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The second Xbox 360 revealed: codename Zephyr

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Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
HDMI is a huge issue compared to the other two. I always assumed they would release a bigger HD. That part doesn't bother me at all and everyone knows consoles constantly update the inner workings throughout the product life. Completely changing the outputs is a huge deal since I'm sure they had this plan in the works well before I purchased my 360 even though they were talking out of the other side of their mouth on the Major Nelson podcasts. This includes M.N. as well as any guest he asked regarding the HDMI component.

You know, I need to find a way to put this into words that is well understood. We have never had this kind of change on a non-handheld console as far as I can remember. Sure there are slight internal modifications but I don't remember having a console go from basic RCA cables up to component or anything like that. With consoles you buy them under the assumption that what you are buying is the same thing, for the most part, that you would buy if you had to replace it 5 years later.

Frankly I'm surprised this doesn't scare some of the other console lovers. Earlier, someone made an analogy claiming that my problem is no different than someone crying about a new feature between one model year car and another. This is completely different and more akin to someone crying that the HP they bought this year is not as good as the HP they could get a year later. I cannot think of anyone who purchased a 360 early on who seriously thought a new version would come out less than 2 years into the life cycle boasting a completely new output port. Everyone knows why, right? Because this never happens with consoles. It's the one thing we never had to worry about in the past.
Click to expand...
I'm still not seeing what the big deal is here and why people seem to think that MS is somehow in the wrong. THIS UPDATE DOES NOT CHANGE YOUR GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE. And they aren't completely changing the outputs, they're just adding HDMI.

[*] Your games are still gonna play the same and look the same no matter what
[*] There is no gameplay functionality being added with this update. It's merely hardware-related
[*] Those who bought the HD DVD player add-on bought one KNOWING FULL WELL what the limitations were when using it on the Xbox 360.

Microsoft isn't tied into guaranteeing anyone anything other than that if you ask me when it comes to system updates. Who knows if the current Xbox 360 is even capable of producing an HDMI signal with just an add-on cable? It likely isn't b/c you'd need a chip onboard plus Microsoft would have to pay licensing/royalty fees for each console. That probably wasn't feasible for them back when it was first introduced, but it probably is now. So why are people kickin' them in the nuts over it?

I bought my Xbox 360 in September and I love it to death. I bought it knowing EXACTLY what I was getting into. I bought a system that I could connect to my LCD TV with component cables. Fine, nuff said. It didn't support HDMI, I didn't bitch about it, I just got on with life.

Today, the rumor hits the air waves that a new revision "may" be coming out. Did I get mad? Nope. I bought an Xbox 360 knowing what it's capabilities were, and here comes a new one with some updates. They didn't change the "fun factor" or gameplay experience, but there are some nice additions.

I can have a console that runs color, is likely quieter, has an HDMI port and has more storage space for online content. Sounds like a win win. I'll get it as soon as I find a hot deal on one.
 
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
HDMI is a huge issue compared to the other two. I always assumed they would release a bigger HD. That part doesn't bother me at all and everyone knows consoles constantly update the inner workings throughout the product life. Completely changing the outputs is a huge deal since I'm sure they had this plan in the works well before I purchased my 360 even though they were talking out of the other side of their mouth on the Major Nelson podcasts. This includes M.N. as well as any guest he asked regarding the HDMI component.

You know, I need to find a way to put this into words that is well understood. We have never had this kind of change on a non-handheld console as far as I can remember. Sure there are slight internal modifications but I don't remember having a console go from basic RCA cables up to component or anything like that. With consoles you buy them under the assumption that what you are buying is the same thing, for the most part, that you would buy if you had to replace it 5 years later.

Frankly I'm surprised this doesn't scare some of the other console lovers. Earlier, someone made an analogy claiming that my problem is no different than someone crying about a new feature between one model year car and another. This is completely different and more akin to someone crying that the HP they bought this year is not as good as the HP they could get a year later. I cannot think of anyone who purchased a 360 early on who seriously thought a new version would come out less than 2 years into the life cycle boasting a completely new output port. Everyone knows why, right? Because this never happens with consoles. It's the one thing we never had to worry about in the past.
Click to expand...
I'm still not seeing what the big deal is here and why people seem to think that MS is somehow in the wrong. THIS UPDATE DOES NOT CHANGE YOUR GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE. And they aren't completely changing the outputs, they're just adding HDMI.

