Author Topic: The War Begins... (Read 106960 times)

Dracula · « **Reply #1140 on:** Apr 02, 2007 at 06:51 PM »

Quote from: Lantis on Apr 02, 2007 at 05:46 PM

wala rin akong patience!! kabibili ko lang ng Pioneer 696 but I am left wanting more...

Wait muna......

...be patient....although if you can afford it...it is quite cool to be an early adopter!

......

Munskie · « **Reply #1141 on:** Apr 02, 2007 at 10:26 PM »

Quote from: Dracula on Apr 02, 2007 at 06:51 PM

Wait muna...... ...be patient....although if you can afford it...it is quite cool to be an early adopter! ......

no regrets here...........definitely worth it...

pchin · « **Reply #1142 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 08:22 AM »

Xbox 360 Elite HDMI Output Details Revealed

Anh Huynh (Blog) - April 1, 2007 9:10 PM

The Xbox 360 Elite will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI, as with Core and Premium systems

New details of the recently announced Xbox 360 Elite bundle have unraveled on AVS Forum. Microsoft previously unveiled the Xbox 360 Elite bundle, equipped with an HDMI video output last week. Amir Majidimehr, corporate vice president, Mobile and Embedded Devices Division, whose group worked on the HD DVD function of the Xbox 360, released details of the upcoming Xbox 360 Elite’s HDMI output capabilities in a forum post.

Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 360 Elite supports the HDMI 1.2 specification, unlike Sony’s PS3, which is HDMI 1.3 compliant. When connected to an HDTV set with HDMI input, the Xbox 360 will automatically select the appropriate video output resolution up to 1080p. Users cannot manually force resolutions as the Xbox 360 relies on HDMI handshaking to select a suitable resolution.

HDMI audio output remains crippled with the Xbox 360 Elite. The Xbox 360 Elite, even when connected to HDMI will not output uncompressed multi-channel audio. Xbox 360 HD DVD users hoping to enjoy the full glory of lossless HD DVD audio formats via HDMI should look elsewhere.

“If you are keen on having 5.1 PCM output, I recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player which after the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite,” said Majidimehr. When connected to an HDMI home theater receiver capable of processing audio over HDMI, the Xbox 360 will continue to output Dolby Digital, DTS or WMA-Pro to compatible receivers. Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD audio tracks will continue to be down mixed and output no different from the Xbox 360 Core or Premium systems.

Nevertheless, the Xbox 360 Elite can output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI. “Our goal was to provide a digital connection for video which people wanted for some of their TVs. And of course, single cable A/V connection. So if having analog video bothered you before, you can now use digital. If you lacked component/VGA on your TV, you are in business with Xbox 360 Elite.”

Expect a spring HD DVD software update to introduce DTS audio output capabilities to existing Xbox 360 Core and Premium systems. Majidimehr also promises the spring update will address the HD DVD lip-synchronization issues.

pchin · « **Reply #1143 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 10:47 AM »

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (UK Import) (HD DVD) review is out

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/harrypotterandthegobletoffire_uk.html

Munskie, you got this one na right?

Munskie · « **Reply #1144 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 10:56 AM »

not yet paul....its $35 eh.......and thats not the landed cost yet...ill wait for the US release....

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1145 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 05:26 PM »

Quote from: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 08:22 AM

Xbox 360 Elite HDMI Output Details Revealed
Anh Huynh (Blog) - April 1, 2007 9:10 PM

The Xbox 360 Elite will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI, as with Core and Premium systems

No built-in hi-def player and crippled audio output at a similar price as a 20GB PS3. I hereby rename this machine as Xbox360 Delete.

pchin · « **Reply #1146 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 05:52 PM »

Quote from: Clondalkin on Apr 03, 2007 at 05:26 PM

No built-in hi-def player and crippled audio output at a similar price as a 20GB PS3. I hereby rename this machine as Xbox360 Delete.

I'm not even sure what were those top brains in MS thinking...

