Cheating your way through life: 2
Firmware modifications are nothing new, either. What is firmware? Basically software that is written onto a device/chip. Firmware modifications are present everywhere from onboard car computer chips to home DVD and CD players. Sometimes, manufacturers release products that are priced based on features they include. A top-of-the-line product may be exactly the same as the lower model, with only some slight differences due to the way the firmware is configured. In some cases, you can buy the less expensive model, and then flash the firmware to get the same features or functionality as the higher priced model. Flashing the device/chip is the term used to write a program onto said device/chip.
The preferred mod is the firmware flash for many reasons. First, no soldering is required, and no installation of any electronic circuits. Second, flashing can be undone (for the most part), or reverted. Third, flashing is easier to do than installing anything. In some cases, a firmware flash can be done without ever opening the case.
Video game manufacturers have not stood idly by either. As a modchip is released, the manufacturers quickly learn the method used by the modchip and develop a counter measure. The most common method used to make modchips compatible is a forced update of the firmware. When you purchase a new game, the game will have an updated firmware (sometime in the form of patch) that must be installed to play that particular game. Updating your firmware almost always kills the modchip.
Microsoft developed the Xbox live system which enables game consoles to be connected to the Internet and receive updates and content. This also allows Microsoft to look at your system’s firmware and detect the presence of any modifications. Their ability to snoop into your system is a cause for concern in regards to the DCMA, but you did agree to this when you plugged the system in and connected it to the Internet and the Xbox live
system.
Microsoft is able to detect your firmware, and ban your Xbox system based on its serial number. The ban is permanent and for life. This means that your Xbox will function, but never on the Xbox Live system. Of course, there is a modification. Actually, there are two. First, get a new chip for the one that contains your system serial number – or an eprom chip as they call it. One can be purchased online easily from a non working Xbox. The eprom can be replaced and it would restore your Xbox to an non-banned state. Of course, connect to the Xbox live system and the process would repeat itself.
The workaround is to disable the modchip. Many modchips have a switch to allow them to be enabled, or disabled when you boot the console. Disabling the modchip allows the system to appear and operate as it does out of the box. Enable the modchip, and you have all the features again, but with no online play ability.
The next evolution is Stealth. It lets you use a modchip for online play, to receive updates to your console and to appear as a normal system. Once again, manufacturers are working to detect these modifications and the cycle repeats.
Most recently, modchips have been somewhat outshined by firmware modifications to the DVD optical drives of the units. The basic principle of this technique is that the DVD drive’s firmware can be modified to allow backup copies of games to be played. Modifying a DVD player firmware is far simpler and quicker than installing a modchip. The process requires a modified firmware file that is transferred to the DVD drive from your computer. Not only is it easy, but also provides stealth, and the ability to undo the modification in case of any problems.
Last but not least, there are USB and memory card firmware modifications. This will ultimately be the most preferred method of modding a game console, using a USB memory device to flash the firmware. In comparison, no need to disassemble anything, no tampering or opening the casing of the console. Simply plug in the USB memory
device and load the file on it to run the mod.