Xbox 360 HD DVD drive to drop for �199 in the UK?

Nothing official or anything, but the folks at GamesIndustry.biz are catching wind from their retail pals that Microsoft is prepping to drop their HD DVD drive in the UK this November for £199. Added to the current price of an Xbox 360 Premium in the UK the total price comes to £478, compared to the PS3's £425 asking price in the UK. The good news is that sources also suggest Microsoft is planning on selling a bundle of the HD DVD drive and Premium 360 for £400 or even possibly $375, so folks who haven't yet jumped into the next-gen console fray could save money and still get HD movie capability by purchasing a 360/HD DVD bundle. Microsoft is also purportedly throwing in a pair of HD DVD movies to sweeten the deal, so there's also that to consider. What this all means for US pricing is hard to say, since both the Xbox 360 and PS3 prices are priced considerably higher in the UK than just a direct currency conversion would suggest. What we hope it means is that if you purchase an HD DVD drive all by its lonesome you'll wind up with a pair of movies for it and a $50-$100 "total cost of ownership" premium over a straight PS3 purchase, but if you buy a console/drive bundle you could end up saving just that much in comparison to the PS3. Or the whole rumor could be bunk and we could go about our normal lives, which is just as likely.

[Bob Sullivan @ Sep 8th 2006 5:58PM]

I'd buy one except my 360 has just decided it wants to just constantly freeze up now. Needless to say Microsoft wants me to pay to fix it. Way to stand up for your product Microsoft!

/bitter

[eight frames @ Sep 8th 2006 6:05PM]

I doubt microsoft will sell the stand alone at such a high price point, I'm willing to be it'll come out in the (179-199) range. Toshiba will cut them a considerable deal to insure the (by then) 10 million 360 install base ponies up for one. In fact, I bet even microsoft themselves eat some of the cost as well. I mean with every folly of Sony, why wouldn't you take every advantage you have?

[TheGuy @ Sep 8th 2006 6:11PM]

Despite a lower cost in a bundle, I dount many people will buy a HD-DVD drive for their 360. What's the incentive? There arent any since no 360 games will come out on HD-DVD anytime soon. Plus, the lack of HDMI could deter some people from buying it (Same goes to the Non-HDMI PS3).

[Erv @ Sep 8th 2006 6:46PM]

lack of an HDMI interface shouldn't deter anyone...with every setup i've personally come across, hdmi has consistently looked inferior to component...i know it shouldn't be that way, but it always is for some reason...even when using a $150 cable!!...HD-DVDs look AMAZING on the newer 1080p screens...i can't wait to get the new bundle when it finally comes out!...though i think we all know it'll really be more expensive than these rumors...

[Jeff @ Sep 8th 2006 6:53PM]

Evr - "hdmi has consistently looked inferior to component" - What are you smoking?

I have two HDMI compatible TV's - HDMI blows away component. I bet your analog computer monitor looks better then a new digital one too.

[Robotron @ Sep 8th 2006 7:19PM]

Hey Bob I feel your pain. I'm on my 4th 360 and I just don't use it anymore since MS told me on my last replacement that I no longer have a warranty.
I smell a class action lawsuit yet.

Kinda funny since it has all been their fault.
1st Xbox - and DVD based game froze withing minutes
2nd Xbox - Died after an MS update
3rd Xbox - MS shipped me a dirty, scratched, dead system
4th Xbox - A noisy refurb that doesn't get used now

So glad I bought the premium bundle. Never again MS.

[Erv @ Sep 8th 2006 7:28PM]

well...i've actually been smoking crack, but that really isn't relative to my point...

i'm glad hdmi looks good on both your screens, but did you consider that not every single person in the world has the exact same setup as you?...through my own experience, hdmi has not been impressive...definitely not noticeably better than component...perhaps when we actually get some true 1080p content, hdmi will prove its worth...in the meantime, save your money cause the $100 cables just aren't worth it...

