Comments on: Microsoft has Xbox 360 Blu-ray drives ready to go
X-Bit Labs reports that Microsoft has Xbox 360 Blu-ray drives ready to go.
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However if it is true and the price is $100, then maybe I'll buy an Xbox 360 arcade. If the Blu-ray addon works like the HD-DVD addon, then I'll also will be able to use it on my PC.
I'll believe it when I see it as well!
For reference - explicit statement from MS - "there will be no bluray"
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1224707720080313
That said, I have my eye on the new Panasonic DMP-BD35 as my Blu-Ray player of choice.
I'm not sure what the point of having PlayOn media install on your PC in order to "stream" video to your PS3 (or Xbox or other media device). For starters, your PC has to meet the minimum requirements, if not, one would have to upgrade. (minimum requirements: Pentium 4 3.2+ GHz, Pentium M 2.0+ GHz, or any multi-core x86 processor). Secondly, sure, Xbox360 you need a gold membership in order to stream netflix, but at least you don't need to have your PC on at the same time. Plus, starting this fall, you'll be able to select your movies via the Xbox360 instead of having to log into your PC first.
I don't know about you or anyone else, but I use my 40" LCD HDTV as my computer monitor, too. Again, I'm not sure what the advantages are with streaming Netflix or other content from the PC to the PS3 or Xbox and back to my TV/monitor.
What the hell are you talking about? What does USB have to do with a TV? Transferring/backing up data is much more dependent on the speed of the connection, but watching high definition movies requires hardly anything. You are very confused. Blu-ray's maximum data speed is 40mbps, USB 2.0 is 480mbps, how is that insufficient? If you can stream highdef over a 100mpbs network, than you can certainly stream it from USB 2.0.
And also, FYI, Firewire800 is only a bit faster than USB 2.0, it's not a gigantic step up.
You are dense. USB and TVs go together like gasoline and lollipops. They have nothing to do with each other!!! USB is a type of data connection for computers, same as Firewire. TVs do not enter the equation in any way whatsoever. TVs use HDMI, DVI, VGA, Component, Composite, or S-Video cables (or SCART in Europe), no TV can display video through a USB or Firewire cable, you dolt!
Don't call people idiots when you have no clue what you are talking about. It makes you look even more dumb.
I bought an x-box 360 so my son could play games and I could watch dvd's.
Now netflix has movies you can watch on your tv if you have an x-box and a gold subscription.
I want to get a blu-ray player, so should I get the blu-ray player or not? If MS comes out with their own add-on it sounds like it would be the cheaper option, but who knows how long, if ever, that will take? And I'm kind of naiive about all this but does watching netflix through a blu-ray player have any effect? Can it even be done if not a part of x-box? How are connections set up with what hardware? Any help greatly appreciated.
I'm streaming my movies through my Xbox360 via Netflix. Come this fall, you'll also be able to select your movies from Netflix as opposed to how it's done now, via your computer, then streaming it on the Xbox360. Anyhow, the downside to all this is that the Xbox360 doesn't have Blu Ray support, at least not yet. This doesn't stop you from enjoying your Netflix streaming via Xbox, though, but it's a nice thing to have (Blu Ray DVD and the ability to stream). Netflix HD videos are available now, but I think I'm hindered by my router, as when I stream HD video, Netflix will occassionally stop and lower the resolution because of slow connection speed (which seems impossible since I have the top speed available via Comcast Cable).
To answer your question, no you can't view Blu Ray without the Blu Ray player. However, you can stream HD video via Netflix, but I don't think they're the same. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Netflix HD is only 780p, whereas Blu Ray is 1080p. I have my Xbox360 connected to my TV via HDMI and this will "upconvert" the signal to 1080p, but I don't think it's the same quality as true HD via Blu Ray.
Regarding streaming Netflix and Blu Ray players. You have a few choices out there. Most Blu Ray players capable of streaming Netflix (along with Youtube and Pandora) are available through LG and Samsung. I suggest you take a look at some of the reviews on CNet.com, in particular the LG BD-370 and Samsung BG-P1600. The benefit of streaming through Blu Ray as opposed through Xbox360, you don't need to have a gold membership in order to view the content, just a Netflix membership.
You don't know what you are talking about mate. And, as McPlot states - they have NEVER promised anything like this before, it's all been speculation. MS does not comment on speculation.
@hnguyen500
You just wasted your money. The PS3 is terrible, I had one before (i have 2 Xbox's aswell). Even as a bluray player its a bad investment - there is no IR Remote (its bluetooth), so if you have a nice sound system setup like me, your clever all in one remote will not work with it. It's a shame HDDVD didnt take off, it was a better technology.
