Why: XBOX usually delivers Composite Video output + Stereo
output. With an "Advanced" cable, user can enjoy RGB video
& optical SPDIF.
I wanted higher video quality then composite video delivers, and my
projector (as most projectors) does not support RGB.
S-Video is better then Composite, mostly because it uses 2 wires
(Luminance & Chrominance) , instead of just using one wire,
as Composite does.
This mod allows XBOX to boot & work just fine
without the original audio+video-cable connected.
The original cable is still working after modding this way.
This should not be necessary to say, : This voids your XBOX
warranty instantly :)
+The original connector/cable will still work as before.
I skip schematics - here goes the pictures... they say it all:
Finding the signals/connecing to them:
This picture shows the solder-side of the XBOX motherboard, where the
video+audio connector is mounted.
RED long wire, goes to the center of the SPDIF connector.
WHITE wire, is the S-VIDEO Luminance line
GREEN wire, is the S-VIDEO Chrominance line
The thin RED wire that connects three solder-points , connects two
sensing-points to GND, When this two points are grounded - XBOX is
cheated to believing that the original cable is connected, AND
SPDIF digital audio output is enabled
TRICK: Usually - I would also need to connect the Y-GND &
C-GND lines too. XBOX is fortunatly well build and uses common
ground for all I/O lines, and therefore, I will use the ground from the
XBOX chassis instad..
Now , The connectors:
This is the inside of XBOX's rear
shielding plate.,
I drilled some holes, and inserted:
One female RCA connector for the SPDIF
One female S-VIDEO connector
Both connector's shields are soldered to the XBOX's chassis-shield
(perfect ground source, XBOX motherboard is very well grounded at
several points)
Finally , Connecting the connectors:
*1 = S-Video connector. There are two more pins
beneath the two you see. These pins are connected to ground.
*2 = SPDIF, ground connected by soldering shield to the
XBOX shield
HINT: You can see I removed the tin-fan-grills that were between
the fan and the plastic fan-grills. I did it to improve air-flow.
A better alternative :
Using shielded cables might give higher quality - I did not see any
difference, but here's some picturs of this mod with shielded cables...
