Xbox 360 HD-DVD Availability?

[Jamieson22]

Sorry if I missed this elsewhere but have not seen much about it. I had pre-ordered the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive from Amazon.com. Originally it stated it would ship 11/7, but now has been changed to 11/16-11/23.

Any clue if the product release has been delayed, or I just missed out on first shipment?

Has anyone seen any of these in a store yet?

I am curious if these will be easily available or not. If they are, I will just cancel and pick one up when I see one. I had heard mention that they may be hard to get, but have not really seen anything backing this up.

Thanks-
Jamie

[Draven]

Looks like it's "now shipping" at Gamestop.com.

BestBuy.com also shows it arriving in the window that Amazon is saying.

Limited release maybe?

[Deftones]

I think they just pushed it back a week or so.

[mrglass]

My amazon shipping information lists an estimated delivery date of November 14-15 (I signed up for the 30 day amazon prime trial to get free two day shipping).

EB also lists the drive as "usually ships within 24 hours." I'll hold on to my amazon order even if I see it in a store because of the free shipping and no sales tax.

[Edison]

Gamestop/EB Games got an email Tuesday evening saying it would be in stores on November 10th *if* they had pre-orders, and other (Gamestop/EB) stores would be early next week. Now I don't know if that meant they would only get enough to cover pre-orders on Friday, or stores that had pre-orders would get those plus extra units on Friday and everyone else would get stock Tue/Wed?

When the Halo faceplate came out they said Friday delivery also, but it showed up Thursday that week. Mine is pre-ordered so tomorrow would be awesome, but I can wait until Friday need to pick up some other HD DVD's anyway (Not a big fan of King Kong...)

[DJ_Longfellow]

Sounds like Amazon is shipping SOME orders....maybe the first batch of them. I went to B&M stores today, NO luck at all. I was hoping to get at Best Buy with RZ, but nope. What is EB or Gamestop return policy on sealed items? I may get there then do a switch-a-roo since I have 10% off @ BB and $65 in RZ coupons.

[GizmoDVD]

No luck at any stores today. No biggie though, already have an HD-A1.

[DJ_Longfellow]

Any luck today at B&M stores?

[DthRdrX]

I didn't find any.

[DJ_Longfellow]

I know CircuitCity.com has it on the website (nothing in store using the locator). BestBuy.com says next week

EB/Gamestop rumored to have them.

CostCo?
SamsClub?
WalMart?
Target?

[DVDKrayzie]

circuitcity is the only place that has them around here (Northern CA) i called about 10 EB/Gamestops before I even thought of trying them.

[brkhrt7]

Just got the autocall from EB that mine should be in tomorrow (St.Louis area)

[bahgee]

Got mine today from Amazon, including King Kong and Remote. Pretty sweet. Who needs a PS3?! All the games/dvds I want are on the 360 and HD-DVD.

[Edison]

My local EB Games got them yesterday but only enough to cover pre-orders. I couldn't make it in but will try to go by today and pick it up.

[DJ_Longfellow]

I check CircuitCity.com, only the Brighton store in MI was showing them in-stock. Who knows, maybe they will be coming in slowly today....whenever they get deliveries. I was hoping for Best Buy....anyone?

[Deftones]

Yeah, Circuit City was the only place around here that had any, and they were gone quickly. I may just order from Best Buy.com at this point.

[jediwicz]

My local EB had two. With the Wii coming out in a week I'll have to wait for Christmas. Sucks.

[Obey The D]

I just picked one up at Circuit City and the guy who worked there said they were selling like hot cakes. Now I just have to get my damn 360 back from Microsoft Customer Support so I can actually use it.

[gimmepilotwings]

I just picked one up at Circuit City and the guy who worked there said they were selling like hot cakes. Now I just have to get my damn 360 back from Microsoft Customer Support so I can actually use it.

The HD-DVD player is the only reason why I have not put my 360 on eBay. I have not played it in a couple of months. I am waiting to see the reviews of the player.

[Mr. Cinema]

I check CircuitCity.com, only the Brighton store in MI was showing them in-stock. Who knows, maybe they will be coming in slowly today....whenever they get deliveries. I was hoping for Best Buy....anyone?
There are about 8 CC's within 75 miles of my location. all said out of stock this morning, now about half say in stock. So they seem to be trickling in today.

[Deftones]

Just ordered my through BB. I had a ton a credit there. If I can find one instock somewhere this week, I'll buy it and return it later.

[Wick]

I haven't been able to find it anywhere (I only checked Future Shop and Best Buy...through their websites.)

I'm just going to ask for it for Christmas, anyways. I'm not too worried, as I'm not really in the mood to spend another $200 this month. It's already way too expensive.

[DJ_Longfellow]

There are about 8 CC's within 75 miles of my location. all said out of stock this morning, now about half say in stock. So they seem to be trickling in today.

Yeah, I may have to just drive 15 miles instead of 5....oh well. My 3 closest still are OOS, never been in-stock as I said to notify me when they get them in. Maybe tomorrow, if I want to wait....but they seem to be selling well, and I want my King Kong :)

[REL77]

I was checking CC.com all day long the last couple days, last night, one 60miles away said in stock, but not worth the drive... Checked most of today, and finally at like 130pm, 4 stores in my area sudden got it in stock... Ordered for in stock pickup, told my office mate (and one of my best friends), he ordered it from the same store (so 2 total units).. Went to pick it up immediately, and saw 3 sitting on the track to be picked up, got in line, handed my receipt, she picked one at random, and gave it to me. It had a big sticker that said KING KONG and what not... I said, wow, looks like alot of people ordered it online.. She said, they got 3 instock, and sold from online within 15minutes of each other...

