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Old 23-02-2015, 10:27
Danger Close
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1. It does sound like the fan is working harder than it should be. I've had mine running over 12 hours at a time and the fan cuts out a minute or two after I switch off. Even then the noise is barely noticeable and can only be heard if I go within a few feet of the box.

2. No help here. My Kinect is still in the box. I've no interest at the moment.
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Old 23-02-2015, 10:35
deans6571
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1. It does sound like the fan is working harder than it should be. I've had mine running over 12 hours at a time and the fan cuts out a minute or two after I switch off. Even then the noise is barely noticeable and can only be heard if I go within a few feet of the box.
.
...ok, cheers for that Danger Close - perhaps it is the fan then, just cutting in or staying on, after the console is switched off. I can only hear it when I go and listen to the console (can't hear ti when I'm sat on my sofa!). It probably goes off after I leave the room ( I have never actually waited around for it to switch off!).
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Old 23-02-2015, 10:44
gds1972
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The power brick also has a fan in it and it's possible you might be hearing that although this fan should be very quiet.
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Old 23-02-2015, 10:47
SaddlerSteve
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With the Kinect it works a lot better if it's above the TV.
I have stand which sits on top.
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Old 23-02-2015, 11:10
deans6571
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The power brick also has a fan in it and it's possible you might be hearing that although this fan should be very quiet.
..right ok, cool.

With the Kinect it works a lot better if it's above the TV.
I have stand which sits on top.
...is yours connected to your cable box? I was thinking of using an HDMI splitter so that I can watch TV (via my Virgin TiVo cable box) without having to turn the X1 on (for the Mrs - easy life!), and then select a different source on the TV, so that I can use the X1 WITH the cable box.

I've heard the Kinect commands are a little hit and miss though - how do you find them?
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Old 23-02-2015, 13:46
Matt D
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It's the console - not the Kinect - that connects to the cable/satellite box, via the HDMI passthrough.

Kinect is not needed to use the HDMI passthrough. Using it means you have voice control, but you don't *have* to use it - you can also use the Xbox One controller, the Media Remote, or the SmartGlass app...


Placement of the Kinect - Do not put it (or anything else!) directly on top of the console, if that's what you meant by "on top" (mustn't block the vents). It's best above the TV, as SaddlerSteve said, which means using a stand of some sort.
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Old 23-02-2015, 14:30
deans6571
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It's the console - not the Kinect - that connects to the cable/satellite box, via the HDMI passthrough.
....yea, realize that - I think I worded my question a little wrongly!!

Kinect is not needed to use the HDMI passthrough. Using it means you have voice control, but you don't *have* to use it - you can also use the Xbox One controller, the Media Remote, or the SmartGlass app...
.....hmm, actually yep, was thinking that I might actually try it this way around but without the Kinect.


Placement of the Kinect - Do not put it (or anything else!) directly on top of the console, if that's what you meant by "on top" (mustn't block the vents). It's best above the TV, as SaddlerSteve said, which means using a stand of some sort.
...yea, I did mean actually having the Kinect sitting on the console itself (but on the left part of the console where there are no vents). My TV, cable box and X1 are on a 3 tiered glass TV stand so there is actually no room for a Kinect anywhere (TV takes up the whole area of the top glass shelf with the cable box on the second shelf and the X1 on the bottom shelf), other than directly on top of the console. I'd rather not have the Kinect on a stand above the TV cos it'll just look ugly on my slim style LCD TV!!


....hmm, decisions decisions!!!

EDIT: THIS would be my ideal set up (have the option to use the pass through feature but WITHOUT the need for the console to be on as well)!!!
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Old 25-02-2015, 10:17
deans6571
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One other quick question (gotta try and keep this thread alive )

Those of you who are using the passthrough feature on your Xbox One, obviously, this giving you the functionality of watching your TVs through the X1 - how are your TVs set up?

By this I mean, that normally, I would have my cable box plugged into the HDMI 1 plug on my tv and I would then adjust the TV settings to get a good picture (turn off 'Dynamic' mode, adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, etc) for the HDMI 1 source.

My Xbox One, is then plugged into the HMDI 2 plug, on my tv and then the HDMI 2 source's settings is set to 'Game Mode' (which auto sets the settings for game consoles. I think it compensates for game lag - or something like that!!).

If I was to use the passthrough feature - the cable box would be plugged straight into the X1 and then the X1, to the TV, into the HDMI 1 socket. If I the adjusted the HDMI1 source's settings for watching TV, then the X1 would not look correct and similarly, if I adjusted the HDMI 1 source's settings for the X1 (i.e. put it into 'Game Mode'), then when watching TV through the X1, the settings would not be correct for the TV?!



