HD-DVD add-on now available - General Discussion (HARDWARE only)

[quote name='Trakan']Picked it up today without any problems. When the lady scanned the coupon, it wouldn't scan, so she had to type it in. The register made some weird sound that I assume was an error sound. She just looked at the screen and typed in something and I got it for $160.[/QUOTE]

Ha, that is EXACTLY what happened to me. When I heard that strange sounding beep, I thought I was S.O.L. but nope, it was fine.



Updated OP with info regarding the drive's status as a memory device.
 
I can't hook mine up. I think there is something seriously wrong with my system. I can't connect to Live anymore, the camera won't come on and my controller no longer syncs up. WTF? Anyone know how to fix this?
 
[quote name='javeryh']I can't hook mine up. I think there is something seriously wrong with my system. I can't connect to Live anymore, the camera won't come on and my controller no longer syncs up. WTF? Anyone know how to fix this?[/QUOTE]

Man, that sucks. What's really sad is that I love my 360, and I was honestly scared to hook up the drive cause it seems that every single "improvement" they've made (new accessories, patches, dash updates, even new games) have killed at least a few peoples systems. It's really dissapointing to have to stress out about every fucking thing that you put into your console.

I watched a couple of regular DVD's last night in my drive. The quality was just fine, but I was kind of hoping for a little let noise from the 360 during play back. The HD drive is quiet, and the 360 isn't as bad as when running a game, but there's still more noise from that thing than I really want when watching a movie. Sucks to have to turn the sound up to drown out the hum of the system.
 
VERY tempted to pick one up...but I really dont want a 160.00 paperweight if Blu-Ray nudges it out. :/

I'm really torn on what to do...
 
[quote name='seanr1221']VERY tempted to pick one up...but I really dont want a 160.00 paperweight if Blu-Ray nudges it out. :/

I'm really torn on what to do...[/QUOTE]
Everyone needs to stop sweating Blu-ray, if HD-DVD gets beat it will be by DVDs.
 
[quote name='cleaver']Everyone needs to stop sweating Blu-ray, if HD-DVD gets beat it will be by DVDs.[/QUOTE]

Well whatever could beat it, I just dont want to blow 160.00...in perspective it's not THAT much money (especially because I was willing to drop 90.00 on an upscaling dvd player over the summer, but then didn't) it's like I said, I dont want it to go the way of the UMD
 
[quote name='seanr1221']Well whatever could beat it, I just dont want to blow 160.00...in perspective it's not THAT much money (especially because I was willing to drop 90.00 on an upscaling dvd player over the summer, but then didn't) it's like I said, I dont want it to go the way of the UMD[/QUOTE]

UMD = Sony
Blu-Ray = Sony

Not that I'm implying anything ;)
 
Turns out all CCs in my area are selling out of the 360 HD DVD player and have started taking reservations again. I'm probalby not going to be able to use the coupon or get one for a good while.
 
[quote name='SteveMcQ']Add Betamax to that list.[/QUOTE]

betamaxhd.gif
 
HD DVD trumps Blu-Ray yet again: 1080p30 (NIN concert)

Blu-Ray specs do not support 1080p30 encoding/playback at all:
http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11182006154000gz6.png
Of course, HD DVD supports this resolution/framerate.

The new Nine Inch Nails concert disc which is being released on both HD DVD and Blu-Ray was shot at 1080p30. The HD DVD will be encoded at the original 1080p30 while the Blu-Ray disc will be encoded at 1080i60.

This has been confirmed by industry professionals:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8916888&&#post8916888

[quote name='Stacey Spears']It is an interesting title and brings with it a bit of progressive irony.

The concert was shot at 1080p30. It will be encoded as true 1080p30 on HD DVD. It will be encoded as 1080i60 on BD. The reason is because BD does not support 1080p30 as an option.

It will be interesting to see what Fox does with Okalahoma on BD. Will they only release the 24p version or will they also release the 30p version encoded as 1080i60?[/quote]

So yet again we have a case where HD DVD as a format trumps Blu-Ray. If you are an NIN fan like me, you will be picking up the HD DVD of this concert instead of the Blu-Ray :)
 
[quote name='guyver2077']finally just saw mission impossible 3... movie is pretty damn good. hadnt seen it till now..

may consider getting that mi set someday[/QUOTE]

Agreed, watched the HD-DVD last night. Looked Great!
 
