Pros & Cons between 360 add-on and A2/3?
11-04-07, 11:13 AM
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Pros & Cons between 360 add-on and A2/3?
Aside from the fact that the 360 add-on requires the RROD-prone 360 to play, what are the pros and cons between the 360 add-on and the Toshiba A2/A3? I currently have the 360 drive, but Best Buy's deal this week with the A3 is pretty tempting.
11-04-07, 11:20 AM
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I have the 360 add on, and just got the A3 from BB yesterday.. for what it's worth. I think its worth it for the discs, PQ was not much different to my eyes. But I like having the stand alone player now.
11-04-07, 01:11 PM
#3
I currently have the 360 add-on, but ordered an A3 today (best buy deal). My biggest issue with the 360 add-on is the noise that the 360 makes. It sounds like a rocket is taking off and that annoys me greatly when watching movies.
As you mentioned, it also sucks not being able to watch HD-DVDs for a month when the 360 RROD's.
I'd get the stand alone player at these prices, no question.
As you mentioned, it also sucks not being able to watch HD-DVDs for a month when the 360 RROD's.
I'd get the stand alone player at these prices, no question.
11-04-07, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by RonZombie
I could be wrong but the A3 only plays at 1080i where the 360 via HDMI will play at 1080P.
11-04-07, 09:28 PM
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With the 360 add-on, you'll only need 1 HDMI input for 2 devices (HD DVD and 360). If you get a standalone, you'll need 2 HDMI inputs. I like needing less cables.
And yes, VGA will also allow the 360 addon to do 1080p.
And yes, VGA will also allow the 360 addon to do 1080p.
Last edited by Marker; 11-04-07 at 09:33 PM.
11-04-07, 10:33 PM
#10
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I had the 360 add-on and I've returned it. My 360 makes a horrendous noise whenever it's on and I prefer having a stand-alone as a result. In addition, I prefer using the HDMI out and I don't have one on my 360.
I bought the A2 at Wal-Mart but mine had a broken optical in port (may have been my fault during the set-up; don't know for sure). Had to return it and got the A3 instead at BB. I like the A3 because its considerably smaller and lighter. It also starts up quicker. Disappointed to hear the audio is better in the A2. Like getting all those free discs, though.
Oh, also my A2 dropped the HDMI signal that was being passed through the switcher. It wasn't a problem if I ran the cable directly without a switcher. The A3 works perfectly with the switcher. I have no idea why or what it all means, but I'm happier to have picture and not having to buy a new switcher is nice.
I bought the A2 at Wal-Mart but mine had a broken optical in port (may have been my fault during the set-up; don't know for sure). Had to return it and got the A3 instead at BB. I like the A3 because its considerably smaller and lighter. It also starts up quicker. Disappointed to hear the audio is better in the A2. Like getting all those free discs, though.
Oh, also my A2 dropped the HDMI signal that was being passed through the switcher. It wasn't a problem if I ran the cable directly without a switcher. The A3 works perfectly with the switcher. I have no idea why or what it all means, but I'm happier to have picture and not having to buy a new switcher is nice.
Last edited by Decker; 11-04-07 at 10:36 PM.
11-05-07, 07:33 AM
#11
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I believe the 360 add-on will do 1080p over component if your TV supports it. However, it will only output 1080p for HD-DVDs and leave SD stuff at 480p. If you have it hooked up VGA or HDMI, then it will up convert your standard def. stuff to 1080p as well.
11-05-07, 08:35 AM
#12
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Space. I like having the 360 drive vs. yet another full size component in my setup. Another bonus is not having another set of audio/video cables to fit in the mix, just a USB cable to the 360.
11-05-07, 09:46 AM
#13
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Originally Posted by Michael Corvin
Space. I like having the 360 drive vs. yet another full size component in my setup. Another bonus is not having another set of audio/video cables to fit in the mix, just a USB cable to the 360.
11-05-07, 10:42 AM
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Add-on
Pros:
1. Smaller Drive, even though it requires the X360, it's small enough to be "squeezed" in tight spots (as long as plenty of ventilation on the back).
2. No additional cable besides the USB and the power cord.
3. Works with PC.
4. Most important of all, superb loading time!
5. Free Heroes
(not exact a pro, but for those of us got it, it's pretty cool) Also with the boxset glitch
Cons:
1. Needs X360 and it can RRoD the X360...
2. Loud due to #1 (not an issue for some of us though, b/c of sound and space setting)
3. $170 is not exactly cheap comparing to stand alone players at $100 and $200
4. More power consumption? Well, considering the X360 needs to be turned on...
Pros:
1. Smaller Drive, even though it requires the X360, it's small enough to be "squeezed" in tight spots (as long as plenty of ventilation on the back).
2. No additional cable besides the USB and the power cord.
3. Works with PC.
4. Most important of all, superb loading time!
5. Free Heroes
(not exact a pro, but for those of us got it, it's pretty cool) Also with the boxset glitch Cons:
1. Needs X360 and it can RRoD the X360...
2. Loud due to #1 (not an issue for some of us though, b/c of sound and space setting)
3. $170 is not exactly cheap comparing to stand alone players at $100 and $200
4. More power consumption? Well, considering the X360 needs to be turned on...
Last edited by Ocelot; 11-05-07 at 10:52 AM.
11-05-07, 10:50 AM
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Since i got Heroes, Planet Earth, Sopranos (S6 Part 1), Transformer and Children of Men all free (the later two were given to me due to the pick-up order messed up, i.e. i was given e-mail confirmation to pick-up, but the order was not there), i think i justified my add-on purchase.
However, the A3 promo is not too bad either. Two HD-DVD free inside and three more from the site (including pre-orders
), not too bad at all... But it would be $20 something more than the add-on.
However, the A3 promo is not too bad either. Two HD-DVD free inside and three more from the site (including pre-orders
), not too bad at all... But it would be $20 something more than the add-on.
Last edited by Ocelot; 11-05-07 at 12:11 PM.
11-05-07, 06:49 PM
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My first HD-DVD players was the 360 add-on. I liked it, but I've found a few things that bothered me. Most of them are on Ocelot's list, such as using another power outlet (need both the 360 and drive plugged in) and the noise factor.
The plus side is you get a cool Xbox remote and King Kong with the drive. If you're not a fan of King Kong, then get the standalone.
The plus side is you get a cool Xbox remote and King Kong with the drive. If you're not a fan of King Kong, then get the standalone.
