I called 3 times before I bought it and everyone said they weren't offering any deals, and even the $50 was "and we're doing this as an exception, we really shouldn't."

I'm 99% sure they're FOS.

I think many newer TVs have some built in burn in prevention that helps (mine shifts the image a couple mm to the left or right every 1/2 hour or so). Plus I think most modern games do have enough visual variety that the risk is reduced there as well; it's not like most people play PacMan or something else with a totally static image for hours straight. The main concern is probably watching 4:3 content in 4:3 on a WS tv (I-horrors!-use Panorama mode), or with those stupid banners that news channels have.
It's funny--people talk about "casual gamers killing game industry", speaking primarily of the Wii, but I would think the Xbox and XBLA is more of a "threat" (if you see it that way, which I don't). The two main obstacles to were the higher price point, and the wired-only connection. (Of course, most of the "hardcore" gamers I hear about seem to mostly want yet another iteration of a game series featuring the same old characters and some of the same "oldschool"/"retread" gameplay, and most of the true innovation is in motion control.)

Anyway the Arcade is an interesting package, it's at least better than the Core. I like the five free games, and they've got a variety, but you probably have to play them from the disk, I would think, and I really like the convenience of the XBLA or having games on the harddrive.

Although it's odd--would 'casual/family' gamers be more or less likely to need HDMI? I've got the HDMI, but my tv doesn't like it, so I'm using component, which don't come with the Arcade pack, do they?

I've had good luck 3 out of the 4 times I've called the cable company and asked for a better price, plus, I'm leasing the HDDVR from them, and there's no additional charge for the hardware, and just the reasonable DVR-service fee.

Well, let me know what to say to get the discounts :) I was 0-for-three. It wasn't for lack of trying.

Incidentally, is there a HUGE difference between component and HDMI? Because my TV only has 2 HDMI and I'm going to have DirecTV, XBOX, and PS3 :(

I don't want my small question to get lost so I am reposting it on this new page: Quick question for 360 HD add-on owners: Is there a set-up menu for the hardware? If there is, I can't find it.

My suggestion is to use component for DirecTV and HDMI for 360 and PS3. This way you get the upconversion on both HDMI systems. You don't really need HDMI for regular tv, HD or otherwise.

Agreed. That's what I do.

I think technically HDMI and Component are the same (other than HDMI including audio as well), however, DVDs can't be upconverted over Component due to the flag/token thing.
I just called and said "My cable bill went up, I want to see what I can do about lowering it." One time I got a great deal because I was coming from satellite, another time I ended up getting more channels, including two full premium tiers, for less money than the "basic" digital package I currently had.
YMMV based on local market as well, and I think satellite companies which are more likely to be "national" have a little less leeway.

Awesome, that's great to hear that component will be enough for the TV. Everyone in Las Vegas seems to have DirecTV so that might have something to do with it.

I tried to use my HDMI switcher for my PS3, DVD player and my cable box (I've got an older, non-HDMI 360 :( ). The cable box wouldn't work. THe HDCP blocking was enacted even though the switcher was HDCP compliant. I was pretty upset, but kept the switcher because it was so compact and worked fine for the other two. Glad to hear that I'm not missing much with the cable box.


------------------
.....And now back to 360-related talk! :)

Party pooper :p

I finally got around to trying the HD-DVD (300) and I was unimpressed. When I finally got the computer set up on widescreen, I went WOW. When I saw the XBOX, I went WOW. When I saw the HD-DVD, I went Did I put it on the right side? (DVD/HD DVD combo). Had to double check if I had it on the right side (I did) because that's how I expected upconverting to look like, not the real thing.

And when I'm watching the DVD, it does widescreen where it fills the screen only by zooming. If I want the whole picture I have to have the black bars on top and on the bottom. :(

Not to be too basic, but what's the aspect ratio of 300? If it's something like 2.35:1 you will have "black bars" (horizontal rather than vertical) even on a widescreen TV. Not all "widescreen" movies will fill the tv screen. You are getting (most likely) the "whole picture".
That's odd, I thought I had heard that the 360 HDDVD player was pretty good.

I mean, it looks good, but it didn't take my breath away. The Blu-Rays they had showing at Best Buy of pool balls (billiards) looked GOOD. This DVD didn't.

The aspect ratio is Widescreen Anamorphic, 2.40:1.

There is. Insert an HD-DVD movie, and from an XBox remote (like the one that came with the premium console package, or the HD-DVD player), press the ‘Display’ button.

You will then see menu options specific to the HD-DVD player:

If it's 2.40:1, you will have "black bars". Widescreen TVs are 16:9.
I haven't seen 300, nor used the HDDVD addon, so I can't comment on the quality of the disk; maybe try adjusting your TV settings. Are you sure your TV is receiving and outputting 1080i/p from the HDDVD player? I've noticed some HDDVDs that were eyepopping, and others that were "Well, I guess that looks a little better".

Also, isn't there a switch on the video cable of the 360 that many people miss that you have to set from standard tv to HD?

Maybe on the component, but the HDMI doesn't have any switches.

deb,

there is a script floating around on tivocommunity.com and dbstalk.com. basically you need to call directv and ask for customer retention. when you get there, ask what they can do for you, how many hearts you have (this is their customer rating program, 5 is best), you can do research and find out what cable options are available in your area. i just yesterday ordered the new dish and hr20 dvr, one for me and one for my dad's house, for 19.95 each with no other fees. you need to call them back !!!

I'm on month 12 of a 24 month contract with DirecTV.

Are there any "Karaoke Revolution" type games for the 360? My wife loves that game and she wants me to buy a PS2, but I'd rather have a 360 for HD gaming and the new 'Arcade' 360 is appealing.

Look for Rock Band to come out in November.

Nothing yet. However, the makers of Karaoke Revolution are making Rock Band which has the same Karaoke engine.

Ok, I just played the "Clive Barker's JERICHO" demo and that game rocked. I think some here hated it. but I think the graphics are decent(kinda "GOW-ish"/Bioshock-ish with a different color scheme) , the mood is creepy as hell, and most important...the team members and how you can use them is fun as hell.

I can't wait till this comes out.

Anybody remember Undying? That was a pretty cool game.