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abgx360 v1.0.2

XanTium — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:54:16 -0500

abgx360(info) v1.0.2 has been officially released.

* Changes affecting all platforms:
- Added support for 4th Wave PFI/Video
- Added support for SS v2
- Added the new check for DMI corruption which the database has been using since 2009/06/14
- Added ability to at least try to verify the game data when no Xex/SS ini is available and we're not going to AutoFix
- Added support for Avatar Awards
- Added option to select your preferred language to use when displaying strings from the Xex title resource
- Added drag & drop support for the GUI Input panel
- Added option to embed images in the HTML source code as data URIs for better portability (when using HTML output)
- Added JavaScript to HTML output that allows you to check off achievements and see the achieved text (especially useful when the how-to text is vague)
- Added a Donate button to the GUI so you can help me pay the bills and continue working on improvements :)
- Removed "Look for verified files in the local folder only" option from the GUI. I can't tell you how many people have checked this box without reading it because they saw it in a tutorial or someone else told them to do it, and then they can't figure out why abgx360 says you need to enable online functions. Please stop writing/following tutorials! Just read the Quickstart topics, the tutorial is right there.
- Checking for updates to GameNameLookup.csv is now optional (the csv was eating 50% of our bandwidth and you probably don't need it anyway since the game name can be retrieved directly from the Xex)
- Fixed a bug where folders would be considered files when parsing the ISO filesystem on some recent games
- Fixed a bug where default.pe (a temporary file used when decompressing a compressed default.xex) wasn't being deleted automatically
- Fixed a bug where unicode code point 160 (no-break space) would be displayed in a CLI window as " ?" instead of " "
- Small changes to the way some messages are displayed (harder to miss)

* Changes affecting Windows:
- Now storing data files in the AppData folder to prevent errors related to permissions and UAC. You can open the GUI and hit Ctrl+F to find out where your StealthFiles are now stored and optionally have it opened for you. abgx360 will still check for Video ISOs in the old install directory first though, so you don't need to move that 3rd Wave Video ISO if you have it saved there already.
- Using libcurl 7.19.6 which should hopefully fix some strange connection problems affecting a small percentage of users

* Changes affecting Linux/BSD:
- Fixed a bug on 64 bit systems which made it impossible to read PFI/Video exceptions from abgx360.dat
- Added code to the unix version of kbhit() to prevent hanging when abgx360 is launched as a background process

* Changes affecting Mac OS X:
- Fixed a bug where abgx360 would fail to launch if you supplied a filename that contained an apostrophe
- Changed the dark gray text used for things like achievement type to normal gray since it was actually showing up black (invisible on a black background)
- Removed GUI option to "Use Terminal font characters" (this refers to a Windows font which replicates CP437 characters and not Terminal.app)

* Special Note: It's recommended to wait for iXtreme LT (Lite Touch) before you play any more backups or originals on an unbanned console flashed with custom firmware.

Official Site: http://www.abgx360.net/
Download: here

Final Burn v1.1 for Xbox1

XanTium — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 06:09:25 -0500

Nes6502 released a new version of his port of Final Burn(info) v0.517 to Xbox1.

What's new/fixed:
* Fixed a bug that caused the emulator to crash randomly
* Added a new font system
* Added a zooming screenshot when pausing a game
* Fixed the Simple2X filter
* Remapped the Powerdrift gas and break pedals to the Xbox left and right trigger (Final Burn 0.517 core only)
* Added a core for Final Burn Alpha. The correct core will automatically be selected. However, if a game can be emulated in both cores, then a menu is presented. Either core can be chosen. Typically the Final Burn 0.517 core is faster but less accurate. The Final Burn Alpha core is more accurate but slower (and sometimes glitchy).
* Added support for the following games (by user request):
Turbo Out Run (Cockpit) - toutrun.zip
Turbo Out Run (Outrun) - toutrunu.zip
Turbo Out Run (Upright) - toutrun2.zip
G-Loc Air Battle (US) - gloc.zip
G-Loc 360 - glocr360.zip
Strike Fighter (Japan) - strkfgtr
Cotton (World) - cotton.zip
Cotton (US) - cottonu.zip
Cotton (Japan) - cottonj.zip
A.B. Cop - abcop.zip
Super Monico GP (World) - smgp.zip
Super Monico GP (US) - smgpu.zip
GP Rider (US) - gprider.zip + gprider1.zip
Racing Hero - rachero.zip
Enduro Racer - enduror.zip
Altered Beast - altbeast.zip
Out Run - outrun.zip
Shinobi - shinobi.zip
Hang-On - hangon.zip
Super Hang-On - shangon.zip
Golden Axe - goldnaxe.zip
Space Harrier - sharrier.zip

Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)

Final Burn v1.0 for Xbox1

XanTium — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:42:13 -0500

Nes6502 released a port of Final Burn v0.517 to Xbox1.
From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
This is an Xbox port of Final Burn 0.517. Source code is included. It supports the following games:
After Burner
After Burner 2
Galaxy Force 2
Galaxy Force 2 Japan
Power Drift
Power Drift Japan
Thunder Blade Japan
Rail Chase

All games run fullspeed even in HD resolutions with filters. The port has the following features:
* Hardware Filters: Point, Bilinear, Anisotropic, Gaussian Cubic
* Software Filters: SuperScale, SuperScale75 (SuperScale + Scanlines), AdvanceMame2X, Simple2X
* Games can be run in 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i
* Flicker Filter can be set from 0 - 5
* Soften can be enabled or disabled
* Preview support
* Saving screenshots
* DVD support (an XISO must be burned). Edit the Path.ini file and set UsePathINI=1 to UsePathINI=0 when running from a DVD.
* All GUI elements can be edited from the GUI
* GUI Background music
* GUI Sound Effects
* All games match MAME 0.134
[/QUOTE]

Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)

Chihiro Xbox Bios Dumped

XanTium — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:56:32 -0500

Alex dumped the Chihiro Xbox (Arcade version of Xbox1) BIOS on his blog:
[QUOTE]
Hi Folks
As promissed, chihiro xbox bios dump

Thanks to those guys to make this dump possible

Notice that i previously dumped the rest of the Chihiro Flashes, more info on this link.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: amusements-shop.com (via eurasia.nu)

MednafenX-NES v10.5pb (Public Beta)

XanTium — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:24:36 -0500

madmab released a new beta based on Xport's MednafenX-NES(info) for Xbox1.
From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
What's New:
* Dynamic Skin with Dual Screenshot Movie Previews
* DYNAMIC MEDNAFENX PM3 skin by Gilou9999 (read the readme.txt in his skin folder).
* There is an alternate synopsis background in the skin directory. Feel free to try it (just rename it to "synopsis.jpg)
* Lots of interface updates.
This is mostly an interface update with all the changes I've made over the past few months. It's basically a public beta to (hopefully) drum up some interest and give everyone a taste of what's ahead. If you feel like signing up head over to the RessurectionXtras thread at http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=660135 and volunteer.
If you have any questions head over to that thread, or the official release thread. I have a few tips for working with the .dat files.

Changes to Mednafen
* Modified the rewind controls to use the now standard method of mapping used by all other x-port emus.
* Customized the default mappings for emu (Only NES related mappings are displayed).
* mp3CDDA and CDDA have their own volume control now and are saved with each game configuration (only affects MednafenX_PCE).
- Still waiting on some Mapper changes by XTecuterX73. But this is beta, so no big hurry.
[/QUOTE]

Official Site: n/a, by madmab on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)

XBMC for Xbox SVN rev20439 build - T3CH

XanTium — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:02:50 -0500

T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev20439) of XBMC for Xbox(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.

Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes:
* Check out the full changelog since the May 09th 2009 Svn Rev19947 build here

Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.