Just plugged mine in and watched a bit of Constantine, played the DVD version at the same time on my upconverting DVD player.

At first I just started viewing the HD-DVD and thought it looked good, like HD tv shows, then I switched to my DVD player and wow...Never noticed how grainy DVD movies looked. I kept switching back and forth between certain scenes and I'm totally satisfied with my HD-DVD player purchase. I'm tempted to open Kong to see how it looks/sounds but then again, I don't plan on keeping it and I should probobly just sell it on eBay.

I'll be getting MI Collection soon, with the Paypal $20 rebate.
 
I watched King Kong in my upconverting DVD player while the HD DVD was playing, switching between the same scenes... didn't notice too much of a difference. I watched six HD DVDs over the past few days, then just watched Girl Next Door. I couldn't stand the quality. I'm spoiled already.

I remember when DVD first came out, it was the same way. I didn't notice too much of a difference until I got used to it and tried to watch a VHS tape. The increase in quality is less noticeable than the decrease.
 
Shit... I want this, but I have somewhere between 200 - 300 DVD's and I'm really not looking forward to replacing them all (or any of them, for that matter), espically since most HD-DVD stuff is alot more expensive than regular DVD stuff.

I'm hoping I can give it a year, HD-DVD becomes standard and the HD-DVD's get a bit cheaper.

I mean, damn, MI 3 is $29.99 at Best Buy for the HD-DVD... the DVD is about $10 cheaper, and in 4 months will be 1/2 that when it's $14.99.

I just can't spend anything over $15 on a movie, no matter how good it is... DVD has spoiled me :(
 
Just saw Training Day on HD-DVD...looked amazing.

Can't wait to pick up MI:3 I hear its super action packed...a great showcase disc!
 
Yeah, I think people will notice more of a difference on different TV's. I think my 55" RPTV Mitsubishi actually handles DVD pretty well. The HD-DVD looks better, but not the WOW, CRAZY better like some people are getting. Not really complaining, but just thoguht I would point it out. MI-3 looked better than my MI3 DVD copy. Training Day looked better also, but not as much as MI-3.

Still a nice deal for $160+tax (minus remote if I sell it)
 
[quote name='Roufuss']Shit... I want this, but I have somewhere between 200 - 300 DVD's and I'm really not looking forward to replacing them all (or any of them, for that matter), espically since most HD-DVD stuff is alot more expensive than regular DVD stuff.
[/QUOTE]

Why would you?

I don't really understand this sort of logic. Why would you replace old DVD's with HD-DVD's? The way I see it, HD-DVD is mostly for buying movies released here on forward, since most movies from now on are given much better treatment (not to mention are now filmed in digital HD more and more).

Going back and purchasing older movies, even 2-3 year old movies in HD doesn't make a lot of sense to me. When I buy the HD-DVD player I'll only buy newer releases, rather than replace my collection. The only two exceptions to this are 1)LOTR and 2) bargain bins.
 
I may purchase some films I already own, Batman Begins being one of them, but for the most part, I'm getting films I never bought on DVD before. And yeah, I go the bargain route too if it's something I already have in most cases.
 
I think we are starting to drift off topic with HD-DVD buying habits....altough, I just rent for now. I won't pay more than $12 for a HD-DVD at this point....Google Checkout deals have helped me buy the two I own now (plus Kong, so 3). Renting is fine, since I realize I rarely watch the DVD's I own.

So, back on topic now....
 
Just used coupon last night and bought mine. Pretty nifty toy. I guess I can go on record bragging about probably being the only person here using one with a 480p display :)

I have to say I'm a little disappointed in the sound though. A visit to AVSforum shows that many people agree. It IS remixing the sound, and it sounds like it's doing a poor job of it, like there is no dynamic range or "oomph". Picture looks great though.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']Just used coupon last night and bought mine. Pretty nifty toy. I guess I can go on record bragging about probably being the only person here using one with a 480p display :)

I have to say I'm a little disappointed in the sound though. A visit to AVSforum shows that many people agree. It IS remixing the sound, and it sounds like it's doing a poor job of it, like there is no dynamic range or "oomph". Picture looks great though.[/QUOTE]

Wow, hopefully you are getting a HDTV soon. This totally defeats the purpose of a HD-DVD player. I mean, you are getting the same picture via this and DVD...at least in defintion at least...480p.

The sound for me is FINE. I guess it depends how you have it setup. Not low at all.....I have mine hooked up via optical through my receiver.
 
