Xbox Live is Microsoft's online connectivity service for the Xbox 360 console. The service originally debuted on the original Xbox console in 2002, and was heavily updated upon the release of the 360 in 2005. Unlike Sony's PlayStation Network and the Nintendo Wii online service, an Xbox Live subscription can cost a nominal fee to use.
Xbox Live Gold and Silver Accounts
Xbox Live is available with two different account levels: Gold and Silver. The Silver account is free, and provides basic online connectivity. The Silver account includes free game demos, HD movies and television programming, downloadable arcade games, game add-ons and expansion packs, avatars, and voice and text chat.
Upgrading to Xbox Live Gold, which costs a subscription fee, will unlock the full Xbox Live experience that you'll need to play multiplayer online games. In addition, you'll have access to Netflix streaming (so long as you have a Netflix subscr iption), Xbox Live video chat and photo sharing, Facebook, Twitter, and Last.FM applications, and exclusive early access to game demos. The ability to play multiplayer games and the Netflix streaming access are the main reasons to join Xbox Live Gold.
View Images here
Connecting to Xbox Live
Connecting to Xbox Live is a relatively simple process that will only take a few moments to complete. First, you'll need a broadband Internet connection. You can connect your Xbox 360 to a router or directly to a broadband modem. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate wireless adaptor for the Xbox 360 that will allow you to connect to Xbox Live wirelessly.
Next, you'll need to configure your network settings. After powering on your Xbox, go to My Xbox and then System Settings. Choose Network Settings, and then Configure Network. If you're using a wireless adaptor, pick Wireless Mode, followed by Scan for Networks. Your Xbox 360 will automatically scan for all of the available networks in your area. Enter your network password and choose Done. Next, press B and choose Text Xbox Live Connection.
Using Xbox Live to Play Multiplayer Online Games
Playing Xbox 360 games online through Xbox Live is easy. You won't have to log in to Xbox live every time you want to play, nor will you need to configure any additional settings for each game. Simply insert the game you'd like to play into your console and enter its multiplayer online mode. Your console will automatically connect to Xbox Live and make the necessary connections to other players participating in the game. Each game will have its own interface for playing with other gamers online.
Xbox Live Marketplace
The Xbox Live Marketplace is divided into three areas: the Games Marketplace, Video Marketplace, and Avatar Marketplace. The Video Marketplace is where you can watch pay-per-view, new release movies in 1080P resolution with 5.1 surround sound. Note that this service is separate from and supplementary to a Netflix account. The Games Marketplace allows you to download free game demos, purchase independent games, and downl oad full Xbox 360 and classic Xbox games.
Xbox Live is a full-featured online service that is well worth paying for. The service is generally rated higher than the online services for the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, which serves as justification for its subscription cost.
iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen