MS to release Xbox 360 with HD-DVD in 2006
- Thread starter one
- Start date
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6018529.html
No idea on price or date of availability.
Here's the PR verbiage someone posted without link on AVS:
Did they show a mockup of the external drive or is this just an announcement?
You know if Toshiba can cost-reduce, an external HD-DVD drive for the X360 may be moot, unless MS is going to price the accessory for $100 or some real nominal price.
You would think the external box would have to have HDMI and not use the regular video output cable. Is there an expansion bus of some kind on the X360 or would they use the USB port? Actually, it could be a self-contained unit, if it had its own HDMI output. Would the existing remotes control this thing or would it need a dedicated remote?
You know if Toshiba can cost-reduce, an external HD-DVD drive for the X360 may be moot, unless MS is going to price the accessory for $100 or some real nominal price.
You would think the external box would have to have HDMI and not use the regular video output cable. Is there an expansion bus of some kind on the X360 or would they use the USB port? Actually, it could be a self-contained unit, if it had its own HDMI output. Would the existing remotes control this thing or would it need a dedicated remote?
Serenity Painted Death
Regular
I don't see how its feasible that it could be priced at 100. I also think that it for sure won't have 1080p functionality. Furthermore, I seriously doubt the HDMI cables will come with the accessory, so tack on a good bit extra.
mckmas8808
Legend
Serenity Painted Death said:
Didn't people here think that the HDD was really around $50 or so dollars, yet MS is selling it for $100. And what about the price of that Wi-Fi add-on? It's $100 too, even though the real price is lower. I can't see this HD-DVD add on being less than $200.
I think the HD-DVD camp is sticking around the 720p zone, and I also doubt that the add-on drive would be priced at $100 or under - but none of that matters right now.
For a *pre* show event, today has been loaded with news, news, and more news!
An add-on drive makes sense in a way; if the format fails, Microsoft can discontinue it and cut their losses. At the same time, it's not as 'cool' or convenient as PS3's integrated drive, but it certainly gets the job done. And IMO it helps keep HD-DVD in the race for now, along with those less expensive standalone players.
What *really* matters is studio support, and in the next couple of days, weeks, months, we should keep a look-out and see if the winds start blowing more favorably for HD-DVD again in Hollywood. If they do, well I think we're back to all-out format war. And if not, well it'll just plain be interesting to see how far HD-DVD gets.
I'm surprised MS did this; I guess I'm not *completely* surprised just because after about the fifth rumor, you say 'ok, maybe this is real.' But all that aside, I guess I have to agree that an add-on is the best way to implement this concept. MS is all abotu hedging risks this gen, while keeping on the pressure.
For a *pre* show event, today has been loaded with news, news, and more news!
An add-on drive makes sense in a way; if the format fails, Microsoft can discontinue it and cut their losses. At the same time, it's not as 'cool' or convenient as PS3's integrated drive, but it certainly gets the job done. And IMO it helps keep HD-DVD in the race for now, along with those less expensive standalone players.
What *really* matters is studio support, and in the next couple of days, weeks, months, we should keep a look-out and see if the winds start blowing more favorably for HD-DVD again in Hollywood. If they do, well I think we're back to all-out format war. And if not, well it'll just plain be interesting to see how far HD-DVD gets.
I'm surprised MS did this; I guess I'm not *completely* surprised just because after about the fifth rumor, you say 'ok, maybe this is real.' But all that aside, I guess I have to agree that an add-on is the best way to implement this concept. MS is all abotu hedging risks this gen, while keeping on the pressure.
mckmas8808
Legend
But didn't they say they wanted to what for a victor? To me if they really wanted a next-gen HD movie player for the 360 shouldn't they have waited to see which one was winning?
To me this is MS saying, "yeah we are not as future proof as our competitors but here's something to hold you over".
To me this is MS saying, "yeah we are not as future proof as our competitors but here's something to hold you over".
LOL
Which would you want?
A premium XBox 360 for $399 and a $200 HD-DVD external player.
Or
A Playstation 3 for $399, that plays Blu-Ray, is internal, integrated and...the games will be in the same format.
It's a win for MS for sure, they continue to create problems for HD DVD and Blu-Ray while they establish Vista and their download services, which should take off in 2-3 years big time.
Another reason it's a win, they can charge a good premium on the HD-DVD player as a peripheral and lore many XBox 360 owners into it.
Speng.
Which would you want?
A premium XBox 360 for $399 and a $200 HD-DVD external player.
Or
A Playstation 3 for $399, that plays Blu-Ray, is internal, integrated and...the games will be in the same format.
It's a win for MS for sure, they continue to create problems for HD DVD and Blu-Ray while they establish Vista and their download services, which should take off in 2-3 years big time.
Another reason it's a win, they can charge a good premium on the HD-DVD player as a peripheral and lore many XBox 360 owners into it.
Speng.
mckmas8808 said:
Uhh, you sure have an interesting way of looking at things. Not surprising really.
This is about giving consumers CHOICE. Sony is forcing Blu-Ray (and the cost) on anybody that purchases a PS3 (even though only a small percentage of people will watch HD movies). I'll gladly take a Xbox 360 that's $100 cheaper and upgrade to HD-DVD when I'm ready to.
Hardknock said:
Hardknock I'm *sure* that cost will be more or less transparent for the consumer, feature for feature, so until Sony gives us a price, let's not go touting MS' generosity.
$20 faceplates remember!
No but seriously, I give MS props for this move. They're keeping the blu-ray camp guessing with this and the Vista subsidy move recently announced, and all at minimal risk to themselves. And hey, if HD-DVD does take off, well then Micreosoft's got the right add-on for the right format.
Granted I'm still expecting blu-ray victory, but the battle goes from seemingly bloodless to looking more and more bloody day by day.
@One: Good point on the Windows aspect, almost doubtless it will be. (Unless MS is really kissing partner ass) Still though if it's just a ROM drive, then I'm not sure what good that would do me for my PC. I usually make the move when the burners show up for reasonable prices.
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Hardknock said:
You are buying a game console, it so happens that Sony has the format it has been pushing with other well established companies and movie studios.
MS has no direct reason to offer any player, in fact they should offer both if they are really into selling peripherals. MS has an agenda and pursuing it. I think it's a good strategy for them.
Anyway...LOL....When you buy your Toshiba or Panasonic HDTV and try to get full digital signal to your TV from the Xbox 360 your gonna go...ummmm.....where is the HDMI port??!?!?
Save your money or add another $2-300 and buy a real HD-DVD Player if you want one.
Speng.
mckmas8808
Legend
Like someone said on another forum.
scooby_dooby
Legend
sounds like a pretty dumb/half baked idea, I need to see a mockup/price.
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