HD DVD-R, DVD-R, CD-R - DVD Video, Video CD, HD Video Playback - MPN: 9Z500013
Strengths: It is comptabile with Windows PCs, and provides a maximum output of 1080p.
Weakness: An Xbox 360 is required for non-PC playback. Xbox 360 Elite required for 1080p resolution, otherwise max resolution is 1080i. It does not support latest HD audio codecs.
The Xbox HD-DVD drive is a great addon for existing or future Xbox 360 owners. It plugs in by USB cable to the back of the Xbox 360. It also provides an additional 2 USb ports on the back, and has the snap on mechanism for the wireless adapter. It requires AC power.
Picture quality is excellent, whereas audio is sometimes lacking due to the fact that it doesn't support PCM or HD audio codecs. Recently, the Xbox supports DTS which is an improvement over Dolby Digital. I am using an Xbox 360 Premium and it is connected via component and optical for audio. I would recommend this product for all current and future 360 owners. But as the price of the standalone players come down, this may not be as good of a buy. I got mine for $120 a few months back, but now the price is $179 from $199, and I consider it a great buy.
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TopStrengths: Cheapest HD DVD player
Weakness: Has to use with PC or xbox 360
Got the Xbox 360 HD DVD player with free Heroes season 1 boxset, free king kong HD DVD, xbox 360 media remote and 5 hd dvd by mail in rebate. A lot of free stuff with the right promotion.
To output 1080p you need either a hdmi or vga output.
As for sound, don't think it can output trueHD, but my receiver does not support trueHD anyway.
All in all, an inexpensive way to get into the HD world.
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TopStrengths: Very simple to connect with the XBOX 360.
Weakness: Does not have a direct HDMI port. Must rely on the new version XBOX 360 for the HDMI.
The quality of HD DVD playback is excellent. Highly recommended if you have a XBOX 360. The player looked simple, clean, and very compatible with the XBOX 360. You cannot go wrong with this one if you decided to jump into high definition.
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TopStrengths: Plays HD-DVDs. Loads HD-DVDs faster than any stand-alone player.
Weakness: Loud, especially since the XBOX has to be running concurrently. Would be ideal if the HD-DVD drive was integrated into the XBOX itself.
If you already own an XBOX 360, this is a worthy addition for HD-DVD playback functionality, rather than a stand-alone player. The biggest problem is the fact that this drive must be plugged into the XBOX for functionality, and that the XBOX must be powered on for this drive to work, meaning that users are cursed with noise from two devices when they're using this drive.
The best thing about this drive is the price, but this advantage is quickly being diminished by the dropping prices of stand-alone players. Bottom line--if you already own an XBOX 360, consider this player. Otherwise, go with a stand-alone player.
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TopStrengths: awesome
Weakness: none
This is a great little unit. If you've already got a 360, you can add HD to it for a ridiculously low price. It's a no brainer. The quality is awesome, interface is decent. Highly recommended
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TopStrengths: High Definition player and a good deal
Weakness: unsettled format war
I bought it because it is really cheap. HD-DVD player, remote, and 6 HD-DVD movies for around 150 bucks. What can I say more? I am concerned about its unclear future, but even though Blu-ray wins this format war, it'll be fine with me. I can enjoy excellent high def. movies at a reasonable price NOW.
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TopStrengths: Best price right now, 5 free HD DVDs, worked with my PC out of the box
Weakness: can't update firmware with PC
I bought this drive to use with my HTPC running Vista, and it was instantly recognized when I plugged it in. I already had PowerDVD 7.3 and AnyDVD installed. After the drive was recognized, I fired up King Kong and it played in hi-def right away. There were some spots where it was a wee bit jerky, and I don't know whether it was my PC, the drive, or the fact that I was skipping around the disc. Anyway, it was a painless experience for me. I want to update the firmware on this thing, but as far as I know, I can only do it with an XBOX 360 (and I don't have one). Hopefully, someone will find a way, as I'm sure I will run into an incompatibility issue that could be fixed with a firmware update. I got the drive when the price dropped and Best Buy had it for $150, so I think that's the best price right now for any HD DVD or Blu-ray drive. Also, I just sent in the form to redeem my 5 free movies. In all, I think it was a good deal for me, the cheapest way to get into HD, and the bonus 5 HD DVDs sealed the deal.