Also, why did they have to change the size of the damn case??
Better games, better graphics? The PS3 has about 10 games that are not also available on the XBox360, while the XBox has about 50 that are not available on the PS3 (many of which are top-rated games). How does that rate as "better games"? And every side-by-side graphics comparison I've seen of PS3 and XBox360 games have favored the XBox or just been equal, how is that "better graphics"?
The worst part about the PS3 is the godawful controller that has been recycled for 14 years. I hated it on the PS1 and I still hate it today. It is not natural to have your thumbs where they need to be for those analog sticks.
If you had ever actually compared XBox Live to PSN, you would see that $50/year is worth it, it is miles ahead of PSN.
Your 8-core processor has nearly no extra benefit right now over the 3-core processor since the game developers aren't even utilizing them all. You may have read recently that Sony is considering re-using the cell in the PS4 because it won't even have reached it's potential by then. You may look at that as proof that it's better, and it is, but the fact remains that the extra power is not being tapped yet and won't be for a long time.
Built-in wi-fi is nice, but I'd rather not pay for it when I will never use it. Built-in Blu-Ray is nice, but I'd rather not pay for it when I will never use it. PSP compatibility is nice, but I'll never buy a PSP. Bluetooth is nice, but not at the expense of an IR remote.
Another FYI, the XBox has a big power brick because the console is physically smaller than the PS3. The PS3 is so big because that hardware is inside it. I'd rather have the smaller console on my shelf.
Why would you want to run Linux on your game console? Especially since they don't give you full access to the PS3's hardware when running it.
I own a PS3 for Blu-Ray movies and the occasional exclusive game, but I strongly prefer my XBox360 for games and online gaming in particular.
I understand your frustration with no IR on the PS3; however, you should know there is a $15 adapter called a "Blue Wave" that plugs into the USB on the front of the PS3 (It has been available for quite sometime now). It catches IR signals and sends them to the PS3 in real time. So, in a sense, you can add an IR sensor on your PS3. I have one for my Harmony remote. It works great.
is good. It is very good.
Also, as a man with top stereo equipment such as yourself, you should know that the PS3 also has one VERY large benefit to customers - onboard PCM decoding for DOLBY TRUE HD audio and DTS HD MA lossless audio. This means Blu-ray movies and future video games can be enjoyed with UNCOMPRESSED surround sound. Have you ever heard uncompressed HD audio? It is good, my friend. It is very good. Currently, the 360 (which I too adore) does not have such decoding capabilities. And, no, if a Blu-ray adapter will exist for Microsoft, it will NOT have the audio decoders built in. You will simply be getting 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS compressed audio as usual.
Compressed audio = up to 768kbps max
Uncompressed audio = currently, up to 5.6 Mbps
Big bit rate difference, obviously.
AND since its getting near to xmas, i will give you another gift...
Next to pioneer, samsung is the next best corporation in developing disc drives. They use a mm optic len that has a single glass instead of the usual double coating. Also, i checked out the dark knight movie on the ps3 and the blu ray dd on the 360 and it loaded much quicker, with a sweet intro and features that the ps3 did not have. Quality in picture really depends on your tv and its connection.
these are my 2 cents, but be happy with what you have. i used to have ps1, 2 and 3 , but have switched to microsoft since the xbox 1. better technology and unlimited money! thanks mr. gates...
The information you gave to hnguyen500 is incorrect. We have an IR remote (Logitech Harmony 1000); and it works PERFECT with our PS3 as well as our Harman Kardon sound system. You may want to check your information before you try posting as facts. ;) Thanks.
sounds to me like you have wasted your money on the ps3. 500.00 for a glorified gaming system w blu ray? thats a waste. xbox WONT lose any sleep, or battles due to sony.
@baclins
where is it documented that Microsoft actually was quoted as releasing something, and not delivering?
i too will believe it when i see it because its just another "blu ray for 360 WISH"!!!!!!! but its NOT a MIcrosoft release.
anyone that wishes for a refund or credit for anything from a software developer is seriously smoking something.
