MS Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player: Who's getting it?

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 bought a Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player. Loved it HD movies are bloody awesome. But it was big.

So as soon as I started to hear good impressions of the add-on, I sold the A1 for a good price and I'll be picking up the add-on.

Video quality is supposed to be on par with the A1.

Audio qualiy is somewhat limited due to re-encoding of TrueHD to DD, but it'll still sound better than DVD, and Amir from MS have said there is scope to recode to DTS@1.5Mb/s if called for (I'm sure it will, they just needed the software out the door quickly)

I don't see how this isn't a steal if you already have a 360.
 
I was going to get one until I lucked into a PS3 preorder. In my opinion, the HD-DVD software is much better than Blu-ray as of right now. Assuming the impressions are favorable, I'm still going to get one as a Christmas present for my brother so I can check it out and watch Batman Begins.
 
Stopping by to say LOL at all the people that say, "I'll pick it up, its only $200."... Considering the most common complaint from the PS3 thread is "ditch Blu-Ray and save me $100".
 
Effulgence said:
Stopping by to say LOL at all the people that say, "I'll pick it up, its only $200."... Considering the most common complaint from the PS3 thread is "ditch Blu-Ray and save me $100".
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maybe they aren't the same people?
i'm getting it. right now the HD-DVD library is better, and there's enough films i want to justify $200. I bought a DVD player for The Thing. I'm buying an HD-DVD player for The Thing.
 
I probably would have if I hadn't bought an HD-A1. I'm currently using coax audio output so I'm just getting the 5.1 DTS downmix anyway.
 
I want one for XMAS...we'll see what happens though. My receiver doesn't support anything higher than 5.1 anyone, so i'm good with the XBOX 360 HD-DVD player.

DCX
 
dark10x said:
Nah. The Blu-Ray included with PS3 will satisfy my HD format needs.
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right now, there are many more films on HD-DVD i want than BluRay. if you haven't already taken a look at the libraries and upcoming releases, you really should. i was surprised at the disparity, but obviously i'm only talking about my own personal horror centric tastes. The Thing vs Resident Evil? No contest.

also, bear in mind that HD-DVD is region free, and a number of films you can't get on HD-DVD over here, you can get on HD-DVD from europe... Terminator 3 I believe is availabe on HD-DVD in europe (though not in America).
 
plagiarize said:
right now, there are many more films on HD-DVD i want than BluRay. if you haven't already taken a look at the libraries and upcoming releases, you really should. i was surprised at the disparity, but obviously i'm only talking about my own personal horror centric tastes. The Thing vs Resident Evil? No contest.

also, bear in mind that HD-DVD is region free, and a number of films you can't get on HD-DVD over here, you can get on HD-DVD from europe... Terminator 3 I believe is availabe on HD-DVD in europe (though not in America).
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America too...

http://www.amazon.com/Terminator-Rise-Machines-HD-DVD/dp/B000E1MTYU
 
i have one pre-ordered. main reason is i would like to watch hd movies at home, and i'm not planning on getting a playstation. i figured 200 bucks is a pretty cheap entry price for a player, hopefully i wont get screwed in the format war.
 
plagiarize said:
right now, there are many more films on HD-DVD i want than BluRay. if you haven't already taken a look at the libraries and upcoming releases, you really should. i was surprised at the disparity, but obviously i'm only talking about my own personal horror centric tastes. The Thing vs Resident Evil? No contest.

also, bear in mind that HD-DVD is region free, and a number of films you can't get on HD-DVD over here, you can get on HD-DVD from europe... Terminator 3 I believe is availabe on HD-DVD in europe (though not in America).
Click to expand...
Honestly, I'm not a huge movie watcher, but I enjoy a few here and there. I'm not interested in buying a standalone player and would not have bothered at all if it weren't for the PS3. However, if the machine includes those capabilities, I may as well take advantage of them.

As far as regions are concerned, the only other region I'm concerned with (potentially) is Japan...which shares the same region code as the US.

Out of curiousity, have you taken a look at older films released on either format? I mean, you mention The Thing, but how much could that possibly improve? What's the process for handling such films?
 
AgentOtaku said:
louiejesus.gif
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First of all, I am a 360 owner. Someone posts something negative and this is your response? I mean what are you 14?


The thread is about the HD DVD, someone might buy it thinking it does all these things it doesnt. It is not being advertised as an add on drive, it is being advertised as an HD DVD player.
 
I'll wait until I know all of the details and have all of the facts. $200 is still $200. That's a lot of games I could buy instead.
 
I am getting one, but it probably won't be until January. As much as I want the HD-DVD at launch, I know Christmas is going to break me, so income tax refund will be spent on HD-DVD.
 
dark10x said:
Honestly, I'm not a huge movie watcher, but I enjoy a few here and there. I'm not interested in buying a standalone player and would not have bothered at all if it weren't for the PS3. However, if the machine includes those capabilities, I may as well take advantage of them.

As far as regions are concerned, the only other region I'm concerned with (potentially) is Japan...which shares the same region code as the US.