The explanation is a little confusing but I know what I mean...!!!!
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Old 25-02-2015, 11:09
Maleko64
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I am planning on getting an Xbox One in the next couple of weeks - so reading through this thread has been very helpful - and I will be sure to come asking questions!
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Old 02-03-2015, 11:17
deans6571
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I went to play on my Xbox One last night but when I powered it on (I have it set so that the power brick glows white when the console is off), I was met by this screen:

Xbox One Sign In Issue

I left the console sitting there for 5 minutes but the them 'loading' circles just continued to spin and nothing loaded?!!? Its as if the console got stuck trying to sign me in!?!

Nothing on the controller worked (even though it was on) and the only thing I could do was press the power button on the console itself, in order to turn it off. The console logo then started to pulsate on and off so I didn't really know what the console was doing at this stage?! Left it for a few seconds but nothing changed so I then kept the logo pressed, until the console actually switched off.

When I then turned the console back on - it booted up correctly (it displayed the Xbox One green screen - which it normally does not do), signed me in and all was normal again?!

Weird........
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Old 02-03-2015, 12:37
deadmancarl
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I went to play on my Xbox One last night but when I powered it on (I have it set so that the power brick glows white when the console is off), I was met by this screen:

Xbox One Sign In Issue

I left the console sitting there for 5 minutes but the them 'loading' circles just continued to spin and nothing loaded?!!? Its as if the console got stuck trying to sign me in!?!

Nothing on the controller worked (even though it was on) and the only thing I could do was press the power button on the console itself, in order to turn it off. The console logo then started to pulsate on and off so I didn't really know what the console was doing at this stage?! Left it for a few seconds but nothing changed so I then kept the logo pressed, until the console actually switched off.

When I then turned the console back on - it booted up correctly (it displayed the Xbox One green screen - which it normally does not do), signed me in and all was normal again?!

Weird........
I've had issues like that a few times. I'm never sure of the cause but a reboot works so I guess it could just be an issue where the console tries to boot out of memory and has a problem.
That's why it is always a good idea to make sure that the last game you played has saved before you turn the console off and not rely on the Instant on to return you to your location.
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Old 02-03-2015, 15:29
deans6571
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I've had issues like that a few times. I'm never sure of the cause but a reboot works so I guess it could just be an issue where the console tries to boot out of memory and has a problem.
That's why it is always a good idea to make sure that the last game you played has saved before you turn the console off and not rely on the Instant on to return you to your location.
...ok cheers for that - appreciated!

Is there any real benefit in leaving the console off with the power brick showing the white light as opposed to the orange light?

Wonder if it its actually better for the console to be switched off, with the orange light showing instead?
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Old 02-03-2015, 20:15
Matt D
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There are definite benefits

White Light = Instant On

Orange Light = Energy Saving


- Instant On mode boots up much faster than Energy Saving mode.

- Instant On mode allows for games and apps to be updated automatically.

- Instant On mode allows for the system to be updated automatically.



But if those don't bother you, then switch to Energy Saving... just be ready for the longer boot, plus the annoyance of going to run a game only to then have to wait for an update
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Old 03-03-2015, 09:09
deans6571
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There are definite benefits

White Light = Instant On

Orange Light = Energy Saving


- Instant On mode boots up much faster than Energy Saving mode.

- Instant On mode allows for games and apps to be updated automatically.

- Instant On mode allows for the system to be updated automatically.



But if those don't bother you, then switch to Energy Saving... just be ready for the longer boot, plus the annoyance of going to run a game only to then have to wait for an update
.....cool - cheers for that Matt D - appreciated.



Guess I'll stick to Instant On mode then!
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Old 04-03-2015, 10:14
deans6571
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So after purchasing a compatible IR blaster off Amazon (don't want to use Kinect!), I thought I would try out the passthrough features of the Xbox One.

Connected it all up and went through the set up guides, on the console, for it to 'find' my tv and cable box (Virgin Media TiVo). It found my TV on the very first go and after configuring this, I was able to use the Xbox One media remote to change the volume of my TV

Getting the cable box configured correctly took several attempts (letting the console auto locate it and also entering the details manually) but it eventually configured correctly. I was then able to set up the OneGuide and have a look at what it could do.

If I am honest, I was a little disappointed with the whole passthrough feature and the OneGuide.

Having my TiVo passing through the X1, actually deteriorates the picture quality of the signal. It may not be noticeable to other family members, but I could definitely notice the downgrade in quality - especially when viewing my Tivo own menus and guides, the picture was just not as clear and sharp.

