Well...I can't say I'm terribly interested in this, I might get one cheap (as in used or whatever) if HD-DVD emerges victorious, but most likely I'd just get a standalone player at that point.
I kinda "support" Blu-ray the same way I'd "support" XM radio - I really don't have a strong preference towards XM or Sirius, but my car came with XM built in, so if I do subscribe, I am likely to subscribe to XM because it's easy for me.
Similarly, Blu-ray is going to be in my PS3, it's not the reason why I'm getting a PS3, but if I had to choose one, I'd be more likely to support the one that's just easier for me. I think the tech is more similar than it is different (and the ways in which it is different favors Blu-ray, to be honest) and although the software is better on HD-DVD right now, it's still too early to call a winner.
Paying $200 for the 360 add on means that I will have a $200 doorstop if the format fails...if Blu-ray fails there will always be games available for the PS3 using BD-ROM discs, even if no new movies come out. The $200 only seems worth it if HD-DVD success is assured.
And for those saying "but you can use it with your PC"...with what? I don't think any software is shipping on HD-DVD, and I'd reckon almost none of you have HD-DVD burners, so it can't be for data discs.
I don't think you'll be able to watch movies on XP, so you're looking at having to upgrade to Vista...
You can't output movies to a monitor without an HDCP compiant video card, I'm pretty sure. The only PC-based HD-DVD and BD movie players are notebooks, so there's no external video connection going on. Most people don't have that hardware, so you're looking at that upgrade cost.
Then you still don't have playback software. I have no idea how much that will cost, probably $50-100 if DVD software prices are a guide. Total cost to upgrade your PC (assuming you already have a fast enough CPU right now) will probably be around or more than the cost of a 360, so I don't really understand what the point of plugging it into a PC at this point would be.
I kinda "support" Blu-ray the same way I'd "support" XM radio - I really don't have a strong preference towards XM or Sirius, but my car came with XM built in, so if I do subscribe, I am likely to subscribe to XM because it's easy for me.
Similarly, Blu-ray is going to be in my PS3, it's not the reason why I'm getting a PS3, but if I had to choose one, I'd be more likely to support the one that's just easier for me. I think the tech is more similar than it is different (and the ways in which it is different favors Blu-ray, to be honest) and although the software is better on HD-DVD right now, it's still too early to call a winner.
Paying $200 for the 360 add on means that I will have a $200 doorstop if the format fails...if Blu-ray fails there will always be games available for the PS3 using BD-ROM discs, even if no new movies come out. The $200 only seems worth it if HD-DVD success is assured.
And for those saying "but you can use it with your PC"...with what? I don't think any software is shipping on HD-DVD, and I'd reckon almost none of you have HD-DVD burners, so it can't be for data discs.
I don't think you'll be able to watch movies on XP, so you're looking at having to upgrade to Vista...
You can't output movies to a monitor without an HDCP compiant video card, I'm pretty sure. The only PC-based HD-DVD and BD movie players are notebooks, so there's no external video connection going on. Most people don't have that hardware, so you're looking at that upgrade cost.
Then you still don't have playback software. I have no idea how much that will cost, probably $50-100 if DVD software prices are a guide. Total cost to upgrade your PC (assuming you already have a fast enough CPU right now) will probably be around or more than the cost of a 360, so I don't really understand what the point of plugging it into a PC at this point would be.