[mrglass]

I checked circuitcity.com this morning and noticed they had some in stock at the closest cc to me. Needless to say, I canceled my Amazon order since I'm going to be out of town in a week and didn't want it sitting outside my door the whole while. Sucks that I had to pay taxes ($16.50...damn you Texas!). I bought it online and did instore pickup. For any Northwest Houston area folks, this was the cc across from Willowbrook Mall. According to the website, they still have some in stock.

[Deftones]

Just saw a CC close to where I'm going to be has some. Ordered one for store pick up. Sweet.

[Deftones]

And this is exactly why I never shop at Circuit City. Just got a call from them.

Them: "Umm...errrr....well, we don't have those in stock right now"
Me: "Why does it say you do on the website then?"
Them: "Ummm...errrr....we can't find them. We're not sure when they are coming in."
Me: "Then why is it listed on the site?"
Them: "We don't know. We'll refund your money."
Me: "I want the $24 gift card that you guarantee"
Them "We can't give that to you since you aren't here"
Me "So what if I drive down there right now. I'll be there and you still won't have it. Then I'll get the $24 gift card."
Them: "We are calling you right now so you don't do that."
Me: "This is exactly why I never shop with you fucking idiots."
Them: "Well, I'm sorry..."
Me: Click....

Hung up on them fuckers. They just called me back too. I saw it on the caller ID. I'm not talking to those retards.

:lol:

[Deftones]

Bahahaha. They just found it in store.

[DJ_Longfellow]

I would've went down there and got my giftcard....

I just got mine for $160 at CC

http://www.badongo.com/file/1668694 ($40 coupon)

[Suprmallet]

Our store got two. One was reserved. Had a lot of people interested in the second, but no bites yet. It looks snazzy.

[BBEANLPHIE]

I tried using the $40 off $199 code online but it wont take it. anyone have success with it?

[BBEANLPHIE]

Never mind it says instore only. They took your photocopy with no problem>?

[Deftones]

The coupon is nice if I was paying for mine, but since I'm swapping out the BB one I'll get in a week with the one I'm buying at CC today, it just makes more of a hassle.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Anyone try using that coupon in store. It states no copies so I am kind of iffy on using it

[Deftones]

What's the worst they can say? No? Worth a try, IMHO.

[Anubis2005X]

Bahahaha. They just found it in store.

rotfl

Never thought I'd see the day where Circuit City's customer service was worse than Best Buy's. It really is though, man, I avoid Circuit City at all costs now.

[RichC2]

rotfl

Never thought I'd see the day where Circuit City's customer service was worse than Best Buy's. It really is though, man, I avoid Circuit City at all costs now.

Both Circuit City and CompUSA have (in my experiences) far worse Customer Service than Best Buy. Best Buy just has shitty policies.

Anyone tried out the HD-DVDRom yet? Wanna know if it's worthwhile.

[Daryl]

I would've went down there and got my giftcard....

I just got mine for $160 at CC

http://www.badongo.com/file/1668694 ($40 coupon)

Good lookin' out, man. Like you, I was hoping to get it from Best Buy since I had a lot of RZ certificates, but $40 off at Circuit City and making sure I got the King Kong pack-in made it a no-brainer. The dudes at CC had no idea what I was talking about when I got there, but I did convince them to look it up in their inventory (I hate having to talk the help through doing their own jobs, but hey - I had driven 30 miles to get it). They finally found it on a pallett in the back (1 of 4). They took the coupon, no problem. The guy had to type the coupon code in manually, my crappy printer didn't print out the barcode clearly enough, I guess. One thing I did do was print it out on heavier paper so it felt like I clipped it from a cardboard insert. I honestly don't think it mattered, though, the high schoolers working in that dep't don't care.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Anyone know if any NYC papers have this coupon in the news paper so I can pick one up before heading out just in case they shoot me down for the photocopy.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Just picked it up. I got it at the whitestone queens store. When I got there 2 ladies told me they have it but cant sell it i was like wtf??? They had like 20 of them right behind them at customer service. I walked around and went to the game section and told the guy there you have the player right he said yea its up front. I said the wont sell it to me. He said yea they will and went up and talked to them and called a manager and sold it to me with the coupon. King kong is eye popping. Im playing it through VGA with the max resolution on my 42 inch westinghouse.

[Green Smurf]

Picked mine up today, got to love gamestores in the ghetto, find all the good stuff there.

Picked up Army of Darkness looks awesome!

[BBEANLPHIE]

I have some questions that the manual doesnt answer.

1- Is the only way to start the HD DVD is to open and close the trey? I found no way to start it from the 360 guide or from the remote control. Only way for me is to open and close the HD trey.

2- Once I power on the system with the remote control again the movie wont start no matter what button I press on the remote it goes to the guide which is correct but wtf? I have to open and close the trey for it to start.

3- The power button on the remote control and the open/close control the 360 not the HD DVD player. Any one else find a way around this?

[BBEANLPHIE]

Anyone know what the extra 2 USB ports are for on the back of the player?

Also here is an interview about the HDDVD drive for this interested.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=13888&type=wmv&pl=game

[mrglass]

I have some questions that the manual doesnt answer.

1- Is the only way to start the HD DVD is to open and close the trey? I found no way to start it from the 360 guide or from the remote control. Only way for me is to open and close the HD trey.


When you turn on the system, scroll all the way to the bottom. You should have the option to either "Play Game" or "Play HD DVD."

[BBEANLPHIE]

Ah ic. Thanks mrglass. What about opening the trey for the player?

[eatntae]

I think one of the extra USB ports is for the wireless adaptor, since the player takes the USB slot on the back of the Xbox.

[Deftones]

Yeah, you gain one USB slot.

[Edison]

I used one for my Wireless adaptor, and moved my vision cam from the front USB port to the back filling both on the HD DVD drive.