Did you call Microsoft and demand credit for windows xp, windows me, windows 2000, windows 98, windows 95 or 3.1 when you upgraded to the newest version? i doubt it. they were all UPGRADES, as is this.
is just another reason why XBOX live will NEVER be free. its a premium service at a minimal monthly rate that blows away ANY of the competition in everything it does. if they ever offered it for free, they would have to open up more outsourced centers, with more hard to understand employees named Tom, when they get inundated with calls from people like you that want a refund. GET OVER IT....its technology.
please save your conjecture and stop projecting your opinions as fact.
opinion: hd-dvd was superior to blu-ray.
fact: blu-ray not only has a much larger capacity and faster transfer rates, but actually sticks to its claim of lossless audio quality (source: about.com).
opinion: xbox 360 is better than ps3.
fact: xbox 360 has suffered one of the largest financial setbacks in console gaming history (red ring of death), charges its users for online capabilities, and doesn't begin to approach the high-definition quality of playstation 3's games. the price of the ps3 is lowering as are xbox 360's sales numbers. i leave it to everyone else to craft an opinion.
yes....as i said....it charges for a SUPERIOR online service, for under 4.00 a month. it will NEVER be touched or even gotten close to by any other developer. ALL OPINION!!!!!
is the high definition gaming on the ps3 you speak of of of the 3 games they have of 75% quality? or is it the games they announced LAST YEAR that either havent come out yet, or are maybe coming this year?
how can you say IN YOUR OPINION, (oh im sorry you said that was fact).....that the ps3's quality is even close? this is why they have had several of their game developers jump ship and go elsewhere (aka XBOX), to sell their game....sell them to someone that would actually sell some units to play them on, and get the quality out of them at the same time.
the ps3 lowering price? about damn time...FACT!!!!!!!
xbox sales numbers lowering? read again einstein.....in FACT...they lowered their price, not their quality. in FACT, their quality has increased since the RROD. HUGE!!!!!
FACT.....all you need to remember......Sonys promo for PS3..."Play B3yond"....someone in their marketing screwed up....it should have read...... "Play B3hind".....(behind the XBOX 360)
Xbox 360 "doesn't begin to approach the high-definition quality of playstation 3's games." How do you figure? Look at the many multi-platform games that look better on 360. PS3 is notorious for its grayish, brownish look. That being said, in the graphics department, it's pretty much a wash between the two. Your statement is about the dumbest thing I've read on a forum in quite some time.
As for Live costing money, I don't generally hear PEOPLE THAT PLAY ON XBOX LIVE complain about it costing money. For one thing, it really doesn't cost that much. And it's a great service! It's like 5 bucks a month, no big deal.
I can't see this add-on selling for $100 when the cheapest standalone players are gong to be selling for $200 and those systems are gimped. A profile 2.0 blu-ray add-on for $100? Doubtful. Especially since MS typically overprices their add-ons. We all know a wi-fi dongle shouldn't be $100( they should be $50 MAX ), we all know a 120 GB HDD shouldn't be $150 especially when it's gimped( un-gimped 120 GB HDD shouldn't be more than $100 ). A 512 MB memory card shouldn't be $50 when you can get a 2 GB usb thumb drive for $15. Except the 360 won't let you save games to a USB thumb drive. How convenient.
Ths MS strategy was a sound one...offer a stand-alone HD drive for those people stupid enough to want to use their gaming console as a movie machine. Now that BD is the only game in town, it's still a sound strategy for those who MUST use their gaming console for a little hi-def Hollywood redemption after they've been too badly beaten to a pulp by a dozen or so punk wahoos on Xbox Live. For the rest of use who'd rather game than watch, it's far better not to have paid for something that's not being used at all.
That said and even though it's a dead format, paying $40 down at Fry's for an Xbox HD-DVD drive just for the heck of it was still not that horrendous of a deal, if only to glue myself yet again to the Matrix Trilogy--HD or otherwise--for the umpteenth time. But frankly I can think MANY better things to do with *MY* 360. And since I already have BD capability that I already don't use, I guess I won't be buying the MSFT drive anytime at all.
But anyway it wil be great the option to enjoy bluray content on your 360
1080p on 360 games is the same resolution as on PS3 games. They might be using compression algorithms to some extent, but it's the same high-definition content on both. Please stop drinking the Kool-Aid.
To say though you can watch HD MOVIES on a DVD is false. There is no way you can put a movie in 1080p on a DVD without severe compression and then what's the point because it will look like crap. Maybe you could put movies in 720p on a DVD I'm not sure. Certainly not anything over 2 hours if that.
1080p on 360 games is the same resolution as on PS3 games. They might be using compression algorithms to some extent, but it's the same high-definition content on both. Please stop drinking the Kool-Aid.
