From Consoletech: "As much as I hope this is true source a from Dutch Microsoft employee, "Microsoft said that they would only use the HD-DVD play for movies, but it seems like they're also gonna use it for their games. They are gonna pack a normal gamedisc (like we know it now) with a second disc that puts the same game on a HD DVD. This disc contains better quality movies and extra content for the game, content that gamers without a HD-DVD player can download from Xbox Live Marketplace as well, for free! This all was said by a Dutch Microsoft employee on a event for retailers." Mind you this would be amazing if it would be true. I just can really read into Packing HD-game with Normal disc with out rasing the price of the game. We can only hope that this is true. ***Update*** CJPC did call this about two weeks ago, for the record." Full Article: http://consoletech.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=71 Ryan
That would be interesting, though I hope it doesn't become a requirement that I buy some add-on for my $400 Xbox 360 system...
I don't see good in this rumour at all. Having the same on different types of disc? I wish they keep it simple - i m already declining the idea of the HD-DVD add on as it is, since it does do HDCP
Wait, how does that work? Currently the Xbox doesn't have DVI or HDMI outputs, and those are required for HDCP. Do they have one planned? Plus, HDCP is notorious for being easily hacked. Somebody will make devices.
As i understand from what microsoft is saying on an interview, read on ign, the 360 won't live long enouhg for the HDCP standard to become mandatory. MS is betting on the slow adoption rate of the protection standard and they believe that for this generation of their gaming console component is well suited to deliver the goods. PS: There's also a mini-usb port in the back of the HD-DVD drive, as well as two standard USB ports. Nevertheless, that's one ugly motherfucker. I can't accept it aesthetically sitting next to my 360. And who the hell ever heard of a console with two disc drives?? (except for the unreleased DVD-drive add-on of the Dreamcast )
The fact that another device plugged in a similar cart-slot to the top one doesn't make the 64DD "almost the same" as the normal media used. The 64DD was designed for a time that games needed more space, and it was almost fully rewritable, in contrast with the limited save space provided on the cartridges. In addition, the combinations of magnetic disks and cart media offered a varied and interesting way to expand games, as seen in F-Zero X. Last but not least, 64DD disks were cheaper to produce, so there was an advantage to that too. With HD-DVD , the only "real" (apart from video) benefit would be to fit a multi-disced game onto one disc. Yey? Not really. Publishers would still charge what they charge today. PS: The 64DD, the DC's karaoke device and the DC's DVD drive were all add-ons that fitted and stuck to the unit somehow, and didn't hang loosely around the console the way the HD-DVD does. And while i m on it, how on earth would one place the HD-DVD drive next to an xbox if one chose to have their xbox in horizontal stance? That's just ugly. At least the external HDD of the PS2 sat next to it and was supported by the base (optional).
sound like the stupidest idea in years. and a good way for stealing from people other 100$ in time... add 100$ to a xbox 360 full and you get dangerously close to the much critized ps3 price....
I m no ps3 supported, but at least the high-end ps3 model comes in a neat package which includes all the bells and whistles. Don't forget the Wireless Adapter by the way. That piece of crap costs 60 dollars on its own. The HD-DVD should retail about 200$. That's 400 Dollars +260 = 660 for what the Ps3 does for 600 US dollars -and it gives you a larger hard disk, 60GB,and a card reader! (And quite possibly stronger gaming hardware) Bad move microsoft.
The HD DVD add on will allow you to play games upscaled to 1080p. Does that change opinions on the value of the add-on? Hardly anyone has that kind of TV yet, though.
AFAIK, you don't need the HD-DVD add-on to get 1080p support. You only need it if you want it for HD-DVD movies. Personally I think it's a good thing that MS offers the choice, rather than Sony forcing it down your throat with a purchase. Not everyone wants to watch movies on their console. For those that do, the option is there. For those that don't well they don't have to spend the money. -hl718
One thing that I've noticed watching the high-def movie trailers on Xbox live is that the framerate isn't exactly constant. It's pretty fast, but every now and then a frame or two lasts a little too long, and it looks jerky. Has anyone else noticed that? If it does the same thing with HD-DVD movies, I'd say it's scarcely worth it.
