FOXTEL Lap 2010

Now for my big thank yous.

I said before I would have a little something extra for those who dug deep, and you guys really came through.

Top Donor

Aleks S.

Runners-up

Benjamin C.

Jess H.

Mark F.

Now, since I had an exact 3-way tie on my Silver medal awesome donors and I only have 2 controller bundles, I’m going to have to get a bit creative about finding an equivalent prize for one of you, but we’ll sort something. Keep an eye out for an email from me!

Give yourselves a round of applause! Who cares if it’s the internet and no one else can hear? I hear it loud and clear, and it’s saying you guys are awesome.

- jinx

This Friday I and the rest of the Xbox team here in Sydney are participating in the FOXTEL Lap, a fundraising run for the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, which is dedicated to finding answers to the most pressing health issues affecting children today.

We need sponsors, and I’m putting on my puppy dog eyes and looking at you, and throwing in something to say Thank You to those of you who open the wallets and contribute.

• The person who sponsors me the most will get a Tekken 6 arcade stick bundled with Tekken 6.
• The 2 runners-up who sponsor me second and third most will get a Halo 3: ODST limited edition controller that comes bundled with Halo 3: ODST.
• The first 100 people to sponsor me for at least $5 will each get a code for an Xbox LIVE Arcade game (game will vary).

To sponsor me, go here and fill out the form. You will have to put your first name, last name, and email address in the form. Please use a real email address! That’s how I’ll get in contact with you to send you a thank you present and I solemnly promise not to abuse the info or use it for any other purpose. From the “Participant to Sponsor” list select “Ashley Jenkins (XBOX – NSW)” — I can only see those who sponsor me, not those who sponsor the whole Xbox team, but it all goes to the same good use.

- jinx

If you’re interested in sponsoring me or the entire Xbox team, please go here. You can sponsor an individual runner (I’m registered as Ashley Jenkins (XBOX – NSW) or sponsor our entire team (registered as XBOX – NSW) as we tag team to keep the treadmill going for 10 straight hours. I’m aiming to run 50 100m laps, or 5K, in 30 minutes and that’s faster than I’ve ever run for that long so I could really use the motivation!

The FOXTEL Lap is held in support of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Australia’s largest and most prestigious child health research organisation.

Proceeds from the event support research into  priority areas such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, premature birth, genetic conditions, obesity and mental health problems to help children lead happier, healthier lives.

- jinx

Go here to skip the questions below and just get started.

I see FOXTEL in the Video Marketplace but it says “Coming Soon” and I can’t download it. Why?

We’ve obseerved a high demand for this service. In order to ensure a smooth user experience for those who have FOXTEL installed, we’re performing a gradual rollout of the service to all users across Australia. This may take a few days. Once your console has access to FOXTEL the text in the FOXTEL box will change and you will be able to download and launch the application.

Why can’t I have it now? Do you hate me?

No, we don’t hate you. Actually, we were just talking and we think you’re pretty cool. We like you so much that we want to be sure you have a good time when you get started with FOXTEL.  We’ve automated the gradual rollout to ensure a good, smooth experience from the moment you download the FOXTEL application, rather than stuffing you into a crowded queue with no regard for your personal space.

I live in an Austar area. Can I still get FOXTEL on my Xbox 360?

Due to content distribution agreements, FOXTEL can only be provided to users in FOXTEL-serviced areas.

How do you know I’m not in a FOXTEL area?

This is determined by the billing postcode on your FOXTEL on Xbox 360 account. If you don’t live in a FOXTEL-serviced postcode you will not be eligible for this service.

How much does it cost?

The Get Started package is $19.50 and includes a bunch of great channels, like FOX8, Nickelodeon, FOX SPORTS News, MTV, and a ton more. There are additional packages available for Sports, Entertainment, and Movies so you can choose a programming set to meet your interests. Additional packages start from $10.

How much of my internet will this use?

We haven’t announced any unmetered plans for FOXTEL on Xbox 360, so before you install it and go crazy make sure your broadband internet can support your intended use. There are 3 different streaming qualities, and each will use a different amount of bandwidth. High quality streaming will use approximately 800mb/hr, medium quality will use approximately 540mb/hr, and low quality will use approximately 360mb/hr. Additionally, we recommend an internet connection speed of 1.5mbps for a smooth streaming experience.

Australia has recently seen some great improvements to most broadband plans so check yours. You may be due an upgrade in speed and/or bandwidth usage cap without it costing any more!

Where do I get started?

Visit this link to get started, and enjoy!

- jinx

Starting from tonight, you will be able to purchase movies through the ZUNE Video Marketplace in addition to renting On Demand titles. This means there are HEAPS of new titles coming. I counted 491 that will be available for purchase from the time of the update. It also means we’ll have some titles available on ZUNE Video Marketplace earlier, since we don’t have to wait for them to enter the On Demand window–once they are available for digital distribution we can make them available for purchase.

Another bonus? It’s available on all 3 of your screens. Once you’ve purchased the title on Xbox LIVE you can also choose to watch it on your PC via the ZUNE software, or even transfer it (from your PC) to your Windows Phone 7 and watch it on the go. You’ve bought it, you should be able to watch it, right? and now you can.

I’ll try to get my hands on a complete list of the titles coming tonight for those interested.

UPDATE:

Here’s a list of all movies available for purchase on the Video Marketplace in Australia so far.

