderfully.  I don't have any friends yet that also have U-Verse and the Xbox install but I was told that you can have viewing parties similar to the ones that you do with Netflix or Zune videos.

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I wonder if this means also that the new Kinect sensor will allow voice commands aka "xbox play" "xbox pause" etc... ?

Any one know ?

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

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jskiba wrote:

I wonder if this means also that the new Kinect sensor will allow voice commands aka "xbox play" "xbox pause" etc... ?

Any one know ?

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You can do the standard media control commands that were built into the Xbox (Play, pause, channel up etc.)  The media commands are similar to using the buttons on the Xbox Remote.  However pause, play, stop, fast foward, etc. won't work on live tv.  They will only work when you are watching a DVR show.

In other news if you have a chatpad, you can use it to type in what you are searching for much easier than scrolling around and selecting each letter with an arrow key.

[ayoj4s]

I have the second install scheduled for Tuesday. This one is connected to the RG, but the kit was ordered any way. If not neede, I will use the HPNA adapter for the 3rd XBOX. If nothing, makes the connection for XBOX live, and netflix better that the wireless. Will let you guys know about the billing on Tuesday.

[Logical_Dolphin]

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ayoj4s wrote:

I have the second install scheduled for Tuesday. This one is connected to the RG, but the kit was ordered any way. If not neede, I will use the HPNA adapter for the 3rd XBOX. If nothing, makes the connection for XBOX live, and netflix better that the wireless. Will let you guys know about the billing on Tuesday.

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Any news to report?

[ayoj4s11]

All done. As reported last week, the first Xbox install took 5 minutes. The last 2, 2 days. ATT sales is the only group that can place the order, let no one tell you diffrent. CS Reps actually told the technology was not out yet, even though I was watching it. If possible, try to get the Xbox provisioned ahead of the install. My 2 wireless Xboxs were given the HPNA adapters from Motorola. The RG connected one got nothing, just a provison. There is a new disc to accomodate the new Xbox 360 update. There seems to be a requirement to be on Auto-Pay to get the service. Do not pay for the install or the kit up front. I was provided 3 discs, 3 remotes, and 3 HPNA adapters. And I kept them all. One CS rep attempted to tell the install tech that I needed to pay for the Kit with a credit card, I replied, then nevermind. Next the Tier II tech said the $99 was for my Xbox warranty. Not sure where this came from, I mean this software is Microsoft software. It would be like needing a warranty against the last 360 update. Either way, I have 1-DVR and 3 Xbox 360s. If you guys have any questions, let me know. Hope I can help you avoid the horror.

[mtavery24]

Sounds good.   Would you be able to go over more about the installation process of it?   After the tech installs the cd to xbox 360, does he have to call in to have it activated or is it as simple as installing cd then hook up your xbox 360 directly into the rg and you are good to go?   Just trying to figure out why a tech needs to be present to install it.  I already have a xbox 360 remote controller and do not need the hpna dongle.  All i need is cd.  Also, did the tech ever mention why high speed internet is required for this?  i just have u verse tv and the current set top boxes do not require uverse internet so why would the xbox 360 need it?    I am just looking to get as much information as possible because i currently do not have high speed internet with att, only tv, but would like to be able to use my xbox 360 as my secondary stb and send back my second stb uverse box.  Thanks for the info.

[txnroger]

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ayoj4s11 wrote:

All done. As reported last week, the first Xbox install took 5 minutes. The last 2, 2 days. ATT sales is the only group that can place the order, let no one tell you diffrent. CS Reps actually told the technology was not out yet, even though I was watching it. If possible, try to get the Xbox provisioned ahead of the install. My 2 wireless Xboxs were given the HPNA adapters from Motorola. The RG connected one got nothing, just a provison. There is a new disc to accomodate the new Xbox 360 update. There seems to be a requirement to be on Auto-Pay to get the service. Do not pay for the install or the kit up front. I was provided 3 discs, 3 remotes, and 3 HPNA adapters. And I kept them all. One CS rep attempted to tell the install tech that I needed to pay for the Kit with a credit card, I replied, then nevermind. Next the Tier II tech said the $99 was for my Xbox warranty. Not sure where this came from, I mean this software is Microsoft software. It would be like needing a warranty against the last 360 update. Either way, I have 1-DVR and 3 Xbox 360s. If you guys have any questions, let me know. Hope I can help you avoid the horror.

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I have passed your experience on to the product team.  Thank you for posting it. I hope that everything is working well with the boxes. 

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

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mtavery24 wrote:

Sounds good.   Would you be able to go over more about the installation process of it?   After the tech installs the cd to xbox 360, does he have to call in to have it activated or is it as simple as installing cd then hook up your xbox 360 directly into the rg and you are good to go?   Just trying to figure out why a tech needs to be present to install it.  I already have a xbox 360 remote controller and do not need the hpna dongle.  All i need is cd.  Also, did the tech ever mention why high speed internet is required for this?  i just have u verse tv and the current set top boxes do not require uverse internet so why would the xbox 360 need it?    I am just looking to get as much information as possible because i currently do not have high speed internet with att, only tv, but would like to be able to use my xbox 360 as my secondary stb and send back my second stb uverse box.  Thanks for the info.

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There has to be a provision on your account that the Xbox 360 will be connected to as a STB on your account in order for it to work.  My Xbox travels between my girlfriends place and mine and when it was hooked up at my place, the U-Verse TV did not work even though I have U-Verse service at my apartment as well.

But yea its just the tech putting in the CD pressing a few buttons and it's installed.

