Microsoft overlord Bill Gates is set to make an "important announcement" regarding the Xbox 360 at next week's CES show in Las Vegas, reports The Seattle Times.
The paper doesn't say exactly what Gates' revelation will regard at the electronic show, but it does go on to speculate that it might be the reveal of yet another Xbox 360 SKU with built-in HD-DVD playback.
"Microsoft may be preparing to license the Xbox gaming platform to consumer-electronics companies," says Seattle Times columnist Brier Dudley. "In particular, Microsoft could work with Toshiba to develop a digital video recorder with a hard-drive, high-definition HD-DVD drive and Xbox gaming capabilities.
"They're already allied against Sony and other backers of the Blu-ray DVD format," he continues, "and Toshiba could help Xbox finally penetrate the Japanese market.
"Microsoft could also make a splash by announcing plans to give the Xbox 360 an internal HD-DVD drive, putting it on par with Sony's PlayStation 3 that has a built-in Blu-ray drive."
At least year's CES, rumours were abound on the now long since unveiled Xbox 360 Elite, which built on the previous console SKUs with a bigger hard drive and built in HDMI port.
Built-in HD-DVD playback is the logical next step for the 360, but we're not so sure about this video recorder malarkey - anyone remember the Panasonic Q?
We'll be strutting the CES show floor next week and will of course keep you bang up to date with whatever Bill reveals.
I'd rather they announced that they'd be making HD DVD available for gaming as well as movies. Currently Blu-ray is running away with the advantages it has in terms of space and diversity (games & movies).
But if it's just the addition of an internal HD DVD drive I can see the same danger of buying a PS3 - one of those consoles will end up as a glorified paperweight when the format war is over.
To be honest Microsoft should just look at the sales figures worldwide for Blu Ray and take note of the reality that it is the superior format, in terms of capacity and popularity.
MS will not benefit from a toshiba aided 360 with built-in 'HD-DVD' in Japan. HD-DVD is being killed by Blu Ray in Japan.
the most sensible thing for MS to do is hold out for another year and see what happens between the two formats, because if this suspected plan happens, then it is just gonna drag the format war on for longer and divide consumer and studio support.
Those of you who do your homework will see that Blu Ray is going to be the likely winner of this format war.
i dont think it will be built in HD DVD PLAYER...whats the point? perhaps if its in a cheaper package than if you were to buy the 360 and HD drive combined but still..seems a little pointless and not so ..'BIG NEWS' and gives another option package for the 360...come on we have enough packages along with..i will agree with above blu-ray is probubly the better HD dvd veiwer but i dont want hd dvd or blu ray, especially when dvd's are still just as good. and it hasnt got anything to do with games.
most people dont give a toss about hd dvd and bluray. im not about to buy all my films again and all the action heros and great directors are getting old now.
Good grief, another 360 incarnation? As an Elite owner I sure as hell hope not. What a gib. Is it any surprise that the only console with a consistent specification - the Wii - is also the best-selling?
People don't want - or need - this much choice on a dedicated system and I believe it does more harm than good to the brand's identity. Remember the Megadrive's Mega-CD / 32X debacle? By the time the Saturn was released consumers were just bewildered by Sega's constant tweaking and I believe it ultimately played a part in their hardware's downfall.
if this suspected plan happens, then it is just gonna drag the format war on for longer and divide consumer and studio support.
There are currently (and have been for a while) plenty of rumours to suggest that MS's aim is precisely that - to prolong the format war. The longer the format war continues, the more viable MS's preferred alternative (content on demand, downloaded content etc) becomes.
Personally, I think adding the HD DVD drive and allowing developers to use it for games would be one of the biggest mistakes that MS could make - it would alienate the current 360 owners, as they'd have to replace thier machines in order to be able to play any HD DVD based games; it would increase the cost of the console; it would increase the cost of the games and it would irretrievably tie the 360 to one or other of the HD formats (with the external drive, it is still possible (although highly unlikely) for MS to release an equivalent Blu-Ray device).
i'll wait and see what the news is before I make any assumptions. It could be new dev signings or something along those lines rather than anything to do with the hardware itself.
Another model to the 360 range really isn't necessary and as for hi def formats... the jump from DVD to HD formats isn't as big a jump as the leap from VHS to DVD was. So a lot of consumers (much like myself) are holding off and sticking to what they know best and also what offers the best value for you money. Currently the DVD is the choice for that.
