| | This novice guide will help you become familiar with the accessories that expand the functionality of your Xbox 360™ console. Each accessory may be accompanied by questions and concerns, so the following tips will address the most common issues facing the owner of any new Xbox 360 accessory. 
Assign to the controller with the press of the button. The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is certainly the most important accessory, as you can't do anything without it, so it has its own Novice Guide. If you have any questions about it, check out the Wireless Controller Novice Guide. Xbox 360 Wireless Headset
The gift of wireless extends beyond your controller, and the ability to chat with friends without being tethered to your controller thanks to the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset is a substantial one. There are only a couple of key points to keep in mind: - Connecting: Your wireless headset connects to your Xbox 360 the same way as your wireless controller, with one key difference. You're not just connecting the wireless signal though, you're also attaching the wireless headset to a specific profile. Your wireless headset will automatically attach itself to the first available controller and profile, however if you want to manually assign the headset to another controller, simply press the wireless connect button until it highlights the controller number you want to assign it to.
- Interference: While the headset does an excellent job of maintaining a clear, interference-free experience, it never hurts to give it a helping hand. If friends or other players complain of a buzzing sound, your headset may be picking up interference. The culprit is likely a nearby 2.4 GHz device, such as a cordless phone or a wireless router. If you are having an issue like this, consult the user manual for the offending device and change the output channel.
Set the angle once and leave it be. Xbox Live Vision Camera
This small, sleek, and effective accessory offers all sorts of great features, which can make it seem complicated to a beginner. These tips will help you keep things simple while taking pictures, using video chat, or utilizing in-game features. - Stick It: To keep from continually adjusting the angle and aim of your camera, there is a simple solution: Sit in the same spot when ever you plan to use your Xbox Live® Vision Camera.
- Lights! The camera captures the best possible image in a well-lit room, so if you turned all the lights off to play Gears of War®, make sure you turn all the lights back on before you join a video chat.
- Focus, Focus, Focus: Adjust the focus of the Xbox Live Vision Camera by turning the ring around the lens. Turn it to the left to pull the focus closer, and to the right to adjust for farther away.
- Clean Background: When taking a picture, it is important to ensure that the primary object, such as yourself, is the focal point of the picture. Keep the background simple whenever possible, and make sure there isn't something in the background for the image to fade into. This is especially important if you are taking a picture for an in-game character model.
No worries, there are USB ports in the back. HD DVD Player
New technology is often accompanied by some questions and concerns, and the HD DVD player for your Xbox 360 console is no exception. - DVD: Don't forget your Xbox 360 HD DVD Player also plays any standard DVD disc. This is particularly handy as you can play your movies in the HD DVD drive, and leave the disc drive of your console open exclusively for games.
- HD Switch: This applies to your Xbox 360 console as much as your HD DVD player, but it is vital. Provided you have an HDTV, make sure the switch on your Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable is set to HDTV and not TV. If it is not, you will only be able to view your HD DVDs on a standard 480i resolution, as opposed to the dramatically different HD resolutions, such as 720p or 1080i.
- USB: The HD DVD player connects to your Xbox 360 console via USB, which would seem to misplace your Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adaptor, but the HD DVD player actually sports two USB 2.0 connections on the back, which expands your options even more.
Use when needed, but not after. Play and Charge Kit
Though this accessory practically defines the term plug and play, owners can still benefit from some tips. - Unplugged: First, do not leave the Play and Charge Kit permanently plugged into your controller. You may notice the rechargeable battery becomes warm to the touch, so it is better to be safe than sorry. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the Play and Charge kit from the controller.
- Batteries: The Play and Charge Kit will not recharge standard AA batteries. It is designed for use only with the Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack.
- Go with Green: Your battery is fully charged and ready to be removed when the LED changes from red to green.
Snaps right onto the back of your Xbox 360. See? Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
Much like the Play and Charge Kit, the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter requires little extra attention. You should be able to plug in the Adapter without any worries, but if you experience any issues, consult our support page dedicated to the subject here. You can connect the Wireless Adapter to any of the three USB ports on your Xbox 360 console, but there is a clasp next to the USB port on the rear of your Xbox 360 that is specifically designed to hold the Wireless Adapter. 
Removal and installation got you worried? No problem. Removing the Faceplate
Removing a faceplate for the first time may be the cause of some concern, but it may be simpler than you realize. The following instructions have been lifted directly from the official Microsoft Knowledge Base article on the subject: To remove or replace the faceplate on your Xbox 360 console, follow these steps: - Close the disc tray, remove the memory units, and turn off the Xbox 360 console.
- Locate the detachment slot on the right side of the faceplate. If the console is positioned vertically, the slot is located on the bottom of the faceplate.
- Pull the slot to detach the faceplate. Hold the console firmly to keep it from falling as you remove the faceplate.
- To attach another faceplate, align the tabs on the faceplate with the slots on the console, then press the new faceplate into place.
The most alarming aspect of removing a faceplate is worrying that you may be forcing it. There is no clasp to unfasten, so as long as you follow the instructions and give a firm tug at the detachment slot, you should be able to switch out the faceplate without any trouble. |
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