Microsoft halts production on HD DVD add-on
by Xav de Matos 
{ Feb 24th 2008 at 12:30AM }
It's official. After sidestepped inquires to retailers and unanswered questions during the Blogger Breakfast, Gamescore Blog sends the word that Microsoft has officially ended production on the HD DVD add-on drive for the Xbox 360. Citing the recent decision from Toshiba to shut the format down, Hollywood exodus and various retailer announcements, Microsoft is out of the HD DVD business. Current owners of the HD DVD drive, who haven't flooded eBay with their defunct format, will be happy to know that Microsoft will, "continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market."With the announcement Microsoft took the opportunity to reiterate it's statement that this format
[Thanks, OSpazX]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
UNSCleric @ Feb 24th 2008 12:48AM
This message brought to you by Blu-ray.
Nacs @ Feb 24th 2008 4:00PM
Another win for blu-ray.
Peter @ Feb 24th 2008 1:19AM
I don't get what is up with Engadget, Joystiq, and X3F about this whole format war. It seems that they believe that now that HD DVDs will no longer be produced, that all the current movies have all suddenly stopped working! THIS IS NOT THE CASE!! Seriously, you guys need to STFU about how we can get rid of our HD DVD players! They can still play movies, and they will still do so in the future! Plus, we can look forward to Terminator 2 being released in Germany soon, and being able to import it here to watch in glorious HD with tons of web-enabled content and bonus features. Don't start destroying all of your HD DVD content, because soon you will wish you hadn't when the movies come out on Blu-ray and don't have all the bonus features the HD DVD version did. Plus, there is no guarantee that all the movies you have on HD DVD will even be re-launched on Blu-ray.
Xav de Matos @ Feb 24th 2008 1:25AM
I get your point, I don't think that current HD DVD players have this Inspector Gadget timer on it about to go off, the joke I made in this post was in relation to the eBay flood - not that the format isn't any good.
Personally, I do not own an HD DVD player but will now be looking to get one because it's my personal belief that the format offers a more robust feature set than the Blu-ray counterpart.
Example, 300 on HD DVD is far superior than the Blu-ray version for PiP commentary which is highly interesting to me.
Personally, I like to poke jokes into our news to make them more entertaining (hell I made a Britney Spears joke in an Aliens FPS story!). We're just trying to have fun with our readers!
Now I'll STFU.
Peter @ Feb 24th 2008 1:49AM
Haha, it just seemed to me that all of the blogsmith tech family was redundantly pointing there fingers at HD DVD and saying how it is now worthless. Especially Engadget. It seems that they have moved on from reporting redundantly on Apple products, to showing their clear bias towards Blu-ray. Good choice on getting an HD DVD player. Now is a great time to get one because all the movies are being cut in price.
HalaMadrid!!! @ Feb 24th 2008 12:48PM
what I don't get is why joystiq ps3f and x3f keep talking about this what this has to do with gaming anyways?
HalaMadrid!!! @ Feb 24th 2008 12:51PM
what I don't get is why joystiq ps3f and x3f keep talking about this what this has to do with gaming anyways?
abyssal @ Feb 24th 2008 2:41PM
I totally agree with ya
Kev @ Feb 26th 2008 10:30AM
I agree with Peter 1000%!!
Daniel @ Feb 24th 2008 1:19AM
somehow I thought the video would be better...
The Sound @ Feb 24th 2008 1:24AM
Was anyone as put off by how ugly the damned add-on was?
I know this is kinda comparing apples to oranges, but the size of the ps3's internal Blu-ray is a hellva lot smaller than this. It is bigger than the friggen Wii for crying out loud!
Magic Whiskey @ Feb 24th 2008 3:08AM
I never thought it looked all that nasty. At least it looked natural next to a 360.
Jitaroo @ Feb 24th 2008 2:15AM
it might be big due to the extra usb ports and the power supply... and the vents and the coolers... the ps3's internal drive is cooled by the main coolers for the console but, this is outside, and if you compare it to other regular dvd external burners for pcs it is the same size.
Magic Whiskey @ Feb 24th 2008 3:07AM
My Gamestop manager buddy tells me that the used HD-DVD drives in stock will be (or have been this weekend) dropped to $50, but the new units remain at the retail price.
dylan @ Feb 24th 2008 3:29AM
I'm pretty sure there is no such word as haults...
