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CNET editors' rating:
3.5 stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 86 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The good: Excellent image quality on HD DVDs; decent upscaling on film-based DVDs; HDMI output when used with Xbox 360 Elite or newer Premiums; relatively inexpensive compared with standalone models; can access advanced multimedia features, just like standalone players; includes remote; adds extra USB port to 360.
The bad: Can't decode or pass advanced Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, or DTS-HD soundtracks; no analog multichannel outputs; more expensive than a standalone HD player if you don't already own an Xbox 360; adds more bulk and cables to your 360 setup.
The bottom line: The Xbox 360 HD DVD player is an inexpensive way for 360 owners to get high-def movies, but nonowners and audiophiles should stick with standalone HD players.
Specifications: DVD type: HD DVD player; Form factor: Tabletop; Remote control type: Universal remote control See full specs
Price range: $38.05 - $99.99
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 12/06/2006
- Updated on:08/22/2007
- Released on: 11/14/2006
Editors' note: Toshiba officially announced it will stop producing HD DVD products, bringing an end to the format war. For that reason, CNET recommends that people avoid buying this player for high-definition movie playback.
One of the big selling points of the Sony PlayStation 3 is its integrated Blu-ray player. Microsoft, by contrast, opts to omit an HD disc player from its console, guaranteeing a lower sticker price. But the company does offer an HD disc solution in the form of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player, a $200 external optical drive that adds HD DVD compatibility to the gaming multimedia rig. It connects to any of the Xbox 360 models via the included USB cable and, like the 360 itself, you can either stand the drive upright or lay it down horizontally. Whichever way you go, the whole outboard concept is a little kludgey compared with the nicely integrated PS3. Moreover, while the affordable $200 price tag may be hard to resist for those who already have a 360, the plummeting price of standalone HD DVD players makes the 360 add-on less of a compelling deal than when it first appeared. Still, Microsoft sweetens the deal by including an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote and (for the time being) Peter Jackson's King Kong--an HD DVD exclusive title that demonstrates just how great movies can look in high-definition. The value of the HD DVD add-on drive is largely dependent on whether or not you have an Xbox 360 already. If you already have one and don't mind missing out on high-resolution audio, it's a relatively cheap way to get into the format and offers excellent video quality. But if you have to buy both the 360 and the HD DVD add-on drive--or you're an audiophile looking for the best possible sound--you're probably better off with a relatively cheap standalone player instead.
Design
Like most other Xbox 360 accessories, the setup phase of the HD DVD Player is a breeze. Before connecting the HD DVD player to your Xbox 360, you have to insert the included software disc into your Xbox 360. You should also make sure that you've updated your Xbox 360 with the latest system software, which is available for download via Xbox Live. Once you've loaded the HD DVD drivers, you're ready to plug in. Of course, to get the true video quality benefits of HD DVD, you'll need an HDTV with your Xbox 360 connected to it via component video, the optional VGA adapter, or--for newer Xbox 360 Premiums and the Xbox 360 Elite--HDMI. If you're not going to make a high-def connection to your TV, there's really no reason to buy the drive.
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- HD-DVD,
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- Xbox 360,
- Microsoft Xbox,
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 86 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 3 of 86 user reviewsSee all 86 user reviews
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27 out of 31 people found this review helpful
"I was afraid of being disappointed but was pleasantly surprised."
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7 out of 10 people found this review helpful
"This "Lemon" delivers an exceptional picture - when it works."
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4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
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Where to buy
Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD player:
$38.05 - $99.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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$59.79 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$38.05 | Yes |
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$99.00 | No |
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$99.99 | Yes |
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