[mrglass]

I don't think you can open the tray on the hd dvd player with the remote.

[SuperBatMan]

Best Buy didn't have any yet.

I think I'll just order it off WalMart.com to avoid the hassle of having to drive an hour to BB again.

[Gromit]

I picked one up at Fry's last night (Saturday). I asked about their return policy as I was worried that I wouldn't be impressed with a 1080i plasma display.

I'm keeping it, it looks great.

[redcat]

I'm on the fence about picking one up, so hopefully someone who already has one can answer a noobie question. I have a 52" Sony widescreen, and at this point, I'd say I have 6-8 dead or stuck pixels scattered around the screen. When I watch normal DVDs, they are completely unnoticeable. But with the improved quality of high-def, would they suddenly stand out to me in certain scenes? I'd hate to buy the player only to be frustrated by the dead pixels all of a sudden.

[flashburn]

I'm on the fence about picking one up, so hopefully someone who already has one can answer a noobie question. I have a 52" Sony widescreen, and at this point, I'd say I have 6-8 dead or stuck pixels scattered around the screen. When I watch normal DVDs, they are completely unnoticeable. But with the improved quality of high-def, would they suddenly stand out to me in certain scenes? I'd hate to buy the player only to be frustrated by the dead pixels all of a sudden.
Your best bet would be to stream over some of these HD trailers and see if you notice them.

http://www.drfoster.f2s.com/trailers_hd-dvd.shtml

Or you can just download some of the HD trailers on Xbox Live and see. They aren't as good of quality, but probably good enough.

Even so, I doubt you are going to notice 6-8 random dead pixels. I'm sure if they were all grouped together you would though.

[Green Smurf]

the remote that comes with it doesn't control the hd drive at all, going to have to use the controller. Hopefully they will come out with an update to change that, but right now it's just the remote, so it's hard to get the special features on dvd's like Charlie on the Chocolate factory to work properly.

[Deftones]

Yes, it does. It doesn't open the tray, but the remote most certainly, 100% works the drive. I used it on King Kong to change menus and chapters.

[nevermind]

Yup - does everything but eject.

[SuperBatMan]

Just placed my order on WalMart.com for it, and Batman Begins.

Hopefully the ones there come with King Kong and the remote.

[noonan4224]

Just ordered mine with Sleepy Hollow and Pitch Black. Can't wait to check it out.

[PornoStar]

Mine was delived a few days ago from Amzaon with the Kong disc thankfully. Wasnt sure If I made the prder deadline for getting the Kong disc. Anyways if you have a Harmony programable remote then you can control everything plus the eject. My Harmony 1000 worked great with it. Gotta love Harmony's. Dont know what I didwithout one of these in the past. I would literally be using like 8 different remotes plus I would have to purchase an XBox360 remote if I didnt have one. I absolutly recommend getting one for people that dont. You can get a mid level one like the 800 series for a little over a hunded bucks. Absolutly worth it.

Anyways I havent really played around with the Add-On yet besides seeing if my remote worked with it but I have heard wonderful things so far regarding picture quality and such. I have an A1 for my living room and got this for my bedroom. Looks like another quality product for HD-DVD :-)

PS..

[bahgee]

So what is the best way to connect this, VGA or Component?

[Mok]

So what is the best way to connect this, VGA or Component?

Well VGA is only way your going to be able to upconvert dvds on the drive, but I don't know some people say VGA looks washed out.

[BigDaddy]

Circuit City is sold out in Austin. I wanted to use the coupon. Oh well.

[edstein]

Has anyone tried to hook their drive up to a PC yet? I've read that if you download the Toshiba drivers you can play movies from a PC. No 360 required.

[noonan4224]

Has anyone tried to hook their drive up to a PC yet? I've read that if you download the Toshiba drivers you can play movies from a PC. No 360 required.

It'll work as a CD/DVD player but as of now there is no HD-DVD playback software for PCs. Once that is available it should work fine.

[DJ_Longfellow]

It'll work as a CD/DVD player but as of now there is no HD-DVD playback software for PCs. Once that is available it should work fine.

Apparently this driver thdudf.inf will load the Toshiba drivers that will allow for HD-DVD playback. Although, you will need WinDVD 8 and a high powered PC for it to work. I was going to try, but then I thought....WHY? I have a XBOX 360

[maingon]

Just ordered mine with Sleepy Hollow and Pitch Black. Can't wait to check it out.

your gonna love it, HD-DVD rocks, Pitch Black looks great.


I would use Component on my pc monitor VGA looks good but the color isnt as vibrant, I was using it on a Dell 20 widescreen

[bahgee]

Well VGA is only way your going to be able to upconvert dvds on the drive, but I don't know some people say VGA looks washed out.

My TV converts all signals to 720p. So I assume that if I hookup the HD-DVD player via component, I will see HD-DVDs at 720p and regular dvds at 480p, which my TV will convert to 720p anyway? Can someone let me know if this is accurate?

[Suprmallet]

That would be correct.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Anyone get sleepy hollow DTS to work through the 360?

[noonan4224]

That was the first thing I was going to try out because I read that the 360 converts everything to DD+ regardless of which audio track you select in the movie. I should have mine before the week is over. I'll let you know if my receiver shows that it's playing back a DTS track or not.

[Obey The D]

That was the first thing I was going to try out because I read that the 360 converts everything to DD+ regardless of which audio track you select in the movie. I should have mine before the week is over. I'll let you know if my receiver shows that it's playing back a DTS track or not.

The receiver will show it as a DD track regardless of which track you select. However, most people over at AVS are saying that if you select the true HD track there is a noticeable improvement in sound quality.

[noonan4224]

However, most people over at AVS are saying that if you select the true HD track there is a noticeable improvement in sound quality.