Also, the OneGuide - unless I missed something, I think it is slightly flawed.
When you select the OneGuide, it opens up right over the top of whatever you are watching (unless it is possible to snap the guide - but then, if you could indeed do this, it would be SO small, you wouldn't be able to actually see the listings of programs!!) - so you can no longer carry on watching the program (my Tivo keeps the program in a small window in the top right of the screen, when you are navigating the listings guide, so you can carry on watching your program). I think this is a BIG oversight......

I also find the OneGuide VERY clunky - with many channels just showing, 'To Be Announced' and it is certainly quicker for me to navigate through my TiVo's channel guide as opposed to the OneGuide!

There is also the factor that having the passthrough feature running, you obviously need to have 3 devices constantly powered on (TV, X1, Cable Box), which do the same exact job (watching TV) as 2 devices on their own can do (TV, Cable Box).

All in all, perhaps these are good features but they are just not for me (they feel VERY 'gimmicky')! I disconnected the passthrough feature altogether and I feel better for it!!!!

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Old 04-03-2015, 11:14
SaddlerSteve
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I think the main idea is that you can still see what's going on with your Xbox friends and they can still message you whilst you're watching TV.

I might be wrong because I haven't tried it myself but I'd assume the normal Xbox alerts like people coming online and playing certain games still pop up over the top of what you're watching on TV?
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Old 06-03-2015, 14:42
deans6571
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So after purchasing a compatible IR blaster off Amazon (don't want to use Kinect!), I thought I would try out the passthrough features of the Xbox One.

Connected it all up and went through the set up guides, on the console, for it to 'find' my tv and cable box (Virgin Media TiVo). It found my TV on the very first go and after configuring this, I was able to use the Xbox One media remote to change the volume of my TV

Getting the cable box configured correctly took several attempts (letting the console auto locate it and also entering the details manually) but it eventually configured correctly. I was then able to set up the OneGuide and have a look at what it could do.

If I am honest, I was a little disappointed with the whole passthrough feature and the OneGuide.

Having my TiVo passing through the X1, actually deteriorates the picture quality of the signal. It may not be noticeable to other family members, but I could definitely notice the downgrade in quality - especially when viewing my Tivo own menus and guides, the picture was just not as clear and sharp.

Also, the OneGuide - unless I missed something, I think it is slightly flawed.
When you select the OneGuide, it opens up right over the top of whatever you are watching (unless it is possible to snap the guide - but then, if you could indeed do this, it would be SO small, you wouldn't be able to actually see the listings of programs!!) - so you can no longer carry on watching the program (my Tivo keeps the program in a small window in the top right of the screen, when you are navigating the listings guide, so you can carry on watching your program). I think this is a BIG oversight......

I also find the OneGuide VERY clunky - with many channels just showing, 'To Be Announced' and it is certainly quicker for me to navigate through my TiVo's channel guide as opposed to the OneGuide!

There is also the factor that having the passthrough feature running, you obviously need to have 3 devices constantly powered on (TV, X1, Cable Box), which do the same exact job (watching TV) as 2 devices on their own can do (TV, Cable Box).

All in all, perhaps these are good features but they are just not for me (they feel VERY 'gimmicky')! I disconnected the passthrough feature altogether and I feel better for it!!!!

...just want to add to this - for those people who use Virgin Media's TiVo box, if you follow the advice in the link below (select the 'Cable Provider' as 'Virgin Media' and your 'Cable box brand' as 'TiVo'), you should be able to get everything set up 100% correctly (when I initially used Xbox One's 'Guide Me' feature - even though it auto correctly identified my TV, it did NOT auto pick up the correct cable box):

http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/x...t/1791770.aspx

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Old 09-03-2015, 10:14
deans6571
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Tiles are only transparent when you use a custom background (Achievement art or your own image).

Here's how to set your own background:

http://support.xbox.com/en-GB/xbox-o...ard-background


And some backgrounds that other people have made:

https://www.reddit.com/r/xboxthemes

http://themer.xaged.com/
...is there not an option to set the level of transparency? I thought I had seen an option somewhere where you could select the actual level of the transparency of the tiles but I cannot find this anywhere (or did I imagine it?!)
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Old 09-03-2015, 10:28
gds1972
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...is there not an option to set the level of transparency? I thought I had seen an option somewhere where you could select the actual level of the transparency of the tiles but I cannot find this anywhere (or did I imagine it?!)
It will be in the March update along with taking a screenshot but the update is still in preview testing.

http://majornelson.com/2015/02/18/xb...lable-preview/
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Old 09-03-2015, 11:04
deans6571
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It will be in the March update along with taking a screenshot but the update is still in preview testing.

http://majornelson.com/2015/02/18/xb...lable-preview/
...ahh - cheers for that gds, I knew I had seen that setting somewhere and wasn't going totally mad!!! Roll on the March update then!!!