You need High Speed internet access since you have to have an Xbox Live account in order for the CD to install.  On the first try the tech tried installing the kit on my Xbox when it was still offline and it wouldn't connect.  This might be a Microsoft thing but that's why you need internet.

[mtavery24]

Do you just call att and have them provision your xbox? 

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

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mtavery24 wrote:

Do you just call att and have them provision your xbox? 

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I think they do that when you order the kit. I can see the XBox service included when I check my girlfriend's account online.

Check my post above.  I made another edit to answer some more of your quesitons.

[Logical_Dolphin]

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ayoj4s11 wrote:

All done. As reported last week, the first Xbox install took 5 minutes. The last 2, 2 days. ATT sales is the only group that can place the order, let no one tell you diffrent. CS Reps actually told the technology was not out yet, even though I was watching it. If possible, try to get the Xbox provisioned ahead of the install. My 2 wireless Xboxs were given the HPNA adapters from Motorola. The RG connected one got nothing, just a provison. There is a new disc to accomodate the new Xbox 360 update. There seems to be a requirement to be on Auto-Pay to get the service. Do not pay for the install or the kit up front. I was provided 3 discs, 3 remotes, and 3 HPNA adapters. And I kept them all. One CS rep attempted to tell the install tech that I needed to pay for the Kit with a credit card, I replied, then nevermind. Next the Tier II tech said the $99 was for my Xbox warranty. Not sure where this came from, I mean this software is Microsoft software. It would be like needing a warranty against the last 360 update. Either way, I have 1-DVR and 3 Xbox 360s. If you guys have any questions, let me know. Hope I can help you avoid the horror.

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So how were you actually billed? Are the price of the kits going to be applied to your next U-verse bill?

[mdbuchman]

Hello,

Curious if anyone else has had the install?  I had my system installed yesterday.  But noticed after the tech left the bandwith is WAY down.  To the point where when browsing for recordings or watching recordings it times out.

I also tested via media streaming from my computer and same deal.  I disconnected the HPNA box and went back to wireless on my xbox and tested the media streaming to my PC and good as new.

Has anyone else had any issues with the HPNA box?  Or is there a fix that I could possibly try?

[mtavery24]

I do have high speed internet and xbox live but my high speed internet service is through a different provider, not Uverse.  I wonder if it would still work.  I am currently using the wireless n on the xbox 360 to connect to my wireless n router that is connected to my current internet provider.  I wonder if I would be able to keep using the wireless n to connect to xbox live still but use the LAN port to connect ethernet directly to the RG.  I would like to keep my current internet provider and see if i could get it to work that way before having to switch over to uverse internet.  Personally, I think the 99 bucks for the kit is ridiculous since I already have the xbox 360 media remote and would not need the HPNA since I can connect xbox 360 directly to RG using ethernet port.  Also the 55 dollar charge for a tech to come out to put in a cd and install which takes a few minutes.  The cd should be mailed to you and it should be a self install.

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

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mtavery24 wrote:

I do have high speed internet and xbox live but my high speed internet service is through a different provider, not U-Verse.  I wonder if it would still work.  I am currently using the wireless n on the xbox 360 to connect to my wireless n router that is connected to my current internet provider.  I wonder if I would be able to keep using the wireless n to connect to xbox live still but use the LAN port to connect ethernet directly to the RG.  I would like to keep my current internet provider and see if i could get it to work that way before having to switch over to uverse internet.  Personally, I think the 99 bucks for the kit is ridiculous since I already have the xbox 360 media remote and would not need the HPNA since I can connect xbox 360 directly to RG using ethernet port.  Also the 55 dollar charge for a tech to come out to put in a cd and install which takes a few minutes.  The cd should be mailed to you and it should be a self install.

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While I do think you'll be able to install the service,  having U-Verse TV on your Xbox will become a hassle for you since your internet provider is another company.

The Xbox only allows for one connection at a time to work (wired or wireless) so if the U-verse is connected via a wire to the HPNA bridge, it will take priority of the internet connection, thus you won't be online with XBox Live.  If you're connected to your ISP via wireless, the U-verse channel won't work.

The only way I see it working with your setup right now is that you'll have to disconnect the wired U-Verse connection each time you want to hop online to play games. 

Just curious but why do you have a separate provider when U-Verse internet's cost is the same price, or even cheaper, than the compaction?

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

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Logical_Dolphin wrote:

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ayoj4s11 wrote:

All done. As reported last week, the first Xbox install took 5 minutes. The last 2, 2 days. ATT sales is the only group that can place the order, let no one tell you diffrent. CS Reps actually told the technology was not out yet, even though I was watching it. If possible, try to get the Xbox provisioned ahead of the install. My 2 wireless Xboxs were given the HPNA adapters from Motorola. The RG connected one got nothing, just a provison. There is a new disc to accomodate the new Xbox 360 update. There seems to be a requirement to be on Auto-Pay to get the service. Do not pay for the install or the kit up front. I was provided 3 discs, 3 remotes, and 3 HPNA adapters. And I kept them all. One CS rep attempted to tell the install tech that I needed to pay for the Kit with a credit card, I replied, then nevermind. Next the Tier II tech said the $99 was for my Xbox warranty. Not sure where this came from, I mean this software is Microsoft software. It would be like needing a warranty against the last 360 update. Either way, I have 1-DVR and 3 Xbox 360s. If you guys have any questions, let me know. Hope I can help you avoid the horror.

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So how were you actually billed? Are the price of the kits going to be applied to your next U-verse bill?

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I was told that the cost will be put on my next bill, just like when they drop a new line into the house.