Microsoft Pulls Plug on HD DVD Players

[Shane]

Microsoft Corp. said it will stop making HD DVD players for its Xbox 360 video game system after Toshiba Corp. ceded the high-definition video format battle to Sony Corp.'s Blu-ray.

Microsoft said Saturday it would continue to provide standard warranty support for its HD DVD players. Toshiba President Atsutoshi Nishida last week estimated about 300,000 people own the Microsoft video player, sold as...

[url=http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2008/02/microsoft_pulls_plug_on_hd_dvd_players.php]Read the Full Article[/url]

[hharris4earthlink]

I would think the demise of HD DVD puts Microsoft in a somewhat difficult situation. It's my understanding that the XBox is an analog system, which means that the HD DVD was simply a way to provide for the large memory required for modern video games, while at the same time providing an entry into the HD market without the expense of developing a true digital system.

An easy fix would be to go to the remaining HD standard, Blu-ray. But their market research people might object because their PS3 competitor already uses Blu-ray and, moreover, it is a true digital game machine, already well integrated into the possibilities of digital storage.

I can picture the board meeting. "It's about the games. Nobody cares if it's digital." Maybe so. Or maybe not. No doubt their research department is on top of this and has something to pull out of the Microsoft magic hat. It will be interesting to see exactly what that is.

Henry

[Richard]

This time it better come with HDMI support as standard!

[Shane]

I would think the demise of HD DVD puts Microsoft in a somewhat difficult situation.

By keeping the unit separate as they did, they made it so they could easily divest of it and have only lost that which they have invested in standalone units ... instead of the alternative of having 18 million consoles on the market with a defunct technology that can't easily be swapped out.

It's my understanding that the XBox is an analog system, which means that the HD DVD was simply a way to provide for the large memory required for modern video games, while at the same time providing an entry into the HD market without the expense of developing a true digital system.

I'm not sure what you mean by "analog system", please explain. The HD DVD add-on was only for movies, HD DVD formatted games were not supported.

An easy fix would be to go to the remaining HD standard, Blu-ray.

Now that HD DVD is not a factor, it would make sense to both create a Blu-ray standalone as well as a new Xbox 360 sku that will integrate Blu-ray. We shall see.

- Shane

[Shane]

This time it better come with HDMI support as standard!

All current Xbox 360 sku's support HDMI ... have since released this past holiday. Only the original Xbox 360 Core and Premium sku's were without HDMI.

[hharris4earthlink]

I was referring to the lack of support for HD DVD encoded games. I suppose technically Microsoft could go to Blu-ray, but that would put them head to head with Sony that already has a powerful integrated concept of game downloads, movie downloads, Internet browser, HD movie player and game console, aided tremendously by Sony's theatrical connection. I hope you're right. Maybe they could do something about the red ring of death while they're at it.

[Shane]

I was referring to the lack of support for HD DVD encoded games.

You know, I've wondered about this. You are correct that the Xbox does not support HD DVD format games, but what is the demand for it, if any? I'd like to know, if anyone here has information or connections, whether consumers or developers are asking for more space for developing games.

Specifically:
Is PS3 releasing any games in Blu-ray format yet? If so, which games? And how much space do they take up on disc?

If developers aren't using it, and consumers aren't demanding it, what is the advantage of having next-gen formatted games?

Regarding the specific features you mentioned:

... head to head with Sony that already has a powerful integrated concept of game downloads, movie downloads, Internet browser, HD movie player and game console, aided tremendously by Sony's theatrical connection.

Sony doesn't have movie downloads ... not theatrical anyway. They keep saying "It's coming", but we have yet to see it.

- Shane

[hharris4earthlink]

I'm currently playing "Uncharted:Drake's Fortune" and "Ratchet and Clank:Tools of Destruction" which are both Blu-ray games, but there are many others in about every genre you can think of. Both of these games are simply amazing and are a quantum leap beyond anything I've played before. They both support surround sound (and the new format) and sometimes there's so much moving on the screen that it's hard to keep track. Seeing these on a large, crystal-clear HD screen with multi channel sound is something that has to be experienced to believe. They make the last low-def generation seem crude in comparison. The characters look almost real.

In addition, Sony provides a complete on-screen system for news and downloading games, music and videos as well as communication with friends. As you noted, movies have been promised, but are not yet available, but trailers and documentaries are. The trailer to "Wall-E" in 1080p is simply amazing. I have to say they have spent a lot effort in creating a very pleasing interactive environment that integrates all types of content. I have no doubt movies are next. I'm looking forward to "Home", their version of a virtual reality that users can enter and view previews of content as well as make friends with 3D avatars. In my humble opinion, I think they've covered most of the bases.

So, yes, all the major developers are supporting it and I'm demanding more, please.

Henry

[Richard]

All current Xbox 360 sku's support HDMI

Thanks, it sure hasn't been clear... so the elite is all black and just a bigger HDD for the most part.