2001: A Space Odyssey

• 2010: The Year We Make Contact
• 48 Hrs.
• Absolute Power
• Ace In The Hole
• Addams Family Values
• Aeon Flux
• Airplane 2: The Sequel
• Airplane!
• Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams
• Alexander
• Alfie (1966)
• Alfie (2004)
• Alien Autopsy
• Alien Raiders
• All I Want for Christmas
• All The President’s Men
• Along Came A Spider
• American Beauty
• American Gigolo
• American History X
• American Pastime
• American Teen
• Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
• Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
• Ant Bully
• Any Given Sunday
• Any Which Way You Can
• Appleseed Ex Machina
• Assassination of Jesse James, The
• Assassins
• Avengers, The
• Babel
• Babylon 5: The Lost Tales
• Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever
• Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub Zero
• Batman & Robin
• Batman (1989)
• Batman Begins
• Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker
• Batman Forever
• Batman Returns
• Batman vs. Dracula, The
• Batman: Gotham Knight
• Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
• Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
• Batman: Under the Red Hood
• Beerfest
• Beetlejuice
• Before Sunrise
• Before Sunset
• Ben Hur (1959)
• Best In Show
• Beverly Hills Cop II
• Big Red One, The
• Big Top Pee-Wee
• Black Beauty
• Black Rain
• Black Sheep
• Black Snake Moan
• Blade Runner: The Final Cut
• Blades of Glory
• Blast from the Past
• Blazing Saddles
• Blind Side, The
• Blood Diamond
• Blood Work
• Bloodsucking Freaks
• Blowup
• Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again
• Boomerang
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• Broken Embraces
• Browning Version, The
• Bucket List, The
• Bug (1975)
• Bullitt
• Caddyshack
• Caddyshack II
• Cannibal The Musical
• Capitalism: A Love Story
• Case No. 39
• Cast Away
• Cat in the Hat
• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
• Catch-22
• Chamber of Horrors
• Charlotte’s Web (2006)
• Child’s Play (1972)
• Chinatown
• Chosen One: Legend of the Raven, The
• Christmas Story, A
• Cinderella Story, A
• City Hall
• Clash of the Titans (1981)
• Clash of the Titans (2010)
• Class of Nuke Em High
• Clear and Present Danger
• Client, The
• Clockstoppers
• Clockwork Orange, A
• Cloverfield
• Clue
• Clueless
• Coach Carter
• Cobra
• Collateral
• Collateral Damage
• Combat Shock
• Coming to America
• Coneheads
• Congo
• Conspiracy Theory
• Contact
• Cop Out
• Core, The
• Cradle 2 the Grave
• Critical Condition
• Cyxork 7
• Dance Flick
• Dance Flick
• Dave
• Days of Heaven
• Days of Thunder
• Dead Again
• Dead Calm
• Dead Pool, The
• Decampitated
• Deep Impact
• Def By Temptation
• Demolition Man
• Departed, The
• Devil’s Advocate, The
• Dial M For Murder
• Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star
• Dirty Dozen, The
• Dirty Harry
• Disclosure
• Disturbia
• Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
• Domestic Disturbance
• Double Jeopardy
• Dreamgirls
• Drillbit Taylor
• Drop Zone
• Duchess, The
• Eagle Eye
• Eddie Murphy Raw
• Education of Little Tree
• Education, An
• Election
• Elizabethtown
• Enduring Love
• Enforcer, The
• Enter the Dragon
• Eraser
• Escape from Alcatraz
• Eurotrip
• Event Horizon
• Every Which Way But Loose
• Everybody’s All American
• Excalibur
• Executive Decision
• Exorcist II: The Heretic
• Exorcist, The
• Eyes Wide Shut
• Failure To Launch
• Fallen
• Falling Down
• Fearless Vampire Killers, The
• Ferocious Female Freedom Fighters
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
• Fire in the Sky
• Firefox
• Firm, The (1993)
• First Monday in October
• First Wives Club, The
• Flashdance
• Foot Fist Way, The
• Footloose
• Forget Paris
• Forrest Gump
• Four Brothers
• Frankie & Johnny
• Free Willy
• Free Willy 2
• Friday the 13th (2009)
• Friends of Eddie Coyle, The
• Fugitive, The
• Full Metal Jacket
• G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
• Galaxy Quest
• General’s Daughter, The
• Ghost
• Ghost Town
• Godfather Part II, The
• Godfather Part III, The
• Godfather, The
• Golden Child, The
• Gone With the Wind
• Good German, The
• Goodfellas
• Grease 2
• Green Lantern: First Flight
• Grumpier Old Men
• Grumpy Old Men
• Hangover, The
• Hard to Kill
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Heartbreak Ridge
• Heaven Can Wait
• Hey Arnold! The Movie
• Homie Spumoni
• Horror of Dracula
• Hotel for Dogs
• How She Move
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• Hud
• Hunger, The (1983)
• Hunt for Red October, The
• Hunter, The
• Hustle & Flow
• I Love You, Man
• I.Q.
• Imagine That
• Imagine: John Lennon
• Inconvenient Truth, An
• Incredible Hulk, The
• Indecent Proposal
• Informant!, The
• Intersection
• Interview with the Vampire
• Invictus
• Iron Giant, The
• Iron Man
• Italian Job, The (1969)
• Italian Job, The (2003)
• Jack Frost
• Jackass 2.5
• Jackass Number 2
• Jackass: The Movie
• Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
• Joe’s Apartment
• John Carpenter’s Escape from L.A.
• Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
• Justice League: The New Frontier
• Killer Condom
• Kite Runner, The
• Krush Groove
• Ladies Man, The (2000)
• Lady in the Water
• Lady Jane
• Lara Croft: The Cradle of Life
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• Last Boy Scout, The
• Last Holiday
• Last Samurai, The
• Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
• Lethal Weapon
• Lethal Weapon 2
• Lethal Weapon 3
• Lethal Weapon 4
• Let’s Do it Again
• Letters from Iwo Jima
• Little Shop of Horrors
• Logan’s Run
• Lollilove
• Looney Tunes: Back in Action
• Losers, The
• Lost Boys, The
• Love Guru, The
• Lovely Bones, The
• Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
• Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
• Madigan’s Millions
• Magnum Force
• Malibu’s Most Wanted
• Man with Two Brains, The
• Manchurian Candidate, The (2004)
• Marathon Man
• MARS ATTACKS!
• Maverick
• Mean Creek
• Mean Girls
• Meet the Fockers
• Meet the Parents
• Message in a Bottle
• Mexican, The
• Michael
• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
• Mission: Impossible
• Mission: Impossible II
• Mission: Impossible III
• Mostly Martha
• Mother’s Day
• Murder at 1600
• Murder by Numbers
• My Blue Heaven
• Nacho Libre
• Naked Gun 2 & 1/2: The Smell of Fear
• Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult
• Naked Gun: From the files of Police Squad!, The
• Napoleon Dynamite
• Narc
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• National Lampoon’s European Vacation
• National Lampoon’s Vacation
• Natural Born Killers
• Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter
• New Jack City
• Nightmare on Elm Street, A (2010)
• No Country for Old Men
• Norbit
• Observe and Report
• Odd Couple, The
• Officer and a Gentleman, An
• Old School
• Omega Man, The
• Once Upon A Time In The West
• One Missed Call
• Orange County
• Ordinary People
• Orphan
• Outbreak
• Pale Rider
• Parallax View, The
• Passenger 57
• Patriot Games
• Pay it Forward
• Payback
• Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure
• Pelican Brief, The
• Perfect Score, The
• Perfect Storm, The
• Perfect World, A
• Pet Sematary
• Phantom, The
• Planes, Trains and Automobiles
• Plaza Suite
• Pleasantville
• Polar Express, The
• Police Academy
• Police Academy 3: Back in Training
• Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol
• Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach
• Police Academy 6: City Under Siege
• Pootie Tang
• Poseidon
• Posse
• Postman, The
• Pot Zombies
• Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead
• Presidio, The
• Primal Fear
• Proof of Life
• Purple Rain
• Racing With The Moon
• Rebel Without a Cause
• Reckoning, The
• Redneck Zombies
• Regarding Henry
• Replacements, The
• Rest Stop
• Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back (Unrated)
• Revolutionary Road
• Ring Two, The
• Ring, The
• Rio Bravo
• Risky Business
• Road Trip – Beer Pong
• Road Trip
• Roman Holiday
• Romeo & Juliet (1968)
• Romeo Must Die
• Rookie, The (1990)
• Rosemary’s Baby
• Rugrats Go Wild
• Rugrats in Paris: The Movie
• Rugrats Movie, The
• Ruins, The
• Sabrina (1954)
• Sahara
• Save The Last Dance
• Scanner Darkly, A
• School of Rock
• Searching for Bobby Fischer
• Seconds
• Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD
• Shaft
• Shaft in Africa
• Shaft’s Big Score
• Shane
• Shawshank Redemption, The
• Shining, The
• Shooter
• Shorts
• Shutter Island
• Singles
• Sizzle Beach USA
• Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow
• Slaughter Party
• Snow Day
• Soapdish
• Soldier
• Son of Rambow
• South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
• Space Jam
• Spark
• Spawn
• Special Needs
• Sphere
• Spies Like Us
• SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, The
• Spring Breakdown
• Star Trek (2009)
• Star Trek I: The Motion Picture
• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
• Star Trek IX: Insurrection
• Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
• Star Trek VII: Generations
• Star Trek VIII: First Contact
• Stardust
• Staying Alive
• Stepford Wives, The (2004)
• Stop-Loss
• Strange Brew
• Strangers on a Train
• Sublime
• Sum of All Fears, The
• Summer Rental
• Sunshine
• Superfly
• Superman II
• Superman III
• Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
• Superman Returns
• Superman: Doomsday
• Superman: The Movie
• Surf Nazis Must Die
• Team America: World Police
• Tequila Sunrise
• Terminal Man, The
• Terms of Endearment
• Terror Firmer
• THX 1138
• Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
• Time to Kill, A
• Timeline
• Tin Cup
• To Catch A Thief
• Top Gun
• Top Secret!
• Toxic Avenger Part II
• Toxic Avenger Part III
• Toxic Avenger, The
• Toxic Crusaders: The Movie
• Trading Places
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
• Trekkies
• Trekkies 2
• Trick ‘R Treat
• Troma’s War
• Tromeo and Juliet
• Tropic Thunder
• Troy
• Troy: The Director’s Cut
• True Crime
• True Grit
• Truman Show, The
• Twilight Zone: The Movie
• Twisted
• U.S. Marshals
• Unforgiven
• Uninvited, The
• Untouchables, The
• Up In the Air
• Urban Cowboy
• V for Vendetta
• Valentine’s Day
• Van Wilder: Freshman Year
• Vanilla Sky
• Varsity Blues
• Virgin Suicides, The
• War of The Worlds, The (1953)
• Warriors, The
• Watchmen
• Watchmen Motion Comics
• Watchmen Motion Comics
• Watchmen Motion Comics
• Watchmen Tales of the Black Freighter
• Wayne’s World
• We Are Marshall
• Weather Man, The
• Wedding Party, The
• We’re No Angels (1989)
• Wes Craven’s New Nightmare
• What a Girl Wants
• When Nature Calls
• Wild Bunch, The
• Wild Wild West
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
• Win a Date With Tad Hamilton!
• Winter Solstice
• Without A Paddle
• Without a Paddle: Nature’s Calling
• Witness
• Wizard of Oz, The
• Women, The
• Wonder Woman (Animated Movie)
• Wrong Turn at Tahoe
• Wyatt Earp
• Yeti: A Love Story
• Young Sherlock Holmes
• You’ve Got Mail
• Zombiegeddon
• How to Train Your Dragon