Out of curiousity, have you taken a look at older films released on either format? I mean, you mention The Thing, but how much could that possibly improve? What's the process for handling such films?
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well, a film that was shot on good quality film stock (an analogue format) benefits greatly from a high definition remaster if you have access to the negatives. film has enough resolution basically to stand up to a 1080p mastering.

something like evil dead, that was shot on 16mm... not so much... but something like The Thing... you're going to see the difference. 32mm is essentially HD.

the region free part was basically just explaining that due to the way these things are licensed, even if a film is released in america by a company only supporting bluray, that doesn't mean it won't get released in europe or elsewhere on HD-DVD. the same is obviously true of bluray, but then you're chances are limited.

it's not a big thing, just something else to consider when looking to see what films are available where.
 
I'll probably take the plunge with HDDVD around the same time I get a PS3 (late '07 or '08) because I'd hate to have the ability to play one format and not the other.
 
probably going to buy one; it's a little more expensive than i would have thought, but still good value, especially if it does work under vista.
HD footage on my Sony 50" looks FABULOUS and i'm gay for hd dvd.
 
plagiarize said:
right now, there are many more films on HD-DVD i want than BluRay. if you haven't already taken a look at the libraries and upcoming releases, you really should. i was surprised at the disparity, but obviously i'm only talking about my own personal horror centric tastes. The Thing vs Resident Evil? No contest.

also, bear in mind that HD-DVD is region free, and a number of films you can't get on HD-DVD over here, you can get on HD-DVD from europe... Terminator 3 I believe is availabe on HD-DVD in europe (though not in America).
Click to expand...

I'm comparing the upcoming releases on Blu Ray and HD DVD. And to me, Blu Ray's releases look much more appealing than HD DVD's. So far, HD DVD had a much stronger library though. But Aside from Universal, every title released on HD DVD will be available on Blu Ray. That makes my decision a lot easier. Even Universal have said they will support blu ray if sales increase. One can only assume all studios were waiting for the PS3 release to take advantage fo the userbase before releasing premium titles.
 
DarkJediKnight said:
I'm comparing the upcoming releases on Blu Ray and HD DVD. And to me, Blu Ray's releases look much more appealing than HD DVD's. So far, HD DVD had a much stronger library though. But Aside from Universal, every title released on HD DVD will be available on Blu Ray. That makes my decision a lot easier. Even Universal have said they will support blu ray if sales increase. One can only assume all studios were waiting for the PS3 release to take advantage fo the userbase before releasing premium titles.
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you can assume that. right now, disc sales of HD-DVD are greatly ahead of BluRay. The PS3 is presumably going to at least narrow that gap, but only for certain big marquee releases I'd guess.

more studios are slating support for HD-DVD as a result (though they aren't giving up on bluray of course). Lionsgate, I believe, is due to start releasing on HD-DVD and they had only been releasing on BluRay.

also, a correction on my part. It is Terminator 2 that is on HD-DVD in europe but not in America and not Terminator 3 (which is available only on HD-DVD at the moment).

as for arguing which library is better... it's naturally subjective :)
 
Pre-ordered.

And I bought Batman and Serenity.

The extra HD DVD sales generated from the release of this unit might be enough to convince Disney and maybe even Fox to support both formats.
 
Shogmaster said:
No no, it's stereo only for the new "hi def" audio modes introduced in HD-DVDs and BRs. The regular 5.1 is still there for you so don't you worry. ;)
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Wait.... wtf.....WHAT?!.......... we're back to Stereo sound?!?! 0_o

Seriously?
 
Bdub said:
The extra HD DVD sales generated from the release of this unit might be enough to convince Disney and maybe even Fox to support both formats.
Click to expand...

:lol

both formats will fail and no consoles will ever change that let alone an addon
 
D2G said:
:lol

both formats will fail and no consoles will ever change that let alone an addon
Click to expand...

Maybe, but the sales generated by the release of this unit might convince Disney and Fox to support HD DVD.
 
I will be getting this. It's not as good a deal as it could be ($150 would've been the best price,) but at least it includes a movie and the controller, which have a value of $50 in total, so it's not that bad.
 
Will the audio be full bitrate 5.1 DTS?

I've never used a HD-DVD player but I was told that they convert the audio to full bitrate DTS. No idea how true that is though
 
personally, i dont think theres any sense in getting this damn thing until we figure out who the "winner" is in the technology war. how pissed woudl you be if you payed this much money for an add-on just to find out 6 months later that blue-ray has won the war? its happened many times...i mean..wishful thinking or w/e, but still..id rather buy a shitty game than face that disappointment :P
 
I've seen a few old movies on HD DVD: Adventures of Robin Hood, The Searchers, and Grand Prix... needless to say, all 3 look ultra-awesome... sure, they don't look like the normal movies of today and they show their age, but they look beautiful and Warner really did a good job of cleaning them so they have as little age on them as possible. I haven't seen the DVD counterparts, but I can't imagine they look even close to the HD DVDs. Watching any DVD now pales pretty easily (then again I don't have an upconverter).
 
s3tb4cK said:
personally, i dont think theres any sense in getting this damn thing until we figure out who the "winner" is in the technology war. how pissed woudl you be if you payed this much money for an add-on just to find out 6 months later that blue-ray has won the war? its happened many times...i mean..wishful thinking or w/e, but still..id rather buy a shitty game than face that disappointment :P
Click to expand...


What's an extra $200? It's better than spending $1000 for a standalone Blu Ray player
 
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