What do the Xbox 360 Red Lights Mean? by Seth Taylor

When the Xbox 360 was designed, Microsoft created it with its own error reporting system. This system is very helpful in that if something goes wrong with your console you can easily diagnose the problem.

It is very similar to the reporting system in a car. You have the gas light that tells you that you should have filled up about 10 miles ago. You have a check engine light that tells you that you may want to hold off on Christmas shopping for the moment. You also have brake lights, oil lights etc.

The Xbox 360 also has its own set of warning signals to let you know that something is going on with your console. Some signals are minor while others mean that the end is near. Here is a list of the different flashing light signals and what each of them mean.

1 Flashing Light

Your Xbox 360 indicates this error when only the bottom right part of the ring is flashing. It is usually associated with an error code you see on the screen. Searching for this error code online or in the Microsoft support site will give you the description and solution.

Usually the problem lies on the DVD drive whether it is the wrong firmware or lacks a chip. It may also be a hard drive error which can be resolved by taking it out and putting it back in or it can be a voltage error which usually occurs if you have added accessories to it. It is best to research the error code so you know exactly what to do.

2 Flashing Lights

One of the most common is when two red lights are flashing. No need to panic if you see only two because its sole meaning is that the console is too hot and needs to cool down. Power down the system and try again in a few minutes or if possible after an hour or two.

After giving the system some rest and playing in a much cooler environment, you should be back to your gaming in better performance. If the problem persists however, you may need to have it serviced to have the cooling issue fixed.

3 Flashing Lights

If you see three flashing lights, you are experiencing the infamous 3 red lights error problem that many other gamers are frustrated with. You may also know it as the Red Ring of Death. At one point 1 out of every 3 Xbox 360 owners experienced this problem. This is the one error that you do not want to get. This highlights that there is a serious Xbox 360 hardware problem.

Your options are to send your console back to Microsoft for repair or to fix it yourself. Be prepared to spend a nice amount of money ($140 or so) if you are sending your system to Microsoft for an out of warranty repair. If you want to try to fix the problem yourself then you can see reviews of guides that I recommend at http://www.xbox360redlightcure.com to show you step by step how to perform the repair.

4 Flashing Lights

If you have to get any flashing lights on your Xbox 360, pray that this is the one. If the entire ring flashes, it is a minor problem that indicates that the AV cable isn't connected properly or in rare instances, the cable is damaged. Make sure everything is properly connected and replace it if It still doesn't work.

About the Author

Seth Taylor is the publisher of an informative website that provides reviews of guides that give instructions on how to fix the Xbox 360 3 red lights error.

LCD Monitor Guide - Key Features

Prices of LCD monitors have dropped significantly in recent years, but that doesn't mean the quality has too. Today, you can purchase a low-price monitor without sacrificing features, performance, and screen size. In fact, most LCD monitors offer stunning image quality, style, portability, and space-saving convenience. However, there are certain key features that make LCD monitors different from one another. The following are some important factors to consider when evaluating an LCD monitor:

Size/Weight--For the most part, this depends on two different factors: the space available to you and what you commonly use your monitor for. It goes without saying that if you intend to use your computer for graphic intensive work like fashion designing or 3D animation, then having a large monitor would make more sense.

Resolution--For the sharpest, cleanest image quality, choose only those with the highest number of pixels. But make sure you are comfortable with an LCD's native resolution before you buy it.

Pixel-Response Rate--The pixel-response rate, also known as response time, is the minimum time necessary to change a pixel's color or brightness. The time is expressed in milliseconds, and the longer it takes, the slower the monitor's reactions. Everyone's preferences on response times are different. If you play a lot of games, it would be worthwhile to invest in one with a much faster response time. However, most people who aren't gamers cannot tell the difference.

Viewing Angle--The physical structure of LCD pixels can cause a shift in the brightness and color of images if you view them from an angle. Take manufacturer's specifications with a grain of salt and make your own observations if possible. Also, it's important to understand that viewing-angle issues become more critical as panel size increases.

Monitor Inputs-- The type of inputs found on an LCD monitor dictate the flexibility and multi-use capabilities of the monitor. Some models have both types of input but only accept a signal through one at a time, whereas others can electronically switch between the two.

Buying the right monitor for you is a very personal experience and it requires time to research and evaluate the various models. People have differences on how they angle the monitor, the level of ambient lighting, and some just have different design tastes than others. The trick is to strike the perfect balance between price and functionality, and the best way to begin is to find exactly what your needs are. Hopefully, you now have enough information to make an educated decision.