CNET Gets Their Hands on HD-DVD Drive for 360 >

	2006/10/10 13:47:44: Posted by Josh
	CNET got their mitts on the HD-DVD add-on drive for the XBOX 360. They're big fans of the cost and value combination of a next generation drive and gaming system. They knocked it down some for a lack of HDMI connection and need for VGA connection to optain 1080p. Hopefully the Fall dashboard update will take care of their VGA gripes. >Link
	Labeled With  HD-DVD Microsoft CNet XBOX 360 Comments [24]  | Rate this article: -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  | Avg. rating of 6.3

"Outlook: As long as the Xbox 360 is without an HDMI output, we can't wholeheartedly recommend its HD-DVD attachment, although we expect it to be mildly popular among Xbox 360 owners who have the cash and the display to take advantage. If you're just looking for an entry point to HD-DVD, the upcoming Toshiba HD-A2 with its HDMI output, an $500 price, and "just a player" simplicity, is probably a better solution. And if you're looking for a gaming system this holiday season that can play movies in high-def too, the PlayStation 3 should be able to handle both nicely--if you're able to find it."

...seems like they're not really into it.

Hopefully enough HD-DVD reviews will wake MS the fuck up and they can make us a damn HDMI cable. You have to wonder though if there is pressure from Toshiba to keep this thing mildly crippled? As it stands the Toshiba A2 player is only a hundred dollars less than 360 + add on.

Why is there no HDMI port? My TV has one, but I haven't even got to test it out with anything yet... I don't wanna buy a 600 dollar PS3 right now either...haha

why dont they just add an HDMI port...

They are actively watching the market to see the demand.

.... THE DEMAND IS FUCKING HERE. MS stated the xbox is capable of a digital output. It would just be another accessory for them to cash in on. Isnt that what makes all the money for the consoles, the accessories? MS Really needs to wisen up.

I love how people think they are smarter than multi-billion dollar companies.

Well, if you have a 360 or are getting one anyways...then the add-on makes a lot of sense if you also want to get into HD movies. Otherwise, a similarly priced stand-alone, hdmi-equipped HD-DVD player makes more sense. Thats all CNET is really saying.

The fall update enabled 1080p on the vga :)

I mean will enable it.

wow personally i dont care about hd-dvd but MS sucks no hdmi and u gotta wait for a fucking update(for 1080p) thats lame, if u want hd movies just buy a ps3 lawl :P

yeah, if you can get your hand on one(PS3). i doubt you'll get one anytime soon because they're all sold out! i already have the 360, planning on getting the hd-dvd add on just because i want one. doubt i'll ever buy a hd-dvd movie or bluray for that matter. of course i'll get the ps3 too, but not until next year when they have more supply and fix most of the bugs. and don't tell me there won't be and bugs or defects with the first batch of ps3s.

If Microsoft decides to release the final version of the HD-DVD drive without an HDMI output, it could potentially be a BIG mistake!

At the 2006 E3 that Microsoft dominated, the staff of Microsoft made it clear that if Sony include an HDMI output on both versions of the Playstation 3, then Microsoft would include an HDMI output jack in the final version of the HD-DVD drive. Microsoft made that decision because Sony is one of the main companies that is responsible for all of the copyright rules that could potentially lower the resolution from 1080 lines of resolution to only 540 lines. Obviously, Sony would never choose to enforce those rules on Component video signals if the PS3 lacked an HDMI output jack; but, we now know that PS3 will include HDMI with both versions.

Microsoft needs to do what Sony did--make a last minute adjustment so that the HDMI output is added.



NOTE: It's important to remember that the Microsoft HD-DVD movie player is intended only for movies, and all 1080p HDTVs will upconvert the 1080i signal to 1080p, anyways. HOWEVER, the MAJOR concern is that if the rules are enforced several years in the future where an HDMI cable is required in order to see 1080 lines of resolution rather than 540, it could be a PROBLEM!!!

All of that is hypothetical for now...but still...Microsoft would be better off to include an HDMI port.

