In an effort to aid the development of HD DVD content development, Microsoft today announced the release of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator. The new authoring tool models the behavior of HD DVD disc content, including encoded video and HDi interactivity, in a virtual environment before committing to burning a single HD DVD disc.

The Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator may pave the way for more ambitious and potentially even more useful applications within the HD DVD environment without the need for costly trial-and-error processes for testing new titles.

"We are committed to supporting and advancing the HD DVD ecosystem, and the new Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator reflects these efforts by providing developers with the software-based tools they need to efficiently deliver the highest-quality content," said Jordi Ribas, general manager of HD DVD at Microsoft. "Microsoft developed the Emulator to help save studios and post-production houses time, resources and costs involved with the creation of HD DVD content, and let them focus on what really matters -- pushing the envelope with the format."

The emulator uses a combination of the Xbox 360 hardware and the HD DVD add-on drive to replicate a typical HD DVD player and to provide detailed log reports to help pinpoint problems with advanced interactivity code that otherwise could take hours of manual debugging.

The software tool also skips the step of burning a physical disc, as the emulator is able to work off of a network storage share or a USB media device.

Microsoft software recently underwent a beta program with authoring companies such as Deluxe Digital Studios and NetBlender Inc. "The authoring process for HD DVD is more complex and expensive than the process for standard DVD, and as with any new technology, it can require a lot of time and resources," said John Harrington, CEO of NetBlender.

"In the process of working with the new Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Emulator, we were able to cut the number of test discs needed per month from roughly 200 down to 50, saving more than 100 work hours per month," Harrington continued. "This positively impacted our business essentially overnight. We estimate we will recoup the low cost of the tool in less than one month's time."

While large companies may find the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator a cost-saving tool, it is not priced for hobbyists. In addition to the Xbox 360, HD DVD drive, the software also requires a connection to Xbox Live and a one-time licence fee of $2,999.