[soonerlater]

I would like to build a private Video on Demand (VOD) system for my home. The system would consist of one large file server and an XBox in each room which has a tv. I'd like each tv to have some sort of interface to scroll, browse, search the family video library, then play a selected video. Existing video is generally in mpeg2, mpeg4, divx, xvid and Nero Digital formats. Support for titles, chapters, alternate audio tracks and subtitles is imperative (assuming they exist in the source, of course).

Q. -- Will an XBox running XBMC be able to do all of the above?

I ask this in advance. I don't own any XBoxes, so I can't even try XBMC just to play with it. However, if XBMC can fit the bill, I guess I'll go buy a bunch of XBoxes off of Ebay (since only XBox 360 is available now, but only original XBox is required to run XBMC, right?).

Q. -- Is there any particular modchip required to run XBMC?

I read earlier this year that several people were arrested in connection with Xbox modchip sales. I didn't pay much attention, but I gather the focus was modchips which let people play pirated games. I assume that any modchips needed for XBMC are not that kind; that you don't have to put yourself at risk just to run XBMC.

[Gamester17]

...Will an XBox running XBMC be able to do all of the above?

Is there any particular modchip required to run XBMC?...

We prefer if people at least do a little reading themself first and then ask more specific questions, all your questions is already answered in our FAQ so please start with that and then if you have any specific questions on details please ask them.
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph..._Questions
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph...ine_Manual
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph...ats/Codecs
this wikipedia article is also a good read for someone who never used XBMC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC
...especially note the limitation section: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC#Limitations

I mean no offence, just put yourself in our shoes, we have taken the time to write a FAQ and manual so we do not have to spoonfeed every single person.

PS! As for the mod questions, please note that we do not involve ourself with modding on these forums, please visit xbox-scene.com for that:
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph...d_in_it.3F
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph...2.84.A2.3F
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph..._Center.3F

[soonerlater]

I mean no offence, just put yourself in our shoes, we have taken the time to write a FAQ and manual so we do not have to spoonfeed every single person.

I *did* read your FAQ before posting and it *doesn't* answer all of my questions, so I posted here.

PS! As for the mod questions, please note that we do not involve ourself with modding on these forums, please visit xbox-scene.com for that:
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph...d_in_it.3F
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph...2.84.A2.3F
http://xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.ph..._Center.3F

I appreciate that you don't want to give specific advice about modchips, but it is pretty disingenuous of you to build a software product which can't run without a modchip of some sort, then refuse to give even the most cursory mention of what is required to make it happen. So let me rephrase my question to one which undoubtedly is fair game for this forum:

Is there a modchip out there which will be sufficient to let YOUR PRODUCT run on an Xbox which is not going to put me at risk of violating the DMCA -- or worse, having my name put on a subpoena list when the vendor from whom I buy either the modded Xbox or the modchip is caught up in yet another sting operation? Saying that you can't so much as give me the time of day on this issue is like building engine-less cars, then being unwilling to discuss the subject of engines. If your product won't go without a modchip, anymore than a car will go without an engine, then it is unreasonable of you to give even the most superficial mention of its requirements. I'm not asking you to build me an engine or even tell me the best one to buy. I don't give a crap about playing video games (purchased or pirated). My *only* reason to buy an Xbox would be to run your software and only for the limited purpose mentioned in my original post. Asking you whether there is a modchip which will let your program run which won't put me in legal jeopardy is a quintessentially fair question.

I appreciate that I'm imposing upon the time and good will of whomever takes time to answer my query. If you are too pressed for time to respond, then please don't. Let someone else take a crack at it. Like you, no offense is intended.

[Clumsy]

You either need a modchip or a softmod. The modchip needs a bios, this bios circumvents the xbox protection - you will be breaching the DMCA. Now for the softmod: the laws probably aren't that much different, you are again circumventing the xbox security, but you won't be on any vendor list since you didn't purchase anything illegal. Afaik there are no legal bioses that allow you to run homebrew but prevent pirated games to run (and even if there were, you would still circumvent xbox security ... ). In short: running XBMC (with the exception of the linux port) is not possible without a modification to your xbox, be it hardware or software side.

[Typhoid Mary]

Dang, I didnt know that xbmc was a PRODUCT...

Gamester17's links DO answer your questions. You just need to READ the links.

hotzenpl0tz has your mod question covered.

Many people actually use XBMC and multiple X-boxs to do what you are asking, either using a central server or a NAS.

[soonerlater]

Thank you all for your replies. I appreciate the gifts of your time and expertise.

Given this information, I think I'll proceed with a single Xbox to see this in action, but if it works as well as I expect, I'll be buying one for each tv in the house. Thank goodness I had friends with the foresight to insist that I hardwire the house with two ethernet drops in every room when I bought the place seven years ago.

Thanks again.

[ShortySco]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how professional XBMC is for a free app. Even if it was the most expensive "Product" for sale, you'd still be more than satisfied.

Be sure to check out the music and video library functionality.

Shorty

[Gamester17]

Give a man a fish and he feed for a day, teach a man how to fish and the man will never go hungry again.

You want to put money on a bet that the FAQ does not answer ALL of your questions you asked so far?

[Typhoid Mary]

I was thinking more along the lines of leading a horse to water, but you can't make it drink...

Still I think he made a good choice, starting with 1 Xbox and seeing how it goes. As Shorty said, I think XBMC will be more then satisfying. I would put it against any media application and it would win hands down

[pinion]

I thought it was "Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he'll sit in a boat all day drinking beer." Good luck soonerlater. You'll find that for the price the "product" as well as the support can't be beat.