They even recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player due to the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite..geez...

Moks007 · « **Reply #1147 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 06:15 PM »

There is a warner bros sale at warner site that you can get up to 30 percent off. Titles at 14 plus dollars and ultimate matrix I think 69 bucks. But they dont ship outside america. I think there are a few codes you have to input. Im slow in computers I dont know how to do links but I got it from here. Paul can we ship this via JAC, its free above 60 dollars
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=827214

Mouldingo · « **Reply #1148 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 06:34 PM »

Quote from: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 08:22 AM

Xbox 360 Elite HDMI Output Details Revealed
Anh Huynh (Blog) - April 1, 2007 9:10 PM

The Xbox 360 Elite will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI, as with Core and Premium systems

Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 360 Elite supports the HDMI 1.2 specification, unlike Sony’s PS3, which is HDMI 1.3 compliant. When connected to an HDTV set with HDMI input, the Xbox 360 will automatically select the appropriate video output resolution up to 1080p. Users cannot manually force resolutions as the Xbox 360 relies on HDMI handshaking to select a suitable resolution.

HDMI audio output remains crippled with the Xbox 360 Elite. The Xbox 360 Elite, even when connected to HDMI will not output uncompressed multi-channel audio. Xbox 360 HD DVD users hoping to enjoy the full glory of lossless HD DVD audio formats via HDMI should look elsewhere.

“If you are keen on having 5.1 PCM output, I recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player which after the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite,” said Majidimehr. When connected to an HDMI home theater receiver capable of processing audio over HDMI, the Xbox 360 will continue to output Dolby Digital, DTS or WMA-Pro to compatible receivers. Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD audio tracks will continue to be down mixed and output no different from the Xbox 360 Core or Premium systems.

Nevertheless, the Xbox 360 Elite can output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI. “Our goal was to provide a digital connection for video which people wanted for some of their TVs. And of course, single cable A/V connection. So if having analog video bothered you before, you can now use digital. If you lacked component/VGA on your TV, you are in business with Xbox 360 Elite.”

pchin · « **Reply #1149 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 06:47 PM »

Quote from: Moks007 on Apr 03, 2007 at 06:15 PM

There is a warner bros sale at warner site that you can get up to 30 percent off.

Yep, the 20% discount plus free shipping on over $60 purchase is still on.

Yes, you can use JAC. Will be beneficial for those who don't have the 10% discount in Amazon. I haven't compare apple to apple the final price on both sites but some members say they'll stick to Amazon

Moks007 · « **Reply #1150 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 08:39 PM »

isnt this discount bigger than what amazon gives. On my amazon orders this is what im getting 19.95, then I get 10% discount, its coming out to 17.95. When in warner its 19.95, then 20% discount you get 15.96, then you get another ten percent, so your total is 14.36 right? And if I order up above 60 bucks free shipping to JAC. Then I just pay from JAC to here. Can you clarify this pls. I think the warner site is cheaper than amazon. Thanks

pchin · « **Reply #1151 on:** Apr 03, 2007 at 10:38 PM »

Here's a real example taken from both sites

From WHV:
Ant Bully, The (HD/DVD Combo) $23.96
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride $15.96
Training Day $15.96
V for Vendetta $15.96

Product Subtotal: $71.84
Tax: $6.02
Shipping & Handling: FREE
Order Total in WHV: $77.86

From Amazon:
Ant Bully, The (HD/DVD Combo) $27.95
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride $19.95
Training Day $19.95
V for Vendetta $19.95

Shipping & Handling: FREE
Promo 10% discount: -$8.78
Order Total in Amazon: $79.02

Difference: $1.16

In WHV, to qualify for the free shipping, your total purchase must be $60 & above after the 20% discount (not before). This mean you must buy gross value $75 & above before discount. There also sales tax application. At the end the difference is quite minimal, probbaly this is the reason some members stick to Amazon.

