controllers

One of the better features offered on the Xbox system is its ability to play DVDs as well as games, an attribute shared by the Playstation 2 (but not the Gamecube). This handy little kit makes DVD playback a snap. All one has to do is pop the sensor unit in to one of the controller ports (Port One seems to work best) and fire up the remote. The remote's design is user-friendly, with big buttons and an ergonomic design that fits nicely into one's hand. Among the features offered on the Xbox (accessed by pressing the display button) are 10X magnification, subtitles, and audio selection.

But the remote has a downside, as well. Its range is a little limited (go too far to the left or right of the sensor and functionality becomes a little spotty), and it lacks a power or eject button. Plus, it requires you use the display button to access too many functions--this can be a bit of a hassle, as many other DVD players offer remotes with these functions already available through a single button. It also plays Region One DVDs only, so DVDs from Europe (or other regions) won't play. Then there's the matter of the additional wear and tear DVD playback has on the Xbox unit itself. If you play a lot of games and watch a lot of DVDs, you may end up shortening the life of your Xbox system. With DVD players going for as little as forty to fifty dollars these days, it may be wiser to just buy a separate DVD player. But if you want to utilize the DVD functions of the Xbox system, then this little package will serve the purpose well.

This device is worth the purchase price if you do not have a DVD player. As explained already, you are mostly playing licensing fees, as well as a few dollars for the manufacture of the infrared unit and remote. Interestingly, the infrared unit is basically a "dongle", meaning that all it does is tell the Xbox it's "OK" to play movies - the Xbox is basically capable of doing this already (unlike the PS2, which has to be taught via a CD which comes with the remote package) and the DVD playback kit simply enables the feature.
It IS annoying that there is no open/close or power button on the remote, nor is there a "zoom" button. Still, this small shortcoming aside, it's a very capable unit. Also, it features glow-in-the-dark buttons - a feature which is lacking on the PS2 remote.
I put off purchasing a DVD player due to the fact that I would be buying an Xbox. I'm not the least disappointed that I did so and I find that this is a more than acceptable alternative to the many dedicated DVD players I have used in the past.

I have had my XBOX for about 2 years now and i play games and dvds on it.The XBOX will play DVD-R and DVD-RW.It will only play music cd's bought in stores.NO BOOTLEG CDS!I have a standalone dvd player and i don't ever use it because i like my xbox's fuctionality better. even if you don't watch dvd's on the xbox you can still get the controller and scroll through your music you have copied onto the xbox.<br /> i will be purchasing another xbox and dvd playback kit for christmas for my other house.