Alright, my situation is this.. I am interested in the HD-DVD "revolution" and I have a 360. I have the extra cash, would it be worth buying the 360 add-on? I can only run it via component , due to lack of HDMI and I don't have a VGA port for it. Would I even notice a difference or is it not goin' to be that big of a difference?

I've downloaded the HD content on video marketplace and I can't say I was that impressed, but isn't the content on the marketplace 720p as opposed to 1080i or 1080p (1080p is the max resolution of my TV)? If the actual HD-DVD's won't look much better than what I downloaded, then I don't see a reason to jump in.


Thanks ahead of time.

I have d/led HD trailers from Live that are pretty crappy compared to the HD discs. The quality is much better IMO. I also run the A1 with component often and have no complaints.

I've been very satisfied with the A1 over component other than not having the ability to upconvert SD DVD.

Buy it.

Absolutely buy it. The quality of HD-DVDs is far superior than any stuff you can download.

Ditto for the comments made thus far. The picture quality on the add-on through component is great.

My only complaint is that the audio is lacking, but there are rumors M$ will fix this in the coming monthes with a software update. Although this is probably a moot point if you aren't using a surround sound set-up.

I have the add-on and I LOVE IT. Especially get it if it still comes with king kong and remote.

For $200 with a movie and a real nice remote its a no brainer. I can see a huge difference and I only have a 34" HDTV with component inputs. I have also had good luck selling or trading in my SD DVDs so the upgrade cost for movies I already had has been quite low. For me, the only negative of HD-DVD right now is the combo discs, I would rather have those films cheaper and lose the SD side.

And don't judge HD-DVD based on 720p downloads or TV broadcasts. I was also underwhelmed with HD content from Xbox live and several HD movies I saw on TV but the 360 add on has blown me away.

Hands down the coolest thing I bought in '06! The picture is awesome, definently get it!

Get it as fast as you can.

Well, it's settled then, I'll be purchasing it come middle of the month. Gonna pick up a few movies also. Any suggestions? I'm thinkin'..

Batman Begins
King Kong (comes with it)
The Corpse Bride
The Hulk

I see you've done your research.
All four of those movies are great examples of the improvements in picture quality HD-DVD offers (NOTE: not all HD-DVDs are created equally).

The 360 add-on is an excellent bargain, but I opted to purchase a Toshiba HDA2 (now available for $399.99 at most e-tailers) because I've read that the 360 add-on drive really stresses the 360 internals (heat increase) and because of audio output being on the low side. As one member already stated, if you don't have a surround sound set-up then this isn't important. Either way, the picture quality on HDDVDs are certainly better compared to HD content on Xbox Live or on HD broadcasts.

Centurion...can you tell me which e-tailers I can purchase the A2 at for that price?

I bought the 360 HD DVD add-on, and while it worked great, the very next day it was causing my 360 to freeze non stop. So I have since exchanged 360's and returned the add-on and am looking for a new HD DVD player. Thanks.

I have it and I'm really happy with it. It looks great. I only run it through component, but I'm thinking of upgrading to HDMI. How would one hook a 360 up through HDMI? (I'm a bit of a noob)

No HDMI port on the 360, so I'd think you're out of luck.

As for the audio issue , I don't have a audio system setu, due to living in an apartment. Had to unhook it.

Well, it's settled, I will be be purchasing it. Apperciate the help guys. Guess it's time to dig out the Avia disc again and recalibrate my TV.

I would also recommend superman returns, superman the movie. the PQ is juat awesome on both titles.

Jacob

As of today, both sites have them in stock:

Amazon
TechDepot

I apologize if the links are bad, but it should be pretty easy to navigate the above websites.

Edited to add:
I just double checked and apparently, Amazon is shipping their HDA2 from Office Depot (a subsidiary of Tech Depot)
At any rate, you shouldn't have a problem picking up this great player at that price.

Hey I have my 360 hooked up to my hdtv and the movies look great how much difference will me buying a hd add on actually make and comments out there?

hey guys are there really that many overheating problems due to the add on?

Re-read this thread, you'll find that it's a great investment!

I have my 360 and HD-DVD add-on in an enclosed environment (stupid, I know) for nearly a year and have never had a single freeze, ever.

thnx guys

I decided to get the toshiba HD a2 dvd player. I sold my HD add on.. a friend of mine showed me his toshiba A2 HD player.. I could see a differnce from the toshiba A2 to the HD add on.. the HD add on is really good.. but the toshiba A2 was better.. you can get it 247 at amazon.. I am waiting for mine to show up.. next week.

Jacob

At this point, the only 360s that have HDMI are the Elites.

I had doubts at first too. I saw it on a friend's setup and wasn't impressed. May have been the fact that I wasn't wearing glasses but it was probably just his setup. On my 27 inch HDTV i can see a HUGE difference so I would say go for it. I really only buy HD movies now so that is how much I like it.

I would recommend (They all have great PQ and are pretty good movies too)
-Serenity
-Smokin' Aces
-Batman Begins
-The Hitcher
-Children of Men