I was told the same thing by someone who has one also. I just don't understand why it won't output DTS. Seems like it's more work to convert it.

[gimmepilotwings]

Not converting to DTS, and not being able to upconvert via component is why I will not be getting one.

[Save Ferris]

Not converting to DTS, and not being able to upconvert via component is why I will not be getting one.

But isnt it not possible (allowed) for ANY player to upconvert over component?

[gimmepilotwings]

But isnt it not possible (allowed) for ANY player to upconvert over component?

Well, it is a combination of not allowing upconversion over component, and MSFT deciding to not support HDMI at this time. Using VGA as its "digital" video connection is what irks me.

[noonan4224]

But isnt it not possible (allowed) for ANY player to upconvert over component?

Correct. The Toshiba players will only do it through HDMI and the 360 player will do it through VGA. None will upconvert through Component. Using that as a reason to not buy one means you wouldn't be buying any HD-DVD player.

[Save Ferris]

for $130 its been a great investment so far :)

[bahgee]

If you have an HDTV, won't the TV upconvert anyway?

[gimmepilotwings]

Correct. The Toshiba players will only do it through HDMI and the 360 player will do it through VGA. None will upconvert through Component. Using that as a reason to not buy one means you wouldn't be buying any HD-DVD player.

Again, the "problem" is not that they cannot upconvert via component, is it that VGA does a piss poor job, and HDMI is not available.

[Save Ferris]

If you have an HDTV, won't the TV upconvert anyway?

Ive heard that (if you have a good TV) its better to let your TV do the upconverting from the source.

[DJ_Longfellow]

for $130 its been a great investment so far :)

Ok, I'll bite...how did YOU get it for $130? I know I paid $160 with coupon at CC.....

[Save Ferris]

If you consider $30 for King Kong, the PLAYER itself was about $130 ;)

My price breakdown is practice for when I have to convince a female partner to let me buy tech toys someday.

I would count the universal remote as another $30 but its useless to me as I have a Harmony remote that controls it fine.

[fujishig]

If you consider $30 for King Kong, the PLAYER itself was about $130 ;)

My price breakdown is practice for when I have to convince a female partner to let me buy tech toys someday.

I would count the universal remote as another $30 but its useless to me as I have a Harmony remote that controls it fine.

I'm surprised you didn't use the old "a standalone player is $600 and I already have an Xbox 360... what a deal" line. Of course, what you have to hope they gloss over the hundreds of dollars you're going to now spend on an HD-DVD collection, many of which you probably already own in DVD format.

[nevermind]

My price breakdown is practice for when I have to convince a female partner to let me buy tech toys someday.
Just do it the hipster way, man.

[juanmgonzalez]

Just do it the hipster way, man.

hahaha
SF, did you ask your hairdresser girlfriend if it was OK to buy this?

[Save Ferris]

we're not there yet

[DJ_Longfellow]

OH yeah....I guess once I sell my remote the price will be less...who knows if I'll keep Kong, then it will be $100 HD-DVD player ;)

[uteotw]

This is a sweet product at a decent price, but does anyone feel like it'd be smarter to wait until the Blu-Ray v. HD-DVD format shakes out?

[Mr. Cinema]

It could easily take a few years to sort out the mess. I don't see Sony backing down from BD anytime soon and the same goes for Toshiba/Universal/Microsoft regarding HD DVD. I ended up with both formats because I didn't want to be limited on movie selection. Nothing wrong with choosing one side either. But if you have a HDTV and you don't choose either side, it's only going to make the war go on longer. HDTV sales are strong, so if I owned one, I would want a HD home video format to go with it.

If you have a HDTV and a 360 already, then the add-on is a great choice. I got one even though I already had the Toshiba HD-A1. It's a very sturdy, well built drive. King Kong looked incredible on it using component. Sure, the sound may be a bit lower than a standalone unit, but they invented a volume knob for a reason. With HD DVD, you do get Universal's exclusive library and Warners and Paramount also support them. New Line will support at the beginning of next year.

[sracer]

This is a sweet product at a decent price, but does anyone feel like it'd be smarter to wait until the Blu-Ray v. HD-DVD format shakes out?
I don't know if it is "smarter" to wait out this format war... it is really a personal preference thing. Some people are all about picture quality so jumping in now makes sense. And at $200 for this add-on, it is really a good deal.

Me, I'm all about having the films and shows that are meaningful to me on a durable media, so DVDs are just fine for me.

[Obey The D]

we're not there yet

rotfl That was a great thread....

[fujishig]

Got mine at CC, but I was in Best Buy today and saw about 8 of them sitting in the cabinet... with all the hype this week over the Wii and PS3, and the lack of a solid build up for this unit, these may go relatively unnoticed until everyone goes crazy after Thanksgiving...

[SuperBatMan]

So, my player finally shipped from WalMart.com today. For some weird reason they sent them out today.

Anyways, I'm glad I pre-ordered it there because they are out of stock now.

[bahgee]

Just do it the hipster way, man.

:question: what's the hipster way?

[Mok]

I was just watching DL.TV, and Robert Heron (resident HD guru) mentioned the X-Box 360 HD Drive he was testing out in the lab. He said it was horrible when playing back regular dvds, he suguested picking up a $50 dvd player instead. He will have a full review on Thursdays show. I really hope this is not true since I was looking forward to picking one up this week.

[Save Ferris]

does he mean for upconverting? People have said the VGA cable isnt so good for that

for just regular DVDs with no upconverting, the regular 360 drive does quite well

[Mok]

does he mean for upconverting? People have said the VGA cable isnt so good for that

for just regular DVDs with no upconverting, the regular 360 drive does quite well

He didn't go into detail, but he did say about upconverting dvds. I don't know what kind of cable he was using. I guess I will have to wait till tomorrow to find out.