Xav de Matos @ Feb 24th 2008 4:13AM
Yeah, sorry. I'm Canadian so I feel morally inclined to add the letter U to every other word.
I blame the British.
bloatedfish @ Feb 24th 2008 11:22AM
Don't apologise (yes it's apologise with an s in not a z that's how you spell it) be proud of keeping a u in a word that is supposed to have a u in it. The language is ENGLISH so spell it like an English person and do not back down!
dylan @ Feb 24th 2008 3:58PM
Colour and Labour have "extra u's, halt is halt in all forms of English.
Xav de Matos @ Feb 24th 2008 4:01PM
Thanks buddy. It was a joke.
DaveC @ Feb 24th 2008 7:12AM
Seeing as we're fanboys here, I thought I would bring the fanboys perspective to this.
MS did the right thing by releasing an external HD-DVD drive, they can just toss it in the garbage and make a Blu-Ray drive now. If Blu-Ray had lost then the PS3 would've been stuffed sideways.
Oh and Xav, Britain FTW.
Mark @ Feb 24th 2008 7:45AM
The PS3 would not have been stuffed at all. It would have continued to have games Blu-ray, as the PSP has games on UMD.
It would have meant a HD DVD addon, like the 360 had from day one.
As it is now, you have a 360, lumbered with a DVD9 drive, a HD DVD drive sat by the side that can only be used for movies, and now potentially a Blu-ray drive sat on top of that.
I would expect you need an even bigger power brick to power than lot..
DaveC @ Feb 24th 2008 7:53AM
PS3 fanboy HOY!
JakubK666 @ Feb 24th 2008 8:43AM
@ Mark
Just because they still release games on UMD doesn't necessarily mean that the format isn't a huge fail.
Justin @ Feb 24th 2008 11:39AM
@ JakubK666
Yea, but the other guy said the "PS3" would have been stuffed sideways.
If the PSP can still survive with a media format that didn't...why can't the PS3?
The Sound @ Feb 24th 2008 12:47PM
If Blu-ray (correct spelling btw) had lost, then the Blu-ray discs would have gone the same way as cartridges.
Devs can use them to make games (and what's wrong with that tbh, 50gb games? Not too shabby), but there would be no other real use for them.
Neopath @ Feb 24th 2008 7:20AM
"Microsoft took the opportunity to reiterate its sediment".
It's sediment?!?
You guys wouldn't happen to read proof your stuff now,would you?
Xav de Matos @ Feb 24th 2008 2:40PM
Fixed.
"You guys wouldn't happen to read proof your stuff now,would you?"
That was kind of an ironic error. Think you meant proof read.
Mark @ Feb 24th 2008 7:36AM
Obsolete addon for an obsolete console. Very fitting
JakubK666 @ Feb 24th 2008 8:46AM
A useless expensive format for a useless expensive console.
Hey everybody, let's have a flame war!
While I can understand fanboys on Joystiq (Such as Fernando,Ken and me!), I really don't know why PS3 fanboys would be here...unless they're trolling ofcoz.
xenocidic @ Feb 24th 2008 9:33AM
Thou shalln't feed the trolls
They wouldn't be posting here anyway if their console had any games worth playing
OH!
sorry, couldn't help myself =)
bigd7387 @ Feb 24th 2008 10:29AM
First DICKSMACK, the HD-DVD was not released at the same time as the 360, it was released much later. Second I have a PS3 and the 360 is still the best system for games and had better viewing with the HD movies. How is the 360 Obsolete? You must not be much of a gamer anyways, just another loser believing in just one system, if you were more mature you would own more than one system. Now beddy bye time for ya, toddler.
Justin @ Feb 24th 2008 11:49AM
@ xenocidic
For what its worth...couldn't the same be said for you and your console of choice? Or would you happen to be waiting for it to be shipped back to you from the repair center and you're simply killing gaming downtime on this site? If what you're saying was truly the case, then there wouldn't be a need for X3F because all would be glued to their 360s day and night playing their awesome games. Right?
That comment has been pretty worn for a while now.
Most normal people take breaks from gaming every once in a while ya know?
But I guess if you think about it in a logical way...then the joke just isn't funny anymore is it?. Ah well.
xenocidic @ Feb 24th 2008 2:37PM
@justin, no, I come here for news on my superior console...
why mark comes here? don't know...? to see what he's missing?