That would RULE!!! 360 would officialy be the best console ever then.
Reality though I reckon they'd be stupid enough to release a handheld even thuogh the markets crowded as it is. Wont be a software dev as Bill Gates wouldnt be the one making the announcement & I hope its not a new SKU
Those of you who do your homework will see that Blu Ray is going to be the likely winner of this format war.
Those of you that listen to the Sony press releases will see that Blu Ray is onto a winner. Of course, what your average Sony press release and the actual truth have in common often leaves much to be desired.
Fact is, both formats are still only selling to early adopters, and being ignored by the mainstream. The Blu-Ray camp just like to release the sales figures just after their triple-a exclusive releases, where as the HD-DVD camp seem to be completely inept at marketing their own product.
Personally, after doing some serious homework, it appears that HD-DVD has much better long-term prospects, but the whole high-def landscape could tip either way very, very quickly if one of the big studios switches sides.
I'm hoping that he'll announce that they've finally got a completely reliable make of the 360, and that all previous owners will receive a replacement.
most people dont give a toss about hd dvd and bluray. im not about to buy all my films again and all the action heros and great directors are getting old now.
dvd is here to stay.
buy them all again?
What abut all the new realases that also appear on BD and HD DVD?
There are now several hundred titles on both formats.
I'm hoping that he'll announce that they've finally got a completely reliable make of the 360, and that all previous owners will receive a replacement.
That would be brilliant. Shame it wont happen. If MS do finaly have a 100% reliable 360 they should make a fuss about it as it would shut PS3 owners up & make people who arent buying one due to reliablity finaly buy one. & TBH although it would be great giving all us early adopters new hardware they'll never do it. It would lose them too much money.
I for one would go & buy another now if it was 100% reliable. Even though mine is fine I am still worried about it dying on me & would willingly pay for a new one if its gauranteed to last. especialy since over last few weeks the disc trays been making some questionable noises. They would lose these potential extra sales.
most people dont give a toss about hd dvd and bluray. im not about to buy all my films again and all the action heros and great directors are getting old now.
dvd is here to stay.
buy them all again?
What abut all the new realases that also appear on BD and HD DVD?
There are now several hundred titles on both formats.
6x The Quality of a DVD.
Hmm yh hard choice:
Regular or High Defination?
Hmmm Ł5 - Ł10 (if you buy from the correct shops or wait a month) or Ł25? Tough choice.
& I had Casino Royale on Blu-Ray with PS3. I also have it on DVD. I sold the blu-ray because I could get more money for it & wasnt different enough to warrant keeping it. The difference is not that noticeable at all. It is there but its not the extra price difference.
Also I can watch a DVD in my Games room, Bedroom or living room whereas a Blu ray disc is restricted to whatever room I have my PS3 & HD-TV in - game room. & seeing as though I watch most my films in bed its almost useless
MGS4,FF13 on 360.....or maybe not.Oh crap what have i done!!!Now, my cholesterol level is ski high from the festive period and i better do some runing,and drink some more!!
most people dont give a toss about hd dvd and bluray. im not about to buy all my films again and all the action heros and great directors are getting old now.
dvd is here to stay.
I hear what you're saying. I must have around 70+ DVD's, including some high-profile and expensive film boxsets. The vast majority of my collection I wouldn't bother getting the HD version of - there's only a very select few films I would love to see/own on HD. Plus, there's quite a few HD-DVD/Blu-Ray films out there which have sod all in the way of special features compared to their DVD counterparts.
I doubt it's anything to do with the HD movie drive. MS has a HD-DVD out, but a much more vested interest in it's movie download service. Well, unless it's something stunning like the HD-DVD drive is going to be replaced with a combo-drive that plays both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. More likely I think it's likely to a motion sensitive controller (probably bundled with a special edition of Viva Pinata).
Maybe they will finally allow you to plug in an external USB hard drive and use it to store media, you can pick up a 500gig drive for less than Ł100 these days. Or maybe it's "ready boost" for 360? or Web browsing?
I had Casino Royale on Blu-Ray with PS3. I also have it on DVD. I sold the blu-ray because I could get more money for it & wasnt different enough to warrant keeping it. The difference is not that noticeable at all.
Then you, my friend, need a new TV. On a quality 1080(p or even i) display the difference between a normal DVD and a hi-def format disc is HUGE. The difference is similar to the printing on a t-shirt compared to the printing in a National Geographic magazine.