[Save Ferris]

well for the 360 you have to use the VGA cable and some people really dont like it.

[fujishig]

Wait, you can upconvert from the regular xbox 360 drive (with the recent update)... so is he saying that it's actually worse than that?

[Mok]

Wait, you can upconvert from the regular xbox 360 drive (with the recent update)... so is he saying that it's actually worse than that?

Thats what it sounded like, but maybe he was using the component input which you cannot upconvert with.

[uteotw]

I picked it up tonight and totally dig it. My (Samsung 47") TV does 1080i and it looks great via component. It's true I have to up the volume more than normal but I don't really care. It's like HDTV--as soon as you start watching it you wonder how you could have thought it looked great pre-HD. I don't plan to use it to watch regular DVDs so I don't care about that.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Anyone having audio syncing problems with Batman begins. It seems like the audio is a split second slower than it should be. I have set it to True HD and standard 5.1 and the dialogue scenes all seem like the audio is slightly out of sync. Anyone else experience the same problem. I restarted the 360 just in case but same problem.

[Save Ferris]

Anyone having audio syncing problems with Batman begins. It seems like the audio is a split second slower than it should be. I have set it to True HD and standard 5.1 and the dialogue scenes all seem like the audio is slightly out of sync. Anyone else experience the same problem. I restarted the 360 just in case but same problem.

Is your TV an older DLP? Is it connected via something less than Component? In some cases there is lag in the TV

[mzupeman2]

Eh, I'd try resetting again. The HD-DVD drive is currently known to once in a while stutter along in a film, and sync issues are part of it I believe. This can be easily fixed by Microsoft in the near future, via an update from Xbox Live. How long it will take is another matter, as it's not currently a huge problem and only happens once in a while.

[DJ_Longfellow]

Try clearing the cache on your 360...I heard that can have some issues with the HD-DVD.

[BBEANLPHIE]

I am using VGA to my 42 inch Westinghouse with 1920x1280 resolution set and firmware 1.16. King kong is fine but batman has a split second delay with the sound. How do you clear the cache?
I have reset the system about 4 times so far last night and the same thing no fix . Its not really noticeable but when you watch scenes with heavy dialogue and you can see the lips clearly move its pretty obvious and annoying. Has anyone else actually tried the film with the same problem?

[aerobson]

I watched Batman Begins, but I didn't notice the problem. That is the only movie I have watched so far. I'll have to keep an eye on it. I usually notice stuff like that too, so I'm sure I haven't had the problem yet.

To clear the cache I think you hold the A button on the controller as the system boots up.

Here's another method (http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/11131/Xbox-360-Cache-Clear-Code-Revealed), but it sounds to me like it does more than just clear the cache.

[Save Ferris]

I watched a couple favorite scenes of Batman Begins when I got the player and didnt notice any sync problems.

[DJ_Longfellow]

I watched Batman Begins, but I didn't notice the problem. That is the only movie I have watched so far. I'll have to keep an eye on it. I usually notice stuff like that too, so I'm sure I haven't had the problem yet.

To clear the cache I think you hold the A button on the controller as the system boots up.

Here's another method (http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/11131/Xbox-360-Cache-Clear-Code-Revealed), but it sounds to me like it does more than just clear the cache.

Yeah, I heard the "other method" might work. Although, it'll ask you to download updates for all your games again, so don't be alarmed.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Like I said its not really evident to some people and its only obvious in the scenes with heavy dialouge which would not be in anyones favorite scenes like the ending where Bruce has the hammer and is doing something at the burnt house and Katie Holmes comes over to talk to him and they kiss. This scene for me it was obvious there was a syncing problem. Otherwise the other dark scenes are not as obvious as you cant see the lips clearly. Weird anyone know why clearing the cache would resolve this

[Daryl]

Glad I didn't wait for Best Buy to get these in - they are still almost a no show. I say "almost" because I did see one in the store tonight, even though it says none in stock when you check the in-store status online

[bahgee]

Also noticing the audio sync problem, so far in Troy and Van Helsing (Not too bad in this one, worse in Troy). Hope they can fix this soon.

[BBEANLPHIE]

I guess its not only me . Hey Bahgee like I was saying the audio sync isnt really obvious untill you look at the lips and hear the sound right?

[bahgee]

exactly!

[Save Ferris]

I cant replicate any of this sync problem you're talking about. Im skipping through Batman Begins to various dialog scenes and it all matches up *perfect*. Is it different if you let it play straight through, eventually it falls out of sync?

Are you guys using an older DLP? The early Samsungs had a known sync problem with consoles.

[Deftones]

Sweet. My unit is finally shipping from Best Buy.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Im using a 42inch Westinghouse

[bahgee]

40 inch Sony Bravia XBR LCD here.

[Save Ferris]

maybe it only occurs if you watch it from beginning to end, you know to allow it to fall out of sync? Otherwise I cant explain why I dont get this glitch. Im on a Sony LCD as well.

[Carl Spackler]

Just bought the HD-DVD add on today from CC using the $40 coupon. Bought Batman Begins, and I did notice the out of sync issue, but only when I put it in the Dolby TRUE-HD audio setting.
There are no sync issues when I play the movie in regular 5.1 dolby digital.

So, I have a delay feature on my stereo system. I put it back in TRUE-HD sound and set my delay on 12 to get it to look normal. It worked!

[DJ_Longfellow]

I'll have to check Batman Begins on mine.....I'm sure the TRUE-HD and the 5.1 doesn't sound THAT much different since the 360 decodes them to 5.1 anyways.

[Gromit]

I noticed the audio sync problem with King Kong once. I ejected the disc and the problem was gone on the next play. I haven't seen it since, but I've only watched one full movie and jumped around a few scenes with 2 other movies.

