Software update. Watched both without incident on 360. Only the sound was a bit flat as usual.

I had an issue with Fast and the Furious Tokyo Driftaroundtheparkingdeckversion2.0. It would stutter during some sequences and then play fine, and then stutter again. Anyone else have this problem?

Does anyone have any experience with the using the 360 HD Drive and the Sammy S5053?

Furthermore the vga connection?

My Tokyo Drift plays flawlessly, no skips.

FWIW - I compared my 360 addon to my Pioneer DV59-AVi using a SD DVD of ST DS9 Season 7 and the PQ was much better using the 360 HD DVD addon. The picture was a lot darker on the DV59-AVi.

FWIW - I compared my 360 addon to my Pioneer DV59-AVi using a SD DVD of ST DS9 Season 7 and the PQ was much better using the 360 HD DVD addon. The picture was a lot darker on the DV59-AVi.


Standard def dvds played over the 360 add-on will have an elevated ( read: incorrect ) black level. This may account for why the other player's image seemed darker. Did you use the same input or two different ones? Has the TV been calibrated to any standard?

Both the DV59-AVi and the 360 are connected to my 56TXi via Monster cables and the TV (Hitachi 51S700) was calibrated only with it's "MagicFocus".

Miami Vice played fine for the first hour or so, then crashed to the dashboard no less than 10 times in 15 minute increments thereafter. It was a real pain in the ass watching it this way.

No problem here. This was my first HD-DVD rental from Netflix. Looked great. Played great.

Chris

I got the Rambo HD-DVD's today from France, I accidently set the language to french when the option came up, now whenever the disc starts I no longer get the option to change language and it's stuck on french subtitles.

I tried putting US disc on to maybe refresh it but it didn't make any difference, I've deleted all the saved stuff for the add-on in the memory options but it hasn't made any difference.

Anyone know how to solve it ?

they have a few quirks with menu type stuff and UControl disaster, but I would hardly call the output subpar, 90%, at least, titles don't even have any issues at all worse than having to click off subtitles as soon as the movie starts. I'm getting a get 1080p pic out of a software player and it decodes TrueHD and everything else too.

According to the few that use it, the picture quality is subpar.
I, for one, am using the 360 add on with the new PowerDVD Ultra software along with a dual core processor and goo-gobs of excess memory, and the results have been positively spectacular. Not a single burp or hiccup. Tokyo Drift, King Kong and Miami Vice are stunning, and their menu features perform flawlessly. I think the key to getting successful results via an HTPC is to make sure you have as powerful a CPU as you can afford along with the maximum amount of RAM your motherboard can accept (2GB, in my case). As presently setup, my 360 add-on surpasses my Toshiba HD-A1. (Haven't been able to compare it against the new HD-A2 as of yet, however.)

I got the Rambo HD-DVD's today from France, I accidently set the language to french when the option came up, now whenever the disc starts I no longer get the option to change language and it's stuck on french subtitles.

I tried putting US disc on to maybe refresh it but it didn't make any difference, I've deleted all the saved stuff for the add-on in the memory options but it hasn't made any difference.

Anyone know how to solve it ?
You can go back to the language selection from the main menu. I'm not at work at the moment, or I would grab Rambo and give you the exact key sequence, but if I remember correctly it's something like pressing the <- key at the main menu, or possibly pressing menu or top-menu at the main menu.

The language selection is stored in the provider directory, not the content directory, and the addon currently does not let you delete the provider directory. (It might have an option for clearing all, but I can't remember that either :) )

What is the build date of your 360?

Well I am on my 3rd 360 and it has a VERY recent build date. It is every bit as loud as the other 2 and just unacceptable for movie enjoyment. At least to me it is. ALL 360's are going to have roughly the same sound output on the fans, drive, etc. The key here is how much it bothers you. Personally it is too loud for me but I also have extremely sensitive hearing.

I count 22 posts about the A1/XA1 on the front page of this forum and 3 about the 360 player. Why the need for this?

For nubs like me!
I have done some light reading on this, please answer me this batman?

HTPC or WMP what dose this have to do with 360!?!
I want a Windows Media hard drive or HTPC of course for the DVD and HDDVD ripping, etc,etc.. But from what i under stand a system with windows media will stream media to every x-box within it's network!!!!!

THis means I can stream all my content to meltable x-boxs simultaneously????

How cool is that?

Rip HD or SD DVD's and recorded movies with cover art to every tv that has an x-box!!
so easy my kids can use.

Is this an idea or is it true?

Everyone please answer with what you know!!!

Thanks TP

You can go back to the language selection from the main menu. I'm not at work at the moment, or I would grab Rambo and give you the exact key sequence, but if I remember correctly it's something like pressing the <- key at the main menu, or possibly pressing menu or top-menu at the main menu.

The language selection is stored in the provider directory, not the content directory, and the addon currently does not let you delete the provider directory. (It might have an option for clearing all, but I can't remember that either :) )

When you say the < - key, is that the "Back" button ?
I tried Main Menu and Top Menu and it just went to the Main Menu.

The files that I deleted, will they be updates for individual discs that I will have to download again?

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/30/99-for-xbox-360-hd-dvd-add-on/

get it for a hundred here!

When you say the < - key, is that the "Back" button ?
I tried Main Menu and Top Menu and it just went to the Main Menu.

The files that I deleted, will they be updates for individual discs that I will have to download again?

There are three ways to display again the country selection menu on StudioCanal titles:
- when playing the movie, press two times Top Menu on the remote control
- OR press Top Menu button et select the arrow (at the bottom left of the screen)
- delete the persistent storage data for the disc (through the XBox dashboard or the Toshiba setup menu)

The first 10 StudioCanal titles are implementing persistent storage *per* title. The following information is stored: country selected, resume playback position, trailer already seen or not, information bar on/off

There are three ways to display again the country selection menu on StudioCanal titles:
- when playing the movie, press two times Top Menu on the remote control
- OR press Top Menu button et select the arrow (at the bottom left of the screen)
- delete the persistent storage data for the disc (through the XBox dashboard or the Toshiba setup menu)

The first 10 StudioCanal titles are implementing persistent storage *per* title. The following information is stored: country selected, resume playback position, trailer already seen or not, information bar on/off

Cheers

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/30/99-for-xbox-360-hd-dvd-add-on/

get it for a hundred here!
old news

I'm looking to take the plunge by mid Feb. Couple things I'm concerned with.

Noise- I'm hearing mixed things on this topic. Some say quiet, some say unacceptable. I guess my question is does the actual 360 make noise similiar to when you are on the dashboard? I think I can live with this. Of course this is excluding the noise from the HD DVD drive.

Sound issues with optical output- I guess their is a recognized problem with this that makes the sound fall flat compared to regular DVD's. This isn't good, but if it's confirmed that MS is working on this with a patch perhaps...that would be promising.

Got a coupon for 40 bucks off anything over 199 at CC. Good until March. I have some time to do a bit more research before I dive...which is pretty unavoidable at this point.

I'm looking to take the plunge by mid Feb. Couple things I'm concerned with.

Noise- I'm hearing mixed things on this topic. Some say quiet, some say unacceptable. I guess my question is does the actual 360 make noise similiar to when you are on the dashboard? I think I can live with this. Of course this is excluding the noise from the HD DVD drive.

Sound issues with optical output- I guess their is a recognized problem with this that makes the sound fall flat compared to regular DVD's. This isn't good, but if it's confirmed that MS is working on this with a patch perhaps...that would be promising.

Got a coupon for 40 bucks off anything over 199 at CC. Good until March. I have some time to do a bit more research before I dive...which is pretty unavoidable at this point.

I say buy it B&M and if you don't like it, take it back for a full refund. It's as easy as that! I can't hear any noise from mine at viewing distance and the audio issue isn't an issue with me. I'm lovin' mine! :)

Welcome to HD add-on club. The newly released Jet Li- FearLess is very good too. If you have more things to buy for a total of $200, you can use the $40 coupon again..!

I 'm sorry to inform people here that my local CC didn’t accept the coupon because it said at the bottom no photocopies are accepted.
Those anyone knows were I could get an original? TIA :mad: :mad: :mad:

I went by Circuit City today and used the $40 off coupon and got myself an HD-DVD drive. King Kong looked great, I will have to pick up a couple of other movies soon.

Probably Superman Returns and will have to find one more.

I 'm sorry to inform people here that my local CC didn’t accept the coupon because it said at the bottom no photocopies are accepted.
Those anyone knows were I could get an original? TIA :mad: :mad: :mad:

what a stupid bastards! I can send you a .pdf file if you want.

Anyone else still getting audio sync issues with some of the disks?

Anyone else still getting audio sync issues with some of the disks?
Check my sig.

From reading many of the posts on this topic, it appears that there is a general perception that component will not pass certain video signals as well as HDMI. I have been of the impression that HDMI is virtually DVI with digital audio and HDCP capability built in.

If I am correct, then it would stand to reason that HDMI and component will perform the same with the same signal. One obvious exception is that component can't carry HDCP and HDMI can. At this point, I think that may be the only video difference.

I recently bought an HDMI<--->DVI cable from Cobalt Cable and asked for clarification on this question. Other than the HDCP issue, one of the engineers at Cobalt told me that choice of digital (HDMI) and analog (Component) cables is essentially dependent upon the type of display. If you have a digital display (DLP or LCoS) you should use a digital cable to eliminate the digital to analog to digital conversion and resulting slight performance hit. Virtually all other displays (LCD, Plasma or CRT) are analog and analog Component cables are appropriate.

OTOH, notwithstanding the above, Cobalt suggest that, given a choice, you should go with digital simply for compliance with next generation equipment that will require adherance to either HDCP or AACS content protection.

Here is a link to a fact sheet on Cobalt's site. They also mention that HDMI and DVI take performace hits on runs over 30 ft.

http://www.cobaltcable.com/pdfs/component_vs_dvi_hdmi.pdf

I'm looking to take the plunge by mid Feb. Couple things I'm concerned with.

Noise- I'm hearing mixed things on this topic. Some say quiet, some say unacceptable. I guess my question is does the actual 360 make noise similiar to when you are on the dashboard? I think I can live with this. Of course this is excluding the noise from the HD DVD drive.

Sound issues with optical output- I guess their is a recognized problem with this that makes the sound fall flat compared to regular DVD's. This isn't good, but if it's confirmed that MS is working on this with a patch perhaps...that would be promising.

Got a coupon for 40 bucks off anything over 199 at CC. Good until March. I have some time to do a bit more research before I dive...which is pretty unavoidable at this point.
I think the 360 sounds just as quiet as when its in dashboard. That is to say, I've never noticed the fans spin up when watching an hd-dvd, and I have noticed it with games (though nowhere near as loud as the 7600gt in my pc). As for the drive itself, it is very quiet, I can't distinguish it from the whisper of the 360 from even a foot away, and it is in noway comparable to the rock crusher we have for a built in dvd drive. Regardless of all this, I've never once felt fan noise hurt my movie or gaming experience (even when the 360 is at its loudest while gaming) because if you have your HT system loud enough to enjoy the movie, its going to drown out the other noise.

Yes there is an issue with DD+ tracks, though it is not as bad as many of the would be audiophiles here make it out to be. Yes it is slightly less dynamic and lacks some bass, but I didn't realize it until I read about it on here. Half of the 25 movies I own have some other audio option, whether its TrueHD or DTS, and selecting this makes it sound great. I'm eagerly awaiting the DTS update, but I don't feel like I'm suffering too badly living with it the way it is now ;)

Hope that helps, you won't regret it, and 160 is a steal

From reading many of the posts on this topic, it appears that there is a general perception that component will not pass certain video signals as well as HDMI. I have been of the impression that HDMI is virtually DVI with digital audio and HDCP capability built in.

If I am correct, then it would stand to reason that HDMI and component will perform the same with the same signal. One obvious exception is that component can't carry HDCP and HDMI can. At this point, I think that may be the only video difference.