If you are absolutey certain that your TV is of a quality high enough to display these differences...you may need glasses. Just a heads-up.
I hope those comments are just pure speculation as 360 already has enough SKU's that appeal to different audiences. Adding yet another would be over-kill and getting involved in this format war would be even worse. By using an external drive instead of an internal, MS distanced themselves for any backlash if that format lost, which it will, and also kept the price down, which has brought them the success they have. Personally I'd rather have some news saying MS has passed off the handling of 360 in Japan to Toshiba. Now that would be a step forward rather than mucking around with more SKU's...
I had Casino Royale on Blu-Ray with PS3. I also have it on DVD. I sold the blu-ray because I could get more money for it & wasnt different enough to warrant keeping it. The difference is not that noticeable at all.
Then you, my friend, need a new TV. On a quality 1080(p or even i) display the difference between a normal DVD and a hi-def format disc is HUGE. The difference is similar to the printing on a t-shirt compared to the printing in a National Geographic magazine.
If you are absolutey certain that your TV is of a quality high enough to display these differences...you may need glasses. Just a heads-up.
I have a quality Samsung set that is very nice thank you. & I can tell a difference but its not HUGE. Especialy not Ł20 difference huge.
Until I can go in Virgin (or Zavvi, whatever the hell its called) & get 5 Blu-ray or HD-DVD discs for Ł30 then you can keep your HD films. Ive not got a problem sith normal DVDs anyway. But if it is that noticeable to you then enjoy. I'll enjoy the extra films i'll be buying with my change
I had Casino Royale on Blu-Ray with PS3. I also have it on DVD. I sold the blu-ray because I could get more money for it & wasnt different enough to warrant keeping it. The difference is not that noticeable at all.
Then you, my friend, need a new TV. On a quality 1080(p or even i) display the difference between a normal DVD and a hi-def format disc is HUGE. The difference is similar to the printing on a t-shirt compared to the printing in a National Geographic magazine.
If you are absolutey certain that your TV is of a quality high enough to display these differences...you may need glasses. Just a heads-up.
I have a quality Samsung set that is very nice thank you. & I can tell a difference but its not HUGE. Especialy not Ł20 difference huge.
Until I can go in Virgin (or Zavvi, whatever the hell its called) & get 5 Blu-ray or HD-DVD discs for Ł30 then you can keep your HD films. Ive not got a problem sith normal DVDs anyway. But if it is that noticeable to you then enjoy. I'll enjoy the extra films i'll be buying with my change
I sort of agree with you. I feel that the quality difference is certinaly there. I'd prefer to watch a HD movie rather than one on DVD but at the current prices, it's rather off putting... At the moment im settling for renting HD movies from LIVE as it's the same price as watching something in SD from Sky Box Office. That will keep me happy until Blu-Ray or HD-DVD falls into an acceptable price range.
I agree with what a lot of people have said here, and most of you are right. Ive got a 37" HDTV a 360 and a PS3 and I have taken a liking to Blu-Ray's as of late. I agree that on some of the Blu-rays there is not that much diffrence BUT on others there is a hell of a lot of diffrence - case of point: BBC's Planet Earth on Blu-Ray looks and sounds unbeliveable, I think this may be because this was recorded in HD when it was filmed. Like some people on here, Im not about the bin all my DVD's - whats the point, as PS3 upscales them anyway, but new releases I perfere to buy on Blu-Ray as the shops near me only charge 16-20 quid a pop and not the 25 pound a piece which I hear about in other place's. I know some people will still say that is expencive, but DVD's were that price when they first came out.
I thought the 360 film download service was ok, but not as good as some people make it out to be as the films are only in 720p and take an ice age to download, although you can stream the SD stuff - but thats not the point!
Oh well it looks like Im gonna be using my PS3 even more now as I just got three red lights on my 360!
I had Casino Royale on Blu-Ray with PS3. I also have it on DVD. I sold the blu-ray because I could get more money for it & wasnt different enough to warrant keeping it. The difference is not that noticeable at all.
Then you, my friend, need a new TV. On a quality 1080(p or even i) display the difference between a normal DVD and a hi-def format disc is HUGE. The difference is similar to the printing on a t-shirt compared to the printing in a National Geographic magazine.
If you are absolutey certain that your TV is of a quality high enough to display these differences...you may need glasses. Just a heads-up.
