Outraged over Microsoft!

[0ptima]

There will probably be a "hack" to let hacked xboxs play online.

[merk]

The xbox is just a PC, and afaik, PC's were designed to do all of the above. (Storing games, running different OS's ... you know, all that strange stuff that PC's normally do).

So a normal pc has specific hardware to stop this from happening unless you modify it?

While it might have the same arcitechture (sp?) as a PC, it is not a PC (until you install an illegal chip into it).

[filburt1]

So a normal pc has specific hardware to stop this from happening unless you modify it?

While it might have the same arcitechture (sp?) as a PC, it is not a PC (until you install an illegal chip into it).

Rumor has it that upcoming processors that have particular support for Longhorn will have integrated copyright protection. They already have algorithms to check the digital signatures of applications to prevent them from running (newly integrated into Windows XP SP2).

It is of legal debate whether mod chips are illegal or not.

[Mike Anime]

Rumor has it that upcoming processors that have particular support for Longhorn will have integrated copyright protection. They already have algorithms to check the digital signatures of applications to prevent them from running (newly integrated into Windows XP SP2).

It is of legal debate whether mod chips are illegal or not.

speaking of longhorn that OS will not support media files so no more movies or songs can be played exept on a DVD or audio CD encoded with copyrite info on them.

back to the Xbox issue whats the harm in putting a bigger HDD in it to improve performence of the system.

[filburt1]

speaking of longhorn that OS will not support media files so no more movies or songs can be played exept on a DVD or audio CD encoded with copyrite info on them.

back to the Xbox issue whats the harm in putting a bigger HDD in it to improve performence of the system.

I seriously doubt Microsoft would cripple their product that much. I have heard the same rumors, but it won't happen for the same reason iTunes and Mac OS X support other files: nobody in their right mind would buy a computer or operating system that doesn't support their existing files. Also consider A/V professionals who develop content that isn't exactly going to be signed via the RIAA/MPAA...but I digress.

The problem with Microsoft banning users from Xbox Live with modified consoles is the cheating issue (and it's their system so they can do whatever they want, really). With no modifications, MS knows that their network has pure clients.

I do wish there could be some middle-ground, though, because as I said eariler in the thread, I really wish I could copy my games to the hard drive so I don't have to bring them around with me. Obviously there are copyright issues but I'm sure there could be some way to resolve it (think CD keys).

[Guest]

The xbox is just a PC, and afaik, PC's were designed to do all of the above. (Storing games, running different OS's ... you know, all that strange stuff that PC's normally do).

The xbox is not a pc, it is a game console. It was designed to play game's and other media from a removable media. By moding an xbox to do something its not designed to do you can in-danger others who might be sharing the x-box live network with you.

Of course most modification dose not have such intent, I modifiy most every console I own. But I can see where microsoft is coming from and why they have banned moded consoles from the network.

Like someone else said, deal with it til a hack comes out or buy anthor xbox for your online play.

It is of legal debate whether mod chips are illegal or not.

Personaly I think they are ok, they sure do come in handy when I want to play some japanese imports . IMHO a technolgy should never be deemed illegal just because it can be used illegally, playing imports I bought on a console I bought hardly seems illegal to me. Now playing back-ups you download from the net, thats a differnt story

[dynamite]

How is a larger HDD and installing games actually on the xBox .... hacking?

Because the intended purpose of Xbox games is to play off the disc and not the hard drive. This prevents people from sharing illegal copies, which drives up costs, and makes a legitimate player like me from paying more and more for games.
I have never hacked my Xbox, and don't plan to. If I ever felt the need to, then I should be prepared to face the consequences of my actions... in this situation, modded Xboxs are being denied the right to play on Xbox Live.
As someone said they can mod it because they own it, this is true. However, I can modify my car however I want it as well, but that doesn't mean I can legally drive it on the street. Unless it follows the rules of my state, then it is illegal and I must face the consequences of if I choose to drive it.

