How-To: Xbox360 HDMI & RCA audio

I'm sure I'm not the first to be disappointed by the placement of the output ports on his Xbox360, specifically how the old trapezoidal A/V cable plug blocks the HDMI port on the Elite models. And Microsoft, being the conniving #$%^ers they are, have come up with a handy $49.99 solution to the problem that just so happens to be entirely irrelevant.

My problem came about because I wanted to hook my 360 up to my 22" widescreen monitor which doesn't have audio. Obviously I didn't want to play without sound and my attempt to plug the HDMI cable and the A/V cable in simultaneously met with futility.

My solution involves modding the Microsoft Composite A/V cable, which should have come standard with the system. I realize now, after doing a quick Google search, that there are a few other tutorials online on how to do this so I don't claim any credit for originality.

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Step 1: Tools & Materials

You will only need a couple things for this quick mod:

Small, thin flathead screwdriver
Electrical tape (optional)

Also, to get this to actually work, you'll need the Microsoft Composite A/V cable and an HDMI or HDMI to DVI cable. I have not tested the MS Component A/V cable so I cannot comment on it's modability.

mykehowells says: Nov 9, 2012. 7:33 AM

A hundred million thanks!

anthony ajax says: Jul 13, 2012. 12:24 AM

Does this still work or have they instated a patch? Also, you have had no issues with the xbox putting out two video signals simultaneously?

frazeeg (author) in reply to anthony ajaxJul 13, 2012. 6:10 AM

I haven't used this particular hack in a while since I now have an LCD TV to play my XBOX on, but as far as I know it should still work.

anthony ajax in reply to frazeegJul 13, 2012. 12:13 PM

Okay, thanks. I"m going to test it in a few days and post back.

Biopyro says: Jan 23, 2010. 3:53 AM

I had exactly the same problem, so I bought this cable for $7.
So long as you have a 3.5mm extension cable, or your speaker input is nearby, it works very well.

frazeeg (author) in reply to BiopyroJan 23, 2010. 9:50 AM

I did the same thing too but I found the signal degraded with the VGA connection. Probably because it's analog and DVI/HDMI is digital.

alex3927 in reply to frazeegJun 27, 2012. 3:35 AM

Could also be your display. The VGA connections on my main screens look better than the HDMI.

anthony ajax in reply to alex3927Jul 13, 2012. 12:22 AM

I don't think it' his display... On really good screens, digital signals are always better than analog signals.

Biopyro in reply to frazeegJan 23, 2010. 10:06 AM

My monitor only has VGA in so this was my only choice - works absolutely fine for me though.

alex3927 says: Jun 27, 2012. 3:49 AM

Thank you for this. I had originally thought that tab was there because of potential damage to your console for using both ports (come to think of it, might still not be a good thing if you plug in HDMI and component video at the same time), so I bought the HDMI kit. But now that I know that such is not entirely the case (and that there is actually nothing in that part of the casing), I can mod the composite cables gathering dust on my shelf for this purpose.

asmith433 says: Jan 3, 2012. 1:53 AM

Microsoft needs to work on where they put the connections I AGREE REALLY MICROSOFT

alex3927 in reply to asmith433Jun 27, 2012. 3:28 AM

Pretty sure Microsoft set it up that way intentionally, as most will buy a cable before modding a current one. I agree that the placement is evil, but that's Microsoft

hypnotoady says: Feb 11, 2012. 1:08 PM

Nice hack, takes all of 2 minutes. I cut off the offending tab with a hacksaw very easily and just re-assembled the connector taped with packing tape. Easiest $50 I didn't spend ever.

timinatorrrr says: Jan 23, 2012. 7:55 PM

What would happen if you didn't put any electric tape or anything on it?

yomammah says: Jan 7, 2012. 11:31 AM

not trying to be a prick, but why didnt you simply grind off the tab, allowing the plastic casing to keep the internal already insulated?

frazeeg (author) in reply to yomammahJan 7, 2012. 2:01 PM

It was probably a combination of the fact that I didn't know it was just empty space behind the tab and the fact that I didn't want to get melted plastic all over my grinding wheel.