It's been about 2 years since the last version of Softmod Installer Deluxe (SID) was released.
Now, get ready for the next and final chapter for the SID series on Xbox.

Softmod Installer Deluxe v5.10 Final has had a huge overhaul, where the whole system has been upgraded one way or another. The last version of NKPatcher (v11 U04) was implemented, RGB Support is finally added, and the biggest change is the USB version (dont worry, the standard Memory Card version is still included).

The USB version will require a USB Device with no less than 128mb of storage, and obviously formatted for your Xbox. It does the same as the memory card version, however it has these extra features:

* Has Xbox Media Center 9.04.1 (fixed) included, as well as the MC360 skin.

* NTSC-PAL Video Changer, DVD2Xbox, and DVDX will be automatically installed to E:Apps as part of the softmod.

* Ability to install XBMC as your dashboard (it will install as an application if not selected as a dashboard).

Here is the list of features that were kept from v5.01:

* Installs a Single Boot or Dual Boot Softmod. Dual Boots included are:
Hacked Dash (Closed Tray) - SID 5 Menu (Open Tray)
Hacked Dash (Closed Tray) - MS Dashboard w/Xbox Live (Open Tray)
* Virtual C / Virtual Eeprom is optional
* Install EvolutionX or UnleashX as your Dashboard.
* High-Definition Support
* RGB Support
* Backup / Restore options for Hard Drive and Eeprom
* Rescue Dashboard installed as a safeguard
* Uninstall option

Enjoy this final release.

Softmod Installer Deluxe: Feb 2005 - Aug 2009

Forum Thread: HERE
VIP ONLY DOWNLOAD: Download "Softmod Installer Deluxe v5.10 Final"

Well folks it looks like the AID tracker is down due to bandwidth limit.
DJB (programmer of the Auto Installer Deluxe App) has said it will be back up and running on Feb 1st, Sorry for any inconvenience that may result from this and just hang in there Feb 1st is not that far off.

This is just a quick bugfix release. The problems were in the Virtual C installation but now that has been fixed. Forum Thread: HERE

The new versions of Auto-Installer Deluxe and Softmod Installer Deluxe have been relesaed.

Auto-Installer Deluxe has a lot of nice new features, went through a lot of bugfixing from v3.10, and ofcourse has the latest up-to-date software.

Softmod Installer Deluxe is a combination of the SID 3.1 and 4.5 systems, offering the simple usage of both systems while using the latest NKPatcher softmod method.

For more information check out these forum posts:

Auto-Installer Deluxe Forum: AID 4.0 Release Thread
Softmod Installer Deluxe Forum: SID 5.0 Release Thread

The hackers and crackers sure are persistent when it comes to the war on AACS encryption. This time the target was the Xbox 360 HD DVD add on. Geremia on Doom9 forums has started a thread on how he has obtained the Volume ID without AACS authentication. With the aid of others like Arnezami they have managed to patch the Xbox 360 HD DVD add on. The drive in question is the Toshiba SD-S802A or better known as the Xbox360 HD DVD Drive.

Remember that recently AACS released a patch for WinDVD, HD DVD and BD players that caused a revocation to the keys used to decrypt HD DVD and BD disc. The update requires that you update your software/hardware or you will never be able to watch newly manufactured HD DVDs or Blu-Ray disc. While this patch isn’t vital yet for those that want to backup their HD DVD collection, it could soon provide the hackers as well as private individuals with the key needed to decrypt the newly manufactured HD DVDs or Blu-Ray disc.

Washington, DC – The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today applauded the prison sentence that the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii imposed on defendant Don Perreira for his game piracy activities.

Defendant Perreira, who admitted to possessing and distributing modified Microsoft Xbox video game consoles that had been loaded with illegal copies of copyrighted video games, was sentenced by Judge Susan Oki Mollway to four months in jail and four months of home detention, followed by three years of supervised release.

As a sneak peak of what's to come, I have made an video tutorial on how to install the new SID 5 (which is still under development).

This video shows the latest beta being used to install a Softmod on an unmodded Xbox. Even though this is a beta, this basically resembles how the final version will look and operate.