[quote name='doubledown']Wow, hopefully you are getting a HDTV soon. This totally defeats the purpose of a HD-DVD player. I mean, you are getting the same picture via this and DVD...at least in defintion at least...480p.

The sound for me is FINE. I guess it depends how you have it setup. Not low at all.....I have mine hooked up via optical through my receiver.[/QUOTE]

I plan to upgrade my projector to a 720p here shortly. But even so, my projector is quite fantastic, and I really question how much difference I'd notice. It is 854 x 480 with a faradouja processor, the image is gorgeous, and I notice a difference on HD sources. (higher horizontal resolution anyway).

I have a pretty high end speaker set up, and there is a noticeable difference just going from a dvd sound to HD-DVD. I skipped to scenes of Kong action, like the brontasaurus chase, and the sound just sounded so flat... I had to check to see if my sub was even on.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']I plan to upgrade my projector to a 720p here shortly. But even so, my projector is quite fantastic, and I really question how much difference I'd notice. It is 854 x 480 with a faradouja processor, the image is gorgeous, and I notice a difference on HD sources. (higher horizontal resolution anyway).

I have a pretty high end speaker set up, and there is a noticeable difference just going from a dvd sound to HD-DVD. I skipped to scenes of Kong action, like the brontasaurus chase, and the sound just sounded so flat... I had to check to see if my sub was even on.[/quote]

I thought I noticed that too on mine, but I thought it was just my imagination. I do have 5.1 Dolby receiver and use digital output with my X360, the sound did seem very low and with less umph...I was hoping maybe it was just the way Constantine was, since I haven't tested other movies yet. Bummer...sound is very important to me. Now i'm wondering whether to return it or not...
 
Do you guys with sound issues imply that you have to crank up the sound on your receiver or does it sound fine, but like explosions and stuff are not as punchy. I usually leave my receiver around 45-50 which is the middle for all my DVD's and HD-DVD is the same. MI-3 on HD-DVD seemed fine, although, I guess some explosions did not seem as loud as a I thought...but I had my receiver a little lower with respect for the baby :)
 
Yeah there are known sound issues, you can see if you head over to avsforum.com

It looks like, as we all know now, since they are taking the DD+ or TrueHD or DTS streams, transcoding it real time for a smaller bitrate, something is getting lost in the process. Hopefully they can fix it with a patch..... It will always be downsampling the audio from HD-DVD because of hardware limitations in the 360, but they can change how it's mixed upon output to sound better, or better yet - give us different options of how we want it mixed.

In addition to this - There are known issues with TrueHD tracks losing sync if you fastforward or rewind.
 
[quote name='doubledown']Do you guys with sound issues imply that you have to crank up the sound on your receiver or does it sound fine, but like explosions and stuff are not as punchy. I usually leave my receiver around 45-50 which is the middle for all my DVD's and HD-DVD is the same. MI-3 on HD-DVD seemed fine, although, I guess some explosions did not seem as loud as a I thought...but I had my receiver a little lower with respect for the baby :)[/quote]

Yes, for instance on my X360 games and DVD's the sound is like at 40-50 on my receiver but with the HD-DVD i have to turn it up to 30-25 and the bass sound is not as strong. Is it possible that a future patch can fix this?
 
Ok, but do you have to CRANK your receiver up to hear basic dialogue and stuff? I do not. I realize everything is decoded and cannot be passed as well through optical.

Just curious what the sound complaints really are.

*EDIT*
Ok, I guess you do have to crank your recevier....weird. Maybe something gets lost with your equipment also. I'm sure patches can eventually come for this, since it's like a million lines of code.
 
[quote name='LinkinPrime']Yes, for instance on my X360 games and DVD's the sound is like at 40-50 on my receiver but with the HD-DVD i have to turn it up to 30-25 and the bass sound is not as strong. Is it possible that a future patch can fix this?[/QUOTE]

I read that a number of the initial warner bros releases were mastered about -12db too low. But any other movie that seems to have sound problems, it's the 360. And yes I think a patch can and will fix this, just a question of when.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']I read that a number of the initial warner bros releases were mastered about -12db too low. But any other movie that seems to have sound problems, it's the 360. And yes I think a patch can and will fix this, just a question of when.[/quote]

Cool, guess I'll keep it and play the waiting game.
 