Official XBMC Site: http://xbmc.org (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (release RSS feed)
Downloads: Xbox Bins (n/a - built with XDK) | other platforms | sourcecode

XBMC for Xbox SVN rev19947 9.04-final build (stable 'Babylon') - T3CH

XanTium — Sun, 10 May 2009 18:19:22 -0500

T3CH released a new compile (rev19947) of XBMC for Xbox(info) marked as final/stable 9.04/'Babylon'.

Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes:
* The final release of XBMC 9.04, codenamed "Babylon". Many thanks to the developers for all their hard work for making this possible.
* No important changes, RC1 was already pretty stable :-)
* Check out the full changelog since the May 01st 2009 Svn Rev19856 build here

This is a stable/final release of XBMC 9.04/'Babylon' for Xbox.

Official XBMC Site: http://xbmc.org (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (release RSS feed)
Downloads: Xbox Bins (n/a - built with XDK) | other platforms | sourcecode

XBMC for Xbox SVN rev19856 9.04-rc1 build - T3CH

XanTium — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:49:01 -0500

T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev19856 9.04-rc1) of XBMC for Xbox(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.

Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes:
* Check out the full changelog since the May 23rd 2009 Svn Rev19585 build here

Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.

Official XBMC Site: http://xbmc.org (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (release RSS feed)
Downloads: Xbox Bins (n/a - built with XDK) | other platforms | sourcecode

Xbox Strategy Boss quits Microsoft for Apple

XanTium — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:11:03 -0500

From mcvuk.com:
[QUOTE]
MICROSOFT's Xbox strategy boss Richard Teversham has quit the firm to join arch rival Apple, MCV can reveal.

The popular exec leaves his role as senior director of business, insights and strategy for Xbox, where he reported in to European VP of the firm's interactive entertainment, Chris Lewis.

MCV understands that Teversham has accepted an education-related role at the iPod creator's European office.

A Microsoft spokesperson told MCV this week: "We can confirm that Richard Teversham, director of business, insights and strategy, has taken a new opportunity outside of Microsoft. A process is underway for recruiting his replacement."
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: mcvuk.com

Forensics: Don't Hide Your Dirty Secrets on Your Xbox

XanTium — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:42:52 -0500

From esciencenews.com:
[QUOTE]
A forensics toolkit for the Xbox gaming console is described by US researchers in the latest issue of the International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics. The toolkit could allow law enforcement agencies to scour the inbuilt hard disk of such devices and find illicit hidden materials easily. Computer scientist David Collins has probably spent more time messing around with the Microsoft XBox, other gaming consoles, and PDAs in the name of forensic science than anyone else. He is a digital forensics expert at Sam Houston State University, and is working hard to replicate "mods" - both hardware and software for the Xbox and other devices.

Criminals often hide illicit data on the XBox in the hope that a gaming console will not be seen as a likely evidence target especially when conventional personal computers are present in the same premises, for instance. The toolkit developed by Collins will allow police and other investigators the chance to lay bare the contents of XBox hard disks.

Collins' XFT utility can mount an image of the FATX file system used by the XBox, allowing the user to explore in detail the directory structure. Collins points out that unlike the standard FAT32, NTFS, and similar systems used by the hard disks in personal computers, there is little documentation on the proprietary FATX system. However, it is possible nevertheless to acquire an image of a FATX hard disk and to mount it on another device.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: esciencenews.com (via teamxbox.com)

XBMC for Xbox SVN rev19585 9.04-beta1 build - T3CH

XanTium — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:22:52 -0500

T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev19585 9.04-beta1) of XBMC for Xbox(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.

Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes:
* The beta1 release of XBMC 9.04, codenamed "Babylon". I've again extensively tested this build and it seems really stable.
* The network buffering problems causing ie. stuttering audio playback should all be fixed.
* Check out the full changelog since the April 04th 2009 Svn Rev19213 build here

Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.

Official XBMC Site: http://xbmc.org (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (release RSS feed)
Downloads: Xbox Bins (n/a - built with XDK) | other platforms | sourcecode

Surreal64 XXX B5 - Command Line Patch v2.0

Iriez — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:00:43 -0500

A new patch for the xbox1 N64 emulator...
"All it does is allow command line parameters to be passed in order to launch roms via shortcuts.

