Official XBox 360 HD-DVD add-on Review Thread - Page 2

Dave>h · 11-14-2006, 11:19 AM

Forgive my ignorance but is the 360 add on just a movie player or are there HD DVD games coming out soon too?

Does this mean that a second generation of the xbox 360 will be out with a built in HD DVD drive like the PS 3's Blu Ray drive?

Thanks,

Dave

Steve Conrad · 11-14-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave>h

Forgive my ignorance but is the 360 add on just a movie player or are there HD DVD games coming out soon too?

Does this mean that a second generation of the xbox 360 will be out with a built in HD DVD drive like the PS 3's Blu Ray drive?

Thanks,

Dave

Hey Dave, it has been said by folks at MS that HD-DVD based games won't be coming out on this generation's console.

We'll have to wait for the next big thing to enjoy 'em. =)

Also, the head honchos at MS also have said they don't see a "built-in" HD-DVD drive coming out with the 360. But I say: "Never say never".

(this is my first post in well over a year, lol)

Brent T · 11-14-2006, 01:10 PM

Ok just got 360 HD-DVD player and I have a quick question. I picked up Batman Begins and after I easily installed the the player and plunked in BB. It loaded quickly and as the movie started I noticed the black bars (top/bottom) were still on my screen , is this normal ?

I am using the following TV and do not have this problem with my 360 games or regular tv.

Sony KDF-E55A20 55

Jason Seaver · 11-14-2006, 01:17 PM

Yep. Scope movie.

dkny75 · 11-14-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brent T

Ok just got 360 HD-DVD player and I have a quick question. I picked up Batman Begins and after I easily installed the the player and plunked in BB. It loaded quickly and as the movie started I noticed the black bars (top/bottom) were still on my screen , is this normal ?

I am using the following TV and do not have this problem with my 360 games or regular tv.

Sony KDF-E55A20 55

Yes but it depends on the movie itself. Each film has a specific aspect ratio it was filmed in and all HD DVDs so far have showed the original aspect ratio.

DarthBeavis · 11-14-2006, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Bennett

One problem I have is that the 360 is loud and runs hot, really hot.

I had the same problem with my wife. I installed waterblocks on her forehead and a radiator on her rear (with three 120 mm fans). She is cooler now although I am considering switching to a phase change unit for her.

Brent T · 11-14-2006, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkny75

Yes but it depends on the movie itself. Each film has a specific aspect ratio it was filmed in and all HD DVDs so far have showed the original aspect ratio.

OK great ! I just wanted to make sure I didnt screw anything up. Everything went so easily on the installation that I figured something had to be wrong. I only got to watch about 20 mins (installed it on my lunch hour) of Batman Begins but from what what I saw... WOW. I cant believe the difference from standard dvd to HD-DVD. The picture is just amazing compared to my old Sony DVD player. I will post more once I have the proper audio hooked up (gonna pick up an optical on my way home) and watch two or three flicks.

DarthBeavis · 11-14-2006, 08:32 PM

Just picked up the 360 VGA cable for higher res loving.

DarthBeavis · 11-14-2006, 08:42 PM

P3 fanbois I took a pic in Salem, Oregon at Best Buy . . .release day is still 4 days away . . .LOL

AxlVanHagar · 11-15-2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarthBeavis

Just picked up the 360 VGA cable for higher res loving.

How do you find the quality to be with the VGA Cable Darth?

I just picked mine up and watched a bit of Batman Begins and King Kong HD versions. I tweaked my settings on my projector a bit Contrast and Brightness wise, I found the image a little bland as compared to component, maybe just me.

I then threw in The Living Daylights and Thunderball and noticed a big improvement image wise on both through the upconversion. Colors were much brighter and picture much sharper compared to watching them on my standard DVD player. Once again I am very happy with this purchase and can not wait to pick up more HD-DVD's as they get released.

Gary Seven · 11-15-2006, 06:56 PM

I was able to pick one up a few days ago and for 200 bucks, well worth it. I wish to start adding HD-DVDs to my library as opposed to buying their standard counterparts without having to buy a high end first generation player and this add-on allows me to do so. As a rule, I don't buy high end until third or fourth generation as that is usually when the technology is more or less stabilized.

As for the quality of the picture and sound, based on the King Kong included, I found the picture top notch. The jury is out on the sound however, surround matrix was full as I recall. I will be adding Batman Begins to my HD library and will give it a careful comparison with its standard counterpart when I return from this business trip.

If you are like me and want something to watch HD before a major investment in the technology, this is the way to go. Big thumbs up.