Toshiba exec: HD DVD profitable, Xbox 360 to include HD DVD internally "soon"
by Richard Lawler 
posted Jun 30th 2006 at 1:15PM
Finally, the launch of the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on is mentioned, he expects Microsoft will release a version of the console with an internal HD DVD drive and that they will announce their plans to do so "fairly soon". We're not too sure about his statement that most of the studios who originally supported Blu-ray now have a foot in both camps, because Blu-ray still has an advantage there. It's good to see that someone realizes how much sense a unified high-def standard makes, however with the two sides both so firmly entrenched behind their format it's hard to see either one giving in to the other or even agreeing to a compromise anytime soon.
[Update: Cesar from Microsoft's Gamerscore blog has posted that Microsoft has "no plans" to include an HD DVD drive in the 360 and are going forward with the aforementioned add-on, thanks Eli!]
Filed under: Toshiba
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ben Hobbs @ Jun 30th 2006 1:28PM
How nice for a company to come out and say sane things rather than all the bullsh!t Sony seem to be sporting constantly.
I'm looking forward to seeing some other HD DVD players, I think its important that consumers don't think it's Toshiba vs the rest. HD DVD has some pretty big backers, If its profitable at $499 against the Blu-Ray $999 I don't really see what's in the blu-ray devices that is costing so much. Surely a BR player doesn't cost $500 MORE than a HD DVD player, If it does then I'm assuming there's a terrible problem with manufacturing.
Larry @ Jun 30th 2006 3:00PM
I do not see Microsoft releasing any version of the Xbox 360 with an HD interally any time soon. They have made too many statements knocking Sony about including Blu-Ray to go back on it now.
Richard Lawler @ Jun 30th 2006 3:05PM
I don't think it would have anything to do with knocking sony, I just don't think making that kind of change would benefit microsoft much at this point.
most people still won't be interested in hd dvd or blu-ray for at least another year, there are still concerns about their stability and the speed of hd dvd, it would cost a buttload and further fragment and confuse their potential buyers.
I think theres a possiblity microsoft could make that change christmas next year, but not before then.
by then they can probably get the costs down on the 360 hardware and the hd dvd drives, and most of the bugs will be worked out on both.
hmurchison @ Jun 30th 2006 3:16PM
I think he's just conjecturing that Microsoft may add a HD DVD player. My personal "gut" feeling is that they won't do this until prior to Xmas next year. The impending PS3 release will cause MS to focus more about getting games and players into stores in the right quantities.
Eli @ Jun 30th 2006 8:50PM
The source for this story (iTWire) has already been debunked. Sorry buys but I trust my sources @ Xbox-Scene better then here when it comes to any Xbox related news:
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=527319
http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2006/06/30/536031.aspx
Richard Lawler @ Jun 30th 2006 8:55PM
I trust that you would read the post for your xbox news. The source hasn't been "debunked", that is what the executive said and is his own speculation, as noted in the post and comments.
On second thought, I think you may have wanted the word "refuted" more than debunked, which would be accurate to the situation.
Zach @ Jun 30th 2006 9:42PM
"I trust that you would read the post for your xbox news. The source hasn't been "debunked", that is what the executive said and is his own speculation, as noted in the post and comments."
Tell that to the guy who wrote this blog entry. Where does it confirm an internal HD DVD drive? Wait... Is it even a Microsoft employe stating this? Nope.
Dont get me wrong, HD Beat has some really great entries, however this one was a bit... Missleading.
Richard Lawler @ Jun 30th 2006 10:02PM
How is it misleading if it says "toshiba exec" right at the beginning?
If you think theres a better way to make clear where the quote came from I am certainly open to suggestions.
Danny @ Jul 2nd 2006 10:49PM
Is there a possibility that Toshiba might release a $499 Nintendo Wii HD DVD player like what Panasonic did with Gamecube?
Larry @ Jul 3rd 2006 4:26PM
From what I've read the Wii will not output to HD. They believe their is not enough a market to justify the cost. Just one of many reasons I will not be picking up a Wii.