- jinx

In addition to catch-up TV and Foxtel on Demand, there will be several packages available so you can customize your viewing experience. The Get Started package, the entry level channel selection,  will be available to all Foxtel on Xbox 360 subscribers for less than $20 per month. Additional packages start at $10 per month.

LIVE TV Packages

Get Started: FOX8, MTV, Nickelodeon, Channel [V], LifeStyle, YOU, Discovery, National Geographic, TV1, SKY NEWS, FOX Sports News and CNN.

Entertainment Package: MTV Hits, MTV Classic, [V] Hits, UKTV, Disney, The Comedy Channel, Discovery Turbo MAX, Nat Geo Adventure, Universal, BBC Knowledge, and SCI FI.

Sports Package: FOX SPORTS PLAY, ESPN, Eurosport and FUEL TV. FOX SPORTS PLAY will be an Xbox 360 exclusive channel specially programmed to feature Australia’s most-loved sports programming, including Hyundai A-League Football, Barclays Premier League Football, Rugby Union Spring Tour, KFC Twenty20 Big Bash, India vs New Zealand test cricket, live boxing, ATP World Tour tennis finals and many more.

Showtime movies package: Showcase and Showtime Premiere.

Movie Network movies package: Movie One and Movie Two.

FOXTEL ON XBOX 360 FAQ

Will this be available everywhere in Australia?

Foxtel on Xbox 360 will be available in all Foxtel-serviced areas. It will not be available in areas not serviced by Foxtel.

What kind of internet speeds do I need?

We recommend a minimum internet connections speed of 1.5mbps for an optimal viewing experience.

Will watching Foxtel on Xbox 360 count towards my internet data transfer cap?

Yes. As an internet TV service, Foxtel on Xbox 360 will use bandwidth that will count towards your internet data transfer cap. We have not announced any ISP partnerships for unmetered Foxtel on Xbox 360 at this time.

Do I have to be an Xbox LIVE Gold member?

All live TV packages are available exclusively to Xbox LIVE Gold members. Foxtel on Demand will be available to Xbox LIVE Silver members.

If I already have Foxtel do I automatically get this?

If you already have a Foxtel account you can attach your Foxtel on Xbox 360 as a multi-room account.

Full press release below.

XBOX A GAME-CHANGER FOR FOXTEL

SUBSCRIPTION TV AND NEW RELEASE MOVIES ON DEMAND WITHOUT A FOXTEL SET-TOP-BOX

FOXTEL and Microsoft today announced the channels and packaging for the much-anticipated FOXTEL on Xbox 360 television service.

From November, Xbox 360 owners in Australia[1] will be able to watch over 30 of FOXTEL’s world-class channels through Xbox LIVE on their Xbox, via the Internet.

The FOXTEL on Xbox 360 television service will feature a range of FOXTEL’s popular channel brands and offer a mix of:

-       Live streamed television channels

-       Catch-up TV

-       FOXTEL On Demand – FOXTEL’s recently launched Internet TV and movie pay-per-view service

The Get Started package of live channels streamed online through the Xbox are: FOX8, MTV, Nickelodeon, Channel [V], LifeStyle YOU, Discovery, National Geographic Channel, TV1, SKY NEWS, FOX Sports News and CNN, available from FOXTEL for less than $20 per month. Popular programming titles include Gossip Girl, Jersey Shore, The Hills, The Simpsons, Hustle and WWE.

