The Xbox 360 and How It Works

By Larry Moon

In recent years the gaming consoles have become more, and more popular. However, with the rise in demand, you had a rise in price, and the gaming industry has had to become more creative with there games and systems to continue to keep the public's interest. Microsoft was the pioneer of the seventh generation gaming consoles, releasing the Xbox 360, which was the successor to the regular Xbox which sold over 20 million units.

You can hook up a console to any television, standard or high-definition. However, if you want the best gaming experience you need to hook it up to a 1080p resolution television. Either T.V. you hook it up to though, you will be brought into a whole new level of gaming.

In order to make your gaming experience the best it can possibly be, you need to make sure that you set it up the right way. You will need a hybrid component/composite cable for your console to be able to set up on a HDTV, which comes with the upgraded version of the pro and elite but not the regular version.

Firing up the system is just like firing up any console. All you need is a wired or wireless Xbox 360 controller for inputs and then press the "Power" button to load the menu. The Xbox 360 has its own interface so you don't need a DVD inside the optical drive for it to work. You can browse the contents of the hard disk drive if you have an Elite or Pro system or built-in flash memory if you have the Arcade system. Contents that can be read include pictures, music, video, and any downloaded or installed games.

You can also use the interface to check out things are in any USB storage drives attached or Windows computers connected. Once you place a game disc in, you can immediately play it from there.

During gameplay, this is where the Xbox 360 really starts to go to work. The Xbox 360 uses a processor named Xenon which contains three symmetrical cores having a 3.2 GHz clock speed. This ensures that loading times are as quick as possible and frame rates are smooth. These speeds can vary depending on how well the game takes advantage of the processor.

But speed isn't the only thing this console is made up of. The Xbox 360 has the capability of displaying really high-end graphics if the game that you put in, uses it to the fullest extent. Some of the capabilities that this console has are alpha blending, z-buffering, and 4x GSAA.

Heat problems have been something that Microsoft has had to deal with in the fullest extent. However the new generation console has had a Jasper motherboard installed which drastically has reduced the overheating problem which lead to the red ring error. Just keep your console in good shape, and be careful shifting it around so that you don't damage it and reduce your gaming experience. - 23815

About the Author:

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Bless the Broken Road: This Is Why You Should Start Listening to Rascal Flatts

By Roberto Johnson

A wonderful lyric, wonderful melody and the perfect vocals--these are what makes a truly great feel-good song. This is also a track that will instantly catch your attention. The moment you listen to it, the music will play on and on in your mind. A perfect example of this is Rascal Flatts' cover of a 1994 classic Bless the Broken Road.

I was oblivious to the song, and even Rascal Flatts, four years ago. Then I watched Carrie Underwood performed the song with the country music group in the finale of American Idol '05. The song instantly touched me in some strange way. The sound, message and accompaniment all seemed to enthrall me at that moment.

The song and the band started to grow on me when I started to listen to it regularly. Bless the Broken Road was infectious. I then listened to three different versions of the song: Rascal Flatts' acoustic and original version, as well as the Idol performance. But regardless of how many versions I listen to, they all had the same effect on me.

Bless the Broken Road was originally written in 1994 for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. It was recorded by three more artists before Rascal Flatts made a huge hit out of the song.

The song was included in their 2005 album, Feels Like Today. Despite the fact that it has been around for quite a while, Rascal Flatts made it a sensation. It took the charts by storm. As a matter of fact, it stayed at the number one spot in the Hot Country Singles and Tracks for five weeks. It even won a Grammy for Best Country Song.

This song, clearly, is a very nice lyrical song. One does not need to hear it twice to see the beautiful message it conveys. It gives hope and assures everyone that there is something better at the end of a rough, tough, and broken road. I've heard an acoustic version of the song, a more serious and slower version (Idol performance), and the original Rascal Flatts version.

The song was initially intended as a mid-tempo song. And though the lyrics are wonderful, it is suited to a slower-paced rendition, not mid-tempo version Rascal Flatts included in their album. It is different from the slower and more serious performance at the Idol finale. It's more emotional and powerful at that tempo.

