Miles

Just to add further to the Xbox360 vs PS3 debate, the v2 Xbox with HDMI support, full 1080p support and a 120Gb hardisk is approaching.

The second Xbox 360 revealed: codename Zephyr - Engadget

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

I cancelled my order for the HD-DVD drive for this reason. Hopefully it will come as standard too.

Hanslow

At least there will be a clear way to identify it then rather than just guessing if the batch has the cost-reduced chips inside

Will be interested in reading the reviews and longevity of this new beast when it's officially released and then maybe I'll stump up the cash for one.

RB5-Black

pah .... who needs HDMI,

means a new projector for me so I'll stick with the one I have until it blinks it's red eyes at me.

Hanslow

RB5, you've made me wonder about something... if the V2 machine is to replace the V1 machine, do you get one 'for free' if your existing one turns into a brick due to the wonderful build quality? Could be a nice free upgrade for some people

Swen6

There's a link saying this won't be so in one of the threads, basically they don't want to charge people for something they might not want, and also due to the fact it could be the next Beatmax.

Swen6

Saw the pictures of this the other day someone posted the link i believe in the same thread as i mentioned above.

Neanderthal

iTrader: (6)

Released at the same price?
Hmmm I can see why they would but as a launch day owner I'm a bit pee'd off at the v2 being released with features that should have been on it from the start.
However.... having been a launch day owner of the Xbox, MS looked after us pretty well when they reduced the price of the machine after a year so there's always hope we won't be left out completely...
I still don't think they'll be putting the HD-DVD in it though.

RB5-Black

I think that's why you will see this V2 in stores within the next couple of weeks or sales will fall off very sharply

Dream Weaver

Yes, like me

Only bought my V1 on 23rd Dec, so i'll be annoyed if this comes out soon!! Wonder if I can return my system to Gamestation

flat4

none of the new features interest me in the slightlest, i'd have to buy a new TV & surround amp to make use of the HDMI/1080p and 120gb for what exactly?

ScoobyJawa

Microsoft have stated that whatever happens with 360 - it will never have an internal HD-DVD..........

Iain Young

Xbox live video marketplace. You'll be able to download tv shows etc soon (it's already running in the USA) and the 20gb HD just isn't big enough...

p.s. I shouldn't panic just yet. This is all just internet rumour at the moment. MS haven't announced anything at all yet...

Iain Young

Very true. According to a recent MS interview, it will always be an optional extra. That way you are not forced into buying something that you don't actually want / need.

Miles

Or, read the Xbox news sites and flog it in the local small ads newspaper a week before the v2 model comes out!

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

It will never have an internal HD-DVD drive as standard, worded my first post wrong. My point being that if you're going to have an all singing, all dancing HDMI/120Gb version, why not offer an edition with HD-DVD built in ?

flat4

heard the news on the radio this morning about the streaming video, some Las Vegas show on at the moment so might hear a bit more about this week

InvisibleMan

i rashly(ok not really rash as its taken me a year) went out and bought last week. how much was it on release, i dont think its come down at all? so the people who bought one for this christmas are going to be more rightly pissed off than those buying last christmas. I dont have any fancy HD stuff so its not relevant to me just now but i am mildly cheesed of having to second guess the rumors and MS/Sony's tactical marketing and you cant spend your life waiting or in fact constantly upgrading - ive given up on the far too short a life span of pc

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

Xbox 360 and Microsoft TV: Together Expanding the World of Games and Entertainment
In a move that will combine the power of Xbox 360 with Microsoft TV IPTV Edition, Bach provided an early look at a new service, IPTV on Xbox 360. The offering is expected to deliver world-class TV experiences such as digital video recording capabilities, with gaming, movie viewing, and even voice and video communications. Tapping into an expanded set of entertainment experiences, users will be able to watch their favorite sporting event live while chatting with their friends, for example, or participate in a match on Xbox Live® while they record a TV program in the background. IPTV on Xbox 360 is expected to be available to consumers by holiday season 2007 and will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services based on the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform.


Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates talks about the home of the future at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas, Jan. 7, 2007. Click for high-res version.
“Our goal is to make entertainment more personal, more interactive and more social,” Bach said. “IPTV on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are powerful examples of ways we are bringing together the worlds of gaming, TV viewing and community to make it easy for people to access and discover their favorite content and share their personal experiences with the communities they are part of.”
Microsoft TV IPTV Edition continues to strengthen its position in the market with deployments under way with five of the world’s largest service providers and trials with 11 additional companies, representing a footprint across 14 countries on four continents.
Here's the MS press release:

Microsoft Unveils Wave of New Products and Services at CES: Bill Gates and Robbie Bach hit play on new releases from Windows Vista, Xbox 360, Microsoft TV and more.

Iain Young

Probably because it would cost a lot to do (production lines would have to be changed etc), and it would push up the price of the console reducing the number you are likely to sell. Realistically you'd need either all of them to have it, or none of them...

Not sure what the fuss is about anyway. There's hardly any dvds available at the moment, and nobody knows which format will win the war. Personally, if I was going to get a HD dvd player now, I'd get a standalone unit which could play both formats rather than play them through a games console.

flat4

that's one hell of a broadband comnnection we'll need, not sure my 4mb is up to all that

InvisibleMan

more interested in how much that 120Gb is going to cost and how youll attach it while still using the 20gb & all the content youve downloaded.