WHV is still agreat site esp for those that are not entittled to the Amazon promo. Initially when started the discount was 30% + free shipping which was certainly much better than in Amazon...but sayang we're late na.

Moks007 · « **Reply #1152 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 07:21 AM »

ok thanks Paul that clears it up for me. Ya I prefer/just go amazon hehe...Thanks

pchin · « **Reply #1153 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 08:24 AM »

Posted by Damed:

Official HD-A1/HD-XA1 Firmware 2.1 NOW Available

Firmware Update Version: 2.1

Applicable Models: HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1.

Overview:
This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

http://tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-images/notices/hddvdfirmware.asp

Mouldingo · « **Reply #1154 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 08:38 AM »

Microsoft Xbox 360 deals blow to Toshiba

"Microsoft has dealt a blow to Toshiba’s HD-DVD standard by announcing a new high-end version of the Xbox 360 games console that fails to include the high-definition drive.

Microsoft has been siding with HD-DVD rather than Sony’s Blu-ray standard in selling a separate external HD-DVD drive to plug into the 360.

But it has decided against including HD-DVD as an integrated drive in its Elite version, which it announced would go on sale in the US and Canada on April 29.

John Rodman, Xbox group product manager, said it would be left to consumers to choose whether they wanted HD-DVD as an extra add-on.

“I think, if nothing else, this is an acknowledgement that Blu-ray is going to win [the standards war],” said Michael Pachter, video games analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities.

“It would have been a costly mistake to build it into the hardware if HD-DVD loses and I think Microsoft sees this as an unacceptable gamble.”

Sony announced on Tuesday that the Casino Royale movie had become the first high-definition DVD to ship 100,000 units and the Blu-ray title was setting records at retail. Analysts expect Blu-ray titles to have significantly outsold those on HD-DVD in the latest monthly numbers and see Sony increasing its lead when Spiderman 3 is released on Blu-ray later this year.

Mr Pachter said he expected the major movie studios to side with Blu-ray next January after they had seen the results of the holiday season.(Universal?)

Sony is faring less well in its next-generation console battle with Microsoft, whose Elite version is likely to put the PS3 under further pressure.

In contrast to the white 360s with either no hard drive in the basic model or a 20-gigabyte one in the premium version, the Elite will be black and contain a 120Gb hard drive. It will also have upgraded connections, with an HDMI high-definition output and included cable. The console will go on sale at $480 in the US. European and Japanese launches are expected in the summer.

The specification and price comes closer to that of Sony’s PlayStation 3, which has basic and premium versions in black with HDMI connections and 20Gb and 60Gb hard drives, costing $500 and $600.

“This is an acknowledgement that the PS3 was probably priced about right,” said Mr Pachter, referring to criticism that Sony had pitched its price too high, resulting in slow sales."

Dracula · « **Reply #1155 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 09:43 AM »

Interesting post mouldingo

john5479 · « **Reply #1156 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 11:39 AM »

interesting but lets wait and see

Dracula · « **Reply #1157 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 11:52 AM »

Yup....it could be a blu-ray marketing ploy

barrister · « **Reply #1158 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 01:04 PM »

XBox 360 never included HD-DVD from the first day of the console's release. But to the uninitiated, the article makes it sound like this is the first time that XBox 360 excluded an HD-DVD drive.

If a new XBox 360 release included a Blu-ray drive, that would be considered a "blow to Toshiba", as the article's title misleadingly trumpets.

But if XBox 360 merely continues its policy of consistently excluding any HD drive, whether HD-DVD or Blu-ray, how would that be a "blow to Toshiba"?

This article is not news. It's Blu-ray hype.

pchin · « **Reply #1159 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 01:15 PM »

Toshiba wanted the new Xbox 360 to include the HD-DVD drive & will use this as their strong marketing plot similar to the PS3 console where upon release there was a surge in BD sales.

Toshiba wants to regain some of the HD-DVD market share loss to BD. Now it seems all hopes are down the drain na...