The tile transparency is weird though?! Yesterday, I had my grey tiles (I chose the grey colour to match my AC:Unity wallpaper, which I downloaded to a usb stick and transferred to my X1) set and they were almost completely see through.

Now that I've changed the wallpaper to a Dead Rising one (an achievement wallpaper), I changed the tile colour to red (to match the blood from Dead Rising!) and the tile transparency is hardly noticeable - the red tiles are almost solid?!

Does the tile transparency change, based on the wallpaper used?
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Old 11-03-2015, 08:58
deans6571
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It will be in the March update along with taking a screenshot but the update is still in preview testing.

http://majornelson.com/2015/02/18/xb...lable-preview/
...ahh - cheers for that gds, I knew I had seen that setting somewhere and wasn't going totally mad!!! Roll on the March update then!!!

The tile transparency is weird though?! Yesterday, I had my grey tiles (I chose the grey colour to match my AC:Unity wallpaper, which I downloaded to a usb stick and transferred to my X1) set and they were almost completely see through.

Now that I've changed the wallpaper to a Dead Rising one (an achievement wallpaper), I changed the tile colour to red (to match the blood from Dead Rising!) and the tile transparency is hardly noticeable - the red tiles are almost solid?!

Does the tile transparency change, based on the wallpaper used?
...so downloaded (a question on this later) the March update last night and was a little underwhelmed by the transparency feature if I am honest!

I would have thought they would have given us a slider to adjust the transparency - not just 4 options (there is hardly ANY difference in the 4 options) ? Whats all that about? It must have something to do with the colours themselves as when I choose the grey one on full transparency, it is almost entirely see through whereas, the red colour on the same setting, is barely transparent at all?!!!?

And onto the subject of downloading:

1. When the Xbox One is off but the power brick glows white, I thought this was so it could perform updates whilst not needing to be fully on. Why then, when I turned on my console last night, had the March update NOT auto downloaded to the console and I then had to manually update it? Sort of defeats the object of keeping the console off with the power brick glowing white?!!

2. I downloaded the game Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, last night but the download only got as far as around 12% before I decided to go up to bed (I then paused the download so I could carry it on tonight). Could I have turned the console off and it would have carried on downloading (like the Xbox 360 does) whilst the console was in a low power state and would it the have turned itself off (again - like the 360n does)?
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Old 11-03-2015, 13:31
Matt D
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1) Could simply be due to when it rolled out. Your console may have performed its regular update check *before* the update became available.

2) Yes. Just shut down (into Instant On mode with the white light) and it will carry on downloading.
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Old 11-03-2015, 13:40
gds1972
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1. When the Xbox One is off but the power brick glows white, I thought this was so it could perform updates whilst not needing to be fully on. Why then, when I turned on my console last night, had the March update NOT auto downloaded to the console and I then had to manually update it? Sort of defeats the object of keeping the console off with the power brick glowing white?!!

2. I downloaded the game Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, last night but the download only got as far as around 12% before I decided to go up to bed (I then paused the download so I could carry it on tonight). Could I have turned the console off and it would have carried on downloading (like the Xbox 360 does) whilst the console was in a low power state and would it the have turned itself off (again - like the 360n does)?
1, The console can update when in instant on mode you may just need to go into the setting and put a tick in the allow updates/game download option box. However when MS release an update if the console has not downloaded and applied it by a certain date the next time the console switched on it will insist on completing this.

2. Yes it will continue to download the game if set up that way. One thing I have noticed when the console is switched off it will continue the download but it seems to be at a much slower than when the console is on.
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Old 11-03-2015, 13:47
deans6571
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1) Could simply be due to when it rolled out. Your console may have performed its regular update check *before* the update became available.

2) Yes. Just shut down (into Instant On mode with the white light) and it will carry on downloading.
1, The console can update when in instant on mode you may just need to go into the setting and put a tick in the allow updates/game download option box. However when MS release an update if the console has not downloaded and applied it by a certain date the next time the console switched on it will insist on completing this.

2. Yes it will continue to download the game if set up that way. One thing I have noticed when the console is switched off it will continue the download but it seems to be at a much slower than when the console is on.
...awesome guys - thanks for clarifying - appreciated!!

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Old 11-03-2015, 16:02
deans6571
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...sorry - just remembered another question!!!

Is it normal for the fan in the power brick to be constantly whirring away?!

At the end of my gaming session every night, when I turn my X1 off (so the power brick glows white), the power brick continues to whirr away, as if the console is actually on!!

Sometime, when I check the console again in the morning, the power brick is STILL making the same noise (light is still white), even though the console itself has been off all night.
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