FOXTEL on Xbox 360 subscribers can also choose from a range of additional packages covering Entertainment, Sports and two Movies packages, which will offer both live streamed channels, a catch up TV service, and video On Demand content. Additional channel packages start at $10 per month from FOXTEL.

FOXTEL Chief Executive and Managing Director, Kim Williams, AM said: “FOXTEL on Xbox 360 offers a new and convenient way to get FOXTEL without a set-top-box and over the internet, which is one part of our overall internet television strategy.

“We are innovating in the packaging and delivery of FOXTEL expanding across multiple devices to provide customers with more ways to enjoy television programming, sport and movies. With the addition of the FOXTEL on Xbox 360 Internet TV service FOXTEL is at the forefront on entertainment technology and will now offer Australians mobile, HD, 3D and Internet TV.

“FOXTEL is moving beyond the set-top-box and we are delighted to be joining forces with Microsoft on the Xbox platform to allow a new generation of customers – who traditionally may not have been able to get FOXTEL – to explore our fantastic programming. FOXTEL on Xbox 360 includes some of the world’s best channel brands such as FOX8, Disney, Nickelodeon, CNN and SKY NEWS, indeed we have secured a channel line-up to rival any competitor.

“FOXTEL on Xbox 360 is affordable, easy to use, and will provide instant access to live and catch-up TV, current and library movies, and video On Demand with no fixed term contract and low cost packages.”

David McLean, Managing Director of Xbox Australia said, “We couldn’t be more pleased to be partnering with FOXTEL – an organisation with more high quality film, television and sports content than any other in Australia. Together we’re pioneering the delivery of Internet TV on a scale not yet seen in this country. We have sold over a million Xbox 360 consoles already in Australian homes. FOXTEL on Xbox 360 will be available to all Xbox LIVE members in FOXTEL serviced areas.

“Besides access to great content, users will no longer need to wait until the following day to discuss their favourite shows. With Xbox LIVE, you can see what your friends are watching, watch together or even voice chat without ever leaving the experience. FOXTEL on Xbox 360 will bring interactive entertainment to a whole new level for Australians.”

LIVE TV

In addition to the Get Started package of live channels, FOXTEL on Xbox 360 subscribers may elect to subscribe to any of the following packages; Entertainment, Sports, showtime and Movie Network, each including live streamed channels mirroring the channels broadcast on the FOXTEL television platform.

The Entertainment package offers these live streamed channels: MTV Hits, MTV Classic, [V] Hits, UKTV, Disney, The Comedy Channel, Discovery Turbo MAX, Nat Geo Adventure, Universal Channel, BBC Knowledge, and SCI FI. Popular programming titles include The Chaser, Tosh.0 and Robot Chicken.

The Sports package offers these live streamed channels: FOX SPORTS PLAY, ESPN, Eurosport and FUEL TV. FOX SPORTS PLAY is an Xbox 360 unique channel that will be specially programmed to feature a collection of Australia’s most-loved sports programming including Hyundai A-League Football, Barclays Premier League Football, Rugby Union Spring Tour involving the Wallabies, KFC Twenty20 Big Bash, India v New Zealand Test Cricket, Live Boxing, ATP World Tour Tennis Finals and many more.

showtime and Movie Network will offer two separate movie packages for FOXTEL on Xbox 360 customers that will provide two live channels each, and catch up TV programming. The showtime movies package offers two live streaming channels – showcase and showtime premiere. The Movie Network package offers two live streaming channels Movie One and Movie Two.

CATCH UP TV

Subscribers to the FOXTEL on Xbox 360 live TV service can access a selection of catch-up TV programming at no additional cost.

The Get Started package offers the following channels that will provide a wide and diverse range of catch-up TV programming: FOX8, MTV, Nickelodeon, Channel [V], LifeStyle YOU, Discovery, National Geographic Channel, SKY NEWS and CNN.

The Entertainment package enables customers to view catch-up TV programming from the following known and much-loved brands: UKTV, Disney, The Comedy Channel, Discovery Turbo MAX, Nat Geo Adventure and BBC Knowledge.

Catch-up movies from Movie Extra, Movie One, Movie Greats, Starpics, FMC, and online channels Movie Comedy, Movie Action and Movie Drama will also be available as part of the Movie Network subscription at no extra cost providing a choice of around 100 movies each month.

Catch-up movies from showtime premiere, showtime comedy, showtime drama, showtime family, showtime horror and showtime action will also be available as part of the showtime movies subscription (at no extra cost) providing the choice of not less than 70 movies each month.

FOXTEL ON DEMAND

A range of FOXTEL’s On Demand content including new release video on demand movies, library movies and TV Series will also be available on FOXTEL on Xbox 360. New release movies will cost $5.95 to rent each, library movies for $3.95 each, and TV Series episodes for $2.95 each, with some children’s TV episodes available at $1.95.

FOXTEL On Demand lets you watch what you like from a choice of hundreds of movies and over a thousand TV episodes, with the number of titles expanding and increasing to over 5000 movies and TV episodes by 2011.

All packages will be available by subscription from FOXTEL, registration will be available on the website www.foxtel.com.au from November 1, 2010.

FOXTEL recommends Xbox LIVE subscribers wishing to receive the FOXTEL on Xbox 360 service have an eligible ADSL/cable broadband service with a minimum broadband speed of 1.5MB per second.

Spend 2400 points on Xbox LIVE Arcade and/or game add-on content through the month of October and get 800 points automatically deposited into your Xbox LIVE account. It’s as easy as that.

Terms & Conditions

Limit one (1) gift per person. To qualify for your gift, you must purchase the games and/or game add-ons content from Xbox LIVE Marketplace using your Xbox LIVE account by Octobe 31, 2010 11:59PM EST (US Eastern Standard Time). The free points will be deposited automatically into your Xbox LIVE account after the end of the promotion perioed.
Please allow 4 weeks for delivery–on or around November 30, 2010.

Offer available worldwide in all Xbox LIVE countries, excluding Italy and France, while suppliest last, is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and cannot be combined with any other rebate or offer. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Download charges may apply as set by your iSP. In New Zealand, only adult accounts (18+) can download or stream content over Xbox LIVE Marketplace. For Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and system requirements, see www.xbox.com/live.

Offer provided by Microsoft corporation. One Microsoft Way, Redmond WA 98052.

- jinx

Apply for it here!

