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

This might be the wrong place to come asking, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any good DVD sites, mainly for HD-DVD, with reviews and news and things like that.
 
[quote name='Psykoboy2']This might be the wrong place to come asking, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any good DVD sites, mainly for HD-DVD, with reviews and news and things like that.[/QUOTE]

www.dvdtalk.com
 
I have a quick question.

I ordered an HDTV, but it isn't here yet. In the meantime, if I buy the HD-DVD add on, will the HD-DVDs look any better on my regular television? Or is the improvement only noticeable on HDTVs?

Also, does this thing make regular DVDs look any better?
 
[quote name='the ender']I have a quick question.

I ordered an HDTV, but it isn't here yet. In the meantime, if I buy the HD-DVD add on, will the HD-DVDs look any better on my regular television? Or is the improvement only noticeable on HDTVs?

Also, does this thing make regular DVDs look any better?[/QUOTE]

You won't notice much if anything on a standard definition television. If you use VGA cables with an HDTV or a monitor, the 360 will upscale DVDs to 720p/1080i(won't look like HD DVD though). Also, you don't necessarily need the HD DVD drive to do the upscaling as the 360 dvd player will do it as well.
 
There will be 6x the difference. The 360's dvd player DOES NOT play HD-DVDs. It also doesn't upscale either so playing a DVD on the 360's player will look like any other dvd you play on any other player (given both are using the same type of cables).
 
The 360 WILL upscale with VGA, correct?

Two posts above contradict each other.

Just get the HD-DVD if you have a HDTV....it is pointless without.
 
[quote name='doubledown']The 360 WILL upscale with VGA, correct?

Two posts above contradict each other.

Just get the HD-DVD if you have a HDTV....it is pointless without.[/quote]

The 360's DVD player will NOT upscale regardless of cables.

The 360's HD-DVD player WILL upscale but only with VGA.
 
[quote name='Psykoboy2']The 360's DVD player will NOT upscale regardless of cables.

The 360's HD-DVD player WILL upscale but only with VGA.[/quote]

???

360's dvd player upscales for me with vga cables.

Havent tried the hd dvd player via the vga
 
[quote name='doubledown']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.[/quote]

Yea excuse my noobish language from before. I know its not technically fs. I guess i used the wrong word.

Anyways yea its the only movie so far that ive seen that did not have the bars. i actually prefer not having the bars
 
[quote name='guyver2077']???

360's dvd player upscales for me with vga cables.

Havent tried the hd dvd player via the vga[/quote]

Then my apologies. I was under the impression that the 360's DVD player was just that and nothing more and that the HD-DVD player did the upscale on regular DVD's, but only with the VGA cables.
 
The HD-DVD player doesn't do any processing of anything. It's simply a drive like you'd buy and install in your computer. The 360 does all the work.

So yes, if you have a VGA cable, the 360 alone will upscale DVD.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']The HD-DVD player doesn't do any processing of anything. It's simply a drive like you'd buy and install in your computer. The 360 does all the work.

So yes, if you have a VGA cable, the 360 alone will upscale DVD.[/QUOTE]


so if i get a VGA cable, it will upscale with the regular 360 dvd player and i dont need to buy the hd-dvd player?
 
[quote name='rly723']so if i get a VGA cable, it will upscale with the regular 360 dvd player and i dont need to buy the hd-dvd player?[/QUOTE]
you need to HDDVD player to get HD movies, but to upscale you need just the 360 & the VGA cable
 
[quote name='rly723']so if i get a VGA cable, it will upscale with the regular 360 dvd player and i dont need to buy the hd-dvd player?[/QUOTE]

hd-dvd and dvd are two different formats

HD-DVD discs contain movies at 1080p resolution, with lossless audio (whatever audio is on the studio master is what is on the disc).

DVD is standard definition with 480 lines of information on the disc. Even if you buy a VGA cable and upscale to 1080, you're not gaining anything because the source material itself is limited to 480 lines.
 
