As many have already described, this item is nothing but another nickel and dime attempt by Microsoft. This product may do what it advertises, but in reality if Microsoft designed the HDMI capable XBOX's better in the first place than this would not even be needed. I would like to think that it was a simple oversight on Microsoft's part, but come on; this is Microsoft we are talking about. I'm willing to bet the poor design of having the HDMI port so close to the standard A/V port on the back of the console was purposely done in an attempt to get more money out of customers when they (the customers) realized that they couldn't use their non-HDMI A/V receiver as a sound source when using an HDMI cable with their 360.

Microsoft could have easily just sold the extender by itself without forcing people to buy another HDMI cable. Besides, everyone who bought an Elite console already has an HDMI cable that was included with the console (not sure about the HDMI enabled Pro systems) and the fact is, if you are even considering this kit in the first place, then chances are you already have an HDMI cable as well. Yet instead of just offering people what they need, Microsoft wants to only allow you have the extender portion if you buy their HDMI cable at a premium.

If you are looking at this kit, then the problem you probably have is that you want to use an HDMI cable in conjunction with your existing A/V cable perhaps to send the sound to your receiver that does not have HDMI capability. To solve this problem you have three options:

1) Get ripped off and pay Microsoft their ridiculous price for this kit when all you probably really need is the extender portion.

2) Using a knife or a flat head screwdriver, pry the gray portion off of your existing A/V cable which will give you enough space to use this in conjunction with your HDMI cable. Search YouTube if you need visuals. Done correctly, your savings will be 100% over option 1.

3) If you are uncomfortable with #2, go to Ebay and find out if anyone is selling the "extender" portion of this kit separately from the unneeded HDMI cable. You shouldn't have to spend more than a few dollars on it equating to a savings of 80% - 90% over option 1.

Even if you don't already have an HDMI cable, this kit is STILL a rip off. This is because HDMI cables can be had for a relatively cheap price. But companies like Microsoft and Monster will attempt to rip you off by lying; saying their HDMI cables are so much better than everyone else's. It's not uncommon for Monster's longer HDMI cable prices to exceed triple digit prices! However the reality is, all HDMI cables are basically the same and you won't notice any difference using an overpriced Monster (or Microsoft) cable than one that just cost a few bucks.

The choice is yours all three options I described will solve your problem, but only two are cost effective.

This can be made for free, yet is sold for $40+?
Oh, and Microsoft purposefully made it difficult to use the AV cable included with the 360 with a HDMI cable. Even after taking the annoyingly bulky casing off the AV cable, you have to cut a wire to get video from the HDMI cable.

This is simply a single HDMI cable, and a plug like the component octopus cable for the digital sound out only. What you don't see in this picture is the other side of the plug. The other side is just the sound options. There is NOT a hdmi plug there. You plug the HDMI into the xbox itself.

What you probably want is just this plug, and not the cable, since you probably already purchased a much cheaper HDMI cable and found you can't use it along with the octopus cable to get digital sound.

I'd gladly pay 15-20$ for such an option. Don't make me buy an overpriced HDMI cable with it.

This is a rip off. Take A/V cord and a butter knife or flat head screw driver and take that thick plastic piece off and use it that way. That's what i did. You can purchase a s-video cable from here or eBay and for a few dollars and use it instead. Make sure it has the optical out on it. Google it and you can find detail instructions w/pictures.

Why would you buy this? just use the audio plugs on the original A/V cables that came with your system and buy a $10-$20 hdmi cable right here on Amazon. Thats what i did and the picture is great. your gettin jacked out of $40 with this. this adapter shoulndnt cost more than $25.