We’re looking for an Xbox Events Project Manager for a 12-month contract managing and delivering a range of technical events in locations around Australia, from retail environments to sporting events to expos. You’ll deliver events anywhere our marketing team will use to raise the Xbox profile. You will work with our logistic vendor to coordinate the events by briefing, training, and delivering with their team. You will also manage our major technical assets, including marketing equipment, Xbox units, laptops, displays, furniture, vehicles, etc.

Skills You Need:

• Project Management Skills
• A Passion for Gaming
• Excellent Vendor Management experience/ Vendor Briefing / cost control / budget management
• Event Management
• Excellent Stakeholder Management -
• Experienced working in a large corporate environment
• Able to solve technical issues with PC, Laptops, XBOX’s, Networks, Audio Visual.
• Excellent customer relationship building skills
• Able to manage a multiple interaction across a complex business
• Good understanding of specific industry drivers within the Retail Marketing Channels
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Products
• Passionate attitude for Marketing and technology
• Experienced building Partnerships that helps grow businesses

Still with me and want to apply?

Go forth, and come work with me at Xbox

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Kinect Tour

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Here’s what you need to know:

• Signing up does not automatically mean you’ll become part of the program
• We’re looking for thousands of games across a wide variety of requirements so your chances are pretty good
• This is NOT a Kinect beta, and preview program participants will not receive Kinect beta units
• This is open to both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members, but priority will be given to Gold
• If you participate in this preview program you will not be able to participate in party chat with users who are not in the program
• To sign up you’ll need both your Serial Number and Console ID. These can be found under System Settings > Console Settings > System Info in your dashboard

Sign Up Here

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Check out the full release below for details on each of the newly announced games. I’ll post screenshots and trailers throughout the day.

Xbox 360 Ushers in New Era in Entertainment With Five New, Exclusive Kinect Games by Legendary Japanese Creators

“Steel Battalion Heavy Armor*” (Capcom), “Rise of Nightmares*” (SEGA), “codename D*” (Grasshopper Manufacture), “Haunt*” (NanaOn-Sha) and “Project Draco*” (Grounding) unveiled for Kinect for Xbox 360 at Tokyo Game Show.

TOKYO — Sept. 16, 2010 — Today, Microsoft Corp. and the industry’s leading Japanese storytellers showcased 10 transformative games, including five exclusive titles for Kinect for Xbox 360, the controller-free entertainment experience releasing exclusively on Xbox 360 this November. Phil Spencer, corporate vice president for Microsoft Game Studios, and Takashi Sensui, general manager of the Home & Entertainment Division for Microsoft, delivered the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) keynote address alongside legendary Japanese creators including Goichi Suda, also known as “SUDA 51,” chief executive officer of Grasshopper Manufacture Inc.; Keiji Inafune, global head of production of Capcom and From Software; Yukio Futatsugi, game director for Grounding; Shigenobu Matsuyama, producer for “METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING*”; and Masaya Matsuura, president for NanaOn-Sha Co. Ltd., who appeared via video.

Capcom and SEGA delighted the TGS audience with two exclusive games for Kinect for Xbox 360: “Steel Battalion™ Heavy Armor,*” a unique battle experience, and the first-person horror adventure “Rise of Nightmares.*” Microsoft also previewed a new portfolio of Kinect for Xbox 360 games including eerie amusement-park thriller “codename D*” by Grasshopper Manufacture, 3-D adventure game “Project Draco*” by Grounding, and the chilling mystery “Haunt*” by NanaOn-Sha.

“Microsoft has never been more committed to Japanese developers, the heart of innovative gameplay, thrilling stories and iconic heroes,” Spencer said. “To date, Japanese games have already grossed more than $(USD) 2 billion on Xbox 360, and today’s announcements signal tremendous opportunities for Japanese developers to deliver the future of gaming with Kinect.”

“This is the biggest year in our history with controller-free entertainment, amazing blockbuster games and movies all coming to Xbox 360,” Sensui said. “With the talent of the best creators from Japan, we’re able to bring even more fresh and unexpected experiences to millions of people around the world.”

Five Exclusive Titles for Kinect for Xbox 360

Looking for adventure and a rush of adrenaline? Microsoft introduced five immersive, exclusive Kinect for Xbox 360 games available in 2011:

• “codename D*” (Grasshopper Manufacture, Microsoft Game Studios). From the famed makers of “killer7” and the “NO MORE HEROES” series comes “codename D” from SUDA 51 for Microsoft Game Studios. You must fight for your life to survive an evil amusement park filled with twisted and eerie creatures. With “codename D” for Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller as you unleash devastating effects to destroy enemies and objects.
• “Project Draco*” (Grounding, Microsoft Game Studios). The director of the cult hits “Phantom Dust” and “Panzer Dragoon,” game director Yukio Futatsugi, brings you an epic 3-D flying shooter. With the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, you will be able to nurture and learn to communicate with your dragon as you develop its skills and train it as a partner in combat. Then join friends^** on Xbox LIVE to feel the rush of flight as you take to the skies together and experience breathtaking vistas and engage in thrilling battles.
• “Haunt*” (NanaOn-Sha, Microsoft Game Studios). Gather friends and family to delve deep into a haunted house dripping with mystery — you’ll need every ounce of your wit and cunning if you hope to unravel the veil of rumors that hide its darkest secret. Dodge traps and outwit ghosts, ghouls and frights that lurk with glee around each and every corner. Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in “Haunt,” spooky fun for Kinect for Xbox 360.
• “Steel Battalion Heavy Armor*” (Capcom, From Software). This all-new game revives the fan-favorite “Steel Battalion” series. With the support of Microsoft, Capcom and From Software join forces to bring this groundbreaking collaborative project to Xbox 360. Manhattan, 2082: In a world where computers and almost all modern technology have been lost, the greatest nations of the world continue to battle for supremacy. The American army lands in New York to begin its first big offensive of a long ground war. Soldiers fire from the trenches as scorched bunkers belch black smoke. As comrades continually fall to the unrelenting crossfire of bullets, the Vertical Tanks make their relentless advance. Experience the battlefield as never before with Kinect for Xbox 360.
• “Rise of Nightmares*” (SEGA). “Rise of Nightmares” offers a spine-tingling horror experience that uses the innovative new controls of Kinect for Xbox 360 to give players the ultimate fright. Using their whole body, players will experience fear and tension as never before in this exclusive Kinect for Xbox 360 horror adventure.