[quote name='gsr']

HD-DVD discs contain movies at 1080p resolution, with lossless audio (whatever audio is on the studio master is what is on the disc).[/QUOTE]
Just one note here to be clear, with the 360 HD-DVD player, you can not get lossless audio, it transcodes all audio to dolby digital.

DVD is standard definition with 480 lines of information on the disc. Even if you buy a VGA cable and upscale to 1080, you're not gaining anything because the source material itself is limited to 480 lines.
Click to expand...

I take exception to this. I can't speak for the 360's upconverting abilities, but I have an HTPC with theatertek and ffdshow upconverting standard dvd's and they look FAR better than non-upconverted DVD's. Upconverted DVD's, depending on how the upconversion is done, gains quite a bit in picture quality.

Saying dvd upconversion doesn't gain anything is kind of like saying a 128k mp3 piped into a $10,000 reciever/digital processor/speaker system won't gain anything.
 
[quote name='rly723']so these question is...

VGA cable or is the $160 worth it to get the 360 hd -dvd drive? also how much would a vga cable cost?[/QUOTE]

Third party VGA cables can be had under $25.

Your question is impossible to answer without knowing your intent.

Do you want to start buying your movies in slightly more expensive HD-DVD format and enjoy the absolute best picture available on your HDTV? If so, then buy the HD-DVD player.

Or do you have a huge DVD collection and prefer to keep buying movies on the cheaper DVD format so you can also take them to friends houses and enjoy wider compatibility? If so, buy the VGA cable.
 
After the first price drop of XB 360, has MS considered

1. Discontinuing Core system and sell remaining until gone just like original Xbox?

and

2. Introduce delux XB 360 that has HD-DVD, large hard drive like 100GB for $400-$500 range, with current Pro (Premium) system selling between $250 and $350?
 
[quote name='vincewy']After the first price drop of XB 360, has MS considered

1. Discontinuing Core system and sell remaining until gone just like original Xbox?

and

2. Introduce delux XB 360 that has HD-DVD, large hard drive like 100GB for $400-$500 range, with current Pro (Premium) system selling between $250 and $350?[/QUOTE]

I doubt anyone but a few at MS could answer this. I think you are not likely to see a souped up 360 for sale until they can still afford to offer it for $400 or less, which including an HD-DVD player will be a couple years away at least.
 
Microsoft to improve HD DVD addon audio; patch to make it similar to HD-A1 optical

On AVSFORUM it has been confirmed that Microsoft's next firmware update for the HD DVD Addon will transcode the DD+/DDTHD sound to DTS (instead of DD), making the 360's digital output sound even better and just as good as the Toshiba HD-A1's coax/optical which no one had any complaints about. Way to make an awesome product even better!
 
[quote name='Ruined']Microsoft to improve HD DVD addon audio; patch to make it similar to HD-A1 optical

On AVSFORUM it has been confirmed that Microsoft's next firmware update for the HD DVD Addon will transcode the DD+/DDTHD sound to DTS (instead of DD), making the 360's digital output sound even better and just as good as the Toshiba HD-A1's coax/optical which no one had any complaints about. Way to make an awesome product even better![/QUOTE]

I'm looking all over there and I can't find it. Link please?
 
[quote name='Ruined']Microsoft to improve HD DVD addon audio; patch to make it similar to HD-A1 optical

On AVSFORUM it has been confirmed that Microsoft's next firmware update for the HD DVD Addon will transcode the DD+/DDTHD sound to DTS (instead of DD), making the 360's digital output sound even better and just as good as the Toshiba HD-A1's coax/optical which no one had any complaints about. Way to make an awesome product even better![/QUOTE]
Now that is music to my ears. I was getting to where I couldn't stand the sound that I was getting from the HD DVD player. Not only would I have to crank it up but everything sounded mildly muffled. I love the player, I just didn't like the sound output.
 
Well that really was the only thing that was keeping me from buying one...so I guess I might have to bite as soon as I get the moeny saved up...I was also concerned with which format would win the "war", but I'm planning on getting a PS3 within the next year so I don't really need to worry about that...
 
