Get HD-DVD add-on for my 360?

OpticalSerenity

So I have (and love) my 360. I am running VGA to my Samsung 46" 1080p screen.

I've been trying to decide between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. The big thing for me is cost. Getting into the HD-DVD add on is obviously cheaper than a PS3...CC has the HD-DVD drive for the regular $199 but it also comes with two extra HD-DVDs

So, what do guys think? HD-DVD add on or just save up for PS3? I'd never play a game on the PS3 if I got it...

Demiurge

The HD-DVD player for the XBox 360 is a good purchase to get into the HD world, especially with their new firmware update. It's a phenomenal little device for the money you spend. If you love your 360, it makes a lot more sense just to spring the $200 (or less if you look) for the HD ad-on. It's served me well so far.

If you're not going to play the PS3, then it makes no sense to buy it. The prices on the Blu-Ray & HD-DVD players will start dropping like a rock come fall/winter of this year and into early 2008. You'll be stuck with the oldest Blu-Ray technology for $600 ($500 if you buy the 20GB, which makes more sense since you wouldn't be playing games), although it is a great player for the money at this point in time.

krabby5

For some reason I can't get VGA to work on my Sony LCD. At least from the 360..

I get the message, "unsupported format..check your pc output" in the lower right part of the screen..the rest is black..

weird..

OpticalSerenity

demiurge,

Thanks for the input. Makes so much more sense now that you've put it that way. I figure that at up to $29 a movie, the Circuit City deal for $199 for drive + two movies is pretty good, making it a $140 drive.

I guess the next question is, what two movies should I start out with?

Krabby5,

I've ran the 360 on VGA on three different Samsungs and its worked great. I run VGA to get the 1920x1080 resolution, and to upconvert DVD's. Personally I really like the DVD Upconversion.

BIZILL

lest you forget the hd dvd player, i believe, still comes packaged with king kong.

krabby5

OpticalSerenity wrote: »

demiurge,

Thanks for the input. Makes so much more sense now that you've put it that way. I figure that at up to $29 a movie, the Circuit City deal for $199 for drive + two movies is pretty good, making it a $140 drive.

I guess the next question is, what two movies should I start out with?

Krabby5,

I've ran the 360 on VGA on three different Samsungs and its worked great. I run VGA to get the 1920x1080 resolution, and to upconvert DVD's. Personally I really like the DVD Upconversion.

yeah it's kinda weird...oh well..not that big of a problem..Component looks great and I just use a standalone player for my regular dvd's..

I may have to jump on that CC deal though...seems like a cheap way to get into HD dvd...

engtaz

I got mine from CC with a (I believe) $40 or $60 coupon for $199 purchase.

cheddar

Just a note of caution. As has already been mentioned, prices for stand alones will most likely collapse for both blu-ray and hd-dvd over the summer and especially into the fall leading up to Christmas.

Toshiba players are already sub $400. Blu-ray players will be under $600 soon. Prices may be $299 and under for both formats by Christmas. The advantage for these console options in price is fast disappearing and the 360 add-on simply does not have the audio options that the stand alone players have at this point. So although picture quality is stellar, even with the firmware updates fixing things like lipsynch issues, levels, etc. You just can't listen to things like trueHD in all their true fidelity. The ps3 is better on this count as it decodes trueHD to uncompressed PCM. And the PCM tracks from Sony and Disney are every bit the equal of trueHD.

But none of these options compares to the new players that will come out over the next quarter or so leading up to Christmas. If saving money is an issue, you really might want to keep your powder dry for a few months and get a stand alone.

Also, make sure the movies you want are on the format you buy:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=766588

Hope this helps .

BIZILL

engtaz wrote: »

I got mine from CC with a (I believe) $40 or $60 coupon for $199 purchase.

same here.

hd dvd add-on update = success!

engtaz

chedder
if and when they do I will look at them but for right now this is a great priced item.

Demiurge

I've owned about 6 different SD DVD players since they came out, and I was an early adopter of the original DVD format. I don't see what the big deal is about buying one for $200 now and waiting for the better ones to come later. Either way, if you want reference quality players you're going to spend more than $200 -- no matter how much the price drops. You can still easily drop $1,200 on a SD DVD player.

