Xbox 360 Hi Definition problems?

[Strideristhebes]

I've found out today that the Xbox 360's HD is accessed by a component lead, but I thought that High Definition could only be accessed by a hdmi or (DCI?) port.

[AV Junky]

HD can be carried over component. It is the HDCP copy protection that requires a digital connection. Hence the copyright owners for pre-recorded material (such as movies) can insist that their material is only playable through a (HDCP) digital connection.

However, if Microsoft tell the game producers that they aren't going to fit a digital video connection (keeps the cost down and also better compatibility with older display devices), then the games companies don't have much choice.

[owain_thomas]

Its not the video coming out of the xbox that games producers would want to protect any way -I doubt they'd care much if someone had a bit perfect copy of a level of Halo3 for example.

[Ferry]

Might be limited for using as a media player though, especially DRM protected stuff

[loadsofleads]

The official cable provided by Microsoft with the console will feature component connections. Although you can bet that company's like Ixos will be busy producing their own versions with hdmi connectivity

[deltatango301]

Originally Posted by Strideristhebes

Xbox 360's HD is accessed by a component lead,

Hi

I have my DVD to plasma component does this mean that I have to
put back DVD to Scart or can you use a splitter for component so you
have two items plugged in ?

Terry

[LFCRules]

Hi Terry,

You can get various splitters. You could buy an AV Amp which would have 2 or more component input's and 1 or more outputs and use that as a splitter, especially if you're thinking of going for a full surround system. I use my Arcam AVR300 to perform these duties, it has 3 in and one output.

Or you could get a dedicated splitter box. One of the ones used by a few on the forums is the JSTech one . This is a 2 in 1 out splitter.

Personally I've got their RGB to component and component buffer from JSTech and they give me a cracking picture in conjunction with the Arcam

Cheers

Andy

[deltatango301]

Hi Andy

No not going for the full surround had it before to many wires
to many speakers to much switching around got enough problems
with getting TV how I like the Xbox 360 will be for my HD DVD's when they come out
and for the Grandson's when they come round and of cause for me
with a few racing and Pinball's games ...........

Terry

[James B]

Originally Posted by deltatango301

Hi Andy

No not going for the full surround had it before to many wires
to many speakers to much switching around got enough problems
with getting TV how I like the Xbox 360 will be for my HD DVD's when they come out
and for the Grandson's when they come round and of cause for me
with a few racing and Pinball's games ...........

Terry

The Xbox 360 won't play HD DVDs. In fact, it won't even upscale standard DVDs to a HD resolution.

Microsoft have talked about HD DVD support in the future, but that would require a different drive in the machine, plus HDMI/DVI connectivity and would split their user base even more than they already have with the Core/Premium systems, so I think it's unlikely that we'll see an Xbox 360 with HD DVD, or at least, not for a long time.

James.

[James B]

Originally Posted by taffyboyo

The official cable provided by Microsoft with the console will feature component connections. Although you can bet that company's like Ixos will be busy producing their own versions with hdmi connectivity

Microsoft haven't announced any digital video output capabilities for the Xbox 360, and it's something you would expect them to have done, if it can support digital video output, so I don't expect there to be a solution for HDMI/DVI, unles it takes an analogue output and converts it to digital, which would be a bit pointless.

[deltatango301]

Originally Posted by James B

The Xbox 360 won't play HD DVDs. In fact, it won't even upscale standard DVDs to a HD resolution.


James.

Hi James

I am sure I read somewhere here on the forums that it would play HD DVD's
if it wont I will cancel my order maybe I was getting confused with the
New PS3 coming out next year will that play HD DVD's ?

Terry

[James B]

Originally Posted by deltatango301

Hi James

I am sure I read somewhere here on the forums that it would play HD DVD's
if it wont I will cancel my order maybe I was getting confused with the
New PS3 coming out next year will that play HD DVD's ?

Terry

The Xbox 360 has a standard DVD drive in, HD DVD will require an HD DVD drive (plus HDMI/DVI output with HDCP), so the Xbox 360 will not play HD DVDs. It may well play WMV HD DVD discs, which are essentially DVD Roms with Windows Media High Definition files on, but this is not a standard, and there are only a handful of these discs available.

The Playstation 3 will have a Blu Ray drive, along with HDMI output with HDCP, so will be able to play Blu Ray discs, which contain High Definition movies, but will not play HD DVD.

I'm sure you're aware that there are 2 camps at the moment for the HD disc format, HD DVD and Blu Ray, which in many ways are very similar, but are ultimately incompatible with each other. HD DVD looked to have an edge by launching earlier than Blu Ray, but they've delayed their launch, so my money's on Blu Ray winning the HD disc format war.

[StooMonster]

It's been stated many times that first generation of Xbox 360 will have regular DVD drive, but Microsoft plan to put HD-DVD drives in as soon as they are available in sufficient volume. Then the Xbox 360 will play HD-DVD movies, however, PS3 will have BluRay from the start.

StooMonster

[loadsofleads]

Microsoft haven't announced any digital video output capabilities for the Xbox 360

The signal coming out of the XBOX360 will be digital, as was the case for the XBOX and for that matter many other consoles. If there is any conversion going on, it is digital>>Analogue, not the other way around.

[deltatango301]

Hi

OK confuse me more please

So does that mean that Xbox 360 will be upgradable to HD DVD
later ? so which way is the best way ? maybe Sky box + HD DVD
or PS3 Help help help

Terry