Just a quick FYI that we are looking at this problem. I don't have an update on it because I was on vacation for a while. But for now, wanted to let you know that we are finalizing our DTS encoder which once done, should produce the same experience as the Toshiba player which everyone was happy with....
Click to expand...

Hmm, I take that to mean something entirely different. I take that to simply mean that with the next update the 360 will have the ability to output a DTS steream. That doesn't mean it will use dts instead of dd, and I will be skeptical that transcoding to dts will sound much better than it's transcoding to dd until I hear it.
 
Browsing through that thread on AVS forum I came across this:

Start the 360.

Hit the Guide button to open the dashboard.

Select the Speaker icon that appears above the "Select Music" button in the dash.

Note the default volume setting is at approx. 30%.

Adjust it to 100% - full right.

Hit OK or A on the controller to commit the change.

Close the dash by pressing Guide again.

Insert HD-DVD disc.

Notice that the audio has expected dynamic range, you can crank your amp/receiver back to normal listening levels, etc.

I didn't break out a meter, but my ear says that with the dash music volume max'd, the HD player's audio level matches the SD audio level when playing a SD DVD directly on the 360.
Click to expand...

I just tested this and it made a huge difference. I totally forgot that the in dash volume is by default like 30%. It's hard to say if the sound is at the same levels now as a reg dvd, but it's close. Watching the T-REX battle on kong now, and my reciever is set to where I would normally have it for a DD track and it's rumbling my whole house as I'd expect. :)
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']Browsing through that thread on AVS forum I came across this:



I just tested this and it made a huge difference. I totally forgot that the in dash volume is by default like 30%. It's hard to say if the sound is at the same levels now as a reg dvd, but it's close. Watching the T-REX battle on kong now, and my reciever is set to where I would normally have it for a DD track and it's rumbling my whole house as I'd expect. :)[/quote]

No fucking way! That rules! Thank you so much thrustbucket :bow:
 
[quote name='LinkinPrime']No fucking way! That rules! Thank you so much thrustbucket :bow:[/QUOTE]

Don't get too excited. I'm not saying it's fixed, it just seemed to make a difference to me. My gut feeling tells me it might all be in my head, since I think that entire portion of the dash is greyed out during movie playback, so that doesn't make much sense.

Either way, someone else try it and get confirmation.
 
It would totally make sense, since a digital signal at 30% is like reducing the number of available bits for audio resolution by 70%. It's not the same as turning down an analog signal. MS should fix that default setting.
 
Thanks for the tip......yeah, I think it reverts back to 30%. I'll have to try that soon...but I have no sound issues prior to it with my HD-DVD
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']Hmm, I take that to mean something entirely different. I take that to simply mean that with the next update the 360 will have the ability to output a DTS steream. That doesn't mean it will use dts instead of dd, and I will be skeptical that transcoding to dts will sound much better than it's transcoding to dd until I hear it.[/QUOTE]

If it was simply outputting a DTS stream it wouldn't be encoding anything (Amir mentions encoder) and it also wouldn't be setup like the HD-A1 which transcodes to DTS (which amir also mentions). The HD-A1 sounds great with DTS transcoding.
 
Any word on a firmware update that will allow the 360 to display 1080P on Sony displays? I saw this problem on IGN and was thinking of buying the 60" Sony XBR2 but that really sucks.
 
[quote name='Ruined']If it was simply outputting a DTS stream it wouldn't be encoding anything (Amir mentions encoder) and it also wouldn't be setup like the HD-A1 which transcodes to DTS (which amir also mentions). The HD-A1 sounds great with DTS transcoding.[/QUOTE]

Right, so I take Amir's statement to mean they are working on implementing the "option" of outputing dts. It would still be transcoding like it does with dd, but your receiver would just be getting a dts signal instead of dd.
 
just finished ordering the superman movies on amazon.. came out to about $20 each. plus wanted to take advantage of the 10% off in the future..

good news as superman returns on hd dvd jumped into the top 100 on the amazon charts..

now when will more movie companies start releasing hd dvd's.. they must notice that they are selling.

have there been any numbers released on sales for the 360 hd dvd drive.?
 
