Posted Sep 13, 2006 at 09:14AM by Pranav T Listed in: Xbox 360 Tags: Microsoft, Sony, PS2, Taiwan
Ó

XBOX360 external HD-DVD driveThis is what we would call another masterstroke from Microsoft. It's been widely publicised that Microsoft will be offering external HD-DVD drives pretty soon. Now we're not gonna be doing any market research here, but in our honest opinion and watching the consoles throughout history, we can say that it (the external drive) wouldn't be very successful. Or maybe we should correct that - it wouldn't be very successful until the Hi-Def format wars are over and there is a single market leader. And obviously, the fewer the HD-DVD drives sold, the lesser the chance of HD-DVD actually winning the so-called war.

The most obvious and intelligent thing to do would be to bundle them HD-DVD drives with the console itself. We've seen with the PS2 that manufacturers can refine the design of a console over time, and it can still be very successful. Who's to say that Microsoft wouldn't follow that route with the Xbox360? We would even speculate to the point that Microsoft might simply discontinue the current Core version of the 360 so that there can again be two SKUs, the current premium version and the upcoming version with the built-in HD-DVD drive.

And if you think we're just making facts on my own, well, you'd be wrong. According to sources in Taiwan's optical disc drive industry:

"Microsoft will offer an external HD-DVD drive for its Xbox 360 at around the end of this year, in an attempt to compete with the Sony PlayStation 3 (which will have a built-in Blu-ray Disc drive). The external HD-DVD drive, however, can only play back movies. If the process of selecting partner makers and subsequent certification goes smoothly, Microsoft may launch the Xbox 360 equipped with the built-in HD-DVD drive in the first half of 2007"


Now while we wouldn't consider it a flat-out rumor, we'd still like to hear an official announcement. But then, those are hard to come by, and knowing the corporations, we're not sure if they would even acknowledge this since it would mean that the customers would wait for the internal HD-DVD drive version, and in the process, skewing the sales right now. All we can do is wait. And we'll be there to cover every bit of it.


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15 Comments


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   by fritzilla - 2006-09-13
 » Good and Bad

Ok, this is Good because:

1) Every electronics company updates their models over the years, even game companies have multiple hardware revisions. For instance the PS2 and just about all Nintendo handhelds. This gives the console maker a chance to improve on the heat, power consumption, improve defects, and reduce cost. It also allows for better hardware to be incorporated, like the HD-DVD drive. They could theoretically also add additional USB ports, change the color, etc...

2) It allows MS to compete on an apples-to-apples comparison with the PS3 for those people that want an all in one device but would like HD-DVD instead of Blu-ray.

3) This increases the saturation of the better HD-DVD format (ok, so that comment will spark the format trolls I am sure!)

4) It continues the philosophy that MS has that you can purchase what you want and only what you want. You don't need to get a $600 machine if you don't want to and only want to play games. You only need buy into the level you want. With multiple versions of the hardware you don't have to buy and then add a bunch to get everything. It also gives people that want to invest slowly the ability to make a cheaper purchase now and slowly get other stuff like the HD-DVD or wifi or whatever over time.

5) Having a low end model allows MS to reduce the price and make it much more affordable to the masses sooner than Sony. MS's $299 system can come down in price faster and easier than Sony's $499 system.

6) It could cause people to rebuy the system. Many people that got the PS2 also, later on, rebought the newer slimeline PS2. Ipod owners often buy the newer Ipod with no remorse. And definately a lot of the Nintendo DS Fat owners rebought the DS Lite. They then give their older version to a family member or sell it for a low price on ebay. This increases the base.


Now for the Bad:
1) Most people early adopted will feel bad that they now have an inferior product. Sure this happens every year with electronics. You buy a TV and next year the same manufacturer has a better cheaper model that makes yours less attractive. It's a bummer but most who have enjoyed the Xbox 360 will probably be ok with their purchase. Although not quite good for the consumer this business model is very successful in the electronics industry.

2) MS may appear to some that they are unsure of their decision to originally go with DVD so now they are back tracking on it and are less confident. I think that will be a perception but based on the positives above that it won't be the most accurate.

3) It may stifle sales this holiday since many potential buyers may say, "hmmm, I will wait for the HD-DVD version to come out next year". A lot of fence sitters will stay on the fence with this kind of news.

Now for the neutral

1) The HD-DVD won't be for games so NO ONE IS SCREWED WHEN IT COMES TO GAMES!!!

GOT IT? All Xbox 360's will play all the games. No segregation of the market. No needing the HD-DVD for some games! Ok, it's been said to death.

   by hello all (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » hello all

Hello, thanks for posting the article which first came out like 4 months ago. If I remember this issue correctly (which I read 4 months ago), shortly after that rumor of internal HD-DVD drive came out, the Taiwanese company which makes that external HD-DVD drive officially announced all the info you can read in this article. Thanks again for repeating all the correct info here again now.