It comes in two flavors, one for XBMC style shortcuts and one for Evox style shortcuts (I havn't found a way to make them both work in one file dry.gif).

Also each flavor comes in two versions. Version 1 is almost a direct adaptaion of NATEDOGG's code which allows you to select the emulator and plugin before the rom launches. Version 2 I took a took a step further in that it launches directly into the game without any prompts."

Official Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)

XBMC for Xbox SVN rev19213 9.04-alpha1 build - T3CH

XanTium — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:56:19 -0500

T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev19213 9.04-alpha1) of XBMC for Xbox(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.

Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes:
* The first alpha release of XBMC 9.04, codenamed "Babylon". I've extensively tested this build and it seems really stable. Looking at the SVN log, team XBMC fixed a lot of bugs before getting this alpha1 out. I have high hopes this release will be the start of a bright future for the upcoming 9.04 stable release.
* All known memory issues the previous releases had, should be fixed now.
* Additionally it contains a few important security fixes.
* Check out the full changelog since the March 04th 2009 Svn Rev18221 build here

Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.

Official XBMC Site: http://xbmc.org (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (release RSS feed)
Downloads: Xbox Bins (n/a - built with XDK) | other platforms | sourcecode

Arsenic SlimDX Halo Modding Tool v1.0.1.0 (beta)

XanTium — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:05:48 -0500

From halomaps.com:
[QUOTE]
First off I would like to thank everyone who has been using Arsenic. We have put a lot of hard work and effort into the development of this project. Without the help from our community we wouldn't have made it this far. We have gotten a lot of feedback and constructive criticism from our community members since the release back in February. Our test team has been tearing through the SlimDX beta versions like it's their job, Now it's your turn...

We're proud to announce the new SlimDX version of Arsenic. The reason for the switch over from Managed DirectX to SlimDX is pretty simple. "Managed DirectX is still usable, even with .NET 2.0 applications. However, there are a number of problems affecting MDX that make developing applications on it undesirable". There are numerous reason why MDX was becoming a dead end road for Arsenic, if you would like to know more click here.

We felt SlimDX was a much more stable environment for Arsenic especially in the long run. "SlimDX is an open source library originally prototyped by Promit Roy which allows .NET 2.0+ applications (including C#, VB.NET, IronPython, F#, and more) to use Microsoft's DirectX APIs, as well as several related Microsoft multimedia APIs. This role was previously filled for .NET 1.1 applications by Microsoft's own Managed DirectX (MDX) library. However, the age of .NET 1.1, and Microsoft's lack of interest in continuing MDX, have made it necessary to build a new library. Thanks to enthusiastic community support and the invaluable contributions of several other developers who have worked on and with SlimDX, the library has become a fully viable platform on which to build DirectX based applications. Our latest release is March 2009, and can be found for users and developers on the Download page". If your interested in learning more about SlimDX click here.

For those of you who already have Arsenic all you have to do is launch the program and it will prompt you to upgrade. Remember you must have March 2009 SP1 installed in order for Arsenic to run properly. Once that is done you can begin using Arsenic as you did before.

I would like to thank our test team for all their hard work and everyone else for the interest they have shown in our project. You can expect more within the next few weeks from us. We have a list of add-ons that we are currently working on such as Scripting, adding AI Spawns, finished Tag Editor, etc. So keep your eyes pealed.

You can also visit the main Arsenic thread here for more information!

Bug Fixes...
1. Handles compressed maps better
2. Weapons and Equipment can now be duplicated

New Updates...
1. Now using SlimDX instead of MDX for better compatibility with 64bit windows
[/QUOTE]

More Info/Downloads: halomaps.com

Surreal64 XXX B5 - Command Line Patch v1.0

XanTium — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:56:46 -0500

From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
This replaces the default.xbe in Surreal64(info) XXX B5 with one that supports launching a ROM using a command line parameter.