Rascal Flatts' rendition was similar to the original version. It was mid-tempo. You can also hear a wonderful piano accompaniment that added to the effect of the superb arrangement. Gary LeVox was able to sing every note right and drop every word at the right spot. His vocals were relaxed and packed with emotions. He was on the right key. It was flawless. When the song builds up in the second verse to the chorus, you will really feel how strong the song was. This is enough of a reason for you to start listening to Rascal Flatts. - 23815

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Jack's Mannequin's Andrew McMahon Shines In Everything In Transit

By Steven Stevenson

Hip-hop stars are mostly known for their R18 language. Their songs are often overflowing with obscene language, which sort of gets them in hot waters. However, there are some music artists who can get away with it. May it be due to their longevity, credibility, or appeal to the audience, these acts get away with cursing and not be reprimanded. There are only very few artists that I can think of. One of them is Blink 182. The other is Jack's Mannequin.

Jack's Mannequin, for me, was only interesting at first because of Andrew McMahon. This guy, former Something Corporate member, is a fantastic pianist. He is so talented he can captivate you when he starts playing the piano.

Andrew has the knack for writing. He uses this gift to make his songs great, just like what he did with Everything in Transit. With his words, he is able to paint a clear picture in your mind. He can clearly translate a message of a song to you. His flair for words is also the reason why he can get away with obscene language in some of his lyrics.

The track Bruised tells a story of a boy who can't seem to leave somebody behind. With Andrew's words, one can see and hear the story well. He combines metaphor and simple language to make a strong impact with his audience.

I'm Ready is a song that will help you feel better after a break up. Listen to this and you will no longer have to suffer pain. The song has a solid writing behind its lyrics, plus a great sounding melody. It will surely appeal to you.

When you listen to it as a whole, you will notice that the album is heavy with good melodies and beats. Songs, either slow- or fast-paced all have that distinct impression on listeners. The songs are also infectious. Songs like La La Lie will get you humming without you knowing it. Dark Blue shows just how good Andrew is at the piano. Combined with simple and relatable lyrics, the piano arrangement effortlessly makes this single amazingly great.

Other tracks in the album like Miss Delaney has lyrics that clearly paints an image in your mind. Such songs will put a stamp in your mind because not only was it well-written, it also has a very good sound to it. It can even get you up and dancing. Rescued, is another beautiful song but unlike Miss Delaney, this is very calming, something you can even use to put you to sleep. In this track, Andrew's flair for playing the piano is clearly evident.

Jack's Mannequin's Everything in Transit, aside from being a very well-made record, is a testament to Andrew McMahon's talent in writing and playing the piano. - 23815

About the Author:

Jacks Mannequin music is an amazing form of music that just makes me feel good. For more information about Jacks Mannequin or to follow the up on Jacks Mannequin news, visit our site today!

Acoustic Guitar Lessons DVD: Gain Musical Knowledge

By Reggie Jones

In this essay, I am going to apply a number of the Principles of Correct Practice to a technical area that is of major concern to players. For beginners, it poses one of the most challenging difficulties, and an incomplete appreciation of it's difficulties dogs many an advanced player (sometimes without them being aware of it).

So you can barely squeeze in any time at all in a day to practice, huh? There are many of us that share the same dilemma, but by knowing what to practice in those short moments of time you can maximize your effort. For example, if you only have ten minutes in between jobs, or other things you need to do, here is a list of some of the things you can do:

Here is a simpler scenario for beginning players. Perhaps you suffer from the common complaint of not being able to change chords smoothly so you can sing that old favorite of yours without feeling like a new driver learning to drive a stick shift (go, stall, go, stall, etc.)

As weeks and months go by, your old "bad habit" will begin to weaken, it will change. It will be replaced by the new finger action you are training into the fingers. The important point to realize is that the new habit will take over, if you are doing the proper proportion of correct practice on the bad habit.

Merely playing the music where the bad habit displays itself will not disturb the changes you are building into the fingers by your powerful, correct practice. As time goes by, the new habit will begin to show itself in your playing, and become stronger and stronger.

Staying with that feeling positions you in the best possible way for being able to see what your obstacles to growth really are. As soon as you think you are "complete" in some way as a guitarist, you will be unable to see your own weak spots.