Yes, it's true MS policy on day 1 excluded the HD-DVD drive...so it's not a new news after all

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1160 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 02:12 PM »

At the given price level of the Xbox360 Elite, it's either a built-in hi-def player or a bigger hard drive that can be afforded to make some decent profit out of console machine sales. Of course MS is fully aware that MAJORITY of Xbox360 owners care only about next-gen gaming. Moreover, there is an upsurge in downloadable hi-def contents through Xbox Live Marketplace. Therefore, it is only logical that MS prioritized the bigger hard drive from built-in HD DVD player. Not only is MS well ahead of PS3 in the current-gen game console war, it may actually be the eventual winner in hi-def content distribution through Xbox Live. I don't buy Mr. Pachter's analysis that MS move is an acknowledgment that BD is going to win. That idea is rather forced in my opinion, but it certainly would have been a boost to the HD DVD camp if that drive were built-in into the Elite. MS may not even care at all which hi-def disc format eventually wins.

Lantis · « **Reply #1161 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 03:36 PM »

If there would be an XBox360 Elite with HDDVD drive, then the sales of Xbox360 Elite will be aimed more on movie enthusiasts. Hindi naman sila kikita don as they want to sell more of games not movies kasi dun sila bumabawi on their sales. From what I've known, they sell the console at a loss and get it back from the games

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1162 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 04:07 PM »

Quote from: Lantis on Apr 04, 2007 at 03:36 PM

.. From what I've known, they sell the console at a loss and get it back from the games

That would be the current situation of the PS3. Sale of Xbox360 consoles is already making some profit, the user-base is very solid, games are well ahead of PS3 and Xbox Live is simply an awesome experience and worth every penny for those who subscribe. There is no reason for MS to undercut their profitability with the Elite, but I don't know if MS really expects would-be owners of the Xbox360 Elite to match their Black console with the White add-on. The contrast ratio would be maxed out.

Lantis · « **Reply #1163 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 04:24 PM »

Quote from: Clondalkin on Apr 04, 2007 at 04:07 PM

There is no reason for MS to undercut their profitability with the Elite

no reason? just plain GREEDY.. there you go!

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1164 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 04:44 PM »

Quote from: Lantis on Apr 04, 2007 at 04:24 PM

no reason? just plain GREEDY.. there you go!

Prerequisite to becoming the richest man in the world. A man running what is essentially a 5/6 business in a 3rd world country won the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He calls his business "micro-lending" and justifies the 25% interest he charges.

The price of the 120GB replacement hd is quite a rip-off.

Kratos · « **Reply #1165 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 04:52 PM »

Quote from: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 05:52 PM

I'm not even sure what were those top brains in MS thinking...

They even recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player due to the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite..geez...

IMO they focused more on gaming than a multimedia player. Its an XBOX anyways.

pchin · « **Reply #1166 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 05:46 PM »

Yes they are indeed a gaming console but nevertheless many consumers find it to be convenient (just buy the HD add-on) to act as their HD player.

Since the Elite has already upgraded & is capable of output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI, thus it will be nice to include the processing of uncompressed multi-channel audio feature.

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1167 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 06:17 PM »

Quote from: pchin on Apr 04, 2007 at 05:46 PM

Since the Elite has already upgraded & is capable of output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI, thus it will be nice to include the processing of uncompressed multi-channel audio feature.

I wonder if it can be achieved with firmware update or a discrete component/circuit is required?

MS is clearly more focused on gaming and Xbox Live.

krazy · « **Reply #1168 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 06:24 PM »

I say it was a mistake for M$ not only to not have a built-in HD DVD drive, but also to leave things out like built-in WiFi and HDMI1.3 so you end up paying more for less vs. a PS3 at roughly the same price

john5479 · « **Reply #1169 on:** Apr 04, 2007 at 06:40 PM »

now if the ps3 would just have more games please........

the price of the 120gb add on for the xbox is spendy, but shows that M$ would prefer that users download content