So, all is true. The external drive will come out in late 2006; we just don’t know yet what M$ will exactly do about it. Analysts said that M$’ll likely bundle up the drive with console package for $100 (USD) more expensive price as current premium package as that is the most logical and beneficial course M$ can take (M$ and Toshiba want to win the so-called next-gen format war). So, that means traditional X360 console package w/ HD-DVD external thingy costs same as PS3’s 20GB version.

Why will you buy X360 thingy in the first place? If you pay that amount of money, you will get all kinds of current generation technologies (current-gen CPU, current-gen GPU, current-gen RAM, current-gen DVD drive, current-gen all other hardware parts). However, if you pay that same money for PS3, you will get all kinds of ‘true’ next-gen technologies (next-gen cell-based CPU of which architecture will be used to make the fastest super-computer from IBM which project will be finished during late 2007, next-gen RSX video card which is slightly more powerful than one GeForce 7900 GTX from an analyst’s report (GeForce 7900 GTX alone costs you-all-know-what), next-gen sound-output which can support 7.1 Dolby ‘TrueHD (TM)’ Digital surround Cell-based processing, next-gen XDR (extreme data rate) RAM, next-gen Eye-Toy (TM) which can do things like, web-cam chatting & video conferencing & web broadcasting in ‘HD TV broadcasting’ resolution – so when you chat with your cam online, the quality of images will be even clearer than the quality of traditional DVD movie, the next-gen Eye-Toy also has the function of next-gen mo-cap (motion capture) tech in full 3D – Sony has developed this tech and a while ago acquired patent from ‘US Patent Office’ for this new ground breaking technology; so far, I mean until now, if you want to capture full 3D motions in real-time, you need at least more than 5 cameras all around the object to do that, but this ground shattering next-gen mo-cap tech can do the exact same thing only with 1 (yes, that’s one) next-gen Eye Toy.

Oh, this part of my comment will interest many enthusiasts; PS3’s overall horsepower is about 2.5 ~ 3.0 times more powerful and faster than the one of X360. It’s like comparing a custom-built new PC from Alienware (I assume most of you know that Alienware Corp. sells the most expensive but most powerful PCs and other type of computers) and a mediocre ready-made PC bundle package from Dell or something.

Oh, again this part will only interest some enthusiasts; A PS3 console can be used as a stand-alone ‘dedicated server’. It simply means you can be a web-server administrator only with a PS3 console.

   by marcind - 2006-09-13
 » ps3

thats what i love aboute PS3-true power full nex gen!!!

   by Xbox is the best (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » Finally

Finally, someone who knows the truth, Playstation 3 is more powerful than Xbox 360, now all i need is some RELIABLE SOURCE to back up those comments. LOL

   by Much More Intelligent Than You (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » RE: First reply

You said that the XBox 360's inability to incorporate the HD-DVD format as video game medium is neutral when infact it's actually one of the strongest bad points. PS3 already beats the 360 because it's on an entirely different level. It's video game medium is a generation ahead of the 360s.
PS3>360>Wii

   by chief (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » if

only ms will make the games be playable with the drives thats the only way the thing will sell and be on sony's level in my opinion.

   by Vecha - 2006-09-13
 » hmh

"Hello, thanks for posting the article which first came out like 4 months ago. If I remember this issue correctly (which I read 4 months ago), shortly after that rumor of internal HD-DVD drive came out, the Taiwanese company which makes that external HD-DVD drive officially announced all the info you can read in this article. Thanks again for repeating all the correct info here again now.

So, all is true. The external drive will come out in late 2006; we just don’t know yet what M$ will exactly do about it. Analysts said that M$’ll likely bundle up the drive with console package for $100 (USD) more expensive price as current premium package as that is the most logical and beneficial course M$ can take (M$ and Toshiba want to win the so-called next-gen format war). So, that means traditional X360 console package w/ HD-DVD external thingy costs same as PS3’s 20GB version.

Why will you buy X360 thingy in the first place? If you pay that amount of money, you will get all kinds of current generation technologies (current-gen CPU, current-gen GPU, current-gen RAM, current-gen DVD drive, current-gen all other hardware parts). However, if you pay that same money for PS3, you will get all kinds of ‘true’ next-gen technologies (next-gen cell-based CPU of which architecture will be used to make the fastest super-computer from IBM which project will be finished during late 2007, next-gen RSX video card which is slightly more powerful than one GeForce 7900 GTX from an analyst’s report (GeForce 7900 GTX alone costs you-all-know-what), next-gen sound-output which can support 7.1 Dolby ‘TrueHD (TM)’ Digital surround Cell-based processing, next-gen XDR (extreme data rate) RAM, next-gen Eye-Toy (TM) which can do things like, web-cam chatting & video conferencing & web broadcasting in ‘HD TV broadcasting’ resolution – so when you chat with your cam online, the quality of images will be even clearer than the quality of traditional DVD movie, the next-gen Eye-Toy also has the function of next-gen mo-cap (motion capture) tech in full 3D – Sony has developed this tech and a while ago acquired patent from ‘US Patent Office’ for this new ground breaking technology; so far, I mean until now, if you want to capture full 3D motions in real-time, you need at least more than 5 cameras all around the object to do that, but this ground shattering next-gen mo-cap tech can do the exact same thing only with 1 (yes, that’s one) next-gen Eye Toy.