I recently bought an HDMI<--->DVI cable from Cobalt Cable and asked for clarification on this question. Other than the HDCP issue, one of the engineers at Cobalt told me that choice of digital (HDMI) and analog (Component) cables is essentially dependent upon the type of display. If you have a digital display (DLP or LCoS) you should use a digital cable to eliminate the digital to analog to digital conversion and resulting slight performance hit. Virtually all other displays (LCD, Plasma or CRT) are analog and analog Component cables are appropriate.

OTOH, notwithstanding the above, Cobalt suggest that, given a choice, you should go with digital simply for compliance with next generation equipment that will require adherance to either HDCP or AACS content protection.

Here is a link to a fact sheet on Cobalt's site. They also mention that HDMI and DVI take performace hits on runs over 30 ft.

http://www.cobaltcable.com/pdfs/component_vs_dvi_hdmi.pdf
This is a bunch of false information.

DVI essentially equals the video portion of HDMI, but component and DVI aren't related. Component and VGA are analog, while HDMI and DVI are digital, which is why the current design of the 360 with its analog scaler chip cannot produce those signals.

LCD's are NOT analog displays, though many cheap PC lcd's only have an analog (VGA) input.

HDMI would be ideal, but not in the cards for the 360 as it stands.

VGA and Component are a tossup, with some complaining about washed out colors with VGA. VGA gives you the option for 1080p and dvd upscaling though, so its up to you and the capabilities of your set.

what a stupid bastards! I can send you a .pdf file if you want.

Yes send it to me I'll appreciate it very much if is this coupon for expiration 1-31-07
Erob64@msn.com

Ero, CC gave me some sh*t when they saw the photocopy clause at the bottom. All I had to say was that I "got it from the website" and they used it. I guess they just assumed that "the" website meant that it was CC's website. Probably just have to try a different CSR or a different store.

Hope that helps.

Quick questions here guys on the xbox HD DVD

If I do not have surround sound will I still get audo problems just running the audio through my TV? Will it still sound flat and worse than a SD DVD?

I'm thinking about buying this to hold me off until the price comes down on the stand alone players . This will let me save for a Surround sound too. Thanks.

Quick questions here guys on the xbox HD DVD

If I do not have surround sound will I still get audo problems just running the audio through my TV? Will it still sound flat and worse than a SD DVD?

I'm thinking about buying this to hold me off until the price comes down on the stand alone players . This will let me save for a Surround sound too. Thanks.
Where have you gotten this? It doesn't sound "flat and worse than an SD DVD"...

Granted it is outputing DD 640 K (what many Bluray owners are getting), but the coming update will give us DTS 1.5 mbps output also.

And yes, if you prefer to use stereo connects instead of surround, you have this choice also, either via analog or optical.

Quick questions here guys on the xbox HD DVD

If I do not have surround sound will I still get audo problems just running the audio through my TV? Will it still sound flat and worse than a SD DVD?

I'm thinking about buying this to hold me off until the price comes down on the stand alone players . This will let me save for a Surround sound too. Thanks.
That is how mine is connected right now while I shop for a surround sound system. I don't notice any issues with the sound at all. In the 360 dashboard, my sound output is set to Digital Stereo and I am using the analog stereo connection.

Where have you gotten this? It doesn't sound "flat and worse than an SD DVD"...

Maybe I used the wrong words but I have been reading (all over these boards) that people are unhappy with the audio. Infact some people are so unhappy with it that they are playing sound off of a SD DVD while watching their HD DVD. Although I think that is extreme, it shows how some people have big issues with it.

Would you care to enlighten me about the HD DVD audio?

HI ,

I am having a problem with the 1080p mode on my Xbox360. Whenever i switch to 1080p mode my dashboard seems to be blurred out and looks much worse in quality then 1080i. I am using a Vizio GV47LF LCD to display that. I have no other 1080p source to check if the problem is the LCD itself.

I don't have a 1080p game to test but the 1080i games look bad when i switch the xbox to 1080p mode.

I called tech support and they said it might be the xbox component cable! Not I am not too convinced.

Any thoughts on how to troubleshoot this ?!

thx

Maybe I used the wrong words but I have been reading (all over these boards) that people are unhappy with the audio. Infact some people are so unhappy with it that they are playing sound off of a SD DVD while watching their HD DVD. Although I think that is extreme, it shows how some people have big issues with it.

Would you care to enlighten me about the HD DVD audio?
Actually, there is so much information available here that you should be able to suss it out.

I haven't seen anything like the complaints you claim, and playing a SD DVDs audio while watching HD DVD is very unlikely as they would not stay in sync.

The only thing that is true in this area is that the DTS 1.5 mbps encoding used by standalone HD DVD players to support SPDIF optical ports sounds better than the DD640 kbps encoding used by the Xbox.

And this will be rectified by the software update coming for the Xbox, so that it can do the same 1.5 mbps DTS output over SPDIF optical as the HD DVD standalone players are currently doing.

HI ,

I am having a problem with the 1080p mode on my Xbox360. Whenever i switch to 1080p mode my dashboard seems to be blurred out and looks much worse in quality then 1080i. I am using a Vizio GV47LF LCD to display that. I have no other 1080p source to check if the problem is the LCD itself.

I don't have a 1080p game to test but the 1080i games look bad when i switch the xbox to 1080p mode.

I called tech support and they said it might be the xbox component cable! Not I am not too convinced.

Any thoughts on how to troubleshoot this ?!

thx

Fzreik, what cable are you using? component will not display 1080p, however a vga cable will.

Fzreik, what cable are you using? component will not display 1080p, however a vga cable will.


Yeah i am using the xbox component cable.


Are you sure about this one ? The xbox tech support seem to think that the it should work through component

In addition, whenever i switch to 1080p , my TV recognises the input as a 1080p and idicates that on the screen

Maybe I used the wrong words ....

I don't think you used the wrong words. DD+ audio out of the 360 is just horrible. MS knows about the problem, though they do not really want to call it a problem. If you follow this link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9506622&&#post9506622) you can read how MS dances around the issue.


DD+ is fine on Xbox. The levels may not be right and the team is checking into that but there is nothing broken about it. Issue is that in the process of getting it out of the 360 over optical, we have to convert it back to DD and that impacts the qualtiy. We have the DTS encoder ready but per my previous notes, I don't have a schedule of when that updates goes out but it should be in weeks, rather than months.

So basically they know their product has poor sound quality with movies using a DD+ soundtrack but it's not broken and they are looking into it...or something like that. I am glad that they clarified the issue for those of us wondering if we should take our add-on back for a refund. :confused:

Cheers,

Don

So basically they know their product has poor sound quality with movies using a DD+ soundtrack but it's not broken and they are looking into it...or something like that. I am glad that they clarified the issue for those of us wondering if we should take our add-on back for a refund. :confused:

I agree. DD+ on the 360 needs to be fixed and is being fixed.

I thank MS for that.

Fzreik, what cable are you using? component will not display 1080p, however a vga cable will.

The 360 will do 1080p over component for games and the dashboard. It works great on my tv (Samsung HL-S5688).

It will change to 1080i for hd-dvds due to AACS. (It's not a technical issue, but a protection scheme issue).

Can someone explain what the purpose of component only being able to do 1080i instead of 1080p is? I hear for protection, but what does that mean?

Can someone explain what the purpose of component only being able to do 1080i instead of 1080p is? I hear for protection, but what does that mean?
From what I understand...

The content providers want to make sure you purchase the products so they restrict its full potential unless its over a digital connection which can activate(handshake with) the HDCP chip and allow full signal to pass.

Component is analog.

Copy protection.

I get all of that, but couldnt a 1080i signal be passed through component? So I cant pirate 1080p, but i can 1080i?????

I dont think it would matter to people copying things if they could get 1080i, theyd be ok with that.

Makes little sense to me.

What do you have that can record HD material from a component input. Not hacked, off the shelf available to everyone?

I get all of that, but couldnt a 1080i signal be passed through component? So I cant pirate 1080p, but i can 1080i?????

I dont think it would matter to people copying things if they could get 1080i, theyd be ok with that.

Makes little sense to me.
The HD DVDs will play at 1080i over component, but no upconversion is allowed due to copy protection. I don't agree with it, but thats just how it is.

I was just wondering if the 360 audio update is just for DTS or is it going to fix the DD+ as well? I'm getting close to my return date and if it is only a DTS fix, it's going back.

And I noticed on the Hulk HD DVD that it says 2.35:1 but it diplayed in 1.85:1, and the sd dvd says and displays at 1:85:1. Is this a misprint or is the Hulk supposed to be 2.35?

In case anyone is having trouble with the $40 Circuit City coupon. There is a new one and it's on the CC website. Let them try to deny this one!
CC $40 Coupon (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/genericContent.do?oid=160141&sourceid=qIpmRbEZBRyPAlrDJZe2&affiliateid=39502629&carriage=befree)

Print the whole page with the cc link! This one expires in March!

Oh Well, looks like it's gone now. Hope you saved the PDF!

I was just wondering if the 360 audio update is just for DTS or is it going to fix the DD+ as well? I'm getting close to my return date and if it is only a DTS fix, it's going back.

And I noticed on the Hulk HD DVD that it says 2.35:1 but it diplayed in 1.85:1, and the sd dvd says and displays at 1:85:1. Is this a misprint or is the Hulk supposed to be 2.35?
I don't have the HD version, but it sounds like a misprint to me if it plays 1.85:1.

I was just wondering if the 360 audio update is just for DTS or is it going to fix the DD+ as well? I'm getting close to my return date and if it is only a DTS fix, it's going back.

And I noticed on the Hulk HD DVD that it says 2.35:1 but it diplayed in 1.85:1, and the sd dvd says and displays at 1:85:1. Is this a misprint or is the Hulk supposed to be 2.35?

I hear ya, dude...my return date is coming up as well...

Comments on the DTS option. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9518240&&#post9518240)
Summary: It's coming soon, and DD+ should sound good.

Comments on the lip sync problem. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9518571&&#post9518571)
Summary: MS knows it exists, but can't tell us when it's gonna be fixed. Probably not any time soon though.

Anyone have a copy of this coupon??? It was up yesterday and is gone today.

Look guys, I hate to beat a dead horse but WTF is up with audio on this HD DVD drive!? Right now I am disappointed but more so confused.

I went out and bought it today with the CC coupon so the price was right. I also bought The Last Samuri. Kong sounds fine but what the hell is wrong with the audio on The Last Samuri? Lets put it this way, I play video games and watch t.v on volume 5 or 6. Last Samuri doesn't sound normal until I crank it up to 50!! Maybe this is just the dvd but should I expect this with other dvds as well? If so, this thing is going back.

I have no surround sound at the moment so it is outputting digital stereo through my t.v.I really want to like this and keep it but I am bumming.

Does anyone know why the volume is so bad on this DVD??????

Look guys, I hate to beat a dead horse but WTF is up with audio on this HD DVD drive!? Right now I am disappointed but more so confused.

I went out and bought it today with the CC coupon so the price was right. I also bought The Last Samuri. Kong sounds fine but what the hell is wrong with the audio on The Last Samuri? Lets put it this way, I play video games and watch t.v on volume 5 or 6. Last Samuri doesn't sound normal until I crank it up to 50!! Maybe this is just the dvd but should I expect this with other dvds as well? If so, this thing is going back.

I have no surround sound at the moment so it is outputting digital stereo through my t.v.I really want to like this and keep it but I am bumming.

Does anyone know why the volume is so bad on this DVD??????
I just noticed the same issue on Lucky # Sleven. I normally have my sound on 12-15, but I dont hear any speaking til above 20. Some sound effects come through arond 17, but they are so faint. I pretty much had to turn it up to 25 or so just to enjoy it. PQ is a night and day diference over the SD version. Just the audio bugged me. Casino, U-571, and KK all have the same general volume as my other sources.

Look guys, I hate to beat a dead horse but WTF is up with audio on this HD DVD drive!? Right now I am disappointed but more so confused.

I went out and bought it today with the CC coupon so the price was right. I also bought The Last Samuri. Kong sounds fine but what the hell is wrong with the audio on The Last Samuri? Lets put it this way, I play video games and watch t.v on volume 5 or 6. Last Samuri doesn't sound normal until I crank it up to 50!! Maybe this is just the dvd but should I expect this with other dvds as well? If so, this thing is going back.