Anyhoo, im getting a 60gb PS3 ... so, end of story for moi.

Who cares if you have to wait for a friggin update? The HD-DVD drive wont be out ANYWAY.

Also HDMI is not that important so please get off it plz :D Also the 360 will come with an hdmi cable so this isn't an issue for those that only want to use hdmi (even though the difference is negligible.)

i just wonder what this has 2 do with a ps3 comment hmmm i jus wonder

HDMI is still noticable better than any other analog type input, its the sole purpose of owning Upscale DVD players and true progressive frames (something that HD-DVD will do quite soon),it is necessary especially when taking that much data compressed without losing quality, something that analog DVi-I still has problems with, anybody who said there really is no difference needs to check again :0 If you still don't believe it, argue with a videophille :>

VGA to HDMI is not possible... VGA to Component is, requires a transcoder to change the color representation.

IMO I do have to agree with CNET's review on their key aspects, 1080p/AACS is possible on VGA, but there is a few hdtv models that can do this, much like 1080p via component (Sony XBR supports), so be sure to double check it. The XBOX 360 HD-DVD pricewise is decent, its no true hd-dvd player, but just something for someone saving $$$, However I am interested in the Toshiba XA2 that is coming soon and it supports true 1080p via HDMI (Once HD-DVDS are going there), and if upscale dvd players can look so good in digital, i can't imagine it for higher resolution and true progressive frames, thats just my imo, you are all free to post your opinions, but don't dare say about hdmi not being important :> anything digital owns analog!



Plus i don't know if its just me, but i think component looks better on the 360 than VGA, much like normal resolution 480p looks cleaner on the regular xbox than the 360 running on the same resolution/frame rate type :D

If anybody wants HDMI cables Gamestop is selling them around December for about $99. Also I'm surprised that DM allows the cursing that's going on on this site. There are parents that read these site for info and young children as well. So I suggest people should cut back on the profanity.

^^ honestly.

HDMI sucks I rather have VGA instead Compressed or not

This HD-DVD add-on Sucks BIG Time...

pointless when its main point of playing HD-DVD movies (known for the higer resolution) will most likely be cut short...

waste of money...not exactly competing with the PS3 BR capabilities now is it...Movies and Games...with Component and HDMI.

Add the HDMI for better future proofing...then it MIGHT have a chance...

Even then its Only for movies no point for games...not exactly of much use if HD-DVD fails...and not being utilised for Games is annoying...

So mmm..Videophilles go wild...Good Luck...

"""""""There are parents that read these site for info and young children as well. So I suggest people should cut back on the profanity. "" By richard

------------------------

u acting like you are a prist or something similar....

there u go..... WWW.BANGBROS.COM its a very infomative, educative site to children and parents.

Ric Hard i hope that was a joke, DM wrote an article on here a couple days back that had the words "bullshit" in the article. So... If you cant handle a few little wittle "bad words" here and there i suggest you find a nice watered down website where people are fake and dont know how to have fun... Or maybe you already made a homepage?

Hey guys don't get your panties wet. It was a joke morons.

I had my share of words on this site my self so calm down.

"Also HDMI is not that important so please get off it plz "

I love how people believe that HDMI is not important just because MS told them so. Fuckin sheep.

1. Needed for 1080p - Yeah, maybe a lot of people don't have an HDMI port on their TV but I'm willing to bet EVEN LESS have a fuckin VGA port.

2. ICT could happen at any time. Studios delaying implementation is just a rumor.

3. Only uncompressed connector which offers the best possible signal transmission.

I still wouldn't buy it unless it upconverted standard DVD's to HD...all the normal HDDVD players do that.

Cyrix I am hear to enlighten you. HD DVD has about 175 hd dvd movies while blueray has i think in the 70s possibly less and blueray is supposed to have all the support.

hd dvd is going to be the winner and they will be dual layer 30 gb discs that dont take much more to make then regular dvd thus being cheaper then blueray movies.