[*] Your games are still gonna play the same and look the same no matter what
[*] There is no gameplay functionality being added with this update. It's merely hardware-related
[*] Those who bought the HD DVD player add-on bought one KNOWING FULL WELL what the limitations were when using it on the Xbox 360.

Microsoft isn't tied into guaranteeing anyone anything other than that if you ask me when it comes to system updates. Who knows if the current Xbox 360 is even capable of producing an HDMI signal with just an add-on cable? It likely isn't b/c you'd need a chip onboard plus Microsoft would have to pay licensing/royalty fees for each console. That probably wasn't feasible for them back when it was first introduced, but it probably is now. So why are people kickin' them in the nuts over it?

I bought my Xbox 360 in September and I love it to death. I bought it knowing EXACTLY what I was getting into. I bought a system that I could connect to my LCD TV with component cables. Fine, nuff said. It didn't support HDMI, I didn't bitch about it, I just got on with life.

Today, the rumor hits the air waves that a new revision "may" be coming out. Did I get mad? Nope. I bought an Xbox 360 knowing what it's capabilities were, and here comes a new one with some updates. They didn't change the "fun factor" or gameplay experience, but there are some nice additions.

I can have a console that runs color, is likely quieter, has an HDMI port and has more storage space for online content. Sounds like a win win. I'll get it as soon as I find a hot deal on one.
Click to expand...

I think people are getting mad because if they had known a better version was coming out soon, they might have waited for it. Also the fact that this new version will undoubtedly lower the value on thier current system.
 
Originally posted by: randay

I think people are getting mad because if they had known a better version was coming out soon, they might have waited for it. Also the fact that this new version will undoubtedly lower the value on thier current system.
Click to expand...

Maybe they should read up on a little bit of history 😉

V9 (model number SCPH-50000/SCPH-50001), which added the Infrared port for the optional DVD Remote control, removed the FireWire port, added the capability to read DVD-RW and +RW discs, added progressive-scan output of DVD movies, and a quieter fan.

(V12, model number SCPH-70000). Available in November 2004, it is smaller and thinner than the old version and includes a built-in Ethernet port.
Click to expand...

OMG, the sky is falling!!!!!!!! :Q:Q
 
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: randay

I think people are getting mad because if they had known a better version was coming out soon, they might have waited for it. Also the fact that this new version will undoubtedly lower the value on thier current system.
Click to expand...

Maybe they should read up on a little bit of history 😉

V9 (model number SCPH-50000/SCPH-50001), which added the Infrared port for the optional DVD Remote control, removed the FireWire port, added the capability to read DVD-RW and +RW discs, added progressive-scan output of DVD movies, and a quieter fan.

(V12, model number SCPH-70000). Available in November 2004, it is smaller and thinner than the old version and includes a built-in Ethernet port.
Click to expand...

OMG, the sky is falling!!!!!!!! :Q:Q
Click to expand...

Wasn't there talk before the Xbox360 ever launched that they would upgrade it later on?
 
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: randay

I think people are getting mad because if they had known a better version was coming out soon, they might have waited for it. Also the fact that this new version will undoubtedly lower the value on thier current system.
Click to expand...

Maybe they should read up on a little bit of history 😉

V9 (model number SCPH-50000/SCPH-50001), which added the Infrared port for the optional DVD Remote control, removed the FireWire port, added the capability to read DVD-RW and +RW discs, added progressive-scan output of DVD movies, and a quieter fan.

(V12, model number SCPH-70000). Available in November 2004, it is smaller and thinner than the old version and includes a built-in Ethernet port.
Click to expand...

OMG, the sky is falling!!!!!!!! :Q:Q
Click to expand...

😕

Im pretty sure some people got mad back then too.
 
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
HDMI is a huge issue compared to the other two. I always assumed they would release a bigger HD. That part doesn't bother me at all and everyone knows consoles constantly update the inner workings throughout the product life. Completely changing the outputs is a huge deal since I'm sure they had this plan in the works well before I purchased my 360 even though they were talking out of the other side of their mouth on the Major Nelson podcasts. This includes M.N. as well as any guest he asked regarding the HDMI component.

You know, I need to find a way to put this into words that is well understood. We have never had this kind of change on a non-handheld console as far as I can remember. Sure there are slight internal modifications but I don't remember having a console go from basic RCA cables up to component or anything like that. With consoles you buy them under the assumption that what you are buying is the same thing, for the most part, that you would buy if you had to replace it 5 years later.

Frankly I'm surprised this doesn't scare some of the other console lovers. Earlier, someone made an analogy claiming that my problem is no different than someone crying about a new feature between one model year car and another. This is completely different and more akin to someone crying that the HP they bought this year is not as good as the HP they could get a year later. I cannot think of anyone who purchased a 360 early on who seriously thought a new version would come out less than 2 years into the life cycle boasting a completely new output port. Everyone knows why, right? Because this never happens with consoles. It's the one thing we never had to worry about in the past.
Click to expand...
I'm still not seeing what the big deal is here and why people seem to think that MS is somehow in the wrong. THIS UPDATE DOES NOT CHANGE YOUR GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE. And they aren't completely changing the outputs, they're just adding HDMI.

[*] Your games are still gonna play the same and look the same no matter what
[*] There is no gameplay functionality being added with this update. It's merely hardware-related
[*] Those who bought the HD DVD player add-on bought one KNOWING FULL WELL what the limitations were when using it on the Xbox 360.

Microsoft isn't tied into guaranteeing anyone anything other than that if you ask me when it comes to system updates. Who knows if the current Xbox 360 is even capable of producing an HDMI signal with just an add-on cable? It likely isn't b/c you'd need a chip onboard plus Microsoft would have to pay licensing/royalty fees for each console. That probably wasn't feasible for them back when it was first introduced, but it probably is now. So why are people kickin' them in the nuts over it?

I bought my Xbox 360 in September and I love it to death. I bought it knowing EXACTLY what I was getting into. I bought a system that I could connect to my LCD TV with component cables. Fine, nuff said. It didn't support HDMI, I didn't bitch about it, I just got on with life.

Today, the rumor hits the air waves that a new revision "may" be coming out. Did I get mad? Nope. I bought an Xbox 360 knowing what it's capabilities were, and here comes a new one with some updates. They didn't change the "fun factor" or gameplay experience, but there are some nice additions.

I can have a console that runs color, is likely quieter, has an HDMI port and has more storage space for online content. Sounds like a win win. I'll get it as soon as I find a hot deal on one.
Click to expand...

Isn't it obvious? The 360 is not, and never was intended to be, just a game system. MS has always had this plan for it to be an entertainment center. Instead of delaying release like Sony they released what they could and now can finally unload their real master plan. It's not hard to see if you want to look at it.
 
Gamespot's take: Not bogus

Source: A story with a dimly lit photo on tech blog Engadget.

The official story: "We have seen all types of claimed leaked photos like this show up online and as a standard policy we don't comment on speculative items."--A Microsoft representative.

What we heard: Almost six months ago, Xbox-mod site Xbox Scene ran a blurry photo it received from an anonymous source. The photo was supposedly of a revamped Xbox 360 motherboard with an HDMI port.

At the time Rumor Control suggested an HDMI port-equipped Xbox 360 wasn't imminent, but that Microsoft would have to be looking into it in order to ensure the viability of its HD-DVD add-on. Movie studios releasing HD-DVDs have the option of using Image Constraint Token (ICT) flags on their discs, a technology that artificially limits the playback resolution of a film unless the signal is traveling over a secure connection like an HDMI cable (the component cables included with the Xbox 360 don't cut it).

Now half a year down the road, the rumor has returned, this time in the form of a photo on tech blog Engadget that shows an HDMI port sticking out of the back of an Xbox 360 system--something the current crop of Xbox 360s don't have. Aside from being watermarked and having identifying characteristics like a serial number blacked out, the photo doesn't appear to have been tampered with. And while there's no photo evidence of this tidbit, the Engadget report also says the redesigned 360 (codenamed "Zephyr"), will be released alongside the also oft-rumored larger Xbox 360 hard drive. Engadget says the hard drive will rack up as much space as 120GB. Finally, Engadget's source is reported as saying the new hardware will be available "soon."

Depending on what constitutes "soon," it might be no coincidence that the Consumer Electronics Show is just around the corner, as Microsoft has a habit of making game-related announcements at the event. In 2001, Microsoft used CES to unveil the Xbox, its debut entry into the console market. Last year, it announced the Xbox 360's external HD-DVD player. While CES is one of Microsoft's big announcement platforms (along with the Electronic Entertainment Expo and the X0-line of fall events), announcing a significant hardware revision right after a holiday shopping season might not go over that well with the (likely) millions of new Xbox 360 owners.

On top of that, Microsoft already has a hardware update planned for this year in the form of a new CPU using 65nm semiconductor technology that will operate at a lower temperature. And while those chips had originally been planned for inclusion into the hardware for the first quarter of the year, Digitimes recently reported that those CPUs won't be produced until mid-2007. It might be in Microsoft's best interests to wait on introducing an HDMI-equipped Xbox 360 until those chips are ready to reduce both the number of times it has to rework the system's innards as well as the number of different hardware configurations it has on shelves.

While there's no word out of the Microsoft camp on an HDMI Xbox 360 or a larger hard drive, we still think they're both coming, but we're not sure now's the right time for it. Check back with GameSpot this Sunday night for news from the Microsoft CES keynote address; if an announcement is coming soon, that's probably where it would be made.

Bogus or not bogus?: Sticking by not bogus.
Click to expand...
 
Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Isn't it obvious? The 360 is not, and never was intended to be, just a game system. MS has always had this plan for it to be an entertainment center. Instead of delaying release like Sony they released what they could and now can finally unload their real master plan. It's not hard to see if you want to look at it.
Click to expand...

I'm not quite following your problem... it's obvious MS wants to get in on the living room, and they created the xbox to get their foot in the door. great. how's this affect gamers? It's still a gaming console at heart (for now). This rumored refresh isn't a big deal... UNLESS you really wanted all that non-gaming content.

How many xbox buyers wanted that? Sure, it's cool, but they bought it for xbox live (aka, gaming in general).

The PROBLEM is peoeple have a tendency to feel robbed... even though they were happy buying an xbox for gaming... if a new feature comes out... moan moan moan. That and the console days are changing, it's not as simple as SNES vs Genesis anymore. But then again, for some people it is.

Ultimately IBM is just laughing all the way to the bank 🙂
 
I've got an Xbox 360, a 1080P tv that has HDMI input and I could care less about the 2nd version of the xbox 360. HDMI isn't going to change anything for me. I have the 20GB HD for it and it still has almost all of the 13GB free that MS gives you (I downloaded 4 arcade games). Maybe if my tv didn't do 1080P over component I would be like "that would be nice", but none of the games are even 1080P native yet so it wouldn't matter at all.
 
The only thing I find fishy about this is the hard drive. 120 GB notebook drives are pretty expensive. A 120 GB add-on drive might be likely, but I'm not so sure about a 360 shipping with a 120 GB drive.
 
Originally posted by: magomago
not that big of a deal.

still not gonna convince me to get one.


once some good ps3 games come out, here I come sony 😀
Click to expand...
That's alright, Sony can't do anything to convince me to buy their sh!t box (PS3).
 
Originally posted by: Imported
Glad I waited.. 😀
Click to expand...

This is what's funny. I'm getting bashed for being ticked off and there are people who are glad they waited. I guess this goes on to prove that the updates actually mean nothing to gamers.

I guess I could just sell my current 360, buy a Wii, and buy the new 360 when it comes out. I assume this is real because I haven't seen any articles debunking it yet.
 
Originally posted by: randomlinh
Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Isn't it obvious? The 360 is not, and never was intended to be, just a game system. MS has always had this plan for it to be an entertainment center. Instead of delaying release like Sony they released what they could and now can finally unload their real master plan. It's not hard to see if you want to look at it.
Click to expand...

I'm not quite following your problem... it's obvious MS wants to get in on the living room, and they created the xbox to get their foot in the door. great. how's this affect gamers? It's still a gaming console at heart (for now). This rumored refresh isn't a big deal... UNLESS you really wanted all that non-gaming content.

How many xbox buyers wanted that? Sure, it's cool, but they bought it for xbox live (aka, gaming in general).

The PROBLEM is peoeple have a tendency to feel robbed... even though they were happy buying an xbox for gaming... if a new feature comes out... moan moan moan. That and the console days are changing, it's not as simple as SNES vs Genesis anymore. But then again, for some people it is.

Ultimately IBM is just laughing all the way to the bank 🙂
Click to expand...

True True. Microsoft goes and adds new features that add nothing to the gameplay experience and people bitch and moan. Typical 😉
 
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