How does the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player compare to others?

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
So i am thinking of buying a 360 and was interested in the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player any personal reviews? how does it compare to other players?

thanks!
 

ChAoTiCpInOy

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2006
6,442
1
81
I can't really give you a comparison with other players considering I only have my HD DVD Player. But I can give you a two thumbs up. This player is awesome and the fact that you could hook it up to your computer and watch on your computer with some programs is a plus as well. The 360 HD DVD player has all the benefits of a regular stand alone box, so you really are not missing out. If you want a cheap easy way to get in, get an Xbox 360, and make sure you get an HDMI out Xbox 360 that way you can get it in full 1080p. Goddamn that's hot.
 

erwos

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2005
4,778
0
76
I think I heard that the 360's HDMI implementation only allows for stereo output, and you have to use optical if you want 5.1. That's a bit of a problem, IMHO.
 

Modeps

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
17,254
44
91
Originally posted by: ChAoTiCpInOy
I can't really give you a comparison with other players considering I only have my HD DVD Player. But I can give you a two thumbs up. This player is awesome and the fact that you could hook it up to your computer and watch on your computer with some programs is a plus as well. The 360 HD DVD player has all the benefits of a regular stand alone box, so you really are not missing out. If you want a cheap easy way to get in, get an Xbox 360, and make sure you get an HDMI out Xbox 360 that way you can get it in full 1080p. Goddamn that's hot.

You dont need an HDMI 360 to get 1080p out of the 360's HD DVD drive. Just get the HD VGA cable.
 

JackBurton

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
15,993
14
81
Originally posted by: Allen Iverson
Just buy a PS3 man! Its WAY better!
Not by a long shot.

As for the 360 HD-DVD drive, why don't you just get an HD-A3 player? It's the same price as the 360 HD-DVD add-on. And it looks better.
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
111,677
30,996
146
so the HDMI on the 360 doesn't output the HD audio tracks? wow, that sucks. I'd just go for the A3. it would be much cheaper if you need to buy the 360 in addition to the player.

as far as HD playback, the PS3 is more capable (and cheaper than comparable 360 + HD DVD drive), but sucks for games.
 

Eug

Lifer
Mar 11, 2000
24,017
1,640
126
Originally posted by: JackBurton
As for the 360 HD-DVD drive, why don't you just get an HD-A3 player? It's the same price as the 360 HD-DVD add-on. And it looks better.
You can get the 360 HD DVD for cheaper at some places, but I'd recommend the A3 as well, cuz I prefer standalones.

360 HD DVD advantages over A3:

1) Saves space, if you're going to get a 360 anyway.
2) Better optical audio options: WMA Pro, DTS, or DD. (A3 is DD.)
3) Faster bootup and navigation.
4) You have the option to use VGA if you need it.


A3 advantages over 360 HD DVD:

1) Quieter
2) HDMI (assuming you don't get an HDMI 360)
3) 5.1 audio over HDMI
4) Better DVD upscaling. (360 upscales over VGA and HDMI, but not very well. Neither upscale over component, because it's not allowed.)
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
111,677
30,996
146
Originally posted by: Eug
Originally posted by: JackBurton
As for the 360 HD-DVD drive, why don't you just get an HD-A3 player? It's the same price as the 360 HD-DVD add-on. And it looks better.
You can get the 360 HD DVD for cheaper at some places, but I'd recommend the A3 as well, cuz I prefer standalones.

360 HD DVD advantages over A3:

1) Saves space, if you're going to get a 360 anyway.
2) Better optical audio options: WMA Pro, DTS, or DD. (A3 is DD.)
3) Faster bootup and navigation.
4) You have the option to use VGA if you need it.


A3 advantages over 360 HD DVD:

1) Quieter
2) HDMI (assuming you don't get an HDMI 360)
3) 5.1 audio over HDMI
4) Better DVD upscaling. (360 upscales over VGA and HDMI, but not very well. Neither upscale over component, because it's not allowed.)

but he's buying a 360 along with it, which will be more pricey than the A3. added to that if he wants an X-Box with HDMI (why wouldn't you?), he should just go for an A3 or even a PS3 if HD movies is his primary concern; both are certainly cheaper.
 

Eug

Lifer
Mar 11, 2000
24,017
1,640
126
Originally posted by: zinfamous
but he's buying a 360 along with it, which will be more pricey than the A3. added to that if he wants an X-Box with HDMI (why wouldn't you?), he should just go for an A3 or even a PS3 if HD movies is his primary concern; both are certainly cheaper.
Yeah, but if he wants a 360 for games, then that's out of the equation. And no a PS3 isn't a replacement for the 360 either, if he wants a 360.
 

EODetroit

Member
Oct 20, 2004
48
0
0
The 360 with the HD DVD player is the only high def player that can play DivX/XVid. Also it does 1080p unlike the other HD DVD player someone linked to.

I thought all 360s came with a HDMI port now.
 

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
I want the 360 b\c of the games, my 5.1 receiver doesn't take hdmi it take optical and coax (orange?)
the main tv (sony KP-46WT500) its running on take only dvi (this has the surround sound system) the other is a Sharp Aquos LC32D62U 32" 1080p LCD HDTV with no surround sound
 

Eug

Lifer
Mar 11, 2000
24,017
1,640
126
True.

However, Warner just announced Blu-ray exclusivity. :p
 

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
Well im going with the hd dvd 360

I saw a tutorial to use it with a mac so i could take the 360 and my parents could use their mac to watch the hd dvd is they needed

thanks!
 

Todd33

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2003
7,842
2
81
I have the 360 add-on and a PS3. My buddy gave me his add-on when he got a A3, he could not stand the noise in the 360. I agree, the 360 is too distracting and the whole unit has cheap feel. I would not buy it for $99, let alone the current price. Save you money for a stand alone (or 40GB PS3).
 

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
Originally posted by: Todd33
I have the 360 add-on and a PS3. My buddy gave me his add-on when he got a A3, he could not stand the noise in the 360. I agree, the 360 is too distracting and the whole unit has cheap feel. I would not buy it for $99, let alone the current price. Save you money for a stand alone (or 40GB PS3).

I dont like the ps3... at all

the newer 360 a quieter, and as long as it gives me 1080p and 5.1 i'm fine
 

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
I just read this on another site
Can't decode or pass advanced Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, or DTS-HD soundtracks

I have a Aiwa AV-D97 and want to know does this mean I can't watch in 5.1?
I plan on connecting via optical
 

mlm

Senior member
Feb 19, 2006
933
0
0
Just wait on purchasing anything. The Warner announcement will drive down unit prices.
 

Wuzup101

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2002
2,334
37
91
I went for the HD-A2 (when they had them for $100 at walmart). I would go for the stand alone over the AO personally. The biggest advantage in my eyes is that the 360 can be connected via VGA and thus so can it's HD-DVD player. However, the A2/A3 has better SD DVD up conversion, and it is much quieter.