I see the $200 HD Add-on as a very inexpensive way to get into the HD movie world early on.

engtaz

well said

cheddar

engtaz wrote: »

chedder
if and when they do I will look at them but for right now this is a great priced item.

Yes, agreed, it's a nicely priced item for getting in to HD. But just how much of a value the hundred something bucks is if someone is just going to get a stand alone by the summer or next fall is a personal decision. That's why I'm not advising against buying the add-on now, just throwing a little more information in there.

Another thing the console options don't do is DVD upconversion which may be reason enough to get a stand alone for the few extra franklins. The advantage to stand alones shoudn't be minimized especially this close to the new models and pricing but if people still want to go the console route, more power to them.

OpticalSerenity

The 360's regular built in DVD player does in fact do upconversion, in fact, I personally think the 360's upconversion is gorgeous. One of the best in PQ I've seen.

BIZILL

OpticalSerenity wrote: »

The 360's regular built in DVD player does in fact do upconversion, in fact, I personally think the 360's upconversion is gorgeous. One of the best in PQ I've seen.

yes.

Demiurge

OpticalSerenity wrote: »

The 360's regular built in DVD player does in fact do upconversion, in fact, I personally think the 360's upconversion is gorgeous. One of the best in PQ I've seen.

Agreed.

cheddar

OpticalSerenity wrote: »

The 360's regular built in DVD player does in fact do upconversion, in fact, I personally think the 360's upconversion is gorgeous. One of the best in PQ I've seen.

I had heard that the upconversion for DVDs only works over VGA. Does it work over component too? Have you compared it to any other upconversion players like the oppo or Toshiba HD-DVD players?

If it works for component, I'll give it a spin...:)

krabby5

cheddar wrote: »

I had heard that the upconversion for DVDs only works over VGA. Does it work over component too? Have you compared it to any other upconversion players like the oppo or Toshiba HD-DVD players?

If it works for component, I'll give it a spin...:)

I don't think it works over component..However, i haven't really seen a difference between my old 480i dvd player and my Denon that upconverts to 720p...my tv must do a decent enough job on it's own.

Some people claim to see a huge difference with upconverting players...some don't..

not that you asked.:D

cheddar

krabby5 wrote: »

I don't think it works over component..However, i haven't really seen a difference between my old 480i dvd player and my Denon that upconverts to 720p...my tv must do a decent enough job on it's own.

Some people claim to see a huge difference with upconverting players...some don't..

not that you asked.:D

Thanks for the info. I'm quite happy with blu-ray. But so many on this forum seem to swear by upconverting players like the Toshiba and oppo, I thought that if I had an upconverting player that worked with my set-up, I'd see what people were talking about...

krabby5

cheddar wrote: »

Thanks for the info. I'm quite happy with blu-ray. But so many on this forum seem to swear by upconverting players like the Toshiba and oppo, I thought that if I had an upconverting player that worked with my set-up, I'd see what people were talking about...

I have heard that the Toshiba XA2 does an awesome job of unconverting because they use the new REON chip..

OpticalSerenity

The 360 only upconverts DVD's while using the VGA cable. This is due to the licensing. I have compared it to Toshiba HD-DVD players and I think its just as good.

UPDATE:
I picked up a HD-DVD drive and WOW, I'm impressed. It got the update, and holy crap, beautiful picture!

engtaz

The update work great

Demiurge

OpticalSerenity wrote: »

The 360 only upconverts DVD's while using the VGA cable. This is due to the licensing. I have compared it to Toshiba HD-DVD players and I think its just as good.

UPDATE:
I picked up a HD-DVD drive and WOW, I'm impressed. It got the update, and holy crap, beautiful picture!

Glad you have achieved OpticalSerenity.

engtaz

Congrats

OpticalSerenity

Haha

I got Full Metal Jacket and The Last Samurai, and wow, they look gorgeous.

I can see this is going to be an expensive couple weeks trying to get more movies!

Demiurge

NetFlix, my man. Don't buy the HDDVDs unless you really want them. There is no additional charge for them, but they do sometimes take a little longer to get.

Sherardp

Matrix will be out in a few days on HD DVD also. Check out V for Vendetta, awesome PQ/SQ in that one also. U-571 is another one. There are tons more, bottom line you cant go wrong with HD DVD, transfers are very well done. Dont go chewing my **** over the formats either, I am a blu-ray supporter as well.