JakubK666 @ Feb 24th 2008 8:47AM
The King is dead. Long live the King!
todd @ Feb 24th 2008 9:37AM
hm might get one cheap, if can get for $20-30... play my reg olde dvds on it instead of the 360 drive.
Xav de Matos @ Feb 24th 2008 11:17AM
Yeah I don't know where sediment came from because liquid had nothing to do with this.
It was a 1am story and proof reading is for wimps.
LOL, 2 mistakes. Nice catches. Fixed.
Killswitch On @ Feb 24th 2008 11:41AM
With the add-ons, I dont really see why it matters so much. You can get cheaper HD-DVD and BluRay players for a cheaper price and that will offer more features and that are just a better quality player over all.
The only way I would by anything related to HD format for the 360 is if it would use the format towards games. The extra space would be great for future games. Sadly, we all know this wont happen with the 360. I love my 360 and the great games that have come out for it. However, with in the next year or two, I think the PS3 game developers will start taking an advantage using the BluRay extra space to make games much better and deeper and richer. Sooner or later, it will show that the capacity of DVD9 for the 360 will truly start hurting games compared to the PS3s games.
I dont have a PS3 and dont plan on getting one any time soon. But if the superiority of games and exclusivity of games start shifting to the PS3, then I will probably get one. And frankly, that is a huge possibility that that will occur. You can already look at 2008, and it seems the PS3 has more exclusives. GoW2 is the only one the 360 seems to have that is worth the hype. Imagine Gears or Halo on an HD format. More features and such. At this point in time, I cant wait for the next Xbox. To me, the sooner the better as it will learn from the mistakes of this generation, even though it did well. But in the end, I see the 360 falling to second place once its all said and done. The PS3 just seems to offer a lot more, except for their Online.....so far.
recon @ Feb 24th 2008 11:57AM
could some one tell me if the hd-dvd add on up converts dvds to 1080i or p
thanks
jmurzzy911 @ Feb 24th 2008 12:12PM
external blue ray player has to come out for the 360. they wont give up on hd video
OSpazX @ Feb 24th 2008 12:37PM
We are all sad that HD-DVD lost. Sure, we have our $200 HD-DVD add-ons (well, that's what they used to cost), we all have our collection of $25-$40 HD-DVDs (I have 18), but this was never a PS3 vs 360 "war". Sony was willing to have a year delay on releasing their console, so they could include the BluRay with their console. A business decision they made, which, most would say, has cost them a large portion of the market of "next gen" consoles.
MS decided to stay with a regular DVD drive, and come to market a year earlier. As MS was also one of the supporters of the HD-DVD format, they decided to release an *optional* add-on. You didn't have to buy it. Heck, stand-alone players were the same price. (I'm still yet to see a bluray under $400).
The way I see it...as long as the 360 keeps working, and the drive keeps working, my collection of movies will keep working. And I will continue to enjoy real High Definition quality (which is much better than tv-hd quality... large compression there).
And while I'm at it, I'll have an upscaling DVD player as well. (And the other day I watched a (urgh) regular DVD, and I couldnt believe how much better it looked being upscalled)
My wife....she says we'll have to get a player that does both formats. Well perhaps more will come out, ones that are good, and not $800. Or perhaps, down the road, I'll get a stand-alone bluray (Panasonic DMP-BD50 looks nice..although $600 is a little pricey).
And for all who want a 360-BluRay add-on. Remember, there will come a time when the 360 is no longer considered the current gen. Then what? You'll complain you'll have spent money on an add-on that no longer works with your new console?
Do people always need a reason to complain? Hey, you have a house, a car, heating, electricity, food. Not to mention an expensive HD TV, plus an expensive console or two, and who knows how many $60 games. (US prices). Things could be a lot worse than "oh, the HighDef format I wanted to win, didn't. Boo Hoo."
Mr Cool @ Feb 24th 2008 12:42PM
I agree with this guy.
Everyone who complains and trolls about the different formats, consoles, games, etc is extremely lucky to do so. Not very many other people in the world would be able to afford the kind of technology we have.
Just look at the third world countries, people over there are considered rich if they live in a shack that doesnt let the elements in!
Spaz @ Feb 24th 2008 1:14PM
Thanks. Someone else who see's some reality.
