thoughthead

I’m an avid gamer, and more specifically an avid Xbox 360 gamer. I’ve spent thousands over the last couple of years on the console, games and accessories. I’ve heard countless horror stories of Xbox 360 consoles going belly up. Thankfully my own launch day console has never failed me (a rare specimen indeed) however most of the people I’ve heard that were having problems with their console got friendly and fast turn around times when contacting Microsoft for repairs. (more…)

          

Earlier this year the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department raided multiple homes of individuals who had installed modchips in consoles. As you may recall I wrote my feelings on the subject in an editorial titled: The Legality Of Modding. In that piece I did not dispute the fact that what these people did is technically illegal under the DMCA, I simply called to attention that how the law was written was too far reaching and that ICE, in a time where the USA needs it’s greatest strengths put to use on issues such as Customs and Immigration, was instead being abused to harass and dishevel the lives of American Citizens.

I was deeply disturbed by this situation and took it upon myself to write my state’s representative, and senators. I originally wanted to send my correspondences by physical letter signed by hand to help get my point across, however I was unable to find the appropriate address to use such a method and instead passed on my concerns by email. I didn’t have very high hopes for the outcome of my message as when it comes to the US Government I am somewhat of a pessimist. However I also believe that unless I do my part to make my voice heard I have only myself to blame if nothing comes of it. By speaking my peace I can with good conscience lay the blame on those who have listened and remained idle in their actions to right these wrongs. (more…)

          

…and how everyone is a criminal according to the DMCA.

We interrupt this weeks regularly scheduled discussion to take a moment and reflect on the recent events in the modding community. Read this article on Xbox-Scene.

          

I had an article nearing completion and ready to go and then Microsoft dropped a bomb on us all; they finally owned up to the 3 Red Lights of Death issues happening across a large percentage of the Xbox 360 Consoles. so what brought it to this point? (more…)

          

There is no thoughthead article this week (you got 5 updates in the last 2 weeks so stop complaining). I’m taking the break to concentrate on the Achievement Machine Project.

Next week I’ll be back with an in depth article on building a home theater. You can read my post on Xbox-Scene to get an idea of where I’m starting from.