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TopStrengths: The Best
Weakness: Nothing
I recommend this product. If you have a Xbox 360, this is a great price for a HD-DVD Player.
The warranty is long and its small.
A+ all the way.
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TopStrengths: Plays HD-DVD's very well, ties in with Xboxlive gold & Silver to download required updates and also works with Windows Vista (with appropriate software)
Weakness: No Analog output, but oh well.
With the "perfect offer" you know get 5 free HD-DVDs via rebate including KingKong and Remote control that come in the box. Now is the time to jump into HD and enjoy the great releases.
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TopStrengths: cheap, unit runs quiet and cool, can work with a PC
Weakness: no 1080p over component, slow
I got this unit on sale for $150+tax; it comes with a xbox 360 remote that is able to control a TV unit too. However performance wise it's not a great deal, since unless you have the elite edition with hdmi, you are not able to output 1080p via the component cable (I believe you can also do so with the vga cable, but the color on the vga will not look as good as component/hdmi). Anyway, I think it's just an OK deal because it's the cheapest hd-dvd solution for those who already owns an xbox360 and you can use it with your PC (google for more info).
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TopStrengths: Easy to install. Easy to use. Great Picture Quality. Slim design.
Weakness: Should have been included with XBox to begin with. Looks funny sitting on top of XBox. A bit expensive.
Overall a great add-on for an XBox 360. Microsoft should have included this great feature on the product to begin with. Does look kind of wired though sitting off to the side of the game counsle.
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TopStrengths: Easy Hook-Up, Picture is Great
Weakness: No HDMI
I was really please with this player. The picture is great and if you can hear the noise your surround sound isn't loud enough! For $150.00 and 5 free movies, how can you lose?
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TopStrengths: Can't beat the $179 price * Can be used on a PC/MAC * Easy Setup * Can play both HD DVDs as well as standard DVDs * King Kong HD DVD and MS Universal Media Remote included
Weakness: The drive is loud but not where it can be a big distraction * You must use the Universal Media Remote (included) to eject a movie because the player doesn't have an eject button
I can say that because of this HD DVD player and the Xbox 360 I can truly appreciate my HDTV. This player is cheaper than any other HD player out in the market right now. It's a great little add on and especially now that the MSRP is $179 + 5 free movies (mail-in offer if purchased between Aug 1-Sept 30) and King Kong should be included with the HD player so you're getting an HD player with the King Kong movie that retails about $20 + the 5 free movies let's say they also cost $20 each you're getting $120 worth of movies free and you can even sell them and your player will end up costing you only about $60. If you buy this product you wont regret it.
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TopStrengths: Cheap HD-DVD player, free remote and movie!
Weakness: HD-DVD may not win the format war. 1080p only through VGA or HDMI.
HD-DVD is amazing and it looks great through the Xbox 360. This is a great way to get into Hi-Def Optical disc because it's relatively cheap so you won't feel as slighted if HD-DVD loses the format war. My only other complaint is that you can only get 1080i through the component cables. To get the full 1080p you need to get the VGA adapter or you'll have to use the HDMI port, which is only available on the xbox360 Elite.
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TopStrengths: $200 for an HD player.... its amazing how much more crisp the picture is than regular DVDs.
Weakness: No power button. When I am playing my Xbox, the player is always on... it would be nice to be able to turn it off.
HD is really beautiful on a big screen. I bought player this along with the Planet Earth HD DVD set, and it knocks you socks off seeing the animals in HD!
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TopStrengths: Cheap HD DVD for the early adopter of HD DVD. You can use it for your PC thru USB or you can take the shell off and put it in thru IDE.. but you have to use a program called AnyDVD.
Weakness: The picture quality is so-so .. compare to a normal HD DVD player.
Well .. to summarize it's a good purchase for the price I bought. It has very nice HD DVD controller, it has backlight.
It comes with King-Kong HD DVD which is really nice.
King Kong is one of the best HD DVDs so far.