[quote name='LinkinPrime']Yes, for instance on my X360 games and DVD's the sound is like at 40-50 on my receiver but with the HD-DVD i have to turn it up to 30-25 and the bass sound is not as strong. Is it possible that a future patch can fix this?[/quote]

ive noticed this as well. games are super loud but movies have to be put on full blast..

I dont think its just the 360 player though.. i think this happens as well with regular movies using my regular upconverting dvd player (not 360)
 
Take this for what it's worth (meaning NOTHING), but the HDMI rumor has surfaced again, this time to be announced on the 22nd (tomorrow) to go along with their big downloadable TV/movie release deal.

I'm not even getting my hopes up this time since it's probably bullshit. We'll see.
 
Is there any word from Microsoft on whether the internal dvd-rom drive in the 360 will be replaced with the HD-DVD drive in future versions of the 360?
 
[quote name='blueboy']Is there any word from Microsoft on whether the internal dvd-rom drive in the 360 will be replaced with the HD-DVD drive in future versions of the 360?[/QUOTE]

Not going to happen anytime soon, if ever. HD is for movies NOT games.
 
[quote name='blueboy']Is there any word from Microsoft on whether the internal dvd-rom drive in the 360 will be replaced with the HD-DVD drive in future versions of the 360?[/QUOTE]

I seriously doubt you would ever see this. I think Microsoft knows it's in their best interest to drop the price as soon as they can. If they start throwing in more expensive mandatory components, they can't.
 
Here's a little article I wrote up that highlights the major problems with most of today's "1080p" HDTVs and HD disc players. Thought some in here might be interested to read why it might be worth waiting a year before upgrading to a 1080p set - wait for the 1080p72 sets.

film1080p.gif
 
Listen to me. HD-DVD has nothing to do with enhanced qaulity of videogames or ehanced video play back. All HD-DVD is just a bigger meduim to store data on. Thus when encoding the RAW files or ( RGB filter film data ) you can encode data that less compressive then the previous encoded data.

In this case you can encode data that is near of it's original value and thus a bigger video display.

The question is now what codec are they using with the HD-DVD players and how do we exploit it for our own purpose and goals.

Right now you should not be searching for HD this and that but stocking up on what was expensive and that you wanted from before.

Personally the Amerika is like a backwards Japan when it comes to technology.
 
[quote name='RegalSin2020']Listen to me. HD-DVD has nothing to do with enhanced qaulity of videogames or ehanced video play back. All HD-DVD is just a bigger meduim to store data on. Thus when encoding the RAW files or ( RGB filter film data ) you can encode data that less compressive then the previous encoded data.

In this case you can encode data that is near of it's original value and thus a bigger video display.

The question is now what codec are they using with the HD-DVD players and how do we exploit it for our own purpose and goals.

Right now you should not be searching for HD this and that but stocking up on what was expensive and that you wanted from before.

Personally the Amerika is like a backwards Japan when it comes to technology.[/QUOTE]

Nice. I wasn't satisfied with my thread until the village idiot showed up, although lately our friend here has been sounding more and more like a gimmick account. "What codec are they using" seems like one of those lines you actually have to TRY to sound dumb with.

Get back on track immediately.
 
I am being very serious. They would have to be using a diffrent codec or compression method in order for the video display to be perfected. Then again they could be using the same compression method and codec only the video size is at a higher resolution.
 
[quote name='guyver2077']anyways..

just finished seeing nacho libre and noticed that the movie was in full screen the whole time.. no black bars.. looked nice[/QUOTE]

WHOA...that is NOT FULL SCREEN. That is just a 1.85:1 movie. FULL SCREEN is an entirely different animal.
 
[quote name='doubledown']WHOA...that is NOT FULL SCREEN. That is just a 1.85:1 movie. FULL SCREEN is an entirely different animal.[/quote]

He just meant it filled the whole screen; no black bars. From the few HD-DVD reviews I've read, they weren't 1:85:1. I prefer 1:85:1 over the 2:35:1. (Who doesnt?)
 
[quote name='Trakan']He just meant it filled the whole screen; no black bars. From the few HD-DVD reviews I've read, they weren't 1:85:1. I prefer 1:85:1 over the 2:35:1. (Who doesnt?)[/QUOTE]

Agreed....I knew that, but that is still not full screen. That is just a different ratio. The general public still does not know the different between FS and WS. Anyways....move along, don't want to debate here.
 
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