The patch comes in two versions.
* Version 1 will allow you to choose which emulator and video plugin you wish to use before the game launches.
* Version 2 will launch directly into the game without any prompts.
[/QUOTE]

Official Site: n/a, patched by Ez0n3 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source/Full Readme: xbins.org

PCSXBox - PSX Emulator for XBox v20

XanTium — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:24:02 -0500

Bomb Bloke released an update for Xport's pcsx port for Xbox1.
What's new/fixed:
* Shortcuts work again. For reference check here.

Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com/ (update by Bomb Bloke)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org

Microsoft ends original Xbox support on March 2 in the US

XanTium — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:40:30 -0500

From xbox.joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
On March 2, Microsoft will no longer offer repair support to users of the original Xbox console. Owners who (somehow) still have an Xbox console under warranty from Microsoft will be able to participate in an upgrade offer to an Xbox 360 -- terms of which are not detailed online. Microsoft recently ended support for the big black box in Japan.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: xbox.joystiq.com | support.xbox.com

New Halo 1 Modding Tool: Arsenic Beta

XanTium — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:41:38 -0500

From halomaps.com:
[QUOTE]
This program is pretty much all your going to need when it comes to modding Halo.

Arsenic's hardcore power ranges from its visually stunning graphics to its built in game and tag editor. You can chose anything within a map such as scenery, weapons, vehicles, etc... and hot swap on the drop of a dime.

Duplication is now made easy with our new point and click system. Any object you wish to move in Arsenic will move and suck to the mesh or structure of your map, this will save you a lot of time when placing stuff in your environment.

Our built in tag editor is amazing and simple to use, for example click on a warthog then chose the tag editor. You will be able to edit a wide range of physics right on the spot, all changes will take effect when you save your map.

Arsenic has a built in Auto Update feature which will be a life savor when future updates are released. All updates will come from halomaps.com so anyone using this program will always have an up-to-date version. The updates will automatically be applied when you open up Arsenic.

As of right now the beta release will be structured around modding Xbox maps and tags. What you can expect in the near future from us...
* Built-in FTP (uploading maps to your Xbox)
* Halo CE Map Editing
* Load Compressed Xbox Maps
* Scripting, etc...
[/QUOTE]

Full Story/Download: halomaps.com

XBMC for Xbox SVN rev17820 build - T3CH

XanTium — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:34:12 -0500

T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev17820) of XBMC for Xbox(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.

Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes:
* Due to the slowed down development in the Xbox branch, I will no longer release new SVN builds as often as I did before. So I will still build (the best) new XBMC SVN builds for Xbox but just on an irregular basis.
* Check out the full changelog since the January 25th 2009 Svn Rev17349 build here

Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.

Official XBMC Site: http://xbmc.org (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (release RSS feed)
Downloads: Xbox Bins (n/a - built with XDK) | other platforms | sourcecode

Ellipsis XBMC Skin W.I.P.

XanTium — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:53:54 -0500

From Team Blackbolt:
[QUOTE]
So it's been a while guys, but we've been busy! I've noticed on the forums that there's been a few users complaining that the Ellipsis skin is 'too little, too late', well screw you hippies, we don't give a shit, we're still making it. For the past few years, since finishing MC360 we've all gone our seperate ways, but I've also wanted to finish Ellipsis, just work, etc got in the way. Well finally after a couple of years of nothing much happening, we've gone from a few concepts of the skin to a fully functional skin which is past the mid-point of its development.

The shot below is of the skin actually running. Soon I'll change that shot to a video to give you guys a better idea of how ellipsis looks and works. We know most people are beyond XBMC now, but with the windows, mac and linux versions I think XBMC will live on for a long time to come and we wanted to have one last stab at it. Ellipsis will come in a single download, universal for all platforms. It's primary objective is to work in the home theatre enviroment, be simple to navigate and make it as quick as possible to get to the things you want. During our alpha stage we've had a lot of positive feedback and when we get to a good place very soon, we're going to go public so everyone can experience what I've had in my head for a couple of years and what has finally been brought into reality in the past couple of months.
[/QUOTE]

Official Site: http://blackbolt.x-scene.com