OSpazX @ Feb 24th 2008 1:21PM
Oh goodie...I just worked out I have two profiles... OSpazX and Spaz. Well, I think I've got it fixed now :)
Adam @ Feb 24th 2008 2:33PM
@Killswitch On
If you think within the next 5 years bdrom is gonna make a diffrence in gaming quality your mental.First of all the 360 is in the lead about 8 million consoles.Its gonna continue to sell considering it has the best lineup this year "regardless of what you sony fanboys say" its the truth.
You sit and say all we have that matters is gears?
Gears2
Fable2
Ninja Gaiden2
Frontlines
Lost Odyssey
Too Human
And i could go one forever not counting the exclusives from 2007.
You seem to think games like kz2 a rehash of a shit game to begin with and rfom2 a game which its predecessor only sold due to it being the only game at launch that wasnt on 360.If thats really how anyone thinks they need there head examined.
As for mgs4 its a game that not everybody want to play.Its not a true shooter and everyone knows thats what sells especially in the states where sony isnt doing to good as it is.
Game companys are gonna drop games where the money is and currently that on the 360.It sells more games than the fucking wii which is at over 20 million in sales.
The ps3 title sales are pretty much non existent.Look at rockstar they could have made a super exclusive gta4 for ps3.But they chose to give ms the exclusive content and better game.Why you ask yourself? MONEY
As long as microsoft remains the biggest richest company in the world of gaming they will drop dough to make sure they have the best games possible.
Developers want money period.The only reason sony is seeing any exclusivity is because of idiot developers who somehow think that sony is gonna come out on top and just maybe sony will throw them a bone for sucking there cock.
Any studio thats smart knows where to find money is called microsoft period.
Bluray makes no diffrence this gen.People buy ps3's as bluray players and never buy games for them then couple that with the fact that not every home has a hdtv to benefit bluray.
By the time every home has a hdtv you will see a better form of media distribution its called digital and its the future.
JakubK666 @ Feb 24th 2008 2:40PM
A bit "ranty" but "Amen Brother".
davey @ Feb 24th 2008 5:46PM
nice rant
now shut up
PS3 = great
xbox = great
I know, I know I'm on xbox fanboy so I can't to like the PS3. It has loads of great features as does the 360. Your just a dick if you say either system is far better. 360 has gears and halo, PS3 has killzone and final fantasy.
p.s. You suck
John McPoop @ Feb 25th 2008 9:20AM
@Adam
Sony allowed Rockstar to release GTA IV on the 360 (they had exclusivity). They did this in exchange for the next big Rockstar franchise being a PS3 exclusive. Please don't spew fanboy rhetoric and sound like a total idiot. And by the way, Lost Odyssey (that you praise so much) could already benefit from Blu-Ray as it is currently 5 DVD-9 disc's. I am sure you will call me a stupid fanboy now for telling you the truth. Open you eyes and read instead of being a fanboy retard.
Since when did gamers become such big haters of other gamers on a different console??? It was never like this before. Be a fan of games and not consoles. Your system of choice is not going anywhere anytime soon, you will not get $$ from Microsoft if the PS3 suddenly stopped being made and this fanboy war bullshit is getting out of hand.
You sir are living under a rock if you think that greater storage will not make a difference in the future (see Lost Odyssey). As for your description of the MGS series, well, lets just chalk that up to fanboy ranting and opinion.
I love my 360 as much as the next guy but not to point where I am a blind follower and sheep. I own all 3 consoles (5 if you count hand helds) and love them all for different reasons. Even though this site is called Xbox360fanboy I do not think that gives anyone here a free pass for being a ranting, raving idiot.
Michael Paul @ Feb 24th 2008 2:33PM
The best Sony could have done if Blu-Ray lost was switch to a dual-format drive and maybe offer upgrades.
Microsoft doesn't HAVE to use a dual-format drive when (stiff if?) they launch a Blu-Ray player but it would be nice for their previous purchasers.
I figure if I repeat this dual-format idea enough, it might be seen by the right people...
abyssal @ Feb 24th 2008 2:45PM
I agree
Adam @ Feb 24th 2008 3:18PM
Seriously hyping kz2 is equal to some jackass hyping the next installment of a harrypotter game.Are they that desperate for games that they need to hype garbage like that.Then they go and hype a game like mgs4 thats going to contain more movie cutscenes than actual gameplay.What are we going back to the fucking cdi now we have to watch our games?
Maybe mgs4 will sell well for sony considering all they sell is fucking movies.