[georgedakota @ Sep 8th 2006 7:28PM]

i bought an hdmi cable and have a 51 inch samsung. i dont see any difference in component and hdmi whatsoever. so for those that think it will look so much better with hdmi, it wont.

[Torpedo @ Sep 8th 2006 7:42PM]

I believe that the PS3 would be better overall, UNLESS you do not want a HD disk player. You know what; it is going to suck if X360 owners buy the HD-DVD add-on, since majority of the X360 fans complained about the PS3 being expensive and useless. I have an X360, but I like the PS3 more than the X360, you know what, I like the Wii more than the X360.

I do not know why do the X360 fans like the X360, PS3 is much better than the X360. PS3 has better graphics and it is faster, and it includes many other awesome features that the X360 does not include. If you look at it this way, people abandoned the PS2 for Xbox, since Xbox was much better than the PS2, performance wise. Now the PS3 is far more superior to the X360, so now people should go for the PS3.

It does not make any since to support Microsoft this company is a rip-off. They should try to show some originality one in a while and be fare about it.

[James @ Sep 8th 2006 7:43PM]

Gromit,

"£199? that's $372.43."

There is no direct correlation if something cost a certain amount in the UK will cost around the exact exchange rate. From what I've seen, it's always £199 = $199. UK pays much more than the US.

[Torpedo @ Sep 8th 2006 7:52PM]

Yes, there is no a big difference between component and a HDMI cable. However, to view the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray movies at their highest quality you would need use the HDMI or a DVI cable. Without the HDMI or the DVI connection the quality might not be in HD, so it is pointless to watch a HD movie in a DVD quality, so why waste money. This rule will take effect under two years… beware.

[Chris @ Sep 8th 2006 7:54PM]

I don't suppose anybody knows if the xbox 360 HD-DVD drive can be used wih a PC?

Personally £200 is way too much for an add-on in the UK, £150 - maybe.

[Kspraydad @ Sep 8th 2006 7:54PM]

"There is no direct correlation if something cost a certain amount in the UK will cost around the exact exchange rate. From what I've seen, it's always £199 = $199. UK pays much more than the US."


Amazon UK price right now for a 360 is 199 pounds which is $371
Amazon US price is $299

Difference is US price is 80% of the UK price.

So...if this rolls at 199 pounds it will roll in the US at $299 NOT $199

Stop dreaming.

[LA Dave @ Sep 8th 2006 7:56PM]

Let's do this comparision:

The XBox Premium system in the UK goes for 280 British Pounds.
The HD DVD Add-On will be 199 British Pounds.
199/280=.71

The XBox Premium system is $399 in the US.
.71*399=$284
I would say the price would be between $250-300.

[eight frames @ Sep 8th 2006 7:57PM]

to torpedo."I do not know why do the X360 fans like the X360, PS3 is much better than the X360."

Shouldn't you be on the Gamepro forums or something...

I mean...you're like twelve right?

[kk @ Sep 8th 2006 8:07PM]

"I do not know why do the X360 fans like the X360, PS3 is much better than the X360. PS3 has better graphics and it is faster, and it includes many other awesome features that the X360 does not include."

Let's add false promises and invisibility to the PS3 as features that the X360 won't include.

You gotta love it when fanboys stick by their vaporware product despite all the news that Sony is f-ing up big time.

[aiken @ Sep 8th 2006 8:18PM]

Um, it's called the VAT people. In the UK, they don't have sales tax as such, and instead goods are taxed each step of the way from production to retail, a total of 18% or so, if memory serves. So when you see a UK price, it includes 18% tax. Even accounting for that, technology prices tend to be higher over there, but that 18% does cause a good portion of the overall price difference.

[Yoggie @ Sep 9th 2006 6:32AM]

That price makes little or no sense imo. If you buy the bundle you end up paying £100 for the HD-DVD considerably less than the £200 for it alone. Seems you are basically paying £100 for two films that you may not want. I'd rather pay £18 each and pick two

It almost makes it worth buying the bundle and selling the console on.