I have no surround sound at the moment so it is outputting digital stereo through my t.v.I really want to like this and keep it but I am bumming.

Does anyone know why the volume is so bad on this DVD??????
The first batch of Warner HD-DVDs released last spring (Samurai, Phantom of the Opera, Million Dollar Baby, maybe even a few more here and there) all contain volume issues; each title was released with audio below reference level, requiring us to crank up the volume on our receivers/processors--yet another example of technology being rushed to market before it was ready. The decreased volume issues with those initial titles were widely reported by most A/V software reviewers, e.g. Widescreen Review, DVD Authority, etc. So it's definitely not your imagination, nor is it the fault of the 360 add-on. Because I was warned about the situation beforehand, I didn't buy them in the hope that perhaps Warners will one day do the right thing by re-releasing them in the near future with the proper volume level.

The first batch of Warner HD-DVDs released last spring (Samurai, Phantom of the Opera, Million Dollar Baby, maybe even a few more here and there) all contain volume issues; each title was released with audio below reference level, requiring us to crank up the volume on our receivers/processors--yet another example of technology being rushed to market before it was ready. The decreased volume issues with those initial titles were widely reported by most A/V software reviewers, e.g. Widescreen Review, DVD Authority, etc. So it's definitely not your imagination, nor is it the fault of the 360 add-on. Because I was warned about the situation beforehand, I didn't buy them in the hope that perhaps Warners will one day do the right thing by re-releasing them in the near future with the proper volume level.


Thank you for the good info here. I was unaware of these issues when I took the plunge. I can live with it but it is good to know others are not like this...

unstuck

So is this coupon no longer valid??

The first batch of Warner HD-DVDs released last spring (Samurai, Phantom of the Opera, Million Dollar Baby, maybe even a few more here and there) all contain volume issues; each title was released with audio below reference level, requiring us to crank up the volume on our receivers/processors--yet another example of technology being rushed to market before it was ready. The decreased volume issues with those initial titles were widely reported by most A/V software reviewers, e.g. Widescreen Review, DVD Authority, etc. So it's definitely not your imagination, nor is it the fault of the 360 add-on. Because I was warned about the situation beforehand, I didn't buy them in the hope that perhaps Warners will one day do the right thing by re-releasing them in the near future with the proper volume level.Nothing to do with the technology, it was a simple authoring bug. You may be able to get around it by either a) Turning off menu sounds, I can't remember if they fix the levels when you do that, or b) switching to TrueHD, which does fix the levels.

Nothing to do with the technology, it was a simple authoring bug. You may be able to get around it by either a) Turning off menu sounds, I can't remember if they fix the levels when you do that, or b) switching to TrueHD, which does fix the levels.

How do you switch to TrueHD? And what's the difference between using this and not (besides fixing the audio levels)? Thanks.

Would someone email me a .pdf of the CC coupon please?

Thanks!

outflying@yahoo.com

Would someone email me a .pdf of the CC coupon please?

Thanks!

outflying@yahoo.com
email sent.

Nothing to do with the technology, it was a simple authoring bug. You may be able to get around it by either a) Turning off menu sounds, I can't remember if they fix the levels when you do that, or b) switching to TrueHD, which does fix the levels.
What I'm referring to is the fact that, in their zeal to have software available in time for the format launch, quality control suffered with some of the initial software. At this point it's been pretty much acknowledged industry-wide that those initial titles were, in fact, rushed to market. A little more time in the QC dept could have ameliorated that simple authoring bug prior to distribution. Instead, some owners have been assuming that their 360 add-ons (or HD-A1s) were somehow faulty. Had these companies waited, say, another year before releasing their wares, us 360 add-on owners (and others) would have been much better off and wouldn't have had to contend with all the bugs, some of which have been pretty aggregious and go beyond being merely simple. But that subject's for another thread. Point is, the volume levels for those early titles are not the result of anything faulty in the 360 HD-DVD player. That's the important thing. :)
Where have you gotten this? It doesn't sound "flat and worse than an SD DVD"...
I agree. Even on my legacy A/V receiver, subtle (but noticeable) differences are discerned between 640kbps DD via the 360 add-on and 384-/448kbps DD via its SD DVD counterparts (similar to DD 576kbps D-VHS vis-a-vis SD-DVD).

hey everyone! today i bought a 56" dlp samsung 1080p tv and a bluray player. now i want the HD add on for the 360 lo. it sounds like its solid! i cant really read through 128 pages of threads, but could someone sum it up for me as far as performance? i was on one page that said the samsungs cant play vga properly, so id have to use component? does the component output at 1080i or 1080p the PQ is awesome right? the 360 can hook up to a different source with surround sound right? thanks everyone for the help!

The first batch of Warner HD-DVDs released last spring (Samurai, Phantom of the Opera, Million Dollar Baby, maybe even a few more here and there) all contain volume issues; each title was released with audio below reference level, requiring us to crank up the volume on our receivers/processors--yet another example of technology being rushed to market before it was ready. The decreased volume issues with those initial titles were widely reported by most A/V software reviewers, e.g. Widescreen Review, DVD Authority, etc. So it's definitely not your imagination, nor is it the fault of the 360 add-on. Because I was warned about the situation beforehand, I didn't buy them in the hope that perhaps Warners will one day do the right thing by re-releasing them in the near future with the proper volume level.

If you are using the 360 add on and playing ANY HD-DVD with a DD+ soundtrack, then you will experience lower sound levels (around 20% lower). This is a known and admitted problem with the 360 addon. If the disc authoring contains any audio level issues, the problem will only be compounded.

hey everyone! today i bought a 56" dlp samsung 1080p tv and a bluray player. now i want the HD add on for the 360 lo. it sounds like its solid! i cant really read through 128 pages of threads, but could someone sum it up for me as far as performance? i was on one page that said the samsungs cant play vga properly, so id have to use component? does the component output at 1080i or 1080p the PQ is awesome right? the 360 can hook up to a different source with surround sound right? thanks everyone for the help!


I may be able to answer some of your questions. I have my 360 HD add on connected to a Samsung 1080p DLP set (HL-S71718W). I have it connected with the VGA cable and it works great. This shows as PC mode on the TV, so you have a few less tweaks perhaps than you would on component ... but this has not been a problem for me. Initially, my pic had a small black border all around it (about 1-2 inches). This was easily adjusted using the pic size. You can check the info in your owners' manual for PC input, or search the Owner's thread for your TV. Through VGA you get 1080p for HD-DVDs and it also does a decent job of upscaling regular DVDs.

I haven't tried component hookup yet, but my understanding is that Samsungs (at least some) will pass a 1080p signal through component. I have compared both VGA and component cables on my Sony LCD ... and really could not see much difference in PQ between the 1080p (VGA) or 1080i(component) hookup.

I'd definitely recommend the HD-DVD add on. If you only have the component cable, try that before you purchase the VGA cable. You may find it works great.

Would someone email me a .pdf of the CC coupon please?

Thanks!

outflying@yahoo.com


me too please!!! :)

thanks.

It seems that CC is not accepting the allconnect coupon anymore. They have disseminated an email to all stores not to accept it and their computer says it’s no longer in the system. :mad:

Sams Club carries the drive for $181.87 (plus tax) all day everyday. I picked one up there. :)

Good luck.

If you are using the 360 add on and playing ANY HD-DVD with a DD+ soundtrack, then you will experience lower sound levels (around 20% lower). This is a known and admitted problem with the 360 addon. If the disc authoring contains any audio level issues, the problem will only be compounded.
Excellent point.

That's what the volume control is for.

That's what the volume control is for.

The volume control doesn't also fix the funky over-compression issues, does it?

It seems that CC is not accepting the allconnect coupon anymore. They have disseminated an email to all stores not to accept it and their computer says it’s no longer in the system. :mad:

Sams Club carries the drive for $181.87 (plus tax) all day everyday. I picked one up there. :)

Good luck.

Good call about Sam's Club. Does anyone know if CC will match their price (or is there any such guarantee)? I have some credits with CC so I'd prefer to buy it there. Thanks.

That's what the volume control is for.
I think that kinda goes without saying. The point is to be able to playback an HD-DVD in the 360 add-on (or other player) at the reference level originally intended by the filmmakers without other variables infringing on the process. Just my opinion.

That's what the volume control is for.
It's not just the low volume level. That i could live with. It's how flat everything gets when there are big action scenes. The sound just seems to fade away, like my add-on is going to as I take it back today.

I honestly don't know what all the audio complaints are in regards to. I've watched about 8 movies so far, XBOX is connected to an Onkyo receiver via optical dolby digital to my bose setup (stereo, not surround). The sound sometimes has to be adjusted a bit higher than normal but I think the audio sounds really good, solid bass and no flat spots. I'm no audiophile so take this as you will, but I don't want people getting scared off by reading about these issues. I didn't even realize there was an issue until I looked on this board. Maybe it's not the drive???

I honestly don't know what all the audio complaints are in regards to. I've watched about 8 movies so far, XBOX is connected to an Onkyo receiver via optical dolby digital to my bose setup (stereo, not surround). The sound sometimes has to be adjusted a bit higher than normal but I think the audio sounds really good, solid bass and no flat spots. I'm no audiophile so take this as you will, but I don't want people getting scared off by reading about these issues. I didn't even realize there was an issue until I looked on this board. Maybe it's not the drive???

Or maybe the issue only affects DD or DTS setups which you are not using?

At any rate - I'm trying to decide if I should get this HD DVD player but am confused. Some folks here seem to feel strongly there are some serious issues with the audio playback (in which case I will not get this unit) while others say there are no problems at all. Very confusing...

I honestly don't know what all the audio complaints are in regards to. I've watched about 8 movies so far, XBOX is connected to an Onkyo receiver via optical dolby digital to my bose setup (stereo, not surround). The sound sometimes has to be adjusted a bit higher than normal but I think the audio sounds really good, solid bass and no flat spots. I'm no audiophile so take this as you will, but I don't want people getting scared off by reading about these issues. I didn't even realize there was an issue until I looked on this board. Maybe it's not the drive???
Right there with you on that. I have mine (x360 + HD DVD addon) connected to my Onkyo receiver (7.1 surround) and I don't have any issues. Volume has to be cranked up a little more but other than that surround separation is great, dynamics seem fine to me and I've noticed zero audio lag or "lip-sync" issues. I only have 11 HD DVDs but so far it's been great. Friends/family over that have watched movies have all been "WOW, I want!".

Or maybe the issue only affects DD or DTS setups which you are not using?

At any rate - I'm trying to decide if I should get this HD DVD player but am confused. Some folks here seem to feel strongly there are some serious issues with the audio playback (in which case I will not get this unit) while others say there are no problems at all. Very confusing...

I would say make the purchase and test it out with the included King Kong DVD. At least if the audio quality is not up to par with what you expected, you can still return it without being stuck with an open HD DVD movie.

I honestly don't know what all the audio complaints are in regards to. I've watched about 8 movies so far, XBOX is connected to an Onkyo receiver via optical dolby digital to my bose setup (stereo, not surround). The sound sometimes has to be adjusted a bit higher than normal but I think the audio sounds really good, solid bass and no flat spots. I'm no audiophile so take this as you will, but I don't want people getting scared off by reading about these issues. I didn't even realize there was an issue until I looked on this board. Maybe it's not the drive???

The answer lies that you use Stereo and not Surround. Currently I use Stereo as well because the Surround isn't correct. For example when I turn on DD the dialog is very much muffled as in no treble. Something is not right. When I switch to stereo all sounds perfect but well then it's only stereo. That is the problem. When I play games in DD on the 360 everything sounds perfect and using surround. So that is the problem, DD surround on the 360 HD DVD player.

I have no problems at all. Have to crank up the volume a tad, but that is it. Using Optical to my JVC receiver.

Try a side by side with the regular dvd version of one of your hd movies and you will know what everyone is talking about. Very disappointing audio.

Try a side by side with the regular dvd version of one of your hd movies and you will know what everyone is talking about. Very disappointing audio.

I agree. I originally questioned what people were complaining about. I then played a DVD version of the same movie (Apollo 13) and was surprised at how flat the HD DVD sounded on the 360. Hopefully it will be corrected in the next few weeks.