Also, modding something and introducing it to a network introduces the possibility of viruses being spread. That would really suck to get a virus on your Xbox!!! Microsoft has enough problems with their software and viruses, lets keep it from the gaming systems!

[Mikhailtech]

I don't have an Xbox, but I do have a significant amount of computer experience, and like most people here said, once you mod your Xbox you are voiding your agreement. If it were possible (from a technical standpoint), Microsoft could disable your Xbox completely, and you wouldn't be able to do a thing about it. If you're going to do something illegal (regardless of whether your reason is "legitimate"), be prepared to face the consequences.

In software (games for instance), your CD key may get banned from online play if you're found to have a hacked one.

In hardware, by overclocking or doing anything that's not expressly specified, you're voiding your warranty.

What is MS doing that's so different?

No need to get pissed because you clearly did something illegal (and just because thousands of people do it, doesn't make it legal) and now you got banned. Boo hoo.

[damicatz]

You bought the X-Box, you have the right to modify it last time I checked. DMCA has so many loopholes in it that it won't last much longer, even with Bush and his (mostly resigned now) cabinet trying to save the DMCA.

Then again, Microsoft is a horrible greedy company anyways. I manage to avoid using any and all Microsoft products and would suggest a PS2 or a Linux Gaming Box over the X-Box.

[Zachery]

Mod the xbox, no support
Mod vBulletin Files, No support

I really don't see what the problem is, when you bought the xbox you agreed to MS's terms, and thats it, same as when you do vB.

[Guest]

Mod the xbox, no support
Mod vBulletin Files, No support

I really don't see what the problem is, when you bought the xbox you agreed to MS's terms, and thats it, same as when you do vB.

If you want to put it that way yes, but here in lies the problem.

People have been able to freely modify their consoles for years, and many have become dependant on such things as modification chips to allow them to play imported games. Some do it to play titles early, most do it because a game is never released in their area.

3/4's of my ps-one collection is imported japanese games, most never released state side.

For a long time we could modify our hardware and not see such restrictions. You always void any support by poping open the case anyway . Obviously there is going to be a backlash when you ban all modified consoles from online play.

Honestly I don't see it as a good move, at least for geek's anyway, most xbox owners won't ever modify their consoles anyway.

Meh I don't even own an xbox and I know there will be a hack/patch for this floating around soon, trust me some guy with to much time on his hands wanting to use a modified xbox on xbox live is out there working on this very problem as I type this.

[merk]

If you want to put it that way yes, but here in lies the problem.

People have been able to freely modify their consoles for years, and many have become dependant on such things as modification chips to allow them to play imported games. Some do it to play titles early, most do it because a game is never released in their area.

Neither of those arguments worked in Australian Courts. Region protection is there for a reason (unfortunatly), and our laws dont let those arguments work.

They almost did, though!

[chrispadfield]

I still don't get the legality of region protection, I know in the UK you can buy a region free DVD player from Amazon as well as the top supermarket chains. Is it voluntary by the manufactuers?

It seems to me that region encoding consoles is shooting themselves in the foot. I need to buy a DVD player for some time I am spending in Canada, had the X-box been region free (for my UK DVDs0 I might just have paid the extra, but instead I will just buy a cheapy DVD player.

[dynamite]

As I mentioned in my other post, I think one of the things Microsoft doesn't want to happen is for things like viruses being introduced into things like gaming systems, and with an internet connection and a system with a hard drive, it makes it more and more possible to happen! This hasn't ever been an issue in the past since systems didn't really use internet connection or have hard drives to store the malicious info.
While these mods may be harmless, Microsoft is just trying to prevent the ones which are not. I don't really see a problem with this. Stopping a problem from 1% of the people saves bigger problems for the other 99%.

[Guest]

I still don't get the legality of region protection, I know in the UK you can buy a region free DVD player from Amazon as well as the top supermarket chains. Is it voluntary by the manufactuers?

Some make region free players but not all, it is important to find a good quility player if you are going region free tho because some of the new disc's have an extra layer of protection that prevent them from playing in region free dvd players.