HD-DVD had a decent chance via this route against sony and blu-ray but it seems they screwed up on the price point.

Bundle price right.
Stand alone should be no more than £150

[Keith @ Sep 8th 2006 8:50PM]

Nice! I wonder if they will follow suit in the US?

[GamerG @ Sep 8th 2006 8:53PM]

I love my Xbox 360 and I love my HD TV but there is no way i'm paying £200 for the privilge of having to buy my fave movies again simply to watch them in a slightly sharper resolution.

What makes a good movie? Acting and story or how good the picture looks? DVD is more than fine in my opinion blue ray and HD DVD are a waste of time and will only be appreciated by the hard core home cinema fans!

[Toe TagR @ Sep 8th 2006 9:25PM]

@Torpedo
UHHHH? you sound like you've been in a cave the past couple years of the total 8 that you've been alive. Let me bring you up to speed...The PS3 doesn't exist yet so it can't possibly have more features because...well...it doesn't exist. Also you must be really stupid to prefer a non existing console over an X360. But maybe since youre 12 you prefer playing with your imaginary PS3.

As for this HD-DVD I just might buy it for 2 reasons
1. I want to be the first one to take it apart and swap it with my 360s existing drive.
2. I'll bet you anything it will connect via USB and if it wont work with my alienware laptop. I WILL NOT REST UNTIL I HACK IT TO WHERE I HAVE A PORTABLE HD-DVD PLAYER!

[ShermDidIt @ Sep 8th 2006 9:26PM]

"Yes, there is no a big difference between component and a HDMI cable. However, to view the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray movies at their highest quality you would need use the HDMI or a DVI cable. Without the HDMI or the DVI connection the quality might not be in HD, so it is pointless to watch a HD movie in a DVD quality, so why waste money. This rule will take effect under two years… beware."

Torpedo, what are YOU smoking? Component has ZERO problem displaying full HD. Nevermind, PS3 FTW ROXOR mY SOXKRS!!! Shmuck.

[Thomas @ Sep 8th 2006 9:44PM]

Yeah.. As he said above.. HD-DVD is still gunna be HD if it doesnt have HDMI..

I dont watch many DVDs on my HD set cuz I hate how alot of DVDs are only widescreen format and therefor I have to watch a stretched picture that doesnt even fit my screen correctly..

Im not getting the HD-DVD addon (unless its only $50).. Im still gunna get a PS3 in the spring, Wii on launch..

Also to 'TheGuy' and his quote "There arent any since no 360 games will come out on HD-DVD anytime soon"
There wont be anygames comming out on HD-DVD.. M$ has said this time&time again.. When will ppl listen.. They are strickly sticking to DVD format for games.. Otherwise they will be forcing ppl to buy the addon and if I would have known that B4 I bought my 360, I wouldve just waited for the PS3's launch..

[TheGuy @ Sep 8th 2006 9:59PM]

@Thomas

I think it's pretty obvious Microsoft will eventually put their games on HD-DVD. It also wouldn't suprise me if they eventually release an XBox 360 with built-in HD-DVD drive when that happens. I think Microsoft will look at how well Blu-ray works for the PS3 before making a decision. Perhaps they could release 2 versions of games, one on a DVD and a higher quality version on a HD-DVD disk. There's only so much space on DVDs, so if Microsoft wants to make their games better they have to jump to the next format eventually.

As for HDMI, my previous comment pertained more to future image restraints for non-HDMI players and consoles. It could be a real possibility that it's enacted, and those stuck with the HD-DVD add-on wouldn't be able to watch their movies at their best quality.

[Raider @ Sep 8th 2006 10:13PM]

Well... all I can say is that... I love you Brits and Aussies.
You guys flip most of the bill so us Yankees don't have to =)

[Torpedo @ Sep 9th 2006 1:22AM]

To ShermDidIt

Listen u dumb f… do u know what is a DRM, or are you too slow to catch on.