Is the sound better on non 360 players, and why if so?

I saw an HD DVD player at Best Buy over the weekend (didn't catch the model) on sale for $399..... I thought it looked like a steal. If they get these standalone players down to around $250 i'd jump at it.

All I can say is if you are not satisfied with the 360 hd drive, pick up a Toshiba HD-A2. I am very impressed with everything about it and getting it for a hundred bucks off made it even sweeter. It's very quiet compared to the 360 which is another plus. Not that the 360 was overly loud, just louder.

HD Picture looks amazing through component (no hdmi as I will be waiting for the Denon 3808, or a decently priced a/v processor and 7 channel amp), and sd discs look very nice as well.

And the sound...friggin' spectacular. I put in Batman Begins and ran the exploding Tibetan (or wherever it is) house scene and it sounded phenomenal. MI III, amazing. I could never get the flesh tones right with this movie on the 360 for some reason (either too green or too pink) but the A2 nails it.

Now don't get me wrong, the 360 hd add-on was alright and a good way to see high def at a lower price point, but i just could not live with the limitations it had (crappy audio and no hdmi). And if MS decides to fix these issues, that's all fine and dandy, but I would be shelling out money for an hdmi 360 where now i won't have to. High def gaming thru component will hold me over until the next gen.

Now I have to watch all my hd dvd's again to hear how they were supposed to sound thru optical. Bummer.

Looks like we need an audio settings disk to determine if we're really getting the correct sound.

hey guys,
what remote are you all using? anyone buy the harmony universal remote? does it control the hd dvds, as well as all receivers and other players? i remember reading that that was a solid remote, i have a bluray player too and i hope its good.

what audio do you get out of it n if you connect it to ur pc?

hey guys,
what remote are you all using? anyone buy the harmony universal remote? does it control the hd dvds, as well as all receivers and other players? i remember reading that that was a solid remote, i have a bluray player too and i hope its good.

I have a Harmony 688, not the dedicated Xbox version. But I highly recommend Harmony as a single solution for all your AV gear. Once you get it set up, and that's easier than any other universal remote because of the online wizard, it works like a charm and is very simple to use.

hey guys,
what remote are you all using? anyone buy the harmony universal remote? does it control the hd dvds, as well as all receivers and other players? i remember reading that that was a solid remote, i have a bluray player too and i hope its good.

I use the 880 and it's fine. Just no eject. Any Media Center remote should work too.

I love my Harmony remote. I do not have the HD-DVD add-on yet, but I have had zero problems controlling any of my equipment. Harmony's tech support was very good too..

Harmony remote's rock, I have one and highly recommend it, its the only one on my coffee table and all the others are stashed away below. No eject for the HDDVD sort of sux but I can use the harmony to scroll down to the eject function in the 360's menu so its not a big deal at all.

Try a side by side with the regular dvd version of one of your hd movies and you will know what everyone is talking about. Very disappointing audio.

this is 10000% true. if you think nothing is wrong with the dynamic range of the DD+ coming out of the 360, play the bridge scene from MI3 on sd-dvd. then put in the HD-DVD. the difference is night and day.

Looks like we need an audio settings disk to determine if we're really getting the correct sound.

no we don't. just compare sd-dvd's DD soundtracks on the 360 HD-Drive and their HD-DVD counterparts.....we're not getting the correct sound. case closed.

Okay, I just took the plunge and purchased the Xbox 360 add-on for $189 at newegg (free shipping and no taxes). For the price, I feel that this is a great opportunity to experience HD-DVD, and since there seems to be no clear winner between HD-DVD and BR in the near future, I figured I won't be out too much $$ should BR prevail.

I do not own a 1080p HDTV at this time (I have a 56" Samsung HLP5663W DLP HD set that does have a VGA connector). I am a little concerned about the audio complaints, but I expect a fix is on the way based on what we have heard from Microsoft.

I have the Xbox 360 Logitech Harmony remote.

I prefer having the XYAB buttons present on my remote, and it works great for HD DVDs, as well as for all of my other home theatre equipment.

I use the 880 and it's fine. Just no eject. Any Media Center remote should work too.

my works sells the harmony 520, so u think that would work for the HD DVD add on? basically im just wondering if the xbox dedicated harmony remote is the only one that will work with it.... thanks for all the help!

this is 10000% true. if you think nothing is wrong with the dynamic range of the DD+ coming out of the 360, play the bridge scene from MI3 on sd-dvd. then put in the HD-DVD. the difference is night and day.

This was the first thing that alerted me to the fact that something was amiss with optical out for DD+ soundtrack. Even having never heard the SD-DVD version of the soundtrack I could detect a weird compression issue when there should have been huge dynamic swings in the soundtrack. After comparing the HD and SD versions there is no question.

Hopefully the fix will be here soon. As far as HD DVD playback, my add on has been perfect so far and I have watched over 20 movies. Looks fantastic on my Panasonic.

Thought I'd post it here as opposed the gaming forum.

I rented "Excotic Saltwater Aquarium" from Netflix: http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?movieid=70055111&trkid=90529 for my 360 hd-dvd player and noticed that it would not start up the movie. When I place the movie in the drive, it loads up the HD-DVD intro screen and brings me into the dvd menu screen. However from the menu, when I press play, it just replays the intro and goes back into the menu screen. I tried skipping chapters, hitting the info button, anything and nothing seams to be able to get me to play the movie.

Is this a known problem for this specific hd-dvd and the 360?

Thought I'd post it here as opposed the gaming forum.

I rented "Excotic Saltwater Aquarium" from Netflix: http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?movieid=70055111&trkid=90529 for my 360 hd-dvd player and noticed that it would not start up the movie. When I place the movie in the drive, it loads up the HD-DVD intro screen and brings me into the dvd menu screen. However from the menu, when I press play, it just replays the intro and goes back into the menu screen. I tried skipping chapters, hitting the info button, anything and nothing seams to be able to get me to play the movie.

Is this a known problem for this specific hd-dvd and the 360?

Yep...check the Aquarium's website and it's documented as having problems with the 360 add-on....

Thanks for the quick reply. I tried to search here and couldn't find any quick matches. I guess the dvd gets returned to Netflix tomorrow then.

Thanks again.

...I rented "Excotic Saltwater Aquarium" from Netflix: http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?movieid=70055111&trkid=90529 for my 360 hd-dvd player and noticed that it would not start up the movie. ...

Is this a known problem for this specific hd-dvd and the 360?

Check out http://hdscapeblog.blogspot.com/ for more info.

We have found a temporary work around for those of you who are experiencing the menu glitch with our Exotic Saltwater Aquarium title.

By using the number key pad on your remote controller, you can choose the menu option you wish to execute. The menu options are numbered from top to bottom. For example, on the main menu if you wish to 'Audio Options,' press number 2. To then return to the main menu press number 5...

Don

Sorry if this has been answered somewhere but I searched through the thread and didn't find a final conclusive answer. Today I tried to connect my 360 to my mitsubishi 52631 using the VGA cable and a DVI adapter. I ran it in 1920x1080 resolution. What I got was a faded, washed out picture. I could make it a little better by adjusting the contrast but the picture didn't look any better than 480p. The only other thing I can tune on the tv is the color settings. Would using a DVD to tune my DVD help the situation or am I stuck with the faded signal? Also does the 360 not put out a digital VGA signal at all? My tv wouldn't show anything when I set it to digital, only analog. Again sorry to ask probably a redundant question but it was hard to find any real answer.

Sorry if this has been answered somewhere but I searched through the thread and didn't find a final conclusive answer. Today I tried to connect my 360 to my mitsubishi 52631 using the VGA cable and a DVI adapter. I ran it in 1920x1080 resolution. What I got was a faded, washed out picture. I could make it a little better by adjusting the contrast but the picture didn't look any better than 480p. The only other thing I can tune on the tv is the color settings. Would using a DVD to tune my DVD help the situation or am I stuck with the faded signal? Also does the 360 not put out a digital VGA signal at all? My tv wouldn't show anything when I set it to digital, only analog. Again sorry to ask probably a redundant question but it was hard to find any real answer.


The VGA output from the X360 is analog. The current hardware does not output a digital signal, as you said. There are rumors of a new revision of the X360 that includes an HDMI port, but I can't remember if they've been confirmed.

That aside, I also get a washed-out picture but my picture (with the X360 set to 1920x1080) looks better than 480p, for sure. It doesn't seem to look as good as component, though. I'm running a Samsung LN-S4095D.

My 2cents....

I've been through the computer with ffdshow tuned to play my dvds the way I liked for the last couple years and since have moved into a new house where I set up a DIY 123" screen with an HD70 projector in the basement and decided to try an upconverting sony dvd player thinking that would be as good as my htpc. I was very dissappointed with it. So I decided to buy an xbox for the kids for christmas and of course the hddvd addon. I hooked it up with the vga cable, set the xbox to 720p output and was much more pleased with how it rendered the picture than the upconverting dvd player. I also put it on par with my setting of ffdshow comp. I've looked at many scenes over and over and over using the computer and the dvd player and the xbox and I really am pleased with the player.
I bought the DVE dvd and tried to get the colors right as well which I think has also helped a little. I have since moved the computer to another tv since i like my hddvd setup so well.
I haven't had any sound issues yet but I haven't been looking for them either.

I am very pleased with the results that I have had so far.

The VGA output from the X360 is analog. The current hardware does not output a digital signal, as you said. There are rumors of a new revision of the X360 that includes an HDMI port, but I can't remember if they've been confirmed.

That aside, I also get a washed-out picture but my picture (with the X360 set to 1920x1080) looks better than 480p, for sure. It doesn't seem to look as good as component, though. I'm running a Samsung LN-S4095D.


From what i've been able to gather the HDMI 360 is confirmed with a project name 'zephyr' but wether or not microsoft is actually going to use it is up in the air.

Sorry if this has been answered somewhere but I searched through the thread and didn't find a final conclusive answer. Today I tried to connect my 360 to my mitsubishi 52631 using the VGA cable and a DVI adapter. I ran it in 1920x1080 resolution. What I got was a faded, washed out picture. I could make it a little better by adjusting the contrast but the picture didn't look any better than 480p. The only other thing I can tune on the tv is the color settings. Would using a DVD to tune my DVD help the situation or am I stuck with the faded signal? Also does the 360 not put out a digital VGA signal at all? My tv wouldn't show anything when I set it to digital, only analog. Again sorry to ask probably a redundant question but it was hard to find any real answer.

Same results using VGA cable between 360HD-DVD and sony 46xbr2 (HDTV LCD). :( The component cable connection was crystal clear. :)

I do not own a 1080p HDTV at this time (I have a 56" Samsung HLP5663W DLP HD set that does have a VGA connector).

I just bought the 360 HD-DVD drive and have a 46" 720p Samsung DLP. I bought a VGA cable thinking it would give a better picture for DVD's but it really doesn't. I tried switching between component and VGA watching the same scenes in LOTR and Passion of the Christ and sometimes component looks better and somemes VGA looked better depending on the scene, so I would say its a wash.

The only real benefit of using the VGA cable on a non-1080p HDTV, as I see it, is that standard DVDs will be upconverted via the VGA cable. SD DVDs cannot be upconverted via the 360 add-on with component cables.

The only real benefit of using the VGA cable on a non-1080p HDTV, as I see it, is that standard DVDs will be upconverted via the VGA cable. SD DVDs cannot be upconverted via the 360 add-on with component cables.

Which brings up the question as to how much benefit is gained by upconverting DVD's. An HDTV is going to upconvert a DVD to the TV's native resolution anyway so what is the benefit of upconverting the DVD at the source instead of the TV? I really don't notice much of a difference with VGA on my Samsung DLP.

Which brings up the question as to how much benefit is gained by upconverting DVD's. An HDTV is going to upconvert a DVD to the TV's native resolution anyway so what is the benefit of upconverting the DVD at the source instead of the TV? I really don't notice much of a difference with VGA on my Samsung DLP.
im not sure your statement is correct

Which brings up the question as to how much benefit is gained by upconverting DVD's. An HDTV is going to upconvert a DVD to the TV's native resolution anyway so what is the benefit of upconverting the DVD at the source instead of the TV? I really don't notice much of a difference with VGA on my Samsung DLP.
Depends on whether the source, or the TV, has the better scaler.