Check out the tutorial here: How to install a Softmod using SID 5

Kernel Master informed us he released a new version of EkszBox-ABX - a tool used for extracting audio files & other formats from xbox audio banks.

What's new/fixed:
* 19 formats are now supported.
* Map support (Halo & Stubbs).
* (Beta) Msx support (Mortal Kombat Deception).
* Support for xwb's from 'Blazing Angels Squadrons Of WWII' (Not fully tested).
* Xwb file swap modified so it should support aforementioned game (as above).
* Temporary hack written to support 'Lord Of The Rings The Two Towers' xwb's (as above).
* Xsb code totally rewritten (Includes error checking/correcting) [All Psychonauts xsb's are read perfectly now].
* Xwb filename parsing improved (Fixes problems /w Counter-Strike xwb's).
* SCX support for xwb's.
* SCX buffer code rewritten.
* Pcm & adpcm headers are written faster due to code optimization.
* 8 bit headers were not created correctly -> fixed.
* Adpcm headers had incorrect byte rates -> fixed.
* Saving Xct ini name files was buggy -> fixed.
* Updated my Xct app (Code cleaned up).
* Load & save settings totally rewritten.
* Save last used directory bug fixed.
* Bug which caused settings file to be saved in strange places -> fixed.
* settings.ini renamed to EkszBoxSettings.ini.
* Added Xct database entries for 'Soul Calibur II' & 'Psyvariar 2 Extend Edition'.

Official Site: n/a (by Kernel Master)

It's been a while since we posted news of the Blaster360 as we have been extremely busy with the enormous success of the X360 USB.

The final external design has been completed and the tooling for the moulds are rolling out of the factory this week.

We had to redsign a few of the internals to make sure this device was 100% reliable so a Digital Sata Exchange Switch is now used to give optimum performance. We've attached a picture to give you an idea of what the messy insides look like

Another Recap of what this product is:

The Xecuter Blaster360 is an external switching device when, once fitted, allows you to flash your DVD Firmware without ever having to open up your Xbox 360 case ever again. In the era of constant firmware updates (I think there have been 22 so far?) this is an absolutley essential tool saving both time and effort, making the firmware update process a walk in the park.

Some questions answered...

1. Once fitted the device allows you to switch your DVD to flashing mode and to be flashed externally without ever having to open up your Xbox360 cases again.

2. It has a seperate molex power connector. This is for electrical safety and security. It resolves any short or grounding issues and keeps the Xbox360 PSU and any external flashing procedure seperate.

3. It has a switch to switch between normal 360 read operation and PC flashing operation.

4. There is a Modeb switch for Hitachi drives

5. You can connect direct to SATA or use the X360USB

6. There is no cutting of any of the outer case whatsoever - it is a clean install with no visible damage.

7. We have included a switch to disable the LED glow or to disable the LED alltogether (for those that don't like LED's)

8. We have optimized the design so it fits flush to the case and so you can also remove the hard drive with ease.


News-Source: http://www.team-xecuter.com

Birdy Hitachi friendly Flasher V2.0 with Xtreme v1.2

RELEASE INFO:
Friendly Flasher (Windows application) for Hitachi drives
Includes Xtreme hack 1.2 for All versions

FEATURES:
* Auto-Detect Hitachi Drive connected to Windows and its firmware version
* Auto-Detect Firmware on drive (original, xtreme x.x)
* Can restore / flash / Reverse patch with user friendly interface
* Auto Retry if flashing or restoring fails
* Auto Verify if Flash / Restore went sucessfully
* Xtreme Hack 1.2 contains all the goodies mentioned on previous releases (see releases from birdy and garyopa)
* Autocheck if loaded firmware is for GDR3120 and filesize ok
* Auto-decrypt firmware if you try to restore with crypted firmware
* Higly customisable : the flasher integrate a real macro language (see .scp file) with a lot of function.
* All functions are integreted in the file, no need extra software

Currently I am working on merged version with the F900 (extract security sectors) and with a Stealth mode. Stay tuned.

News-Source: www.xboxhacker.net