[Torpedo @ Sep 9th 2006 1:29AM]

To Toe TagR

Hey, r u 2 slow 2 catch on? I know PS3 is not out. However, who said that it does not exist, maybe you are the one who is from the cave. Hey, if you are not slow or mentally challenged, please read the system bio, and try to compare them both.

[Torpedo @ Sep 9th 2006 1:35AM]

To kk

Why would you not compare the two systems back-to-back, why will not you read their system bio? Obviously, PS3 has more features than the X360. Now who is the fanboy, I guess you are.

[Torpedo @ Sep 9th 2006 1:48AM]

To eight frames

Why would I be 12 and why are you defending the X360 like a fanboy? I am stating the obvious, if you compare the two systems side-by-side; PS3 has more and better features than the X360. I do not understand why the X360 fanboys are defending a system that is inferior (feature wise) compared to the PS3.

[Erv @ Sep 9th 2006 3:55AM]

torpedo-

you're right, good call...probably the best feature of the ps3 is how you can't go to the store and buy it...that's super handy...and the fact that it's invisible is pretty sweet too...

you should see the sweet features on this time machine i'm building...it's gonna be way better than what we have now...definitely will have "more and better features"...of course, i'm not sure when it'll actually come out...and it'll probably be twice as expensive as its target audience can afford...but seriously, it's way better...

[raaaaaa @ Sep 9th 2006 4:52AM]

Here is why Microsofts way of selling there system is better than Sony.

they will sell the HD player seperately & if you want it you get it.
but what people fail to understand is that when prices drop for next gen blueray or HDDVD microsofts HDDVD player will be found for under $100 in six months (look at the blueray that droped 3 months ago for 1000.00 it is now 650.00)
Sony on the other hand has forced there blueray on the consumer. they can sell there brand new PS3 cheaper in 6 months it would look bad, so there forcing the price down everyone troat.

[FinalFan3 @ Sep 10th 2006 3:19PM]

"Um, it's called the VAT people. In the UK, they don't have sales tax as such, and instead goods are taxed each step of the way from production to retail, a total of 18% or so, if memory serves."

It's 17.5%.

[jayman16 @ Sep 9th 2006 10:01AM]

@ Torpedo

What the hell are you talking about??? What "features" are you talking about?

Unified friends list: Stolen from MS
Dashboard button on the controller: Stolen from MS
Power on and off from controller: Stolen from MS
Gyroscopic Controller: Stolen from Nintendo
"Entitlement"/Achievements points: Stolen from MS
etc... Do I need to go on???

Or do you mean better by more expensive, slower to load BRD vs DVD:http://adidat.blogspot.com/2006/09/ps3-loads-games-as-slow-as-well-ps2.html

Backup your statements.

[Jeff @ Sep 9th 2006 1:26PM]

A $300+ HD-DVD add on with NO HDMI is totally insane!

You can get the Toshiba HD-A1 free standing HD-DVD player for $399 if you hunt a bit. It is also the best upscaling DVD player out now.

I've even seen it for $368 from one site. (Continental Airlines rewards program)

I hope this is false and it's really around $150-$200-

Otherwise shame on you MS.

[JJ @ Sep 9th 2006 1:28PM]

Well jayman outside of achievements, neither of those companies made that technology or anything either as most of it has existed in some form or another in other technology and end user items by default. Such as on and off power buttons from a remote, friends lists etc.

So to say Sony is copying those features (outside of achievements which is a good idea too) is kind of hypocritical. Because a lot of em are just good ideas like hard drives and wireless remotes and a natural progression of technology and services.

[Frosty22 @ Sep 9th 2006 10:02PM]

I have a feeling that companies like Microsoft leak these rumors to see how people would react. I don't think this is the for-sure price point for this product. After all, rumors are rumors. And for all the ps3 is better than 360 comments, why don't you wait until the ps3 is actually out to compare the products. "The ps3 has better graphics, better features" blah blah blah. How the heck would you know? Sheesh! Don't listen to everything the sony bobble heads feed you. They have a history of verbal diarrhea.