I'm a 360 guy, I do not own a PS3, but the PS3 does own the advantage of media storage and native output. For me however, those two details alone don't define what I want from an overall gaming experience. As far as the overall experience, the 360 kills the PS3. I wanted a PS3 only for it's BD drive, but if MS can get their's out in the market soon, I'll absolutely go that direction.
Game developers have already come out and said they are reaching the limits of what an 8GB disc can do, so hopefully MS doesn't just release a future 360 with built in BD drive, but can somehow find a way to run future BD game discs from this peripheral drive.
The XBox 360 and the PS3 have no "native resolution". They can run ANY resolution from 480i to 1080p. It all depends on what the software was programmed for. Many XBox360 games are native 1080p, just as many PS3 games are only native 720p. The system doesn't matter, it's all about the software. Just look at the back of the game case, it will tell what the native resolution is.
And while we're talking about upscaling, that's another advantage of the XBox360. XBox WILL upscale native 720p games, while PS3 WILL NOT. If a PS3 game only supports 720p, that's the highest you can play it at.
They don't release hi-def movies on DVD because you would need 2 or 3 discs to hold a full-length feature. All of you people saying DVD can't be hi-def are not realizing that a DVD is just a disc, it can hold anything you want it to hold, there are no standards for what types of files you can put on it. Now DVD MOVIES, on the other hand, have strict standards to be compatible with DVD PLAYERS, but that is totally irrelevant here, because we're talking about games, not movies.
You're right that Blu-Ray can hold more data, that's the whole point of the new format, but again, we're talking about data, not DVD MOVIES. A Blu-Ray can hold up to 50GB of any type of data, a DVD can hold up to 8.5GB of any type of data. You can do the exact same things with both types of discs, it just takes more DVDs to store it.
Blu-Ray also has one small disadvantage at the moment, it has a significantly slower access speed, which is why many PS3 games require installation to the hard drive - the disc cannot be read fast enough for smooth gameplay.
Also, I can absolutely burn a "7.1 hi-fi" audio track with a hi-def movie on a DVD if I want to, but It will only hold about 20-30 minutes of it. So, like I said, you just need more discs than if you were using Blu-Ray, but you can still do exactly the same things. If you don't believe me, then just Google "BD-9" or "BD-5" and learn some real facts.
- by bestbuy4ever October 9, 2008 9:27 AM PDT
- Listen up. This whole BR attachment is absolutely ridiculous for MS to compete w/ the PS3's BR. If we're expecting to fork out $100-150, I'd rather buy PS3 w/ a built-in features (e.g. 80GB, card readers, sixaxis controllers) all in one for $400. This gives another reason for PS3 to make a comeback sale when MS is kicking butt right now. The problem w/ PS3 is overpriced when you can get the same gaming experience on MS for $100-200 cheaper. These days, everyone is fine w/ DVD playback considering the the costs for BR movies.
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- by BCF1968 October 9, 2008 10:01 AM PDT
- Just a correction the new 80GB PS3s do NOT have card readers and Sony is phasing out the six axis controller.
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- by bestbuy4ever October 9, 2008 11:14 AM PDT
- Fine. I forgot to mention PS3 has a built-in WiFi. Does that convince you to choose PS3 over Xbox?
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- by blackmagik01 October 9, 2008 3:52 PM PDT
- LMAO!!! Man you people gotta be real crazy on the Sony front. When Sony first incorporated it's BR for their PS3s they took a major financial setback, in order to make their money back on overall software licensing and add ons. The major reason Sony hasn't lowered it's price on the PS3 comes down to profit. 2 years have come and PS3s aren't selling like they should...nor have they ever due to launch issues. The mistakes from the past are still haunting. As prices for BR drives fall now Sony still put bank into it's investment and still wants money back. If they PS3s are even lowered by $50 right now...it'll hurt more than you guys know. Even though I own a 360 I can at least look at Sony's problem here. Money nor the economy is worth what it was 2 years ago...who would of predicted the financial crisis we are now facing today...and to tell you the truth, nobody looks at how much money comes from a little subscription fee. To subsidize the cost Sony should innitiate a $100 price cut to the PS3s and charge a monthly subscription fee. That way they can come out the hole here...over time they would of got their money spent a loooooong time ago.
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Showing 1 of 3 pages (98 Comments)If MS think that they can win this battle w/ BR game console w/ PS3, they'll lose. I'm sure the MS will do better, BUT HAVING THIS ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT FOR $100-150 will allow consumers to reconsider buying PS3 for a better deal. Unreasonable price for PS3 is the obvious reason why MS is doing better in sales. MS, just stick w/ your original plan. (Unless, this attachment costs only $50-$75.)