BIZILL

taken from avs.com: picture quality list for hd dvd...(all hd dvd players)

wrote:

Welcome to the Tier System for HD DVD PQ.

This ongoing list is a place where we all can come together and rate/discuss new releases.

This list is in constant flux as new titles arrive, so check back frequently.

The titles within a tier are also in order of PQ. A title listed above another in the same tier has a slightly higher PQ rating.

A debate we often have here is in regard to "director's intent". Please note that this list does not reflect it. Traffic for example, is highly filtered, with various film stocks. This is an example of something the director clearly intended. However, there is little detail and no depth to the image after all this processing. That is why it is a Tier 4 title. While the director's intent was clear with that title, with others it is more difficult to discern. Since trying to divine it would be purely subjective, it doesn't have a place on this list. If blacks are crushed, like they are in Mission: Impossible III, the blacks are crushed. Some may find this pleasing, and it may well be director J.J. Abrams intention, but it decreases depth in dark areas and nearly eliminates shadow detail, so it gets knocked down a few pegs despite it's stunning sharpness.

3D as I refer to it here, are examples where an item is so detailed and sharp that it jumps off the screen. The shot of Crematoria in Riddick is a prime example.

(bobbed) is an upconverting from 1080i process some masters at WB underwent. It reduces resolution and introduces "jaggies" (stair-stepping).

The following signifiers refer to specific features found on HD DVD discs and do not affect their placement on this list. They are present purely as a courtesy for our members. Please note that this list only refers to picture quality.

(THD) refers to TrueHD. This is a lossless audio codec which provides crystal clear sound.

(MA) refers to DTS HD Master Audio. Right now it offers a core DTS signal providing 1.5 mbps. Later on when recievers become available (and if we get a firmware update to support it) they will provide an additional 1.5 mbps.

(U-C) refers to U-Control. This is an interactive overlay utilized on some Universal discs. Firmware 2.0 is required to access it.

(IME) refers to In-Movie-Experience. This is an overlay feature much like U-Control, only with fewer interactive options. All firmware supports IME.

(CMB) refers to combos, which are HD DVD/DVD hybrids. These are typically a bit pricier. Combos do not seem to affect PQ in any way. Early combos were only 15 GB on the HD side which may have precluded THD on some titles.

TIER 0- These are simply stunning transfers from beginning to end, nearly flawless

King Kong (U-C)Requires latest firmware
Hulk
Corpse Bride
The Ant Bully (CMB)(THD)
Happy Feet (THD)(CMB)
A Scanner Darkly

TIER 1-No visible compression, sharp image with many examples of 3D.

The Chronicles of Riddick
The Scorpion King
Seabiscuit
Children of Men (U-C)(CMB)
Nine Inch Nails: Beside You In Time (THD)
One Six Right (based on one review)
Aeon Flux
Sahara
Ray
Mission: Impossible III (crushed blacks)(IME)
Smokin' Aces (U-C)
Running Scared (German import)
Reign of Fire (Japanese Import)
Equilibrium (Japanese Import)
The Brothers Grimm (Japanese Import)
Training Day (THD)
The Fast & The Furious
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (European import)(THD)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (THD)(IME)
2 Fast 2 Furious
Wolf Creek (MA)
The Departed (THD)
The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift (U-C)(CMB)
ATL (CMB)
The Architect
Grand Prix
Batman Begins (THD)(IME)
Serenity
The Matador (MA)Requires latest firmware
The Pianist (European Import)(MA)
Good Night and Good Luck (CMB)
The Manchurian Candidate
Jet Li's Fearless (CMB)
Phantom of the Opera (THD)
La Haine (European Import)(MA)
Out of Sight
The Mummy Returns
The Mummy
Scary Movie 4 (MA)Requires latest firmware
The Wicker Man (THD)
Dreamgirls
Total Recall (European Import)(MA)HIGH-PITCHED AUDIO
Rambo: First Blood Part II (European Import)(MA)HIGH-PITCHED AUDIO
Swordfish
Payback
Casino
Lucky # Slevin
The World's Fastest Indian
Scooby Doo
Discovery Atlas: Australia
Derailed (MA)Requires latest firmware
Pitch Black
World Trade Center
Planet Earth
The Hitcher (CMB)(U-C)
The Good Shepherd (CMB)
Babel
The Polar Express
Cream Reunion
Chicago Earth Wind and Fire
Alice Cooper: Live at Montreux
Eagles farewell
Heart: Alive in Seattle (THD)