I have a plasma display.

[PacMan2006]

I have a HD ready TV...but I have a question...although it may seem crazy but...

How much better is HD-DVD over regular DVD? Is it truly THAT much better? I have yet to go into a BB or Circuit City and seen it on display (I've seen the players for BR and such, but they are usually playing movie trailers).

Everyone seems to be going over nuts over the HD-DVD craze, but I always thought DVD looked good.

Is HD-DVD worth it? Is it THAT much better over regular dvd?

[edstein]

Night and Day.

[DamingR]

Well, you can't get TrueHD out of the 360 add-on player, so I definitely would not enable that option. You are adding extra processes to the 360 in decoding it when the 360 cannot output TrueHD. To get TrueHD you must have analog outputs directly to your amp, which the 360 doesn't have.


I am 99% sure on this one. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but this is one reason I bought an HD-A1.

[noonan4224]

I have a HD ready TV...but I have a question...although it may seem crazy but...

How much better is HD-DVD over regular DVD? Is it truly THAT much better? I have yet to go into a BB or Circuit City and seen it on display (I've seen the players for BR and such, but they are usually playing movie trailers).

Everyone seems to be going over nuts over the HD-DVD craze, but I always thought DVD looked good.

Is HD-DVD worth it? Is it THAT much better over regular dvd?
Do you have HD TV service through cable or sat? If yes then HD-DVD is slightly better quality than that. If you have never seen an HD broadcast at all then it will be a huge jump.

I just purchased and watched The Da Vinci Code on DVD which is reviewed to have great pic quality for a standard def disc and it felt like I was watching a movie made 15 years ago because of the lower resolution. I've gotten myself so used to HD between TV and now the HD-DVD player that I'm always a bit disappointed when I try to watch a standard DVD.

[DamingR]

There isn't enough bandwith over an optical output to transmit TrueHD.

[johnglad]

I think you are incorrect. In the avs forum I read that many were still finding the TrueHD tracks from the 360 to be the best sounds. They were described as only being lossy once, while the others were twice lossy. Maybe that is all crap, but the stand alone player with multichannel out or HDMI is the best sound you can get. 95% of people will love the sound over optical on the 360 though.

Man the video on King Kong was awesome.

[Mr. Cinema]

Do you have HD TV service through cable or sat? If yes then HD-DVD is slightly better quality than that.
I'm gonna 100% disagree with that second sentence.

[Mr. Cinema]

I think you are incorrect. In the avs forum I read that many were still finding the TrueHD tracks from the 360 to be the best sounds. They were described as only being lossy once, while the others were twice lossy. Maybe that is all crap, but the stand alone player with multichannel out or HDMI is the best sound you can get. 95% of people will love the sound over optical on the 360 though.

Man the video on King Kong was awesome.
No matter what track you select, the addon is still converting the audio down to standard dolby digital at 640 kbps, which is what is on standard dvd.

[noonan4224]

I'm gonna 100% disagree with that second sentence.

In which direction? I don't think I've heard anyone say it looks worse. I have heard people say that it looks much better but I haven't really noticed too much of a difference in picture quality. I have a 37" LCD which cannot do 1080p though so I'm not taking full advantage of what HD-DVD offers. I'm sure for somone with a larger screen and 1080p support the difference would be much greater.

[BBEANLPHIE]

Slightly? I disagree also. Although a cable HD channel is very good I wouldn't say its ONLY a slight improvement.

[noonan4224]

Slightly? I disagree also. Although a cable HD channel is very good I wouldn't say its ONLY a slight improvement.

Again, I'm just going by my own experiences. If I were to turn on an episode of a show like CSI Miami (which is an awful show but looks freakin amazing in HD) and compare it to the picture quality I get from HD-DVDs, I really can't see much of a difference. I've yet to see a HD-DVD running at 1080p though. I set both my 360 and cable box to 720p since that's the native resolution of my TV.

[PacMan2006]

Do you have HD TV service through cable or sat? If yes then HD-DVD is slightly better quality than that. If you have never seen an HD broadcast at all then it will be a huge jump.

I just purchased and watched The Da Vinci Code on DVD which is reviewed to have great pic quality for a standard def disc and it felt like I was watching a movie made 15 years ago because of the lower resolution. I've gotten myself so used to HD between TV and now the HD-DVD player that I'm always a bit disappointed when I try to watch a standard DVD.

Thanks for the response. Currently, I have nothing in HD except for Madden 2007 on the 360.

[Mok]

If you have an Xbox 360 HD DVD player, you’ll be prompted for an auto update the next time you watch an HD DVD movie. This update has no new features in it, but contains title specific movie playback improvements and few fixes to some localized text (and I’d imagine a few more lines of code )

http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/11/21/hd-dvd-auto-update.aspx

[edstein]

has anyone tried using the $40 off $200 CC coupon for an in store pick-up of an online item?

[Gromit]

has anyone tried using the $40 off $200 CC coupon for an in store pick-up of an online item?

A *lot* of people at avs forum have. I told my manager about the coupon last week. He ordered online and presented the coupon at the store when he picked up his item. No problems.

[movieking]

I am so tempted to pick one of these up. Future Shop has them for $200 Canadian, with the remote, the King Kong HD-DVD, and the King Kong 360 game. I might get my wife to pick me up one for Christmas instead. Decisions decisions.

So from what I have been reading, the audio isn't perfect since it doesn't do DTS, but TrueHD is great audio, and the video is amazing, but it doesn't upscale regular DVDs over component, only VGA. Am I missing anything? I want to make an informed decision before I sink the money into it.

[splattii2]

Is the 360 or the HD Add on (whatever is needed for upscaling, I don't own a 360 yet) support discs other than region 1, or is it region coded? What about PAL/NTSC? Does it convert? I'm tempted to buy a 360+the HD Addon because my DVD player broke, but I own a few hundred PAL discs that aren't region 1.

[Deftones]

HD-DVD discs aren't region coded. That's not something that's being done.

[Thunderball]

I should have my add on next week. Took advantage of the Amazon HD 10% coupon as well. And a GC I had laying around the house for $25 at AMAzon.

So for $260 I wound up with
XBOX HD DVD Add On (bought online, shipped Satuday, should arrive Thurs)
King Kong(comes bundles with dvd drive)
V for Vendetta
Serenity
Batman Begins
Full Metal Jacket

YOu can't beat that with a stick.

[davidlynchfan]

I like this idea as an add-on but just think it's too "clunky". would hope for microsoft to restyle the console and have the HD-DVD as built in instead of add-on. and Hdmi outputs too. package that for $499 with all the trimmings,then i'm sold... -popcorn-

[Mok]

I like this idea as an add-on but just think it's too "clunky". would hope for microsoft to restyle the console and have the HD-DVD as built in instead of add-on. and Hdmi outputs too. package that for $499 with all the trimmings,then i'm sold... -popcorn-

I'm sure this dream will come true sooner than later.

[Anubis2005X]

I like this idea as an add-on but just think it's too "clunky". would hope for microsoft to restyle the console and have the HD-DVD as built in instead of add-on. and Hdmi outputs too. package that for $499 with all the trimmings,then i'm sold... -popcorn-

You and me both... I'm not planning on getting a 360 until next year. So if they announce a redesign, I'm there!

[Save Ferris]

Is the HDMI issue only software related? Of course you'd have to buy a new cable but can they 'enable it' via an update?

Also, why has MS been staunchly opposed to using HDMI? Do they pay a fee to use it?

[Mok]

Also, why has MS been staunchly opposed to using HDMI? Do they pay a fee to use it?

I remember hearing Major Nelson have a guest on who said most tv's unless you bought one this year don't have HDMI. So they claimed it wasn't necessary for the 360 to have an HDMI port.

[Deftones]

XBOX HD DVD Add On (bought online, shipped Satuday, should arrive Thurs)
King Kong(comes bundles with dvd drive).

Cool! I'm an online retailer!

[uteotw]

I like this idea as an add-on but just think it's too "clunky". would hope for microsoft to restyle the console and have the HD-DVD as built in instead of add-on. and Hdmi outputs too. package that for $499 with all the trimmings,then i'm sold... -popcorn-

That would be nice, but I decided not to sit around and wait for a redesign/price drop. That could take a while, and I'm going to enjoy watching HD DVDs in the meantime. As far as it being "clunky," that would matter to me if it was a portable device, but to just set the HD-DVD drive on top works for me. It's not like I'm watching that instead of the HD-DVD on the screen...

[thelwig14]

Has anyone been able to directly compare the HD-DVD add on connected via component cables to an Upconvert DVD player run through HDMI? My brother is telling me there is a difference, but nothing too substantial. Just wondering if anyone else has been able to compare.

[johnglad]

No matter what track you select, the addon is still converting the audio down to standard dolby digital at 640 kbps, which is what is on standard dvd.
Gotya. After re-reading the above I realized we were on the same page anyway. Optical cannot transmit full Dolby TrueHD (it can't do the bit rate over optical). However, it does actually produce audio if you select that track, and it may sound the best to the user of all the available audio tracks. It is just at 640 kbps and would sound even better with a standalone player. With DTS in prior years, you often heard nothing on the DTS track if you didn't have the right equipment.

[aerobson]

Has anyone been able to directly compare the HD-DVD add on connected via component cables to an Upconvert DVD player run through HDMI? My brother is telling me there is a difference, but nothing too substantial. Just wondering if anyone else has been able to compare.

Yes, and my wife can tell the difference. 'Nuff said.

Seriously, I have my Xbox360 w/HD-DVD drive connected to a 65" Sony CRT tv. I also have an upconverting DVD player connected with HDMI-DVI cable to the same tv, different input. I was (and am) able to directly compare both systems on the same tv with the push of a button. The difference is night and day. I consider myself somewhat of a video/audiophile, so I notice the difference between the littlest things. I used King Kong as my test disc. I started both discs at nearly the same time so I could switch back and forth and view nearly the same frames. My wife thought I was a dork, but she did admit that she could see the difference. Aside from the minor issues that have been posted here, I think this add on unit will hold me over until the format war is over and I can take advantage of a stand alone HD player.

[fujishig]

Oh... I thought the original question was whether a regular DVD upconverted through the HD-DVD player looked worse than through a standalone upconverting DVD player (I'm still waiting to hear if the upconversion through the HD-DVD add-on is worse than the upconversion through the 360 itself). But of course the HD-DVDs will look better than upconverted regular DVDs, unless your TV is very small or is non-HD.

[DJ_Longfellow]

There is rumor that the next update will have better sound support in conversion of the HD tracks....I read it over at CheapAssGamer.com

[thelwig14]

Yes, and my wife can tell the difference. 'Nuff said.

Seriously, I have my Xbox360 w/HD-DVD drive connected to a 65" Sony CRT tv. I also have an upconverting DVD player connected with HDMI-DVI cable to the same tv, different input. I was (and am) able to directly compare both systems on the same tv with the push of a button. The difference is night and day. I consider myself somewhat of a video/audiophile, so I notice the difference between the littlest things. I used King Kong as my test disc. I started both discs at nearly the same time so I could switch back and forth and view nearly the same frames. My wife thought I was a dork, but she did admit that she could see the difference. Aside from the minor issues that have been posted here, I think this add on unit will hold me over until the format war is over and I can take advantage of a stand alone HD player.


