bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft XBOX 360 HD-DVD Player

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4

Strengths: 1080p picture, one of cheapest options

Weaknesses: Just don't like having to have 360 on

Summary: Im sticking with this until a comparable 1080p standalone player is available at a reasonable price. The xbox addon is about half as expensive as another 1080p player , so works for me. Picture looks awesome and my sound system is ancient so the audio issues mentioned in other reviews don't bother me. Recommended

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Cheapest HD DVD player

Weaknesses: Has to use with PC or xbox 360

Summary: Got the Xbox 360 HD DVD player with free Heroes season 1 boxset, free king kong HD DVD, xbox 360 media remote and 5 hd dvd by mail in rebate. A lot of free stuff with the right promotion. To output 1080p you need either a hdmi or vga output. As for sound, don't think it can output trueHD, but my receiver does not support trueHD anyway. All in all, an inexpensive way to get into the HD world.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: Cheap HD DVD option

Weaknesses: not sure if Blue Ray or HD-DVD will win out.

Summary: A lot of comments have said you can't get 1080P out of this, which simply isn't true. You can get around not having the HDMI output on a regular xbox if you use the VGA cable and optical output. Of course, this assumes you have a HDTV that supports a PC connection, but most made in the last couple years do. Just pick up a VGA cable with optical support and you have 1080P...

Rating: 8

Time with product: 6 Weeks

Strengths: Compact, Good-Looking, USB-compliant (mini-usb), includes internal 2-port USB hub, multi-function remote, and King-Kong

Weaknesses: Noisy, External Power Supply

Summary: This is solidly constructed and sturdy drive is built to last. The drive is fairly loud while spinning up and being used, but quiet otherwise (this is in part due to the fan located behind the rear of the case). Although it initially appears chunky and awkward, the chrome drive tray bezel, lime-green LED (which indicates the drive's power and status), and the curves of the case (which resembles a closed book) make for an aesthetically pleasing look. The only other matter is the external dongle power supply. If one can live with these two issues, say perhaps with a good cable management system and an enclosed entertainment cabinet to help quiet the noise, then the unmatched price for this drive make it a solid purchase. - Notes on Function: The HD-DVDs can be played in two different ways. The original manner proposed by Microsoft enables use of the striking Remote which includes plenty of buttons and the relatively intuitive xbox 360 video playback software interface configurable on-screen. The other way is somewhat surprising. The drive can be connected to a personal computer and will be automatically detected and installed when using Windows XP or later. This, in combination with a HDCP-compatible video-card, monitor, and playback software (CyberLink,InterVideo,etc.) (if lacking these, work-arounds are obtainable through internet searches) will permit playback of hd-dvds.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 10

Strengths: Very simple to connect with the XBOX 360.

Weaknesses: Does not have a direct HDMI port. Must rely on the new version XBOX 360 for the HDMI.

Summary: The quality of HD DVD playback is excellent. Highly recommended if you have a XBOX 360. The player looked simple, clean, and very compatible with the XBOX 360. You cannot go wrong with this one if you decided to jump into high definition.