Oh, this part of my comment will interest many enthusiasts; PS3’s overall horsepower is about 2.5 ~ 3.0 times more powerful and faster than the one of X360. It’s like comparing a custom-built new PC from Alienware (I assume most of you know that Alienware Corp. sells the most expensive but most powerful PCs and other type of computers) and a mediocre ready-made PC bundle package from Dell or something.

Oh, again this part will only interest some enthusiasts; A PS3 console can be used as a "

another blind fanboy....sad really.

I'm not going to argue with you, don't feel like it today,

But alread your blind ignorant belief that Alienware is the most expensive and powerful in the business is flawed..it may be the most expensive...but NO where near the most powerful...kinda like comparing the ps3 to the next gen consoles...so i guess i'll agree with you on that.



   by non fanboy (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » DUH!!

4. » Finally

Finally, someone who knows the truth, Playstation 3 is more powerful than Xbox 360....


Its been proven and said many time that the ps3 is more powerful than the 360!!

but its really up to the developers to unleash that potential.
Ps3 and 360 are gonna have the same titles except for some exclusives. the question remains....
"is it worth it??"
If i can play Call of Duty on the 360 and its the same for the PS3....how would PS3 be better than 360? if its the same game?

For me, the only game that i would LOVE to enjoy playing on the PS3 is TEKKEN. But am i gonna buy the PS3 just for it? maybe, maybe not...remember the question..."is it worth it?"

I am LOVING all of my systems....Ps1, Ps2 modded, Gamecube, modded xbox (wink), modded 360(wink) and enjoy EVERY freakin minute!! I will be buying a PS3...I am not a "fanboy"....meaning that I am not a broke person that can only AFFORD 1 system and go around CHEERLEADING for ANY COMPANY!!! SO PHUCK OFF YA FANBIOTCHES!!

*note: keywords are in BOLD

   by Advertising -
   by god (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » ...

PS3 may be MARGINALLY quicker, but not as much as the fanboys make it seem. also, dumbass, alienware=dell now so your comparing apples to apples.

the one thing you are forgetting is that MS is now on their second generation of games and sony has not released anything. the 360 gen 2 games will look much better than any of the PS3 launch (gen 1) games... let alone compare gameplay wise. by the time PS3 comes out with games to show off their marginally better technology and rival the 360 titles, MS will be well established and the price difference will be the biggest factor that decides whether someone buys a PS3 or 360 when they walk into the store.

   by SSChevy2001 (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » There'

nocomment

   by SSChevy2001 (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » There we go again!

(HD-DVD Internal) not anytime soon. As MS sayed HD-DVD is only 1x which is like 4x for DVD (SLOW). I can only see this happening if they release 3x HD-DVD. Now as far as the sony fanboys go, get a f$ckin life. The PS3 may have more cpu power, but X360 has a better video card! ( which is what counts the most ). The only reason I would even consider to by a PS3 is the free online game play and the no restriction on importing movies and songs ( Which is why I still have my old XBOX and XBMC). As far as HD-DVD I can wait until the format war ends. Until then all this HD-DVD and Blu-Ray is just a waste, because one of these format is going to die. I put my money on HD-DVD Winning. Sonys already failed with Betamax, MiniDisc, UMD, and now soon to be Blu-Ray.

   by Xbox is the best (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » # 8

# 8 Its been proven and said many time that the ps3 is more powerful than the 360!! by what RELIABLE SOURCE SONY LOL again.

   by Myra M. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2006-09-13
 » ya

WHO CARES. all of you are idiots. If you can't afford a PS3 and an XBOX 360 you are obviously white trash.

   by Xbox is the best (Unregistered) - 2006-09-13
 » # 8

# 8 Its been proven and said many time that the ps3 is more powerful than the 360!! from what RELIABLE SOURCE sony LOL again

   by TheDude - 2006-09-14
 » yo #9

Have you seen the graphics of the first gen PS3 games? Of course Im talking ingame screens wich is what you have for 2nd gen 360 games, but man the PS3 games look just as good if not better than the 360 games. I think alot of you forget that the Cell alone is capable of rendering graphics on next-gen level and with the ability to work together with RSX in this way it won't take long before the PS3 shows all you who is boss.



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