Xbox in HD

i found a cool little device from VDigi Electronics called the VD-Z3 that lets you connect your XBOX to any computer monitor.  it is techinically referred to as a component video to VGA transcoder.  this has several benefits — all of which i greatly appreciate.  first of all, the box has a pass through for VGA so that the XBOX and computer can be connected at the same time.  a switch on the side of the device allows…well, switching, of course.  this means i get an extra screen to connect the XBOX and don’t always have to monopolize the large TV set (Megan likes that aspect).  secondly, since computer monitors are multi-sync devices, i can enable HD (high definition) output from the XBOX!  many XBOX games–all the ones i play, anyway–support HD resolutions.  this means better color, detail and overall immersion in the experience. it means getting the most out of the XBOX without dropping a bundle on a HD television.  finally, i can easily plug in my headphones to the computer speakers for silent (from the third person view) gaming.  this is especially good for late night session in which i frequently engage.  not to mention, the aural positioning is improved when wearing headphones.  it’s very helpful when playing a game like Halo 2 when you hear gunfire coming from the right before you can even see the shooter.  on my television, sound seems to come from the middle rather than either side.  anyway, i have really learned to like this device.

 the product itself comes with an XBOX HD connector cable (that has component video out as well as analog stereo and optical out), a RCA style to 1/8 mini-jack for connecting computer speakers, and the converter itself.  whenever i finally buy a new receiver for my sound system, i can run the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound out of the XBOX, thus adding the final enhancement to my gaming experience.  i did have to locate a male to male VGA cable to connect as a pass through from the computer.  this is not required but simplifies the process by eliminating frequent physical reconnection of the monitor from PC to the VD-Z3, and allowing me to flip a switch.

the company itself is in Hong Kong and my product was shipped from there.  however, shipping costs were only around $13 and the shipment arrived in about a 8 days.  this is better than some items i have received from within the U.S.!  i have been very happy with my purchase and higly recommend this device to anyone interested in connecting the XBOX to a spare monitor or getting enabling the HD capabilities on a budget.