Can you unlock 480p on an unmodded original PAL Xbox?

[Link83]

Hi all,
As title really, can you unlock 480p (Or even 720p & 1080i) options on an unmodded original PAL Xbox when connected using Component cables?

My immediate answer would usually have been 'no' because as far as I understood it although all Xbox consoles are capable of displaying all the same video modes, the 480p/720p/1080i video options were completely removed from the PAL Xbox Dashboard.

I have also read that you needed to softmod/chip your Xbox in order to switch to the NTSC video mode to unlock the 480p/720p/1080i options which obviously would not be necessary if the PAL dashboard could be unlocked to do so without being modded.

However, a little while back I came across this old thread:-

http://www.hdtvarcade.com/hdtvforum/index.php?showtopic=1761&st=20

Where two people said they had unlocked the 480p option on an unmodded PAL Xbox one from Belgium and one from Australia. I also read it in another thread aswell, which I cant find right now. Admittedly thats still not many people, and they could be mistaken (or lying), but I wondered if there might be some truth to it?

So does anybody fancy testing it? I dont have any Xbox Component cables or an untouched PAL Xbox at present so have no way of testing myself. I would guess you could try the two methods mentions in that thread, both require you to use Component cables and also likely need the last Xbox dashboard revision (5960?) The two methods are:-

1) Enable the PAL60 option in the video settings and a 480p prompt should appear, or

2) Hold both the left and right triggers and click the left and right analog sticks all at the same time. On an NTSC console this would switch the dashboard to 480p, see here for more info:-

http://support.xbox.com/Support/en/us/xbox/Hardware/SystemUse/ViewDashboardHDTV/ViewTheDashboardOnHDTV.aspx

and here:-

http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox/kb.aspx?ID=841408&lcid=1033&category=hardware

But it might also 'unlock' the extra video modes on an unmodded PAL console?

I'm just curious and thought it would be interesting to find out for sure one way or another (Although please note I cant take responsibility for any problems you may encounter whilst attempting this!)

Thanks in advance

[charlesr]

Not heard of these, but any reason you wouldn't want to just softmod it and run the enigmah-x video selection disc to switch the video options on?

[Link83]

Not heard of these, but any reason you wouldn't want to just softmod it and run the enigmah-x video selection disc to switch the video options on?

No, none at all I actually already have a hardmodded xbox, but I was just curious really and thought it would be good to know if this was true one way or another.

Also, my brother has an unmodded PAL Xbox and would like the extra video modes but without modding if possible, plus I thought it might benefit a few other people in a similar situation if it was found to be true.

[egparadigm]

I'm pretty certain this wouldn't work. The first option definitely does not work, number two is a very slight possibility because I don't think I used the floating dash option before switching on NTSC mode.

If your brother wants to do this without modding, just tell him that the Enigmah video switch simply changes the video modes and has no affect on any other settings. It didn't get you banned from Xbox Live, even.

[charlesr]

You can't use the disc without modding though can you?

[egparadigm]

No, my argument is that although it is modding, it's a one off procedure which has no drawbacks; your console operates just how it did before, except with added 480p.

[fahrenheit]

"However the only thing i did was a few so called basic easter egg dashboard secrets with the most weird one wich unlocks a hidden message.
To unlock it i had to do it in combination with an audio cd and the word Eggsbox.
If anyone doesn't know how it works, ask me and i'm happy to post it here."

Eggsbox depends on a softmod to work afaik.
He's probably not aware that what he has done constitutes a softmod.

Saying you unlocked HD on your unmodded console and then later saying you used 3rd party software negates the 'unmodded' part completely.

[Link83]

Thanks for the replies, I totally understand I could just softmod my brothers Xbox (Although he doesnt really want me to) but I am really just asking for curiosities sake - i'm just intrigued to know if its true

Eggsbox depends on a softmod to work afaik.
He's probably not aware that what he has done constitutes a softmod.

Saying you unlocked HD on your unmodded console and then later saying you used 3rd party software negates the 'unmodded' part completely.

I dont think they meant unlock the hard drive, but to unlock the 'eggsbox hidden message' which works on a totally unmodded Xbox console. To quote from here:-

http://www.zolved.com/synapse/view_content/28119/Xbox_Tips_and_Tricks

Hidden FMV sequence

1. Insert an audio CD into the console.
2. Stop the CD when it begins playing at the CD player screen.
3. Press B, choose Copy and press A.
4. Choose Select All, press A.
5. Use the Copy option and create a new soundtrack.
6. Enter << Eggs&#223;ox >> as a name. Select Done and press A to view a hidden "Thank You!" FMV sequence.

Theres quite a few little Xbox dashboard easter eggs

[fahrenheit]

Hmm, shame I can't give this a try. I still don't know how he got from that to 480p though...

[TelaKeppi]

I received a 3rd party component cable last week and tried the keycombo without any luck. Chrystal Limited Edition PAL Xbox here with latest ms dash. I had PAL60 alreaady enabled, but when i toggled it on/off, it didn't show any additional window for 480p support. So it seems softmodding is the only way to go.

Regarding softmodding, there's a long thread over Xbox world australia, how to enable 480p support without actually softmodding your console. I've been looking for that particular save-file for Splinter Cell, but it seem to have ceased to exist. As far as i understand, it's a modified evox(?) installer using Splinter Cell exploit that actually launch enigmah video mode selector, instead of the evox installer. I know about SID, but as far as i know, you have to actually softmod your console to use the video mode selector. Before i go and try to modify the evox installer myself, if somebody still got the save file with enigmah, that would save me the hassle and potential bricked console

[amorenod]

I still have the Splinter Cell save in my HDD. PM your e-mail adress if interested.

[EvilBoris]

I used that particular hack, it literally booted straight to the video selected executable Instead of any of the programs that installed stuff.
It just changes the video region of the console so you lose pal50/60 options and gain HD options instead
I used it on my xbox back in the day and played on live with it for over a year

[amorenod]

Sent as requested.

I's been almost 5 years, but if I remember correctly you have to boot Splinter Cell, load the save, and it will got directly to the Enigmah video switch, set to NTSC.

The 480p option should be available now in the Xbox video setup. After setting it, games will work in 480p, but the Xbox dashboard will still be in 480i. It's not really necessary, but you can set it to 480p by pressing both triggers, and R3 & L3 simultaneously.

Hope it helps.

[EvilBoris]

It looks nicer though.

In doing this you do lose the ability to play games that have no 60hz mode. Halo being one of them, you'll get sound but no picture.
I belive you had to have one of the later dash versions to get 480p on the dash though, I'd assume your console would have that now though

[TelaKeppi]

Sent as requested.

Thanks!

In doing this you do lose the ability to play games that have no 60hz mode. Halo being one of them, you'll get sound but no picture.

I'll keep the save, so whenever i stumble upon such game, i'll just change back.