Take Aim and Jump in the Ring on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360

Japanese developers Treasure and Spike announced the revival of two beloved downloadable,* controller-based experiences on Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 — putting your avatar directly into the fighting ring and bringing arguably one of the best 2-D shooters to international audiences for the first time:

• “Fire Pro Wrestling*” (Spike, Microsoft Game Studios). Your avatar makes its debut as a pro wrestler! From Spike, creator of the “Fire Pro Wrestling” series, comes this pro wrestling game for everyone. Customize your avatar wrestler, choosing from a wide selection of costumes, before you step into the arena and run wild. Unlock new moves as you advance your wrestling career. Face off against family and friends in offline and online competitive play modes, including single match and tag teams. Ding-ding, round one!
• “Radiant Silvergun*” (Treasure, Microsoft Game Studios). The classic scrolling shooter from Japan and spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed “Ikaruga” receives an international release in this revival on Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360, the first ever since SEGA Saturn. “Radiant Silvergun” will see the return of the unique seven-weapon system among other fan-favorite gameplay features, as well as improvements, including the addition of a new system to enhance the challenging original chain system.

Home for the Best Games in 2010 and Beyond

The destination for the biggest blockbusters like “Dead Rising 2 (MA15+),” “Fable III (MA 15+)” and “Halo: Reach (MA 15+),” Xbox 360 bolstered its impressive lineup with these previews:

• “Body and Brain Connection*” (NAMCO BANDAI Games). “Body and Brain Connection” challenges players to exercise both mind and body in the most cerebral and energetic party game ever from the originators of the video game brain training craze. Players of all ages must think fast and act even faster as they answer math, logic, reflex, memory and physical questions using the full-motion capabilities of Kinect for Xbox 360. Featuring over 20 different activities in single-player and multiplayer modes, the game lets up to four friends compete in fun and engaging activities as they strive for the youngest brain age. A daily progress tracker makes sure that players are up to date with their current brain age as they continue to stimulate both mind and body.
• “Child of Eden*” (Ubisoft). “Child of Eden” is a “multi-sensory shooter” that will send players diving into a kaleidoscopic matrix of synchronized music and mind-blowing visuals that will usher forth yet another landmark game experience from the mind of renowned game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, its creator. “Child of Eden” thrusts the player in the center of a battle to save Project Lumi, a mission to reproduce a human personality inside Eden, the archive of all human memories. As the project nears completion, the archive is invaded by an unknown virus. The player’s mission is to save Eden from the virus to restore hope and peace.
• “METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING*” (Kojima Productions). “METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING” is the highly anticipated debut of Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed “METAL GEAR SOLID” franchise on Xbox 360. “METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING” will star Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the “METAL GEAR SOLID” universe, in a new, lightning bolt action adventure on Xbox 360.

* Check the Classification closer to launch date

^**Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required for online multiplayer.

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NSW

EB Games Blacktown, 17 Patrick Street, Blacktown NSW

JB Hi-Fi Penrith, Westfield Penrith, Shop L02-MM3, 21-55 Station Street, Penrith NSW

JB Hi-Fi Newcastle, Kotara Homemaker, 30 Northcott Drive, Kotara NSW

JB Hi-Fi Sydney City, The Galleries Victoria, 500 George St, Sydney NSW

JB Hi-Fi Miranda, Westfield Miranda, Ground Level, 600 The Kingsway, Miranda NSW

JB Hi-Fi Parramatta, Westfield Parramatta, Level 5, 159-175 Church Street, Parramatta NSW

VIC

EB Games Swanston St, 67 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC

JB Hi-Fi Knox, 509 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC

JB Hi-Fi Bourke St, Village Centre, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC

JB Hi-Fi Chadstone, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC

QLD

EB Games Albert St, 245 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD

TAS

EB Games Hobart, 51 Murray St, Hobart TAS

JB Hi-Fi Hobart, Cat and Fiddle Arcade, Lower Ground, 91 Collins Street, Hobart TAS

SA

EB Games Castle Plaza, Cnr South Road and Raglan Avenue, Edwardstown SA

JB Hi-Fi Adelaide City, 50 Rundle Mall Plaza, Adelaide SA

ACT

Gametraders Hyperdome, Shop 169 Hypderdome Shopping Centre, 148 Anketell Street, Tuggeranong ACT

NZ

EB Games Glenfield, Westfield Shopping Town, Shop 318, Cnr Glenfield Road and Downing Street, Glenfield Auckland

EB Games Queen St, 256 Queen Street, Auckland

EB Games Queensgate, Westfield Shopping Town, Shop 27A, Level 2, 45 Knights Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington

EB Games Riccarton, Shop 138A, Westfield Riccarton, 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch

Most of these stores will be opening around 10:00PM or 10:30PM so you can queue up.

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Customise Your Control with a New Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Featuring a Transforming D-pad

This November, Xbox 360 owners will be able to alter their controller with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit – with Transforming D-pad. The matte silver controller contains a transforming directional pad that provides ultimate accuracy and control for both directional as well as sweeping movements. The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad comes complete with a Play and Charge kit for RRP: A$99.95/NZ$109.95 and will ship to retailers beginning Nov. 9.

Select the traditional plus for distinct cardinal direction movement in games like “Halo: Reach” to change weapons and perform complicated combinations and deadly finishing moves in “Street Fighter” games, or rotate the D-pad to the disc format for sweeping motions in games such as “Pro Evolution Soccer 2011.” Choose your favorite controller set-up and experience unrivaled precision for all Xbox 360 games.

The award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is taken to the next level with a unique and premium button design, a matte silver color with grey A, B, X, Y buttons and comfortable, concave analog sticks. The Play & Charge Kit includes a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack for uninterrupted gameplay and up to 25 hours of play per charge.

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SYDNEY, Australia. — September 9, 2010 — On Nov. 18 be among the first to get Kinect for Xbox 360 with the Xbox 360 250GB with Kinect. This package includes the Xbox 360 250GB console, a Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures” (check the classification closer to launch date) for $549.00 RRP* (AUD) Set up controller-free entertainment in your home with the glossy black 250GB console that boasts 802.11n built-in Wi-Fi, an internal removable 250GB hard drive and touch sensitive controls. Plug in the Kinect Sensor to the dedicated port on the console and load “Kinect Adventures” where you can float in outer space, experience the thrill of roaring rapids and tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. Enjoy controller-free fun with any of the more than 15 games launching with Kinect and experience new ways to enjoy your favorite entertainment.

Xbox 360 paired with Kinect has something for everyone. Play an exciting game of soccer in “Kinect Sports,” (Rated G) go for the ride of your lives with the massive jumps and full-body stunts in “Kinect Joy Ride,” (check the classification closer to launch date) or adopt a pet tiger cub with “Kinectimals” (G) Get the most out of your morning workout with “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” (G). Your virtual trainer will help you meet your specific fitness goals by providing feedback on your form in the comfort your own living room. Gather friends for a dance party, or work on your own moves one step at a time with “Dance Central” by MTV Games and Harmonix (check the classification closer to launch date). Spend quality time with friends and family around the world through Video Kinect**. Watch your favorite movies on Xbox LIVE, all with the wave a hand.

