Microsoft Shows Off XBOX 360 HD DVD Player

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octave

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Word on the street is that it will retail for around $200
Microsoft has again showed off its standalone HD DVD player for the XBOX 360. Whereas Sony decided to include its Blu-ray drive as standard equipment on the PlayStation 3, Microsoft decided not to force HD DVD on customers and instead provides it as an option. For those that choose to pursue that option, word on the street is that it will come in at around $200.

While some consumers may scoff at a $200 add-on for the XBOX 360, one must consider that set top HD DVD players are retailing for $430 to $500 while Blu-ray players cost anywhere from $840 to $1,000. For those that have an XBOX 360 and want to add high-definition movies to their library, it's a relatively cheap (all things considered) and simple upgrade. "Here's what I can tell you for sure; it's going to be the cheapest HD-DVD player you can buy without a doubt, when it comes out. I think it's going to be a great value... Everybody is very enthusiastic with the direction we're going. There are still a few surprises left. And I don't want to spill the beans yet, but I think people are going to think it's a great value," said Microsoft Larry Hyrb (aka Major Nelson). The low price tag can be attributed to the heavy lifting being performed by the XBOX 360 rather than the HD DVD drive. "All the audio and video processing is done inside the XBOX," said Microsoft senior program manager Kevin Collins.

As for the hardback book-sized drive itself, Microsoft showcased the device running "The Phantom of the Opera." The design of the drive, which has the internal codename of Sapphire, was all done in-house by Microsoft while Toshiba was selected to manufacture the drive. It will feature two USB 2.0 ports on the back to make up for the one USB port that the device itself uses. It also features the same cut-out on the back as the XBOX 360 to hold Microsoft’s XBOX 360 Wireless Networking Adapter if you chose to mount it there. The HD DVD interface, while not yet finished, was also on display. Gamerscore Blog has images posted of how it will look including an animated gif of it in action. The new interface basically replaces the "old" Open Tray button on the dashboard with a hybrid button that can toggle between DVD and HD DVD options with the up/down arrow keys. The drive will also be software updatable via XBOX Live so as new features are introduced, they can be automatically downloaded and applied.

Microsoft has revealed that it has some surprises in store for gamers during the fourth quarter. We know that one of them is the aforementioned HD DVD player and Gears of War. Hopefully, this isn’t all that Microsoft is planning and we’ll have even more to look forward to as the holiday season fast approaches.
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Image Courtesy Dailytech
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399+200=599$

Ps3 = 599$

Rofl, now it wouldn't make any sense in saying Sony have cut the price of ps3 too much, becuase its actualy too less, considering Ps3's components are more powerful and expensive than in Xbox and blu ray is also more coastlier.

This came out to be just like I had predicted....
 
Moreover the 200$ price tag is not confirmed ,however any higher than that microsoft will lose out on sales.
 
However, moreover, whateverover Microsoft aint "forcing" for you to buy the HD DVD playa, you got it as an add on option unlike PS3.

akS !

- Playstation Fanboy but not this time
 
He has a point.X360 customers could always buy it just for the sole purpose of gaming.PS3 customers,however,are forced to buy the PS3 with Blu-Ray no matter what.
 
A quick question. This HD-DVD is external right? As in , it does'nt require being latched onto the X360 in any given way and can function without it?
 
Ck Nish said:
A quick question. This HD-DVD is external right? As in , it does'nt require being latched onto the X360 in any given way and can function without it?
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I doubt it..... It is so cheap because people would have already paid 400 or so dollars for the regular Xbox 360.....

I am quite sure, this needs to be connected to the main Xbox 360 to function....
 
I kinda thought as much. Still, the fact that it is only optional still gives it the advantage over the PS3. Hopefully MS could convince, even help developers bring out their games on both DVD and HDDVD.
 
Ck Nish said:
A quick question. This HD-DVD is external right? As in , it does'nt require being latched onto the X360 in any given way and can function without it?
Click to expand...

The low price tag can be attributed to the heavy lifting being performed by the XBOX 360 rather than the HD DVD drive. "All the audio and video processing is done inside the XBOX," said Microsoft senior program manager Kevin Collins.
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I hope this answers your query
 
Xbox 360 + HD-DVD = over $900 :: PS3 News :: PS3Land.com

The HD-DVD add on for Xbox 360 will be released at a price of $500, according PS3news.ca.

Recently the site reported that a Microsoft rep talked with them on the price of the HD-DVD stating, "The HD drive is expected to sell at $500... the Blu-Ray players are going for a thousand, and other HD-DVD players are going for half that, so that's going to be the price point."

If this report is true, then people that were complaining about the price of the PS3 should start moving their arguments towards MS and their expensive new package. Also, if you were to add other accessories needed for the Xbox 360 that come included with the PS3 you will find that you will be spending even more. These items include: the 60GB hard drive, wireless adapter and online service.

Editor's Note:

According to DigiTimes, the add-on will cost $200. Hopefully the confusion will be cleared up in the near future, as we approach the add-on's launch.
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Xbox 360 + HD-DVD = over $900 :: PS3 News :: PS3Land.com

Even better than I expected. Hopefuly its still priced at 200$ only.
 
Who's asking you to believe anything? Its just speculation.

Just for the facts, the reporter claims to have spoken with a M$ rep.
 
If you read the title post which I did'nt either you'd realize that the HD-DVD add-on for the X360 is not external in the sense that it is independent but rather it is a crippled player that possibly cannot work without the x360. There is no way it would cost the same as a stand alone HD-DVD player.
 
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