Xbox 360 ready to adopt Blu-Ray if HD-DVD fails

[HEXUS]

Following the news earlier this week that Warner Bros. has made the decision to drop their support for the HD-DVD format, Microsoft has also been mulling over the future of the optical disc format.

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[directhex]

they've always said the reason for USB-based drives is to they can go with whichever format people prefer

[Steven W]

they've always said the reason for USB-based drives is to they can go with whichever format people prefer

Yeah, I think it was Peter Moore said about a year ago that they could easily switch.

[Euph0ria]

What I don't quite understand is why Microsoft doesn't realize the market potential for the Xbox as a HD-DVD player. The PS3's ability to play Blu-Ray cinema for as much or less than a standard set-top Blu-Ray player is a HUGE selling point. I see the cost of a set-top Blu-Ray player, and the price of a PS3 and think, "why would I want to settle for a mere player when I can get a whole gaming platform for nearly the same price?" If the Xbox had only integrated HD-DVD, even at a reasonable price difference from set-top players, they would not only have that advantage, but also lend support to the format that consumers would ultimately benefit the most from. They'd sell like crazy.

[Biscuit]

PS3's ability to play Blu-Ray cinema for as much or less than a standard set-top Blu-Ray player is a HUGE selling point. I see the cost of a set-top Blu-Ray player, and the price of a PS3 and think, "why would I want to settle for a mere player when I can get a whole gaming platform for nearly the same price?"

I believe that the PS3 doesnt have the same digital audio out capabilities as a regular Blu-Ray player. Then there is always the issue of consoles overheating and braking plus the sheer volume of the device.

I would have a blue ray player over a PS3 anyday but i would rather just get a drive for my PC and use that, hense the XBOX 360 offering a Blu-ray drive would be a great idea!

[arthurleung]

Or MS could just made an Xbox 360 Ultimate or whatever with integrated HD DVDROM at higher price, while keeping the external option there.

[Lee`]

What I don't quite understand is why Microsoft doesn't realize the market potential for the Xbox as a HD-DVD player. The PS3's ability to play Blu-Ray cinema for as much or less than a standard set-top Blu-Ray player is a HUGE selling point. I see the cost of a set-top Blu-Ray player, and the price of a PS3 and think, "why would I want to settle for a mere player when I can get a whole gaming platform for nearly the same price?" If the Xbox had only integrated HD-DVD, even at a reasonable price difference from set-top players, they would not only have that advantage, but also lend support to the format that consumers would ultimately benefit the most from. They'd sell like crazy.

Considering you can buy a stand alone HD-DVD player so cheaply, xbox 360s would need to incorporate the HD-DVD drive into the console, and retain the current price of it's current console to be in the same price bracket as the mid-range HD-DVD players;

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The main reason the PS3 as been highlighted for it's blu ray player is it's price point in comparison to other blu-ray players, where as for HD-DVD there is no lack of budget players.

[Sinizter]

This isnt news, just old stuff dug up again.