A lot of TV's just plain suck at this, which is why people by Video Processors, or buy equipment with good scalers built in.

Very few TVs have the best scaler technology built in, though there are a few excpetions.

The dedicated scaler chip in the Xbox 360 seems quite competant and has gotten very good feedback, but I don't know what reviews/tests have been done specifically on it.

BTW - here's some info on the Xbox 360's "ANA" scaler:

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/05/meet-ana-xbox-360s-hardware-scaler/

http://arstechnica.com/articles/headstart.ars/2

http://www.qj.net/The-360-s-edge-ANA-the-scaling-chip/pg/49/aid/78249

http://www.news4gamers.com/industrynews/News-18961.aspx

Which brings up the question as to how much benefit is gained by upconverting DVD's. An HDTV is going to upconvert a DVD to the TV's native resolution anyway so what is the benefit of upconverting the DVD at the source instead of the TV? I really don't notice much of a difference with VGA on my Samsung DLP.

Right now I am scaling on my 32" LCD via VGA while I am building my media room (the Samsung is not hooked up yet). I can tell you that the 360 scales better than my LCD via the VGA than through the native resolution with the component cable. I will have to wait and see with my Samsung. I would also recommend calibrating your TV with a program like Digital Video Essentials as well. Both my Samsung and my LCD looked much better after calibration.

quick Question Guys: I Have A 5070 With Xbox 360 Hd Add On And Vga Cable Looks Better To Me But I Can Seem To Get Sound Out Of The Vga Cable (the red and white rca wont work anywhere). What Am I Doing Wrong Here? I Dont Think The 2 Rca Connects Work Anywhere??? Thanks All

Which brings up the question as to how much benefit is gained by upconverting DVD's. An HDTV is going to upconvert a DVD to the TV's native resolution anyway so what is the benefit of upconverting the DVD at the source instead of the TV? I really don't notice much of a difference with VGA on my Samsung DLP.
Scaling and upconverting are two different things. The 360 would upconvert, but your TV will scale. Upconverting improves the picture by filling pixels. Scaling will just use more than one pixel for each pixel it recieves to fill the screen.

On my 37" 1080p monitor, I can tell a difference between the SD (480p) and upconverted SD (1080p) at 8' away. Its just a sharper image. Although, having 480p on a 1080p LCD looks pretty bad due to the huge difference in total pixels between the source and monitor. Unfortunately, not that many TVs handle the VGA input very well.

quick Question Guys: I Have A 5070 With Xbox 360 Hd Add On And Vga Cable Looks Better To Me But I Can Seem To Get Sound Out Of The Vga Cable (the red and white rca wont work anywhere). What Am I Doing Wrong Here? I Dont Think The 2 Rca Connects Work Anywhere??? Thanks All
The VGA cable should have come with an adapter to change the red/white stereo into a headphone style plug. Your TV should have an input for that somewhere near the VGA input.

No it didnt, i got the ultra high quality monster vga xbox 360 cable. So i guess I'll pick up a mini plug to female RCA adapter.

Thanks for the help.

Which brings up the question as to how much benefit is gained by upconverting DVD's. An HDTV is going to upconvert a DVD to the TV's native resolution anyway so what is the benefit of upconverting the DVD at the source instead of the TV? I really don't notice much of a difference with VGA on my Samsung DLP.

Often times the scaler and deinterlacer are better than the ones found in the TV when it comes to quality upconverting DVD players or video processors. Not sure where the 360 add-on falls compared to your TV but some A/B comparisons will usually let you know. As an example, if I feed a 480i DVD source to my TV and let the set do all deinterlacing and scaling the resulting image is crap. If I use the same 480i DVD in my upconverting Sony DVD player set to 1080i the image is actually quite nice. In my case the scaler and deinterlacer in the upconverting DVD player are far superior to those found in my TV. YMMV

I have an Xbox 360 using the HD-DVD add on a 8" CRT projector a 1920x1080P. I'm using the VGA out from the Xbox directly into the projector.

The only thing I've noticed from testing and what others have reported, was that the HDTV sync timings are not where they should be (broke). And that can cause a dark image on some analog display devices, as well a too wide of an image (as what I'm getting on my 8" CRT projector. Otherwise, if you're able to get th image to display without being dark, it's truly awesome. And I would rate it as the best 1080P I've ever played around with.

Here's a screenshot at 1080P from the 8" CRT. This is a dark (low lighting) scene to show how well it performs in both gamma and detail.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8719/hpim11629ul.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

No it didnt, i got the ultra high quality monster vga xbox 360 cable. So i guess I'll pick up a mini plug to female RCA adapter.
Thanks for the help.

Just make sure you get an adapter for stereo miniplug. Many of the adapters are for mono miniplug but they don't always say it in big writing on the package.

hey guys,
what remote are you all using? anyone buy the harmony universal remote? does it control the hd dvds, as well as all receivers and other players? i remember reading that that was a solid remote, i have a bluray player too and i hope its good.

I use the Harmony 880 on my xbox and hd-dvd add-on with great success. I have never used the remote that came with the palyer.

Scott

I use the Harmony 880 on my xbox and hd-dvd add-on with great success. I have never used the remote that came with the palyer.

Scott

I use the 680 and don't have a problem either. It works great. I've also never used the remote that came with the player..

The only thing I would like to do is be able to map a "subtitle" button for use with HD DVDs. I can't seem to figure this out. I frequently like to use subtitles to figure out what they're saying in a particular line of dialogue if I just can't seem to hear/understand it well. As it stands right now I have to pull up the menu and do it, which is no big deal since you can do that with the movie still playing in the background...it's just a few extra button pushes I'd rather now have to do. I did look on the original remote that came with it and didn't see a subtitle button either, so maybe it's not possible.

I've been reading this thread for awhile and finally installed my HDTV this week, a Westinghouse LVM-37w3, 1080p. I do NOT have the HD drive for the 360 yet, but will soon.

When connecting via VGA, I'm still disappointed in the DVD quality (remember, it's not the HD drive, just the regular 360 drive). When I get the HD add-on, will the picture quality of regulard DVDs be better? After reading the upconverting/scaling dialogue, I'm still pretty confused. Here's the bottom line: will the HD add on produce better standard DVD playback than the regular 360 drive?

Thanks

I've been reading this thread for awhile and finally installed my HDTV this week, a Westinghouse LVM-37w3, 1080p. I do NOT have the HD drive for the 360 yet, but will soon.

When connecting via VGA, I'm still disappointed in the DVD quality (remember, it's not the HD drive, just the regular 360 drive). When I get the HD add-on, will the picture quality of regulard DVDs be better?
No.

The hdmi will be a push for the av enthusiasts, not the normal gamer. the hdmi will finally get rid of (hopefully) the 1080p compatibility issues for everyone with hdmi ports. I no longer will have to deal with the washed out vga colors, and the hdmi audio should please the audiophiles as well. I have heard there is no way in hell the hd-dvd will be internal, which is fine with me since I already have one, so that will be a wait and see type of deal. I am wanting the cooler processor, bigger hd, and hdmi though.
My biggest complaint would be the output of audio with hmdi. Can I still use toslink when using hdmi video? If not I need to pony up $250-400 for a decent hdmi receiver.
I have a Panasonic plasma (50PH9UK). I hooked up the vga cable yesterday.
I immediately noticed the washed out effect. My deep blacks were now gray and colors were faded compared to the component connection.
However, a simple adjustment to my tv's brightness setting resulted in a more vivid and satisfying picture than I had with the component cable.
I was relieved.

My reference material was PGR3, Gears of War, and The Fifth Element (DVD).

Here's the bottom line: will the HD add on produce better standard DVD playback than the regular 360 drive?Thanks

I believe someone will probably reply back with specs to prove SD-DVD picture quality will not improve. However, I think it does even though our friends here at AVS have called me crazy. I compared the same four scenes from four different movies and I thought all looked better in the HD-DVD drive.

Let us know what you think.

I've been reading this thread for awhile and finally installed my HDTV this week, a Westinghouse LVM-37w3, 1080p. I do NOT have the HD drive for the 360 yet, but will soon.

When connecting via VGA, I'm still disappointed in the DVD quality (remember, it's not the HD drive, just the regular 360 drive). When I get the HD add-on, will the picture quality of regulard DVDs be better? After reading the upconverting/scaling dialogue, I'm still pretty confused. Here's the bottom line: will the HD add on produce better standard DVD playback than the regular 360 drive?

Thanks

Have you updated your 360 console lately (there was a major update in November)? If not, this may help since this update allows for upscaling Also, make sure you choose the correct resolution in your 360 system setup configuration. Since you have a 1080p HDTV, you should choose 1920x1080. If you already have the update and have calibrated and configured your TV correctly I doubt the add-on will offer any upgrade over the internal drive for standard DVD's. Now HD-DVDs are another story :)

I noticed an improvement with SD DVDs with my 360 connected to my HDTV (not 1080p) via VGA over my standalone progressive scan Sony DVD player.

New Bug:

Xbox 360 only outputs 2.0 when using TrueHD of the Poseidon-HD DVD.

Questions for the owners.

What length is the supplied USB cable?

Has anyone tried using the drive vertically? If so, any problems (with disc loading/vibrations/loudness)?

Thanks

Questions for the owners.

What length is the supplied USB cable?

Has anyone tried using the drive vertically? If so, any problems (with disc loading/vibrations/loudness)?

Thanks
Vertical is perfectly fine. In fact, the drive's eject button is the right side up only when the drive is vertical. When drive is horizontal, the eject button points sideways.

The only problem with vertical is that there are no rubber feet to keep it firmly in place, so it's easier for it to slide around if it's bumped.

I have been using it vertically ever since I got it. Works great.

Questions for the owners.

What length is the supplied USB cable?

Thanks

About 2 ft.

I saw some references to "The Spring Update" but no specific upgrades listed... thought I'd post this for reference for us n00bs, (realize its from 2006)...

Xbox 360 Spring 2006 UpdateFeatures List (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/0605-springrelease-features.htm) [edited for DVD features - DocRings]


New Features

* DVD bookmark support will remember the film’s timing and location when resuming viewing.
* Fast-forward and rewind now offered at 2x -16x for any videos saved to hard drive.
* Boot to Dashboard setting will bypass the loading of any disc in the drive and open directly to Dashboard during power-on.

System Improvements



DVD Player

* Improved the audio/video sync after extended pauses.
* Improved the visual quality.
* The DVD player outputs at native resolution over VGA connection.
* Improved the playback smoothness.
* Improved the fast-forward and rewind smoothness.
* DVD play continues to attempt to read a disc after "disc read" error.
* DVD play Pause / Play jitter / out of synch issues improved.
* DVD play Slow Play / Play jitter / out of synch issues improved.
* Repaired issues with missing menu selection icon from DVD disc menu for certain films.
* Improved Xbox 360 Guide efficiency during certain films.
* Repaired playback stutter during certain films.

Miscellaneous System Improvements
* Media library categorization enhanced.

* System no longer launches music CD in disc-tray when moving from Live
* Videos downloaded from Marketplace now shown in the Video area of the Media blade.
* Improved usability added around "Play Now" when downloading demos, trailers, and videos.
* Improved system performance added between console and affiliated Windows Media Connect PC.

November 2006 Update:

New Features

* HD 1080p video mode support over VGA and component cables.
* Xbox 360™ HD DVD Player support.
* Stream WMV video from a Windows PC running Windows Media Player 11, Zune software, or Windows Media Connect.
* Play video from storage devices such as USB flash drives, Xbox 360 Memory Units, etc.
* Play video from CD or DVD data discs.
* Video support for 50 Hz HDTV modes (DVD only).
* Stream music, pictures and video from a Zune device.