Well, many companies seem to be waiting which will win. I mean, companies have sided with either BD or HDDVD, so it will be a matter of time before one format wins....we'll see.
 
[quote name='Purkeynator']Any word on a firmware update that will allow the 360 to display 1080P on Sony displays? I saw this problem on IGN and was thinking of buying the 60" Sony XBR2 but that really sucks.[/QUOTE]

I agree it sucks, and there has been nothing said since the typical "we are aware" acknowledgement and a vague "we will work to ensure that we are compatible with more HD sets in the future" comment.

I'm actually HDTV-less right now and using my computer monitor with a VGA cable because I don't trust Microsoft to fix this in a timely manner. If at all.
 
[quote name='guyver2077']good news as superman returns on hd dvd jumped into the top 100 on the amazon charts..

now when will more movie companies start releasing hd dvd's.. they must notice that they are selling.
[/quote]

It is early, so lets not get crazy. It was 79, and behind dvds that weren't major success movies in the theatre that came out 2 years ago. (I am looking at you The notebook)
 
lol but clearly if they release a movie now it will make some cash..

look at batman begins.. not taking anything away from the movie but it has been on the top charts everywhere i look..

its been out for a while now and continues to sell...
 
Not picking up Superman Returns, I want that to be my guinea pig for the 360's HD download service.

Will definitely pick up the Donner cut of Superman II though. May eventually get Superman as well, but I already have the DVD and thus far I've avoided buying stuff I already have on DVD.

Grabbed Clerks 2 on DVD today, and god damn is it annoying that the HD-DVD version got pushed back to "TBA."


Side note - for those who did buy/are thinking of buying Terminator 3, keep in mind that although Terminator and T2 are both Blu-Ray exclusive for now, there IS a 1080p version of T2 that is readily available (for next to nothing...DDD has it for under 10 bucks). T2 Exreme Edition comes as a 2 disc set. The second disc has a Windows Media version of it on there that runs 1080p. Now that we can play WMV files through the 360 without having to have Windows Media Center...well, you can do the math.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']Right, so I take Amir's statement to mean they are working on implementing the "option" of outputing dts. It would still be transcoding like it does with dd, but your receiver would just be getting a dts signal instead of dd.[/QUOTE]

Right, but unlike the DD transcoding which yielded unsatisfying end results, transcoding DD+/DDTHD to DTS yielded excellent results in the past (i.e. on the HD-A1).

Also, a quick bit of advice to people. The first 3 HD DVDs ever released (Phantom of the Opera, The Last Samurai, Million Dollar Baby) have the sound mixed at an abnormally low volume level. Warner is actually releasing a small-sized downloadable patch for these three titles (yes, this can be done with HD DVD) that will fix the sound issues on these 3 titles, but that has not happened quite yet. So if you are getting low sound on one of those 3 titles, that is normal because they screwed up the authoring. On all other titles, though, sound should be fine. The patch to transcode to DTS should fix these audio issues people are experiencing.
 
Just got my HD projector and am now watching MI3 and KK. Does anyone else have a problem with the xbox displaying the movie image in only the middle 2/3 of the screen? As far as I know these are 16:9 movies and should take up my entire screen.
 
The movies are 2.35:1 or 2.4:1, wider than 16:9 which is about 1.85:1. This is a big issue I have with HD DVDs - content wider than 16:9 is letterboxed, and the HD DVD player doesn't have a zoom. Unless your display has a letterbox zoom, you're stuck watching it at its original aspect ratio, which if you have a 720p display means you're stuck watching only 533 vertical pixels. 480p to 533p - worth the $200?
 
[quote name='KaneRobot']Yes, it comes in a standard HD-DVD case. It may be different than the retail case but it is the same type of case. I know there is no barcode on the one bundled with the 360's HD-DVD player.


Terminator 3 is a fantastic "show-off" disc as well as an underrated action movie.[/QUOTE]

COUGHShinobiCOUGH. Buy that instead of T3 since it sounds like Zhang Yimov Wuxia Fantasy inspired and if you've seen CTHD you can imagine how vibrant the colors would look.
 
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