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Microsoft releases one more Xbox 360 HD DVD player update

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 8th 2008 at 4:32PM


Microsoft is releasing one more update for owners of the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive (all 269,000 of you, give or take a few), promising "additional support for network features" and compatibility improvements with certain titles, although which ones aren't mentioned. It's good to see they haven't left these issues to simply whither on the dying vine of HD DVD, but unless an alternate ending to the format war is tucked into those network features we don't see this making things all better anytime soon. Expect a prompt the next time you watch an HD DVD while online, and remember the good times we had.

Sony "in talks" with Microsoft about a Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive

by Darren Murph posted Mar 6th 2008 at 3:55PM Breaking News

About 48 milliseconds after the format war was officially over, rumors started running rampant (again) about Blu-ray making its way over to Microsoft's latest console. Now, however, those rumors actually have some legs -- well, at least a leg. According to Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, "Sony is in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360." For whatever it's worth, the exec also noted that it was having similar discussions with Apple, which has yet to even offer a Blu-ray option on any of its machines. Unfortunately, not a peep was uttered about potential launch dates and the like, but you can rest assured that we'll be keeping an ear dangerously close to the ground.

[Thanks, Andy]

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix giving Xbox 360 HD DVD players fits?

by Darren Murph posted Dec 17th 2007 at 12:57PM


It seems a little early to tell if this issue is widespread, but judging from the amount of tips we've received to go along with the growing complaints on the 'net, we're starting to wonder if we do indeed have a problem. Apparently, the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix HD DVD has been problematic when used in the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on, with quirks ranging from lockups to an outright lack of playback. It has been suggested that the non-combo version actually plays fine while the HD DVD / DVD combo iteration presents problems, leaving some to wonder if it's a format issue rather than the title itself. So, what say ye? Anyone experiencing these difficulties? If so, have you found a workaround / solution?

[Thanks, Winston E.]
Read - AVSForum
Read - Amazon complaint

Xbox 360's HD DVD drive already functioning on PCs

by Darren Murph posted Nov 12th 2006 at 8:22PM

In you haven't had enough Xbox 360 (let alone Wii and PlayStation 3) news lately, we've got one more tidbit for you. While we knew the device would sport USB connectivity, the recently released (and unboxed) HD DVD add-on drive has reportedly already been hacked to function on plain ole PCs, no Xbox 360 necessary. Utilizing Toshiba drivers, users have apparently been able to not only view the file contents of their HD DVD flicks directly within a Windows XP environment, but have been able to play back the film on PCs well-spec'd enough to handle the load. By enabling the computer to read the UDF (Universal Disc File system) v2.5 -- which is currently used by Toshiba's first generation HD DVD drives -- you can avoid throwing down the coin required for an Xbox 360 if you so choose. But as these roundabouts always go, we wouldn't count on things working out so smoothly for too much longer, especially with HDCP always lurking and waiting to pounce.

Video of Xbox 360 HD DVD player in action

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 20th 2006 at 6:51PM

We've already got the info on the Japanese prices and 1080p support (whether it's really necessary/useful or not), but how about we see the thing in action. Microsoft gave a live demo of the HD DVD drive at the Tokyo Game Show and the guys from Xboxyde were there to see it. The cam video isn't HD, only 960x540, but you can get a good look at the much-ballyhooed special interactive features of the Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift HD DVD coming soon, as well as the Xbox 360's ability to bring the guide up as the movie continues to play in the background. Even if you're not thinking of getting the HD DVD add-on, who could miss a moment of the glory that is Fast and the Furious 3? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Continue reading Video of Xbox 360 HD DVD player in action

Xbox 360 fall update adds 1080p output, HD DVD add-on hits Japan for $170 US

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 20th 2006 at 3:06AM Breaking News