DVD Player

* Optionally disable notifications from Xbox Live while watching DVD movies.
* Improved support for audio streams on incorrectly authored DVDs.
* Better handling of unreadable discs.
* Updated count-down timer.
* HD DVD player support.
* Added zoom support for non-anamorphic content.
* Added support to Family Settings to block Unrated Content

Video Player

* Improved support for extended all black scenes in WMV content.
* Added support for Windows Media Video 9 Advanced profile video.
* Screen saver now becomes active when videos are paused.
* Now shares UI and player controls with DVD player.
* Improved video playback while downloading from Xbox Live.
* Added skip controls (forward approx. 30 seconds, back approx. 7 seconds).
* Improved messaging around unplayable video content.
* Added time elapsed and time remaining displays.
* Improved playback of high bit-rate HD content on fragmented hard drives.
* Improved visual quality of video playback.
* Added selectable display modes: default and letterbox zoom.

L
Memory Area

* Added support for Xbox 360 HD DVD Player content..


* Improved support for DVD insertion while playing a video file.

Ehm, this one is from 2006 dude ;)

"/2006/0605/"

Hello,

I just purchased a 360 add-on and one of the first purchases i made was The Thing. I also bought Dune, Forbidden Planet, King Kong and V for V. I've noticed something odd while watching The Thing that i did not see in the other films. Towards the end of the movie there are some very dark scenes and i observed what looks like shinny or pasty blacks(not sure how to describe it). The color looks a little off during these scenes as well. Otherwise the film looks great.

Is this what is referred to as black crush? It was rather distracting but its only noticeable towards the end of the film. Iam trying figure out if its a hardware or software problem? I've also noticed this on some sd-dvd's as well as cable Hd. Below is the hardware iam using. Unsure which forum to put this in?

Mits-65-515 at 1080i(calibrated)
Component input(cables came with add-on)
Add-on set to 1080i

Can the add on play DVD+R?

Can the add on play DVD+R?

Yes - it plays DVD+R's just fine.

Hello,

I just purchased a 360 add-on and one of the first purchases i made was The Thing. I also bought Dune, Forbidden Planet, King Kong and V for V. I've noticed something odd while watching The Thing that i did not see in the other films. Towards the end of the movie there are some very dark scenes and i observed what looks like shinny or pasty blacks(not sure how to describe it). The color looks a little off during these scenes as well. Otherwise the film looks great.

Is this what is referred to as black crush? It was rather distracting but its only noticeable towards the end of the film. Iam trying figure out if its a hardware or software problem? I've also noticed this on some sd-dvd's as well as cable Hd. Below is the hardware iam using. Unsure which forum to put this in?

Mits-65-515 at 1080i(calibrated)
Component input(cables came with add-on)
Add-on set to 1080i

Black crush would be visible in all discs, not just one. However, The Thing is listed as a tier 2 disc with very good picture quality. Have you tried calibrating your new drive with DVE or Avia?

Im looking for instructions on how to burn HD - DVDs to a format that can play on this drive.
Anyone point me in the right direction?

Im looking for instructions on how to burn HD - DVDs to a format that can play on this drive.
Anyone point me in the right direction?

wow this thread sure has dried up??? I was thinking of getting the add on in about two weeks because it is only 2bills but im so concerned about getting HD-DVD or blu-ray for that matter cause i dont want to be stuck with a bunch of movies for something that looses this format war. Its such a hard decision.

Im looking for instructions on how to burn HD - DVDs to a format that can play on this drive.
Anyone point me in the right direction?

There's an HD DVD authoring sticky atop the HD DVD software forum. Follow the directions exactly and you can burn HD DVDs to atndard DVD-R discs that will work perfectly on the 360 or any other HD DVD player.

wow this thread sure has dried up??? I was thinking of getting the add on in about two weeks because it is only 2bills but im so concerned about getting HD-DVD or blu-ray for that matter cause i dont want to be stuck with a bunch of movies for something that looses this format war. Its such a hard decision.

Not really. Both formats will be around for years. Even if one died tomorrow, the player and any discs you buy would still have a long useful life.

I still have several working VHS players and a stack of tapes I watch from time to time, and my DVD collection isn't exactly collecting dust even though the HD DVDs look and sound much better.

At less than $200, the add-on is a no-brainer for anyone with an Xbox 360. After you've seen how good King Kong looks, there's no turning back. You'll be renting and buying HD DVDs, and enjoying them immensely, while everyone else is fighting the holy format wars.

That is true, i expect both formats to last atleast a few years, and i would prefere HD-DVD to win for the simple fact that just from my reading all over the web it is more consistant with picture quality since all are VC1 encoded, have more audio formats available and more interactive features. The only reason i want blu-ray has nothing to do with anything other than some titles i want are only on blu-ray. As a consumer i could care less if the disc can hold 30GB or 50GB as long as the picture is good and the sound is good.

Ahhhhh....takes me back to the DVD vs. DIVX format war. Remember that one? Remember Disney refused to release their titles on DVD for quite a while? Anybody got any DIVX DVDs sitting around? Now those were the days. :D

In the end it will be the consumer that chooses the format winner, no matter how hard the studios try to force the issue.

This is a good site for keeping track of HD-DVD vs. Blue Ray trend stats (http://www.eproductwars.com/dvd/)

How do you work VGA? On two TVs I can never get sound to work. The picture looks good...but no sound. Am I doing something wrong? Is their a setting I am unaware of?

How do you work VGA? On two TVs I can never get sound to work. The picture looks good...but no sound. Am I doing something wrong? Is their a setting I am unaware of?

sound is not passed through VGA. you will need to use the optical audio output of the vga adapter, or the RCA audio cables that are also attached.

sound is not passed through VGA. you will need to use the optical audio output of the vga adapter, or the RCA audio cables that are also attached.

Which I have. It plugs into the jack right next to it, right?

Which I have. It plugs into the jack right next to it, right?

if you have an optical input in your a/v receiver, plug an optical cord into the VGA's optical cord slot and see if that works.

if you have an optical input in your a/v receiver, plug an optical cord into the VGA's optical cord slot and see if that works.

I don't. I want to use the TV speakers.

then use the red/white RCA jacks.

however, if you are an hd-dvd/xbox/bluray adopter as your sig says, i would HIGHLY recommend going out and spending a little extra on a surround system instead of using your tv's speakers. you're missing out on a world of difference....

Any one had the eject button light up red on their unit? I was in the middle of COD3 multiplayer on Live when I lost my internet connection. Turns out the HD-DVD drive crapped out and my wireless adapter had been running through it to the 360. I bypassed the HD-DVD drive and ran the wireless adapter directly to the 360 and all is well with Live again, but the HD-DVD drive is non-responsive.

I think if youre watching hd-dvd/bluray and you dont have at least some form of surround sound or a really nice stereo setup than I dont see the point. Youre getting 1/2 the experience. I know we all like to pretend that once we get that new tv, itll be the last thing and the HT will be perfect, but thats not the case. Watching movies out of the tv speakers should not be the long term solution. If you have the cash for the player you got the cash for the sound.

toenail,

My hd-dvd unit just died also. I did not have the red light though, turned my 360 on yesterday and the console would not recognize the hd-dvd player. Called support, they do not have a very good troubleshooting method for these units, after much on hold time, they told I need to send the unit, it is a hardware failure, they are sending me a box.

I believe if you saw a red light, it is suppose to mean a overheating condition, but I am not sure.

The important thing here, is that the unit should still be under warranty, so the repair is free, I have to pay for shipping one way.

I was able to dig up the manual. It states that the red light indicates an overheating condition, as stated above. I'm leaving it unplugged for a bit and will try it again later today.

I don't. I want to use the TV speakers.
Then yes you would use the Red\White audio jacks, put those into the adapter which gos into the jack right next to the VGA input......

Here's a question from left field in regard to the XBOX 360 HD DVD player: I rented Clerks II in the HD DVD format. When I play it, I get a "This movie will not play due to the parental setting of the player" message. Has anyone else experienced this on the XBOX 360 HD DVD player? I had no trouble playing King Kong on it. I called Microsoft support and they had no answer. Also, All my XBOX 360 family settings are set to have all media/movies/games allowed...any help would be greatly appreciated.

I was able to dig up the manual. It states that the red light indicates an overheating condition, as stated above. I'm leaving it unplugged for a bit and will try it again later today.

Simply letting it sit overnight did the trick.

Here's a question from left field in regard to the XBOX 360 HD DVD player: I rented Clerks II in the HD DVD format. When I play it, I get a "This movie will not play due to the parental setting of the player" message. Has anyone else experienced this on the XBOX 360 HD DVD player? I had no trouble playing King Kong on it. I called Microsoft support and they had no answer. Also, All my XBOX 360 family settings are set to have all media/movies/games allowed...any help would be greatly appreciated.

Since you posted the same question in another thread, I'll paste the same answer here:

Saw that message when I rented Matador from netflix. In my case, it disappeared after a second or two and the movie played normally.

Common denominator? They're both Weinstein discs, which have been the source of complaints from owners of various players -- not just Xbox -- for suspected authoring problems.

If you haven't already, you might try power cycling with the disc in the tray, hitting the menu and scene advance buttons, etc. If nothing works you might request a replacement disc. This one isn't the player.

Since you posted the same question in another thread, I'll paste the same answer here:

Saw that message when I rented Matador from netflix. In my case, it disappeared after a second or two and the movie played normally.

Common denominator? They're both Weinstein discs, which have been the source of complaints from owners of various players -- not just Xbox -- for suspected authoring problems.

If you haven't already, you might try power cycling with the disc in the tray, hitting the menu and scene advance buttons, etc. If nothing works you might request a replacement disc. This one isn't the player.

I'm not so sure, I have same problem on 'Wolf Creek' I have a ticket open with Cyberlink and they are saying it should be fixed in the iminent patch. The guys with the drive connected to their Xboxes just have to do an update to fix the problem. So pretty sure it si down to Cyberlink this issue.

Since you posted the same question in another thread, I'll paste the same answer here:

Saw that message when I rented Matador from netflix. In my case, it disappeared after a second or two and the movie played normally.

Common denominator? They're both Weinstein discs, which have been the source of complaints from owners of various players -- not just Xbox -- for suspected authoring problems.

If you haven't already, you might try power cycling with the disc in the tray, hitting the menu and scene advance buttons, etc. If nothing works you might request a replacement disc. This one isn't the player.
Thanks for the reply. I did try the power cycling with the menu/skip/FF and it did not remove that message. It just remained on the screen. I even left it displayed for @ 15 mins and still nothing. I called Microsoft support again today and they came to the conclusion it was the disc and to return it for another one from Netflix...sheesh.

Simply letting it sit overnight did the trick.

Over heated UNit

Your much more patient than me . I put mine in the freezer for 15 minutes. Did the trick. NO kidding. Stl runs 2 months later.

Does anyones HD DVD drive buzz even when not turned on? The thing was driving me crazy and I finally figured out that top white plastic piece is a bit loose and was vibrating all the time. Has anyone taken this thing apart (removed the top cover)? Maybe I can superglue this thing down to stop it from buzzing.

Any one had the eject button light up red on their unit? I was in the middle of COD3 multiplayer on Live when I lost my internet connection. Turns out the HD-DVD drive crapped out and my wireless adapter had been running through it to the 360. I bypassed the HD-DVD drive and ran the wireless adapter directly to the 360 and all is well with Live again, but the HD-DVD drive is non-responsive.

My wireless adapter will occassionally lose power when attached to the HD-DVD add on. I just unplug the adapter USB cable and plug it back in, works everytime. Not sure what the root problem is, something is disconnecting the USB ports on the add-on.

Then yes you would use the Red\White audio jacks, put those into the adapter which gos into the jack right next to the VGA input......

I'm in sort of the same situation. I do not YET have a audio system. I have a Samsung 6187W 1080p DLP set. If I get the XBOX 360 HD-DVD add-on, and use the PC input (VGA) on the back of the TV, then I would need to use the corresponding PC audio input, which is in the form of a 3.5mm input. I guess that means I would need to get a dual RCA female to 3.5mm male adapter/converter plug, correct?

It is my understanding that the VGA port on the back of the TV is the only way to get movie content in 1080p, or upconverted DVDs in higher than 480p. (i.e. component does not support these I have read. I need to play a regular DVD in my XBOX 360 and see what the TV says the format is it is getting). My only concern about using the VGA port is I do nto know if the Samsung is expecting PC (0-235) or video (16-235) levels.