Kinect for Xbox 360 will take to the global stage once again at the Tokyo Game Show next week to reveal even more new controller-free games and experiences never before possible.

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The bundle will include a LCE silver Halo Reach console, a 250GB hard drive, 2 LCE silver Halo Reach wireless controllers, a headset, and the standard edition of Halo Reach.

Bonus! The console makes a Halo-themed sound when you turn it on, and the shield power-up sound when you press the eject button. It’s the small things that make life so fun.

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SYDNEY, Australia. — July 22, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. today announced Xbox 360 console owners can purchase the revolutionary Kinect sensor for A$199.00 (RRP)** packaged  with the Kinect Adventures game*. With over 1.1 million Xbox 360 consoles currently in households across Australia and New Zealand, console owners¹ will enjoy the fun of Kinect and controller free entertainment.

“Kinect offers tremendous entertainment value for the whole family and those who are new to video games – with nothing in your hands and no buttons to press. If you can do it in life, you can do it with Kinect” said David McLean, Head of Xbox, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.

With full body play, Kinect is a unique and accessible way for everyone to enjoy controller-free fun. With more than 15 games available at launch, Aussie living rooms will become fitness rooms, dance clubs and sports stadiums.

Additionally, new customers will have an all-in-one opportunity to jump in with a great new offer from particpating retailers for A$449.00 (RRP)** featuring:

• The all new Xbox 360 4GB console
• Kinect sensor
• Kinect Adventures game*

“With a record month for Xbox 360 console sales in June, we are excited about our momentum. Given our rich offering this Christmas including Kinect for Xbox 360, Foxtel by Xbox LIVE and a great line up of blockbuster games, I imagine consumers will definitely want to pre-order at their retailer of choice to secure their Kinect under the tree this Chrsitmas. It is going to be an exciting time for all of us.”

¹ 175 MB of memory required.

*Check classification closer to launch date

**RRP- recommended retail price. The price you pay will be determined by your retailer.

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Why wasn’t Blacklight Tango Down released in Australia and New Zealand at the same time as the US?

Blacklight Tango Down (from here out I’m just going to call it Blacklight) was not released locally because it wasn’t rated by the COB so we couldn’t add it to our marketplace.

Why wasn’t it rated?

The developers chose not to submit Blacklight for a rating because the information they received from the classification board indicated that the game could not be rated here. This does not mean the developers are lazy, or that they don’t care about Australian gamers. Submitting a game for classification costs money, whether the game receives classification or not. Because the classification board indicated they couldn’t rate the game as-is, it didn’t make sense for the developers to pursue classification.

Why couldn’t it be rated here?

The classification board does not rate games in an online environment. The wording there is important. They will not access online portions of the game in order to rate it. They can’t. Government firewalls or somesuch. I’ll be honest with you here, I don’t know the exact details, just that they can’t or won’t go online to rate the game, and that’s a reality we have to accept.

How did games like World of Warcraft or Battlefield 1943 get rated then? They’re online only!

Part of this is the timing. The new restriction for rating has only been in place for about 6 months so titles like World of Warcraft that have been out for a while wouldn’t have encountered the issue. Battlefield 1943 also has access to offline gameplay via a tutorial mode, whereas even the single-player portions of Blacklight require a LIVE connection. Sometimes developers even create standalone builds of the game just for the classification board, but that takes a lot of work on the part of the developers.

So how can the game be classified now?

We took the issue to the guy who handles all of our 1st party ratings submissions and asked for his expertise. Based on his experience with the classification board he was able to propose a solution that the board would accept without requiring a game rebuild by the developers. I’m not sure how sensitive the details are so I’ll just say it involved gameplay videos plus some other stuff and leave it at that.

So what now?

Ignition has indicated that they intend to submit Blacklight for rating in Australia and New Zealand. This is a process that will likely take several weeks, so don’t count on getting the game tomorrow. If the classification board rates the game, we will be able to release it to our marketplace.

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1. Trials HD
2. DeathSpank
3. Deadliest Warrior: The Game
4. Castle Crashers
5. Battlefield 1943
6. UNO
7. Hexic HD
8. Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2
9. Peggle
10. Toy Soldiers

Looks like you guys really liked last week’s new Arcade releases. And now with Winter of Arcade hitting I predict a shake up in the top 10 list!

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1. Modern Warfare 2
2. Halo 3
3. Red Dead Redemption
4. Call of Duty: World at War
5. Grand Theft Auto IV
6. Call of Duty 4
7. Battlefield Bad Company 2
8. Forza Motorsport 3
9. FIFA 10
10. Halo 3: ODST

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Before I get stuck into it, I’d just like to clarify what the new Xbox 360 is, and what it is not. It is NOT an Xbox 720 and it will not clean the house for you. If you already have an Xbox 360 you can play all the same games and have the same Xbox LIVE experience as the new Xbox 360. The original model Xbox 360 will not lock you into some obsolete experience while we take owners of the new Xbox 360 to Shangri-La. This new redesign is a slick new version of the Xbox 360 a million Aussies and Kiwis already love, with new hardware features built in and some great improvements around making the console smaller and quieter, but inside it is an Xbox 360 and will offer the same great experience we already offer to every current Xbox 360 owner.

How much does the new Xbox 360 cost?

The new Xbox 360 is $449rrp in Australia and $499rrp in New Zealand. Actual price may vary by retailer.

When will the new Xbox 360 be available?

The new Xbox 360 will be available on shelves July 1 in Australia and July 9 in New Zealand. It doesn’t release until July 16 in Europe so let’s take this opportunity to be smug about it!

Do I have to worry about getting the ‘Red Ring of Death’ on the new Xbox 360?

No. The new Xbox 360 has built-in safeguards against the three flashing lights error, and will automatically power down with an alert if it senses a build-up of internal heat.

Will the new Xbox 360 have an external hard drive?

No. The 250GB hard drive is internal. The hard drive is removable if you choose to replace it in the future, by means of an access panel on one side of the console.

Are the A/V cable connections on the new Xbox 360 identical to the original Xbox 360?

The new Xbox 360 has the same A/V connections as the Xbox 360, such as the regular A/V output and the HDMI output. Additionally, the new Xbox 360 has an optical audio port built in, eliminating the need for a connecting dongle as was required for the original Xbox 360. The new Xbox 360 will come with composite cables in the box. Other video output cables are available for purchase separately.

Does it work with the HD-DVD accessory?

Yes, the new Xbox 360 will work with your HD-DVD accessory.

Can you export a single game across from my old Xbox 360 to my new one or do I need to transfer all of my info?

You can transfer specific content from another Xbox 360 to your new Xbox 360 using a USB flash drive or use a data transfer cable to move all content.

Will using a Data Transfer Cable or USB flash drive automatically transfer my license to my new Xbox 360?