I have a quality Samsung set that is very nice thank you. & I can tell a difference but its not HUGE. Especialy not Ł20 difference huge.
Until I can go in Virgin (or Zavvi, whatever the hell its called) & get 5 Blu-ray or HD-DVD discs for Ł30 then you can keep your HD films. Ive not got a problem sith normal DVDs anyway. But if it is that noticeable to you then enjoy. I'll enjoy the extra films i'll be buying with my change
I sort of agree with you. I feel that the quality difference is certinaly there. I'd prefer to watch a HD movie rather than one on DVD but at the current prices, it's rather off putting... At the moment im settling for renting HD movies from LIVE as it's the same price as watching something in SD from Sky Box Office. That will keep me happy until Blu-Ray or HD-DVD falls into an acceptable price range.
Its all about the quality of experience you desire. Yes, i could get 5 dvd's for Ł20, and be happy, but i would rather have the 1 movie in high quality hd tbh. Its like the same people pay Łthousands for top quality sound system, whilst others pay Ł20 for some ok speakers. Im happy as can be with my Ł450 hd tv and Ł320 sound system and invest in a hd movie or 2 a week. Oh, and the difference is very very noticable, even on my cheap hdtv, you must be blind not to see it.
Im ashamed to admit that blu ray will probably win the format war, especially wen im an early adopter of hd dvd, but thats life. as long as i have a handfull of decent movies in the format, its been fun anyway. having planet earthm 300, troy and training day make it worth the price.
You'd realise its worth the money when you watch a film with uncompressed sound. Cant really comment on the picture quality tho as my projector can only go to 1080i but i gladly sacrafice it for a 158" screen and i cant wait to replace all my dvds................whenever Aliens comes out
I had Casino Royale on Blu-Ray with PS3. I also have it on DVD. I sold the blu-ray because I could get more money for it & wasnt different enough to warrant keeping it. The difference is not that noticeable at all.
Then you, my friend, need a new TV. On a quality 1080(p or even i) display the difference between a normal DVD and a hi-def format disc is HUGE. The difference is similar to the printing on a t-shirt compared to the printing in a National Geographic magazine.
If you are absolutey certain that your TV is of a quality high enough to display these differences...you may need glasses. Just a heads-up.
I have a quality Samsung set that is very nice thank you. & I can tell a difference but its not HUGE. Especialy not Ł20 difference huge.
Until I can go in Virgin (or Zavvi, whatever the hell its called) & get 5 Blu-ray or HD-DVD discs for Ł30 then you can keep your HD films. Ive not got a problem sith normal DVDs anyway. But if it is that noticeable to you then enjoy. I'll enjoy the extra films i'll be buying with my change
I agree. I have a decent samsung 1080i HDTV, and recently got a PS3 with several Blu-Ray movies, and its connected via HDMI. I was quite unimpressed. Maybe i was expecting too much, but its not THAT much better than an upscaled DVD in my opinion.
WIth regards to the topic, i heard this rumour a while ago. I dont think its a good idea, as if they allow games on HD DVD, it will split the market, and the 360 is too far in its life-cycle now.
If they allow Toshiba to manufacture it, and position it as a living room set-top box and under a different name, with all the features it has, it could be an attractive option (should have a web browser aswell), but i dont see it selling. It would go the same way as the psx i believe, and i cant see it coming in at any less than £400.
I'd rather they announced that they'd be making HD DVD available for gaming as well as movies. Currently Blu-ray is running away with the advantages it has in terms of space and diversity (games & movies).
Where are the games that I can run on my PS3 that show it to be running away with it this gen?
it doesn't seem to have added much beyond having to install my games to be honest.
Warner goes Blu-Ray exclusive. Blu-Ray wins. http://hollywoodinhidef.com/blog_detail.php?id=156
Dammit you beat me to it!
Maybe the BIG news is the anouncement of a new 360 SKU model with inbuilt Bluray drive-now that would shock me!
By the way any other 360 owners reading this have any HD-DVDs?Am I the only one who actually brought a HD-DVD drive for my 360 aswell?errr think I might just stick to my PS3 for films and 360 for games!
Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath, UK BA1 2BW England and Wales company registration number 2008885
MGS4,FF13 on 360.....or maybe not.Oh crap what have i done!!!Now, my cholesterol level is ski high from the festive period and i better do some runing,and drink some more!! 