I can't think of anything bad about this this player other than the picture quality is a so-so .. but then again if you have a nice plasma TV .. that would be a different story cuz u can calibrate your TV for the best result.
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TopStrengths: So worth it. Sharp Picture
Weakness: No Weaknesses
Hey everyone, I recently brought this: One word for this:
Awesome, Sharp, 7.1 sound, Serously the best, Clearer than regular, Cheap price, good quality, FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY!!!
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TopStrengths: It really does play HD DVDs, and at far less expense (for now) than any standalone player.
Weakness: Only that it requires the right hardware to run, and the knowledge that soon HD-DVD players will actually be much cheaper than this unit
The first one I bought was defective straight out of the box, so I returned it to my store and got a second unit, which has worked flawlessly. Paid between $150 and $175 after local taxes (and a store coupon promotion). At that price, I was ready to try HD DVD, especially since the unit came with King Kong on HD-DVD---a terrific title to witness at hi-def. No complaints other than the additional noise it creates alongside my Xbox 360.
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TopStrengths: Portable USB that allows interface with your PC. Price
Weakness: No HDMI
Although we dont know who will win the format wars, I am fairly impressed with the picture quality of this unit. I think this will stay a good investment for a couple of years. With the ability to connect to the PC and the quality and value of the unit, I highly recommend.
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TopStrengths: Produces an absolutely excellent picture and fantastic sound. It's a very small add-on that fits anywhere. It also comes with a remote control and, in my case, King Kong.
Weakness: None
If you are looking for a HD DVD Player and already have an XBOX 360 this is a no-brainer. (Unless you are convinced HD DVDs will not last, and they will only be making Blu-Rays). It's pretty cheap and produces stunning graphics. Once you start watching HD movies you will not be able to go back to regular movies. Very easy to install this software on to the 360 and I have had no problems with it.
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TopStrengths: SHARP picture, incredible sound, inexpensive, adds extra USB ports to your XBOX 360, includes free HD DVD movie (at the time of this review), can double as an extra DVD drive on your PC
Weakness: No next generation 7.1 lossless audio support, HD DVD has less movie studio support than Blu-Ray (at the time of this review)
Even though the format war is still undecided, you can't lose with this next generation video drive at a price under $200! The picture is spectacular, the sound is awesome, and having two drives on my XBOX 360 is the only way to go.
There have been a lot of people that have complained about the XBOX 360 not having an internal HD DVD player. I for one LOVE that it is not internal for three reasons. First of all, it keeps the price down for people who want an XBOX 360. Secondly, with the uncertainty of the format war currently going on, if HD DVD tanks, Microsoft is sure to offer a Blu-Ray drive instead. With this in mind, you won't have to replace your game system. You can just use your XBOX 360 HD DVD drive as an extra DVD drive for your PC (or sell it) and pickup the new XBOX 360 Blu-Ray drive. Lastly (and MOST importantly in my opinion), I LOVE having a 2nd drive for my XBOX 360. I can keep my movie in one drive and my game in another without having to move my big butt from the couch.
This unit (with the XBOX 360) not having HDMI is a mixed bag. On one hand video quality between HDMI and component is nearly indistinguishable, so HDMI is not important. On the other hand, not having HDMI means that you can't have any next generation 7.1 lossless audio (like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD). Even without the next generation audio, the audio is still spectacular!
I wanted a next generation video disc player to use with my new 60" HDTV, but didn't want to end up with a "Beta". Getting the XBOX 360 drive was a safe way to go. I was able to get my drive from Circuit City for only $160 using a $40 off coupon and I'm able to rent (unlimited) HD DVDs from Blockbuster Online so I don't have a library of discs that will collect dust if HD DVD dies. It was a cheap upgrade, and I'm lovin' every minute of it. Don't waste any time, get it!!!
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TopStrengths: Cheap, good picture, works with both PC & 360
Weakness: No DTS support. Need to buy additional $500 elite system for 1080p output.
This is a decent option for anyone wanting to get their feet wet in the High Def DVD waters.
However, those looking to push the limits of their new a/v toys will be disappointed. MS has been promising a DTS fix since November and for some reason I can't figure out the games come out in 1080p over component, but the HD DVD is 1080i.