Stevie Ray Vaughn never learned to play fusion or metal. Great country players usually don't study Progressive Rock. Of course there are examples of players that do learn and play in more than one or two styles, but most of the really great guitarists are known for the style they focussed on.

Music just happens to be your medium and guitar just happens to be your instrument, but YOU are the artist. From this day forward when someone asks you what you do or who you are, don't reply by saying you are a guitarist or musician. - 23815

About the Author:

When it comes to learn to play guitar fast, getting the right information can be a daunting task. That's why we put together this confidential report for you at acoustic guitar lessons dvd

Computer 3d animation The Modern Illusion Of Life

By Jasque Brisk

Art has continually had a distinct role in the life of humans, and with centuries passing, this human expression has found new ways of showing itself. As swift development in technology has changed our lives as a whole, it has also had its impact on art. This form of art has made a evolution, by the virtue of computer technology, to something even more spectacular: 3D Computer Animation.

Digital 3D Animation can be simply explained as the art of displaying moving objects which are shown in a 3 dimensional perspective to the viewer. The fact that 3 dimensional animation shows objects in a more realistic way makes it a superior technology in comparison with old style 2D Animation. This great technology is not only exploited in motion pictures, but also in architectural visualisations, computer models, computer games, simulations, special effects and in anyway a 3D presentation or communication tool is developed.

3D Computer Animation consists of an elaborate process of 3D modeling, texturing, animating and rendering. 3D Modeling is the creation of any item or a scene in its Three Dimensional representation through specialized software. Texturing gives a realistic coloring to the 3D models, which makes it possible for the audience to relate to an object or a person, or even a location in a 3D Animation. It is much like painting into pencil sketches and gives the model its finished look.

The central principles of animation making the creation of the illusion of motion possible largely remain identical in one form or another as in traditional animation. They have been transformed into Key-framing and Motion Capture techniques, which are digitalized, effective and thoroughly automated animation techniques. Key-framing involves setting up two frames or key positions representing a unit of animation. The illusion of the motion is carried out by the computer by automatically filling the gaps in between the frames.

The principal thought behind the Motion Capture method is to portray the emotions, expressions and movements of a 3 Dimensional animated character as realistically as possible by recording of movements of real actors and models, and translating them into a digital model. 3D Animation uses a faster frame rate than the conventional animation, which are about 14 frames per second, in order to sustain the realism of movement and to create an effective impression.

Lots of persons are inspired to chase an animation career, but often end up only with a superficial course which only helps them learn how to work with different software which does not ensure proficiency in 3D Animation. Schools like Max the Mutt Animation School and Sheridan can provide the appropriate formal education and technical facilities that are fitting to a professional animator. It is always best to enroll with an Animation school which focuses on quality.

To become a good 3 Dimensional animator, you need to have a good comprehension of computer design on a simple level, such as Flash and Photoshop. You should have comprehension of Avars, or Animation Variables, which constitute the basic bone structure to 3D skeletal models, which will help you in constructing life-like characters.

You should know how to use colors in an effective manner and a degree in arts will be helpful for the job. You should also be aware of important elements like lights, shading and rendering to give your animation the power to keep the audiences attention. It is realization of these details which will make sure that 3D animated objects created by you look more life like.

But what if you are not a professional animator? That still does not stop you from benefiting from it. A number of 3D Animation packages are at hand to help you out. Maya, SideFX Houdini, Messiah Studio, Softimage XSI and Hash Animation Master are very good but sophisticated software, and top choices of professional animators. Although some of them are accommodating to novices, you could find yourself more at ease with simpler software like RealSoft 3D, 3D Plus and Effect 3D. You should research carefully before purchasing one of them, as you would want all the value and utility you need from a single package as per your requirements.

3D Animations like banners and other features can make a web site attractive and can convey messages more efficiently, bringing more traffic to the sites. The supply of 3D programs have literally eliminated all obstacles to the access to 3D Animation and have opened doors to new possibilities for the utilization of this effective communication method. 3D Animation can productively enhance the output of your business. Explore how you can use it. - 23815

About the Author:

If you are intrigued by 3D animation you can find more detailed information by visiting the 3D animation message board, a bulletin board for 3d modelings to discuss various animation topics. Jasque Brisk is an author writing about 3d modeling.