No. To transfer content license you must use the license transfer tool. If you do not transfer your content licenses you can still access the content while connected to Xbox LIVE with the license-owning gamertag. However, the content may not be accessible offline or to other gamer profiles on your new console. The license transfer tool can be found at http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox360hardware/programs/license_transfer/default.htm.

Will my old Universal remote work with the new Xbox 360?

Yes.

Do I have to buy the new xbox to use Kinect?

No. Kinect will work with every Xbox 360, including the original Xbox 360 models. The only difference with Kinect is that the original models will require a separate power source for the Kinect accessory. The new Xbox 360 has a port that will power Kinect independently.

Can I trade in my recent-ish purchased Xbox and in turn get the new Xbox 360 for free?

You can trade your current Xbox 360 in to retailers who purchase pre-owned hardware for credit towards a new Xbox 360; however, the amount of credit you get for the trade-in will vary by retailer and most likely will not cover the full price of the new Xbox 360. Microsoft does not directly offer an upgrade program.

Will the new Xbox 360 come with a data transfer cable or will I have to flash drive transfer saves/DLC?

The new Xbox 360 will not come with a data transfer cable, but the data transfer cable will soon (if not already) be appearing at retail stores to assist gamers looking to upgrade and migrate all data to the new console. You can also use a USB flash drive to move smaller amounts of data (up to 16GB per flash drive at a time) from your old console to your new one. More details about using a USB flash drive are available at http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/accessories/storage/default.htm.

Will I be able to buy just the new plates to replace the old ones, or is the internal chassis completely redesigned too?

The internal chassis for the new Xbox 360 has been completely redesigned to be smaller and quieter, with a sleek new form factor. Faceplates for the original Xbox 360 models will not work with the new Xbox 360.

Is there a date set for the Arcade model of the new Xbox 360?

Currently, we have only announced a 250GB Xbox 360 model. We have no announcements for any other models at this time.

Can you turn off that ‘beep’ startup sound?

Nope.

Are there any plans to waive the license transfer waiting time to allow me to transfer my content licenses to the new 360?

If you have used the license transfer tool within the last 12 months, please call support for assistance in migrating your licenses from your current Xbox 360 to your new Xbox 360. The license transfer tool will be updated soon, which will enable re-downloading of your content automatically. The license transfer tool can be found at http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox360hardware/programs/license_transfer/default.htm.

Is the dashboard/xbox guide faster on the new Xbox 360?

No. The new Xbox 360 has many of the same power capabilities as the original Xbox 360 has, to ensure platform continuity for our developers and to ensure a level playing field for online gamers.

Will the new Xbox 360 include any games in the box?

At this time we have not announced any retail game bundle offers for the new Xbox 360, but the console will come pre-loaded with some Xbox LIVE Arcade titles. Check with your local retailers for any independent plans they may have to offer retail games with the purchase of a new Xbox 360.

Can I transfer my data from current 20GB HDD via a SanDisk USB Drive onto the new 250GB, with content licenses intact?

Yes, but the capacity of USB flash drive is limited to 16GB. For those customers intending to transfer larger amounts of data, we recommend using the Xbox 360 HDD Transfer Cable.

Is the new Xbox 360 performance/graphics better/worse/equal to the original Xbox 360?

Equal.

Have you heard any word on a Kinect + new 360 bundle anywhere in the pipeline?

We have not announced any plans to offer Kinect bundled with a new Xbox 360. Keep an eye on Xbox.com.au, Facebook, and Twitter for future announcements.

Will there be a limited edition model of the new Xbox 360 launched for reach or other titles?

At this time we have no announcements for limited edition models of the new Xbox 360. Keep an eye on Xbox.com.au, Facebook, and Twitter for future announcements.

Will the transfer cable be available for sale at point of purchase or is it only available to buy from Microsoft?

The transfer cable will begin appearing in retail stores around now, in accordance with the launch of the new Xbox 360, so you can pick one up when you pick up your new Xbox 360 if you choose to use this method to transfer data from your original model Xbox 360 to your new Xbox 360.

Can the new Xbox read avi files on an NTFS formatted drive now?

All Xbox 360 models can play AVI files; however, this does not guarantee that all codecs are supported. Full details on the formats and codecs supported for playback on Xbox 360 are available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/945416/en-us.

Are the new Xbox 360 specifications different?

The size of the console and its power capabilities (i.e. powering Kinect) are changed from the original Xbox 360. Otherwise, the new Xbox 360 has the same overall processor and graphics capabilities as the original model Xbox 360.

Are there any compatibility issues with the new Xbox 360?

The new Xbox 360 is not compatible with the original Xbox 360 hard drive or memory unit.  All other accessories are compatible with the new Xbox 360.

How do I transfer all my stuff from MU to USB Stick for use with the new Xbox?

To move your content from a Memory Unit to a formatted USB flash drive on your original model Xbox 360, navigate to System Settings, then Memory. Select your memory unit. You can then see content stored on the memory unit and copy or move it to another hardware device, such as your USB flash drive.

Does the new Xbox 360 have gigabit ethernet?

No. The new Xbox 360 has 100Mbps ethernet, and Wireless-N Wi-Fi built in.

Does the new Xbox 360 play .mkv video files?

No. For full details on supported formats and codecs visit http://support.microsoft.com/kb/945416/en-us

Will there be any new dashboard features on launch?

The dashboard experience for the new Xbox 360 will be identical to the dashboard experience you currently have on the original Xbox 360 models. The new Xbox 360 ships with the most recent version of the Xbox LIVE dashboard. We will continue to release updates for the Xbox LIVE dashboard over Xbox LIVE in continuing efforts to improve your Xbox experience and bring new features to your Xbox 360.

More or less noise than the original Xbox 360 ?

Less. our category manager has taken to calling it deadly quiet, and he’s not wrong.

Will the new Xbox 360 make me more attractive to the opposite sex?

Absolutely.

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I have this phone and I love it. The HTC HD2 is valued at $829rrp. It has a 4.3″ capacitive touch screen, 512MB ROM, 1GHz snapdragon processor, & a 5 megapixel camera. [ Full Overview ]

There are 2 ways you can enter to win this phone, so listen up.

1) Twitter

Follow @XboxAustralia and post a tweet that begins, “@XboxAustralia What I’m excited for at E3 is…” then complete the entry in 140 characters or less.

2) Facebook

Respond to the wall post by “Xbox Australia and New Zealand” on our Facebook page with an entry that begins, “What I’m excited for at E3 is…” then complete the entry in 25 words or less.

Read the full Terms and Conditions

This competition ends 11:59pm AET on June 14th so get your entries in over the weekend. We’ll pick a winner next week and mail your phone out so you can call up your friends and tell them about all the crazy E3 news as it rolls in.

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