[ShermDidIt @ Sep 9th 2006 10:09PM]

"To ShermDidIt

Listen u dumb f… do u know what is a DRM, or are you too slow to catch on."

Sigh, spoken like a true, raving at the mouth PS3 fanboy. DRM is not even close to being activated on non-HDMI connections.

In fact, because of the numerous problems deciding on HDCP parameters in the first place, component remains the most reliable way to get HD content on your super-cool HDTV. TWCable has HDCP on their cable box hdmi out, numerous TVS with HDCP capability still have probelms receiving the signal because there is no single unified HDCP format.

I won't even mention signal quality differences between component and HDMI, the neoliths pre-evolutionary brains would hemmorhage.

[Jon Messias @ Sep 12th 2006 7:37AM]

I think £199 in the UK would be too high for gamers, but would still be the cheapest way for AV enthusiasts to get into HD movies.

It depends who you are. To the late 20's, early 30's AV fan with a nice new HDTV, £199 is not such a huge deal, BUT they would also look at Toshiba's dedicated player at around £450-a better looking, better featured piece of kit. (Reviews are in for it).

If you are a gamer (in the UK) without having spent at least £600 on an HD ready telly, I can't see you flocking to spend nearly £200 on this drive. You'd spend it on a Nintendo Wii obviously!

If like me, you are a combination of both and you've decided to buy a 360, then a bundle for £375 seems quit compelling.

My advice to Microsoft: Sell the standalone for £150
and bundle the lot for £360 - then you will do very Very well off the back of Sony's problems.

Thing is, Americans have had HD broadcasts, and screens, for a few years now (and had worse pictures before). In the UK the general market needs more encouragement to make the jump, even the World Cup didn't have a huge affect on this.

Bottom line: Hope the price is right from MS and in November they will offer 3 different options for consumbers, whilst Sony will offer (in Europe)
.....diddly SQUAT!

[Alex Atkin UK @ Oct 28th 2006 1:49PM]

You arent going to be able to take it apart and swap with the 360 internal as:

1) The 360 will only detect it over USB, the dashboard specifically lists BOTH drives seperately so it expects DVD internally HD-DVD externally.
2) The HD-DVD is most likely IDE as the Toshiba HD-DVD player one is.
3) We dont even know if it will read DVDs. Seeing as DVDs can be played from the internal drive they might have omitted the red laser from the HD-DVD drive to save money.

And to another persons comment, not only has it been said games will NEVER be on HD-DVD on 360 but it also doesnt matter. You dont need that much space, a good developer can utilise space more efficiently. If you filled the disk load times would be INSANE. The more space the less reason to compress your data and longer the loading times as the result. Im sure we will see this in PS3.

Also, HD-DVD for the 360 will always be cheaper than the PS3. Why? Because I already OWN a 360 so I only need to buy the drive. For a PS3 id have to buy the whole thing so for anyone with a 360 who wants HD movies it makes sense to choose HD-DVD over Blu-ray.

[Alex Atkin UK @ Oct 28th 2006 2:34PM]

Oh and id be VERY surprised if component is as good as HDMI. Component has only a small amount of the actual colour data and shows up darker than pure connections like VGA or HDMI that are almost lossless. However on my TV VGA kicks HDMIs ass because VGA is 1:1 pixel aspect ratio whereas HDMI is overscanned so you cant get a pixel-accurate image out of HDMI whereas VGA is other than very slight ghosting caused by the analog signal. So it really depends how your TV works.

If you can get a 1:1 pixel aspect ratio out of HDMI it can blow all other connections out of the water as its the only truely lossless signal delivering the full colour and pixel information. Failing that, VGA.

[naik @ Nov 7th 2007 1:36PM]

deer sir
nay i requiest i like your membership
yuor expect plz
your sincearley naik samoo