I ended up putting this in my PC (which has its own issues...the card drivers don't support 1080p yet) but at least I get DTS sound.
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TopStrengths: Amazing picture.
Weakness: Nothing
www.thedvdwars.com/ind...
All the quality with none of the sony DRM. It just makes sense. Blu-ray made so many promises and did not deliver. The consumer is motivated by price and the PS3 can't compete with the modular approach of the X360.
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TopStrengths: high quality image
Weakness: works only with xbox360
For the money and with the current offer for 5 free hd-dvd movies you can't go wrong with this one. It works as advertized, plays back dvds and hd-dvds equally well.
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TopStrengths: 1080p picture, one of cheapest options
Weakness: Just don't like having to have 360 on
Im sticking with this until a comparable 1080p standalone player is available at a reasonable price. The xbox addon is about half as expensive as another 1080p player , so works for me. Picture looks awesome and my sound system is ancient so the audio issues mentioned in other reviews don't bother me. Recommended
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TopStrengths: Cheap HD DVD option
Weakness: not sure if Blue Ray or HD-DVD will win out.
A lot of comments have said you can't get 1080P out of this, which simply isn't true. You can get around not having the HDMI output on a regular xbox if you use the VGA cable and optical output. Of course, this assumes you have a HDTV that supports a PC connection, but most made in the last couple years do. Just pick up a VGA cable with optical support and you have 1080P...
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TopStrengths: Compact, Good-Looking, USB-compliant (mini-usb), includes internal 2-port USB hub, multi-function remote, and King-Kong
Weakness: Noisy, External Power Supply
This is solidly constructed and sturdy drive is built to last. The drive is fairly loud while spinning up and being used, but quiet otherwise (this is in part due to the fan located behind the rear of the case). Although it initially appears chunky and awkward, the chrome drive tray bezel, lime-green LED (which indicates the drive's power and status), and the curves of the case (which resembles a closed book) make for an aesthetically pleasing look. The only other matter is the external dongle power supply. If one can live with these two issues, say perhaps with a good cable management system and an enclosed entertainment cabinet to help quiet the noise, then the unmatched price for this drive make it a solid purchase.
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Notes on Function: The HD-DVDs can be played in two different ways. The original manner proposed by Microsoft enables use of the striking Remote which includes plenty of buttons and the relatively intuitive xbox 360 video playback software interface configurable on-screen. The other way is somewhat surprising. The drive can be connected to a personal computer and will be automatically detected and installed when using Windows XP or later. This, in combination with a HDCP-compatible video-card, monitor, and playback software (CyberLink,InterVideo,etc.) (if lacking these, work-arounds are obtainable through internet searches) will permit playback of hd-dvds.
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TestSeek.com has collected 41 expert reviews for Microsoft Xbox 360 HD-DVD Drive and the average expert rating is 78 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use TestSeek.com to find all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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Inexpensive option for Xbox owners is a poor choice for home theater fans analog-only video outputs make for poor image quality.
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Microsoft's Xbox 360 HD DVD player is a great addition for Xbox 360 owners who want to play HD DVDs. Since the player requires the Xbox 360, for those not interested in gaming, they should consider other standalone HD DVD players. <p> <p>At the time of this review, to reiterate, the player does not have HDMI connectivity and you can only achieve 1080p signals through a separately purchased VGA...
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Great bang-for-buck HD-DVD player
Strengths: Cheapest way to get into the HD-DVD world if you already own an Xbox 360. Extra USB port for the 360. Can be used with Windows. Comes with King Kong HD-DVD and 360 remote.
Weakness: No HDMI output unless you own the 360 Elite.
Excellent picture quality even over component video cables. Planet Earth, King Kong, Matrix trilogy... all look stunning. No Dolby TrueHD support, only Dolby 5.1 and DTS. The King Kong HD-DVD (limited time only) included + the Xbox 360 remote is about a $50 value, making the price even sweeter. Easy to hook up, easy to use with the included remote, can be used with Windows for HTPC setup, and adds another USB port to your Xbox 360 setup. No cheaper way to get on the HD bandwagon if you already own an Xbox 360.
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