Tier 2- Very good
Not as many 3D effects, but a sharp image that feels real

The Rundown
V for Vendetta (THD)(IME)
We Were Soldiers
Smallville: The Complete Fifth Season (IME)
Slither (CMB)
Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (THD)
Dune
Army of Darkness (CMB)
The Nutty Professor
Waterworld
Alpha Dog
Red Dragon
End of Days (THD)
Poseidon (THD)
Beerfest
Spy Game
Black Rain
Dog Day Afternoon
Troy (THD)(IME)
Syriana
Space Cowboys
Relentless Enemies
Pulse (THD)
The Last Samurai
U-571
Jarhead
House of Wax
Lady in the Water (CMB)(THD)
Blazing Saddles
The Searchers
Constantine (THD)(IME)
Brokeback Mountain (CMB)
Mission Impossible 2
Mission: Impossible
Happy Gilmore
The Dukes of Hazzard (IME)
Backdraft
Sky Captain (purposefully blurry)
The Bourne Supremacy (IME)
The Thing
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (CMB)
Unleashed (CMB)
Rumor Has It (CMB)
Million Dollar Baby
Van Helsing
Unforgiven
Assault on Precinct 13
Apollo 13
Casablanca
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Hollywoodland (CMB)
Clerks II (THD)
Under Siege
Terminator 3 (IME)
Forbidden Planet
The Break-Up (U-C)(CMB) Requires latest firmware
The Interpreter
Chronos
Four Brothers
Mutiny on the Bounty
Finding Neverland (Japanese import)
King Kong (1976) (European Import)(MA)
The Bone Collector
Feast (THD)
Miami Vice (CMB)Requires latest firmware
16 Blocks (CMB)
Superman: The Movie
Failure to Launch
Superman Returns (THD)(CMB)

BIZILL

continued...

wrote:

Tier 3- Good
Few 3D effects, some digital noise/artifacting

The Italian Job
12 Monkeys
The Lake House (CMB)
Doom
Friday Night Lights
Land of the Dead (CMB)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (CMB)
Firewall (CMB)
Enter the Dragon (bobbed)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Lethal Weapon 2 (bobbed)
Cinderella Man
Lethal Weapon (bobbed)
Goodfellas
The Gift (Japanese Import)
The Sting
First Blood (European Import)(MA)HIGH-PITCHED AUDIO
The New Orleans Benefit Concert
Oliver Twist (Japanese Import)
Accepted (CMB)
Tomb Raider
The Deer Hunter
The Game
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Meet the Parents
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
A Christmas Story
The Breakfast Club (CMB)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (CMB)
Waist Deep (CMB)
March of the Penguins
Caddyshack
You, Me and Dupree (CMB)
Nacho Libre
Christmas Vacation
Sleepy Hollow (digital noise)
Excalibur
Reds
Dazed & Confused (CMB)
Animal House (CMB)
The Perfect Storm (bobbed)(THD)

Tier 4- A bit underwhelmed
Visible artifacting, softness, few if any 3D effects

Field of Dreams
An American Werewolf in London (CMB)
The Fog (European Import)(MA)
Spartacus
U2: Rattle and Hum
Traffic
The Dirty Dozen
The Fugitive (bobbed)
Full Metal Jacket (bobbed)

cheddar

OpticalSerenity wrote: »

The 360 only upconverts DVD's while using the VGA cable. This is due to the licensing. I have compared it to Toshiba HD-DVD players and I think its just as good.

UPDATE:
I picked up a HD-DVD drive and WOW, I'm impressed. It got the update, and holy crap, beautiful picture!

Congrats! From the reviews I've read, the matrix transfer is really good. I'm hoping they offer them seperately by the time it hits blu-ray. But the box set should be great demo material for your new component...

For others thinking of add-on vs. stand alone, here's one franklin back already:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/High-Def_Retailing/Hardware/Toshiba_Offers_$100_Rebate_on_New_HD_DVD_Players/637

BIZILL

:cool: