Xbox 360: change to PAL 60hz
After getting back my Xbox 360 from repair I was reminded of an awkward bug in the system. I couldn't play two of my games, DOA and Crackdown, because they only run in PAL 60Hz. The default setting for my Xbox system is PAL 50Hz. Seems ok right? just go to settings > video and make the changes. But its not so simple. My Xbox is running in HD mode through component input to my TV. This completely removes the options for choose PAL settings from the system menu leaving (I presume) many users lost.
The solution is to turn off your Xbox 360, change the switch on the video cable from HDTV to TV and then turn back on. This usually involves digging out the video block, connecting it up and finding a scart input to your TV. Now you can access the PAL settings to make the change to 60Hz. Then you can unplug all your cables and put it back as it was!
This is incredibly annoying. It seems these games are detecting a system setting and refusing to run, even when you're running in high-def mode and that setting (I assume) doesn't figure in to the equation as the Xbox doesn't even let you access it when in HD mode.
Update: Thanks for the comments. If your picture is coming up in black and white it's likely that your TV doesn't support 60hz and this is the best picture it can make from the signal.
Comments welcome!
Related articles
Comments(72)
Important
Some older televisions do not support PAL 60 Hz. If you do not know whether your TV supports PAL 60 Hz, contact the manufacturer of your TV or see the user manual.
The PAL setting options are only available when your console is connected to a TV with a composite A/V cable or a component HD A/V cable (with the HDTV switch set to TV).
the UK version has separate ports for HDTV and TV so take note.
If your TV supports PAL 60, Follow the steps below (note: with component HD A/V cable not HDMI).
Go to the Settings hub, and choose System.
Select Console Settings.
Select Display.
Select PAL settings then change to PAL60.
Note: you might notice some colour change (black & white). do not worry... just save the setting and turn off the console.
Now connect the HDMI cable and turn the console back on.
Very simple guys. Please do not chuck your XBOX.. they are very expensive lol
my bf got t he new xbox for his crimbo and just like the rest of your comments he can only play it in black and white. He is about to toss the thing out the window to be honest. We cant seem to find the switch mentioned in all your comments can someone please help us!???
thanks again
PLZZZ Help!
-when i set my tv to pal 60hz for my xbox360 its in black and white :/
can anyone help please? as most of my games require 60 pal setting
PLEASE HELP
the heart of a horse this man has ! haha
And i can gladly tell, that Grand Theft Auto 4 supports 50hz.
Ive Been Soo Annoyed Trying To Work it Out :L
Legend ;) !
Cheers for the info dude was on the verge of taking a crowbar to my 360.
now i can finnaly play HITMAN BLOODMONEY Again
Thanks for this!
thanks
One small thing i noticed - you don't even have to find a scart input to your TV after you switch the video cable from HDTV to TV; i just left the component cable connected as it was and that enabled me to access the PAL settings under System - Console Settings - Display.
Big thanks for the instructions dude!
very helpful! :-)
Cheers dude.