Back on surround sound audio systems - does anybody have recommendations for something that won't cost and arm and a leg, say less than $500? I would want something that will accept multiple audio inputs, such as: Optical out from the TV (ATSC OTA reception), as well as inputs from the XBOX 360 and a Hi-Def Sattelite receiver (also not yet acquired - all my HDTV right now is OTA programming or XBOX 360).

Back on surround sound audio systems - does anybody have recommendations for something that won't cost and arm and a leg, say less than $500? I would want something that will accept multiple audio inputs, such as: Optical out from the TV (ATSC OTA reception), as well as inputs from the XBOX 360 and a Hi-Def Sattelite receiver (also not yet acquired - all my HDTV right now is OTA programming or XBOX 360).

You have to shop carefully in that price range to get anything decent. (And don't buy anything Bose.) Here's a matched receiver-speaker set from Onkyo that is better than most.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-v6WaEAvawMJ/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=37600&I=580HTS680B

The receiver is good enough that you could upgrade the speakers later for better sound without starting over.

I'm in sort of the same situation. I do not YET have a audio system. I have a Samsung 6187W 1080p DLP set. If I get the XBOX 360 HD-DVD add-on, and use the PC input (VGA) on the back of the TV, then I would need to use the corresponding PC audio input, which is in the form of a 3.5mm input. I guess that means I would need to get a dual RCA female to 3.5mm male adapter/converter plug, correct?The VGA adapter for the 360 includes that converter plug :) I almost bought one but decided to wait as I thought I had one at home, then found out it was included in the VGA adapter box.

It is my understanding that the VGA port on the back of the TV is the only way to get movie content in 1080p, or upconverted DVDs in higher than 480p. (i.e. component does not support these I have read. I need to play a regular DVD in my XBOX 360 and see what the TV says the format is it is getting). My only concern about using the VGA port is I do nto know if the Samsung is expecting PC (0-235) or video (16-235) levels.I thought that you could get 1080p output from component, just not upconverted on component. (I'm not sure though).

The VGA adapter for the 360 includes that converter plug :) I almost bought one but decided to wait as I thought I had one at home, then found out it was included in the VGA adapter box.

I thought that you could get 1080p output from component, just not upconverted on component. (I'm not sure though).

this is right! 1080p with component is no problem, as long as the thing you are watching on can take it.
its just upconverting that dont work on component.

this is right! 1080p with component is no problem, as long as the thing you are watching on can take it.
its just upconverting that dont work on component.

I saw sharp aquous takes component 1080P, have any one tried that?

You have to shop carefully in that price range to get anything decent. (And don't buy anything Bose.) Here's a matched receiver-speaker set from Onkyo that is better than most.


The receiver is good enough that you could upgrade the speakers later for better sound without starting over.

Another novice question - looking at the back of that Onkyo unit leads to the question - what is the functional difference between optical digital audio input and coaxial audio?

for copyright issues, hd-dvds can not be viewed at 1080p via component. ONLY HDMI and VGA.

for copyright issues, hd-dvds can not be viewed at 1080p via component. ONLY HDMI and VGA.

Sorry, but that's incorrect. The Xbox 360 add-on drive can output HD DVD at 1080p over component.

Because of copy protection issues, it can only upscale standard DVD over VGA. There is currently no HDMI for the Xbox.

I believe that you are both right in theory. In the future, should studios decide to enable the HDCP flag on their DVD's, the component inputs will not play the movie in high definition and will downscale it to half or quarter resolution. As far as I know, HDMI is the only input which will be able to accurately process the HDCP signal.

However, don't look for any studio to enable this in the near future. It's all but a death sentence to the first studio that does, especially for the Xbox360 addon. I really don't see an HD-DVD studio alienating it's largest potential market.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong about the whole HDCP over component process.

Let's be clear about this. There is not a single HD DVD available or announced that blocks the output of 1080p over component because of copy protection.

There are some players that only output 1080i over component, but that's a hardware/firmware issue. The Xbox 360 DOES output 1080p over component.

As long as a majority of HD displays accept component, and as long as HDMI standards are in flux and HDCP compatibility issues are rampant, that is unlikely to change.

It is NOT a problem now and is unlikely to be a problem in the forseeable future.

^ To add. What was hacked first for piracy the Component signal or the HDMI signal? Answer neither, it was hacked right from the disk on a PC. So imo the signals leaving the player are not where the pirates attack so imo there is no real need to ever turn on or even really find the need to have ICT to begin with for component. The hackers go right to the source, better and faster.

Sorry, but that's incorrect. The Xbox 360 add-on drive can output HD DVD at 1080p over component.

Because of copy protection issues, it can only upscale standard DVD over VGA. There is currently no HDMI for the Xbox.

Hang on.....so if I hook up the xbox add-on drive via component to my Pioneer Elite VSX-84Txsi, will it's internal Faroujda scaler be bypassed? I would have expected it to upscale the signal as per the Pioneer instructions.

Another thing - if I connect the Xbox add-on drive to my HTPC, which outputs DVI (DVI to HDMI cable) to my receiver, then will I expect the same image quality as my previous situation utilizing the xbox?

I'm also confused about whether my graphics card will be ok for passing the image thru to the receiver? I have a Radeon 9800 Pro, which states that it is both DVI 1.0 and HDCP Compliant. But then I read that Vista (my OS) requires a fancy new PCI express card (X1000 family) which would mean updating my entire HTPC rig.

I am using this player with a 50 inch Sony A10. Would I be better off setting the player to 720p or 1080i? The TV is native 720p, but would I lose resolution using it, or would it be better to let the TV downscale the 1080i signal to 720p?

thanks

Where have you gotten this? It doesn't sound "flat and worse than an SD DVD"...

Granted it is outputing DD 640 K (what many Bluray owners are getting), but the coming update will give us DTS 1.5 mbps output also.

And yes, if you prefer to use stereo connects instead of surround, you have this choice also, either via analog or optical.

At the moment, before the update, the Dolby Digital+ tracks, do sound worse than the standard DVD counterparts. there is no denying that. Fingers crossed that it will be fixed in the coming months with the DTS update

There are some players that only output 1080i over component, but that's a hardware/firmware issue. The Xbox 360 DOES output 1080p over component.



Have you confirmed XBOX360 HD-DVD add-on 1080P over component for movies on your set? Lots of conflicting info on this subject everywhere. Thanks.

Have you confirmed XBOX360 HD-DVD add-on 1080P over component for movies on your set? Lots of conflicting info on this subject everywhere. Thanks.
It will NOT output 1080p over component for HD-DVDs. It will switch from 1080p to 1080i when playing the HD-DVD.

I think that kinda goes without saying. The point is to be able to playback an HD-DVD in the 360 add-on (or other player) at the reference level originally intended by the filmmakers without other variables infringing on the process. Just my opinion.

right, and besides, it's not just lower volume, it's flat, less dynamic sound :(

I am using this player with a 50 inch Sony A10. Would I be better off setting the player to 720p or 1080i? The TV is native 720p, but would I lose resolution using it, or would it be better to let the TV downscale the 1080i signal to 720p?

thanks

if you play a lot of games, it's a double-edged sword.....the TV almost definitely has a better scaler than the xbox, so sending 1080i for HD-DVD's isn't a bad idea and will probably look a little sharper. however since xbox 360 games are all 720p native, those are not going to look as good being converted to 1080i by the xbox then converted again by your television....i used to have my 360 set to 1080i because some hd-dvd's seem to look a little sharper, but have since gone back to 720p since I started playing a lot of Gears of War and it looks a whole lot better on my 720p projector at that resolution. and hd-dvd's still look great.

if you play a lot of games, it's a double-edged sword.....the TV almost definitely has a better scaler than the xbox, so sending 1080i for HD-DVD's isn't a bad idea and will probably look a little sharper. however since xbox 360 games are all 720p native, those are not going to look as good being converted to 1080i by the xbox then converted again by your television....i used to have my 360 set to 1080i because some hd-dvd's seem to look a little sharper, but have since gone back to 720p since I started playing a lot of Gears of War and it looks a whole lot better on my 720p projector at that resolution. and hd-dvd's still look great.


yeah, I play games, that is the primary function for my purposes. Any word on MS adding a toggle that you don't need to go into the menu for to go between 720p and 1080i? maybe the spring update?

Just watched Ant Bully and kept it in 720p, it looked amazing

Xbox 360 dead

Just got the dreaded 3 lights of death after 7 months and had to pay to mail my xbox 360 back. They said the turn around is 3 weeks. I kept mine clean and well ventilated, with an extra external fan in the bookcase. I've got two other friends who have dead xboxes also, make sure yours is registered!

I'm kind of hoping that mine dies some time after the launch of the Zephyr (hdmi/120gb hdd) but within the warranty period (which is now 2yrs; i purchased mine not even 6mos ago) so that they would hopefully send me a Zephyr in its place :D

Zephyr? What's that?

Zephyr? What's that?
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/the-second-xbox-360-revealed-codename-zephyr/

I'm kind of hoping that mine dies some time after the launch of the Zephyr (hdmi/120gb hdd) but within the warranty period (which is now 2yrs; i purchased mine not even 6mos ago) so that they would hopefully send me a Zephyr in its place :D

There was a lot of talk of Zepher to be announced at CES, and there was nothing. I don't think this reveal will occur as soon as people wish, and my guess is that it won't replace any current model but with be another model. I'd say the core model would disappear, the premium would drop to $300, and Zepher would come in at $400. I don't think a swap of one model for the other would occur there, not without having to pay some additional premium.

Deezul

There was a lot of talk of Zepher to be announced at CES, and there was nothing. I don't think this reveal will occur as soon as people wish, and my guess is that it won't replace any current model but with be another model. I'd say the core model would disappear, the premium would drop to $300, and Zepher would come in at $400. I don't think a swap of one model for the other would occur there, not without having to pay some additional premium.

Deezul

at that time, swap for a premium would be still worth as u guys enjoyed gaming for a year man

So if I hook up the xbox add-on drive via component to my Pioneer Elite VSX-84Txsi, will it's internal Faroujda scaler be bypassed? I would have expected it to upscale the signal as per the Pioneer instructions.

On any system you want to minimize the processing. An HD DVD is 1080p, and if your display accepts that you can output it so neither the Xbox nor the Pioneer touch it. If not, you can try it both ways to see which works best, though in my case the Faroudja on my Sammy DLP takes the prize.

I am using this player with a 50 inch Sony A10. Would I be better off setting the player to 720p or 1080i? The TV is native 720p, but would I lose resolution using it, or would it be better to let the TV downscale the 1080i signal to 720p?

thanks

Same situation, different set. I've tried both ways on my Sammy DLP and found HD DVDs look marginally better at 1080i, games at 720p. Try both and let your own eyes be the judge.

Pop in an HD DVD, jump to a scene with a lot of detail visible and look close. Switch outputs on the Xbox and view the same scene again. The differences are subtle.

Same situation, different set. I've tried both ways on my Sammy DLP and found HD DVDs look marginally better at 1080i, games at 720p. Try both and let your own eyes be the judge.

Pop in an HD DVD, jump to a scene with a lot of detail visible and look close. Switch outputs on the Xbox and view the same scene again. The differences are subtle.

i also tend to think hd-dvd's look marginally better at 1080i on a 720p projector, but the difference is smaller enough that it's not worth my annoyance to keep switching it in the player.

especially after i saw Mission Impossible 3 at 1080i on my set - my Projector has a good deinterlacer but for some reason there were some severe moire/stairstepping effects in parts of that movie at 1080i that look smooth and detailed at 720p...so i guess in rare instances the 360 is actually outperforming the faroudja in my projector....

oleus

It will NOT output 1080p over component for HD-DVDs. It will switch from 1080p to 1080i when playing the HD-DVD.

OK, once more for the record.

The HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 CAN AND DOES OUTPUT 1080P OVER COMPONENT OR VGA SINCE THE FALL '06 FIRMWARE UPDATE.

That's a fact.