Even though we expected the Tokyo Game Show to be the coming out party for the Playstation 3, Microsoft just couldn't let them get all the limelight and Engadget has all the details. First, the Xbox 360 HD DVD external drive finally has a pricetag and launch date -- in Japan. ¥19,800 (about $170 US) and November 17 are the magic numbers, now the question is will the US be rounding up to $199 (or £199)? We'll have to wait to find out for sure but with X06 kicking off on the 27th, there's no way we'll be waiting too long. The other big news of the night is that the fall dashboard update will add 1080p output via analog to games and movies. If you have a TV (or projector) that takes 1,920x1,080 input via component or VGA you'll be able to select it in the dashboard and move on. Does this mean HD DVDs will play in full 1080p via component? AACS would seem to answer a big no to that question, but until more details are released we can't say for sure. Future games will have the option to render natively at 1080p (DigDug HD?) while current games will be upscaled. Looks like Sony isn't the only one supporting "the true definition of HD".

Update:Word from Microsoft's press conference in Japan pegs the price at ¥20,790 ($180~ US) and a launch on November 22. This conflicts with previous info straight from Microsoft so we'll keep waiting to get all this straightened out and some local info.

Xbox 360 HD DVD price rumors: 199?

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 8th 2006 at 2:01PM

Gamesindustry.biz is reporting that is the price expected for the UK version of the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on coming this holiday season. £199 GBP converts to 293 euros, and $376 (US). The Xbox 360 Core System recently dropped to £199 in the UK, while still retailing in the US for $299. The same source indicated there would be a bundle available for £375-£400 GBP, which would be slightly less than the £425 GBP 60GB HDMI-equipped Playstation 3 now delayed until next year in Europe. That £375 figure converts to 553 euros, and $708 US. However given the fact that UK prices have tended to be slightly higher than a straight-to-euro conversion, and the current $399 US/399€ pricing of the Xbox 360 Premium, if these rumors are accurate such a bundle would probably run $500-$550 US. The separate add-on drive carrying a price equivalent to an Xbox 360 Core System however would likely be a bitter pill to swallow for many Xbox 360 early adopters, even with two movies included in the package. Microsoft has not yet commented on these rumors, all we've managed to get out of them up to this point is that it "will be the cheapest HD DVD player on the market for consumers who already own an Xbox 360 console". We're hoping the $200 rumor is the right one, being an early adopter is bad enough without getting charged extra.

Xbox 360 HD DVD player

by Matt Burns posted May 9th 2006 at 3:49PM

Well, we finally have some details about the Xbox 360 HD DVD player. Joystiq/Engadget has great coverage of the Microsoft press conference and snapped a pic of the PowerPoint slide. First, it looks like it is just an external optical drive that connects via USB. Second, it will be out this year just in time for the holidays. The big thing though that everyone wants to know is still missing; the price. We are hoping that it is around the $150 - $200 range but no one knows for sure yet. We will let you know as soon as the price becomes available.

Microsoft "explains" the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on

by Richard Lawler posted May 8th 2006 at 2:57PM

Microsoft has been so nice as to post some information about their upcoming add-on for the Xbox 360, and HD DVD in general. While my take isn't quite as harsh as our good friend Henning's, I think it can be pretty well summed up as heavily skewed marketing-speak that glosses over any shortcomings of their product while highlighting and detracting possible weaknesses of the competition, not at all giving a fair comparison or unbiased information.

That was a mouthful, well, once you get through the BS (get your waders, the hip-deep ones), you'll notice that they don't specifically mention how the add-on will deal with HDCP, only that it will "connect to the Xbox 360 console with a USB cable, enabling it to harness the power of the Xbox 360 console for the HD video outputs and digital surround sound.". Does that mean analog only, and facing the prospect of downconversion on ICT-flagged discs? We can't say for sure and we also can't tell you what it looks like because it hasn't been shown, hopefully we'll know more after their event tomorrow afternoon.

Check out Joystiq's live coverage for more E3 information.

[Thanks to all who sent this in]




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