Using your games console

The Microsoft Xbox 360 can perform the functions of a media player although its prime function is as a gaming console. It will be able to download films and other content from the Xbox Live Marketplace, which currently concentrates on games in the UK. US members can already download films, including those from Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures.

Wireless networking is not built in but can be enabled by purchasing an Xbox Wireless Networking Adapter for the Premium and Elite models or using alternative wireless adapters. A hard drive for saving media content is included in Premium and Elite, but not in the cheaper Arcade version. All models now have HDMI digital video output but an HD cable is an optional extra for the Arcade.