I appreciate your response. I am in the same position as you, but I have no taken the plunge yet on the add-on because I have been satisfied so far with my upconvert via HDMI. That is what I needed to know. Thanks!

[Carl Spackler]

I'm about to take on that Amazon deal.

What do you guys think are your 3 must have HD-DVD's right now? ? ?

[boston george]

I own:

Training Day

Goodfellas

Lethal Weapon

12 Monkeys

King Kong (free)

and all those are really good.

I love the 360 add-on. It looks great over component on my 42" plasma.

[matrixrok9]

Just rented Training Day from blockbuster.com

Video and audio is awesome. DD+ is way better than DD. DD on the xbox hd dvd player is not dynamic. In DD+ you can hear the cars on the overpass and characters mumble in the background. I wonder how good analog audio is if it's this good on optical. I'll probably return the HD DVD player just for this reason.

Oh yeah, $20 of $50 from buy.com is probably the best deal right now.

[edstein]

Don't return that player just yet. I believe there is a patch in the works to correct the audio issues.

[im_ryandick]

WHERE ARE YOU GUYS GETTING THESE GOD DAMNED PLAYERS?
i work at best buy and we haven't gotten any in three weeks!

[Jamieson22]

I got my player at Circuit City in Chicago (North Ave) a few days ago using the $40 off $199 coupon. They had a ton of them.

I do have to say it is well worth the money. Comparing it to the quality of my upconverting Panasonic DVD-S77 on my Panasonic 50" 500U plasma is like someone asking if I'd prefer prime rib or a McDonald's cheeseburger. And this is only based on watching scenes from King Kong (no way am I sitting through that crap-fest again).

I am once again blown away by the Xbox 360. It really has proven itself to be an entertainment hub for me. I just love being able to download demos and games, play games in HD, watch HD movies, steam MP3s from my network, etc all from one machine.

If you have a HD TV and don't have the HD-DVD drive you are nuts.
Jamie

[RichC2]

WHERE ARE YOU GUYS GETTING THESE GOD DAMNED PLAYERS?
i work at best buy and we haven't gotten any in three weeks!

I've seen them on Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Circuit City.

[im_ryandick]

I've seen them on Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Circuit City.
i went in today to pick up the dane cook dvd, and i went in the media warehouse to see if we had any HD DVD players.

sure enough.
one.
and it's sitting in my living room.
now, besides king kong, whats are best discs?

[Deftones]

Batman Begins is the best, right now.

[movieking]

Just got my HD-DVD add on tonight, and bought V For Vendetta. Great movie, and it looked and sounded great. Next up are Batman Begins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

[KingSmoth]

Just bought one tonight with the $40 coupon at Circuit City. They have five more, and Best Buy had plenty of them as of last night. I've never watched in HD before, so I'm about to load up King Kong.
I agree Jamieson22, the 360 has captivated me, and I've only had it since Black Friday. I just got back on Xbox Live last night, so I should be playing lots of Gears of War this weekend.

[jas722]

is that $40 coupon still good ?

and where do i get it?

[shaggy]

Batman Begins is the best, right now.

:thumbsup:

Totally agree. Amazing film and excellent HD-DVD both in terms of PQ and extras.

[edstein]

The $40 coupon expired on the 30th.

[DJ_Longfellow]

The $40 coupon expired on the 30th.

There is a NEW legit one out there. I think they come from changing your address at the post office. Check out CheapAssGamer.com

[im_ryandick]

is it just me, or is king kong a total barebones disc?

[DJ_Longfellow]

is it just me, or is king kong a total barebones disc?

It's just you....

press MENU

[kaze0]

Kong sucks. All the extras are in ucontrol.

[PapaWheelie]

Picked one up at BB using the 12% off Rewards Zone coupon, so it was $189 out the door. I don't think the coupon covers the HD-DVD drive, but you might luck out and get a manager with an "Eh, whatever" attitude (aka a "winning attitude").

Funny thing is: I don't even have an XBox 360 -- yet. Ordered the GoW bundle from Costco on 11/24. Was scheduled for UPS delivery today, but when I tracked the delivery last night, it got rescheduled for delivery on 12/4. Ugh.

I normally love Brown. But not today.

[movieking]

BTW, if you are looking for one in Canada, you can get the HD-DVD add on (with the Kong movie and the remote), plus a free King Kong 360 game for $199, and there is a $15 off $150 coupon as well. The coupon ends tomorrow, but they are having a F&F sale on the 3rd and 4th with 10% off of 360 accessories, so the net is the same. I am not sure if the King Kong game is still part of the deal, but it has been for the last two weeks.

[movieking]

Sorry, should have said that this was at Future Shop. Can't edit my posts from work.

[KingSmoth]

Anyone have a line running horizontally through the center of the screen? Only halfway through Kong, but already the line has shown up four times. It's only a quick flash on screen, but it's annoying. I'm going to try another movie, and if it continues I guess I'll take the HD drive back and exchange it for another.

[dvdsteve2000]

My wife bought me the HDDVD add-on last night (with remote & Kong)as an X-mas present. I was really shocked to see the remote in the box...I almost bought one last night. She told me I could crack it today, so WOO HOO!!!!

Is there a list of available HD DVD's (and upcoming titles)?

[Save Ferris]

Is there a list of available HD DVD's (and upcoming titles)?

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=482507

[waporvare]

My hd dvd drive worked for all of 10 minutes before it crapped out. Looks like I'll have to take it back. No LED, no connection to the 360, but it does have power for the tray to open.

[sixerb]

my x-box has been with microsoft for 4 weeks now, wish it were back, have yet to try the drive or G.O.W. which i have in hand, just nothing to enjoy them on.... and bought 4 HD DVD's..... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME MONDAY!!!