DailyTech - Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on Gets Updated

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Gadgets Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on Gets Updated
Marcus Yam (Blog) - April 9, 2008 8:07 AM

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14 comment(s) - last by kondor999.. on Apr 9 at 11:46 PM

No, it won't make it play Blu-ray Discs

HD DVD may be a dead-end format, but those with hardware can still happily enjoy the hundreds of titles made available in red keep cases.

Even though Microsoft has ceased all production of its HD DVD add-on accessory for the Xbox 360 (retailers with remaining stock are clearing out HD DVD add-on drives for under $50), apparently its team of software engineers weren’t quite done with supporting the peripheral. Microsoft released on Tuesday a software update for all Xbox 360 HD DVD users.

As soon as an Xbox 360 owner with the drive attempts to play an HD DVD movie, Xbox Live will immediately prompt for an update. Those without Xbox Live access will be able to download the update separately later this week, according to Microsoft’s Larry Hyrb.

Included in the recent update are compatibility improvements with certain titles. Those who have had playback problems with certain discs should try them again. Support for network features have been expanded, though it’s unclear how much longer movie studios will maintain the content infrastructure for net-enabled movies such as Paramount’s Transformers.

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Thanks

By kondor999 on 4/9/2008 9:58:58 AM , Rating: 2

I ordered a bunch of HD-DVDs (dumb name now that I really look at it) for less than 1/2 price, and have been watching them on my now-defunct Xbox player. It's really nice to see that they're continuing to support this.

Now back to Miami Vice in Hi-Def!

RE: Thanks

By ImSpartacus on 4/9/2008 3:16:46 PM , Rating: 2

Yeah, for the price, it almost isn't a bad idea to cash in on the dying prices of HD DVD's. It's not a solution for everything, but certain people (yourself included) can benefit. Good idea.

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RE: Thanks

By waltzendless on 4/9/2008 4:06:27 PM , Rating: 2

Will the movies that have been released exclusively for HD-DVD, like Transformers for example, be released in the future for Blu-ray?

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RE: Thanks

By cmdrdredd on 4/9/2008 5:07:51 PM , Rating: 2

Eventually most high profile titles will be blu-ray titles. Batman begins is scheduled and the matrix is as well.

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RE: Thanks

By wallijonn on 4/9/2008 7:26:34 PM , Rating: 2

And chances are that when the Matrix does come out it will be at $90 for all three, just as Batman Begins will be $29.99.

I picked up the Deluxe Matrix Trilogy HD-DVD for $45 and Batman Begins is now going for about $15.

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RE: Thanks

By kondor999 on 4/9/2008 11:46:44 PM , Rating: 2

I'm really starting to think that if these HD-DVD's had been priced this way from the beginning, they would have almost certainly won the format war. Now, with no competition, I'm afraid Blu-Ray will always be as expensive as it is now.

I also picked up the Matrix Trilogy for $45. A really good deal IMHO...

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RE: Thanks

By casket on 4/9/2008 7:59:18 PM , Rating: 2

Some of the combo discs (Latest Harry Potter) cost $20. About the same as the regular DVD. I see no reason why not to keep buying the combo discs.

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Yah!

By afkrotch on 4/9/08, Rating: 0

RE: Yah!

By FITCamaro on 4/9/2008 9:23:35 AM , Rating: 4

You mean like they already do?

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RE: Yah!

By Mitch101 on 4/9/2008 10:06:48 AM , Rating: 1

Could be worse too. Direct TV morons are going to PPV recordings only lasting 24 hours. This is just stupid because you can rent movies from the video store and get at least 3 grace days.

Time to look into a PPV archive option. I have a DVD recorder but I saw not long ago a PVR device for the PC with HDMI input. Not out yet but they also make one with Component video input as well that can record to 1080i.

Had they been more reasonable than 24 hours I wouldn't consider the option. 72 hours would have been sensible.

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RE: Yah!

By TITAN1080 on 4/9/2008 10:31:26 AM , Rating: 2

Last time I checked, most movies were under 3 hours long.

I would venture to guess that 99.9% of people that order a movie on PPV don't order it with the intention of 'watching it within the next few days'. Most people order a movie and watch it within 15 minutes to an hour from the order.

And with the quality of most of today's movies, intelligent people can barely stand to watch them once.

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RE: Yah!

By Mitch101 on 4/9/2008 2:42:02 PM , Rating: 2

If I go to the video store and rent a movie for $3.99 then you usually get 2-3 days before you have to return it.

There are also times when I get called into work during a movie or have to go somewhere unexpectedly.

It doesn't happen often but 24 hour expiration I feel is a little light especially since no one is waiting at the video store for me to return a hot new release.

This just makes video store rentals a better deal and if I recall correctly Blockbuster does DirectTV's PPV.

This move sounds more like something to benefit Blockbuster more than direct tv customers.

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RE: Yah!

By 306maxi on 4/9/2008 4:04:39 PM , Rating: 1

quote:
And with the quality of most of today's movies, intelligent people can barely stand to watch them once.

Problem is a lot of people aren't that intelligent. I was on a flight yesterday and there was a lady sitting next to me watching a Ben Stiller movie. I mean really Ben Stiller hasn't been funny for years! In fact I sometimes wonder if he was ever funny at all.

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