Get an Xbox 360 HD DVD player for $49.99
(Credit: Microsoft)I suppose this was inevitable: Best Buy has the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive $49.99, down from $129.99 (the price still listed on Microsoft's site). You get one free movie in the box (King Kong--blech) and five by mail.
I've got one of these babies, and it's pretty good. It serves up 1080p and provides a pair of USB ports. However, it employs component video outputs, not HDMI, so it can't upconvert standard-def DVDs (unless you have an Xbox 360 Elite, which does, of course, offer HDMI connectivity). That's a pretty big downside, IMHO, though you can still look upon this deal as getting six HD DVD movies for 50 bucks and a free player to boot. Worth it? Click the comments link and share your thoughts.
Update: Microsoft's site now lists the player at $49.99, meaning you should be able to pick it up just about anywhere for that price.
I believe this comment may be misleading. I am currently using one connected to an Elite (via USB), which is connected to an HDTV via HDMI.
(BTW .. I don't agree with his assessment of King Kong ... I thought it was a very good movie)
http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/09/21/xbox-360-hd-dvd-playback-maximum-1080i-via-component-1080p-vga/
If so, then it might be a solid choice for anyone who just wants to get a little more clarity out of their existing DVD collection. It doesn't seems that regular DVDs are going anywhere as long as BD players are still pricey and HDTVs are even moreso.