Xbox requires EXTRA dvd-kit to play dvd's? (link provided)

[VoodooExtreme]

http://www.xbox.com/hardware/expansion+devices/dvdmovieplaybackkit.htm




<< The DVD Movie Playback Kit is a quick way to expand the functionality of the best gaming machine around! Xbox requires this kit to enable DVD movie playback. Simply plug in the infrared receiver to a controller port and use the remote control designed for DVD movie playback. No messy cables or confusing game controllers to deal with! >>



Is this correct? Can't you play dvd's without the kit by using the gamecontroller or something?

 

[Elledan]

This information is correct. It's pretty old news actually

 

[Czar]

<< This information is correct. It's pretty old news actually >>


exactly
Still anoying.

 

[VoodooExtreme]

Found it while browsing www.xbox.com, seems kinda odd to me , I mean why not make so you can play dvd's with the gamecontroller. Can't be that hard to code.

 

[Urinal Mint]

How's it annoying? If I want a DVD player I'll buy a DVD player... oh wait, I already have one.

 

[Elledan]

<< Found it while browsing www.xbox.com, seems kinda odd to me , I mean why not make so you can play dvd's with the gamecontroller. Can't be that hard to code. >>

Yeah, it's pretty odd, seeing that the XBox already comes with the DVD player. It's like a TV for which you'll need a remote to get access to other functions than just switching channels and changing volume.

If I want a console, I want a console and not a hybrid PC/console with build-in DVD player which probably sucks big time compared to stand-alone DVD players.

 

[Madcowz]

Well unless the kit something ridiculous like $100 + I still think it's totally worth it considering the X-Box is a progressive scan DVD player which alone go for like $400! :Q

 

[Urinal Mint]

Not a bad point... but you can almost guarantee it'll be $149 or $199 or some trash like that.

 

[Emulex]

I'm sure folks will clone this. Its a signal to the game controller. Would be easy to replicate. The XBOX is so hacked.. when it comes out. Just wait a few months and everything will be ripped apart, running linux on it etc..

 

[Rogue]

I'm guessing the kit contains specialized software for &quot;activating&quot; the DVD player for movies. It's probably got some encrypted driver file or something in it.

 

[MrBond]

Rogue is probably right. They say it's to make the cost of the console itself cheaper. This way, they can pass the licensing fees for the DVD playback feature onto the people who buy the kit, not everyone who buys the console.

I'm defiantly going to have to see the MSRP for this kit. I bet its expensive (like $50ish), otherwise they'd have just included it and made it controller playable (like audio CDs on the dreamcast) If they're going to charge me another $50 to play DVDs, the value of the xbox isn't so great to me.

 

[VoodooExtreme]

My sources says the dvd-kit is gonna be $29.
Pretty ok

 

[SJ]

The kits is $29.99. It comes with a remote and a infared sensor that plugs into a controller port. It looks nifty.

And when people talk money lets see what the PS2 costs with comparable options to the Xbox.

PS2 $249(might be lower doubt it)
4 controller ports $40
Internet support $40
HDD $150

Ok ok, take away the HDD as its 30GBs more than the Xbox HDD, however reports have some games(say FFXI) will require the HDD, so my point remains, the PS2 with comparable features IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE XBOX. Same would be said for the Gamecube, but they aren't going to go that route, they won't ever have online games, so no need for a NIC or HDD. Atleast Nintendo was smart enough to have 4 controller ports standard, Sony is so stupid.

 

[Raspewtin]

the reason they do this is b/c they need to pay $20 fee to DVD consortium on every unit, and they'd rather just make u pay the fee only if u want to use it as a player. the remote is supposed to be good.

 

[Elledan]

<< Same would be said for the Gamecube, but they aren't going to go that route, they won't ever have online games, so no need for a NIC or HDD. >>

Wrong. There will be online games for the GC. A modem and broadband adapter will be available.

And a wireless controller as well

 

[SJ]

Well unless Nintendo recently changed their stance, they are using the wait and see approach. Last comment I heard out of Nintendo regarding internet support was, they were looking into it and if it was worth it in terms of money they would do it. Of course those weren't there exact words. Plus it was over a month ago. But if they do have online support it won't come till 2H '02.

 

I think the DVD remote control is only about $30. It makes sense that they do this. A) They can audit who is buying the box for DVD playback and B) They can recover some of the loss on the system with the $30.

Still, I would rather have a &quot;real&quot; DVD console than an Xbox if I was after playing DVDs.

 

[Imported]

Not many need 4 controller ports.



<< Well unless the kit something ridiculous like $100 + I still think it's totally worth it considering the X-Box is a progressive scan DVD player which alone go for like $400! :Q >>



I just picked up a progressive scan DVD player for $190 at Costco, probably a much much better DVD player than the X-Box has as well.

 

[Dark4ng3l]

Hmmmmm no internet play for gamecube??? Sega is releasing phantasy star online2 on the gamecube.

 

[SJ]

I could have sworn Nintendo said they were taking a wait and see approach with their online plans, but yeah now that I think of it PSO2 is going to be released. But my point remains the same, if GC or PS2 had all the features the Xbox had it would cost $299, or more. While not everyone needs 4 ports, its something you shouldn't have to go out and buy, consoles should come with it.

 

[piku]

The kit is going to cost $30. Also, the bundle isn't just a remote, its also a CD that unlocks the DVD player by installing it on the hard drive.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

<< Hmmmmm no internet play for gamecube??? Sega is releasing phantasy star online2 on the gamecube. >>

yes they will have internet support, ps02 is onilne only so they have to this info was released in the last few weeks.

the dvd &quot;kit&quot; is just a remote and receiver and is around 30$ if i remember right.

the gamecube will have a 56k modem and nic as add ons.

 

[MrBond]

$30 isn't bad. It's what I expected to pay for it anyway. Can't have a DVD player without a remote...

If the CD installing software on the drive is true, then I dont' see why it will be any worse then a set top player. The software DVD players I've seen have all had as many features as a set top box, if not more. On a PC, the major point of degredation is the hookup from the PC to the TV. And since the Xbox has the same hookups as any set top box, quality should be fine.

4 controllers make games like NFL2k1 (and 2k2 for the XBox) so much fun. You can get two vs two going with the computer controlling the rest of the characters. And on the DC, we spent many a night fragging each other in Rogue Spear 4 man split screen action.

 

[NoreagaCNN]

Umm, Nintendo already confirmed a broadband adapter for the GC, how else would you be able to play Phantasy Star Online Ver 2????

-Nore

 

[Antoneo]

for 30 bucks it better be a damned good remote