It's also a fact that there are not many sets that will ACCEPT 1080p over component. Even some of the sets that claim they do take 1080p over VGA, (notably Sonys, go figure,) have a compatibility problem.

This is not unique or strictly an MS issue, as many HTPC owners will tell you. It's like HDCP handshake issues, not everybody has them, but when they do they're a pain to fix. MS released one patch to expand compatibility, but it hasn't solved all the problems.

There are a number of posters in these AVS forums who have gotten 1080p to work over component with HD DVDs, as well as getting 1080p upscaling with games and SD DVDs over VGA. I don't own a 1080p display, but I have seen a couple of them displaying 1080p from an Xbox 360 add-on.

Does it look any different than 1080i on the same display? No, because a 1080i output is deinterlaced in the set and you're watching 1080p regardless. But it is flat wrong to say the Xbox can't do 1080p over component.

OK, once more for the record.

The HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 CAN AND DOES OUTPUT 1080P OVER COMPONENT OR VGA SINCE THE FALL '06 FIRMWARE UPDATE.

That's a fact.

It's also a fact that there are not many sets that will ACCEPT 1080p over component. Even some of the sets that claim they do take 1080p over VGA, (notably Sonys, go figure,) have a compatibility problem.

This is not unique or strictly an MS issue, as many HTPC owners will tell you. It's like HDCP handshake issues, not everybody has them, but when they do they're a pain to fix. MS released one patch to expand compatibility, but it hasn't solved all the problems.

There are a number of posters in these AVS forums who have gotten 1080p to work over component with HD DVDs, as well as getting 1080p upscaling with games and SD DVDs over VGA. I don't own a 1080p display, but I have seen a couple of them displaying 1080p from an Xbox 360 add-on.

Does it look any different than 1080i on the same display? No, because a 1080i output is deinterlaced in the set and you're watching 1080p regardless. But it is flat wrong to say the Xbox can't do 1080p over component.

I was refering to same! as my current sony V2500 bravia does not accept 1080p component so out of question but new sharp sets D92U can? so I was wondering did some one try?

I dont know abt their 62U version sets though. but moretheless, i'll be contented with 1080i, excellent pq if they can fix audio compromise

could some one please give me the accurate pros and cons of buying the add on for my system i only have 1080i hitachi 52" hdtv and yamaha dd 5.1 and dts receiver

could some one please give me the accurate pros and cons of buying the add on for my system i only have 1080i hitachi 52" hdtv and yamaha dd 5.1 and dts receiver

pro's = nice hd dvd player (minus some audio issues which are being addressed) great dvd upscaler (I think my standard dvd's look very nice as long as they are anamorphic of course.

con's = $200 will be deducted from your pocket (though thats inexpensive compared to other HD DVD players). No HDMI output through the Xbox 360 which prevents the use of loseless audio on HD DVDs. Your TV doesn't support 1080p which I'm sure people will debate the value of 1080i vs 1080p (my view is 1080p vs 1080i isn't enough for me to tell anyone they should upgrade). Format longevity could be considered a con as well as no one knows what the "format war" will produce.

Conclusion = I feel happy with my purchase and I'll be happier when the issues with the DD+ tracks are sorted out. At $200 I feel the very worst that can happen in the future is I spent that money on a decent HD DVD player that does a great jo upscaling my SD DVD's. I currently have 21 HD DVD's and the picture quality from them is amazing and obviously I hope the format wins the war, but if not I won't feel compelled to trash all my HD DVD's.

OK, once more for the record.

The HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 CAN AND DOES OUTPUT 1080P OVER COMPONENT OR VGA SINCE THE FALL '06 FIRMWARE UPDATE.

That's a fact.

It's also a fact that there are not many sets that will ACCEPT 1080p over component. Even some of the sets that claim they do take 1080p over VGA, (notably Sonys, go figure,) have a compatibility problem.

This is not unique or strictly an MS issue, as many HTPC owners will tell you. It's like HDCP handshake issues, not everybody has them, but when they do they're a pain to fix. MS released one patch to expand compatibility, but it hasn't solved all the problems.

There are a number of posters in these AVS forums who have gotten 1080p to work over component with HD DVDs, as well as getting 1080p upscaling with games and SD DVDs over VGA. I don't own a 1080p display, but I have seen a couple of them displaying 1080p from an Xbox 360 add-on.

Does it look any different than 1080i on the same display? No, because a 1080i output is deinterlaced in the set and you're watching 1080p regardless. But it is flat wrong to say the Xbox can't do 1080p over component.

Where are you getting your information?

The HD-DVD -> 1080i over component. SD-DVD -> 480p over component. Games->1080p over component. It's confirmed by my Sharp 1080p Televisions, which tells me when the resolution and output format change.

Now if there is some magic I'm missing someone let me know?

Where are you getting your information?

The HD-DVD -> 1080i over component. SD-DVD -> 480p over component. Games->1080p over component. It's confirmed by my Sharp 1080p Televisions, which tells me when the resolution and output format change.

Now if there is some magic I'm missing someone let me know?

http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/11/30/dashboard-update-aka-the-1080p-fix.aspx

At the bottom, it says there are issues with some displays showing 1080p. Just because YOU don't get 1080p over component does not mean EVERYONE won't. It doesn't affect me either way, as I only have 1080i and 720p sets.

Deezul

I double checked Sharp 92U have DVI in 1080P and people have been trying with VGA to DVI adapter?

Sharp 82U just rolling has 2 1080P components in.

Sony Bravias take 1080P VGA but not component.

Sharp 62U possibly 1080P VGA and not component????

At the bottom, it says there are issues with some displays showing 1080p. Just because YOU don't get 1080p over component does not mean EVERYONE won't. It doesn't affect me either way, as I only have 1080i and 720p sets.

Deezul

The issue doesn't seem to be getting games to run at 1080p over component. So I don't think we're dealing with just 1080p advertised TVs that really don't pull off 1080p. It's how are people getting SD DVD and HD DVD to run at 1080p over component as wattangamo reports? Is it a few oddball TV models that allow this, or is there a workaround that many owners could benefit from knowing about? XBox 360 owners to this point have broadly accepted that you have to have VGA cables to upconvert SD beyond 480p and run HD at 1080p.

The issue doesn't seem to be getting games to run at 1080p over component. So I don't think we're dealing with just 1080p advertised TVs that really don't pull off 1080p. It's how are people getting SD DVD and HD DVD to run at 1080p over component as wattangamo reports? Is it a few oddball TV models that allow this, or is there a workaround that many owners could benefit from knowing about? XBox 360 owners to this point have broadly accepted that you have to have VGA cables to upconvert SD beyond 480p and run HD at 1080p.I didn't see where he said you could get 1080p from SD DVD over component. He said:There are a number of posters in these AVS forums who have gotten 1080p to work over component with HD DVDs, as well as getting 1080p upscaling with games and SD DVDs over VGA.

I do not have issue even add on, not to have HDMi and does not upscale! as I think, upscaling will be always inferior than an out board player itself!!

Fix that darn sound for me..I am happy for time being.
thnx

Is it true that the "upconversion" on SD DVDs will be the same whether you put the DVD in the standard drive vs. the HD drive?

I compared the quality using my older Toshiba DVD player vs the XBOX as DVD player on a PT-AX100 at 120" . It looked much nicer on the XBOX, presumably because of the upconversion?

Would it be even better on a "upconversion" DVD player such as the OPPO?

It's pretty widely known that the Xbox360 will do 1080p now and that the HD DVD playback on the 360 can be at 1080p also - nothing to really debate there.

Just because some TVs can't accept 1080p doesn't mean the Xbox isn't 1080p - no more than some TVs being only 480i means there is no such thing as Hi Def...

Just my two cents.. :)

Is it true that the "upconversion" on SD DVDs will be the same whether you put the DVD in the standard drive vs. the HD drive?

I compared the quality using my older Toshiba DVD player vs the XBOX as DVD player on a PT-AX100 at 120" . It looked much nicer on the XBOX, presumably because of the upconversion?

Would it be even better on a "upconversion" DVD player such as the OPPO?
Hi Frollo - sorry to intervene, but you seem a bit confused about a few issues.

The Xbox does have upconversion capabilities, which is nice for a console, but I don't think anyone would agree with what you feel here. The upconversion on the Toshiba HD DVD players is in a different league - much better.

That's not saying that the Xbox is not great, by any means, but there is really no comparison. The upconverting on my A1 was better than my Denon 3910 by a long way. And the new XA2 I've got uses Silicon Optix HQV, which is widely acknowledged as probably the best upconversion available. For comparison Denon's 5910 uses HQV also.

Hope this helps.

Fix the sound, fix the sound...come on everybody, fix the sound!

http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/11/30/dashboard-update-aka-the-1080p-fix.aspx

At the bottom, it says there are issues with some displays showing 1080p. Just because YOU don't get 1080p over component does not mean EVERYONE won't. It doesn't affect me either way, as I only have 1080i and 720p sets.

Deezul

When the Xbox 360 is set to 1080p via component and you insert a HD-DVD, the Xbox switches to 1080i. Doesn't matter the TV on the other end.

And yes it means EVERYONE!

Sheesh!!!

Hi Frollo - sorry to intervene, but you seem a bit confused about a few issues.

The Xbox does have upconversion capabilities, which is nice for a console, but I don't think anyone would agree with what you feel here. The upconversion on the Toshiba HD DVD players is in a different league - much better.

That's not saying that the Xbox is not great, by any means, but there is really no comparison. The upconverting on my A1 was better than my Denon 3910 by a long way. And the new XA2 I've got uses Silicon Optix HQV, which is widely acknowledged as probably the best upconversion available. For comparison Denon's 5910 uses HQV also.

Hope this helps.

You are right - I am confused, with a capital C. So much conflicting opinions.

If I were just interested in quality of SD DVDs for the moment, is this the order of quality from lowest to highest, assuming using component cables:

1. normal progressive scan DVD player
2. low end upconverting DVD player
3. XBOX 360 with standard DVD player
4. XBOX 360 with HD DVD player (same quality as 3?)
5. OPPO DVD player
6. Denon (pick your favorite model)
7. XA2

My goal is to get good quality out of my existing SD DVD collection and wait as long as I can for the HD/Blu-ray debacle to be over. If 3 or 4 is "good enough", I'll do nothing. If 4-6 are a significant step up, then perhaps I'll spend some money. If the only real step up is the XA2, then I have a decision to make.

I double checked Sharp 92U have DVI in 1080P and people have been trying with VGA to DVI adapter?

Sharp 82U just rolling has 2 1080P components in.

Sony Bravias take 1080P VGA but not component.

Sharp 62U possibly 1080P VGA and not component????


92U has a DVI-I port. The TV doesn't like the Xbox 360's 1920x1080 signal for some reason, everything up to 1360x768 works fine. It's a 360 issue because allot of us have hooked up computers and ran them at 1920x1080 just fine. We also now believe Microsoft is aware of the issue, an AVS member was looking for some specific information and worded his post as if he was from Micrsoft.

Fix the sound, fix the sound...come on everybody, fix the sound!


Can you point me to info on the sound issues? I am not familiar with what they are.

I have found the HD DVD player to be a better upconverter AND depending on the tranfer, some SD DVD are close to HD DVD. One example is Troy. I have the SD and rented the HD DVD. Overall HD, but the SD was very very good. So bottom line is I won't buy the HD. This over vga to a 720p projector.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/the-second-xbox-360-revealed-codename-zephyr/


drool

When the Xbox 360 is set to 1080p via component and you insert a HD-DVD, the Xbox switches to 1080i. Doesn't matter the TV on the other end.

And yes it means EVERYONE!

Sheesh!!!
You are just plain wrong on that, Jeff.

Can you point me to info on the sound issues? I am not familiar with what they are.

Tracks that are decoded in Dolby Digital+ sound flat. The sound just isn't dynamic and it is also low.

True HD, DTS, and regular Dolby Digital sound great though.

A rep on this board from Microsoft has kind of acknowledged the problem and it is being worked on.

The problem isn't so much with the DD+ decoding, it is how the xbox transfers DD+ to Dolby Digital for output. The xbox takes all sound formats and transfers them to Dolby Digital, and it is having a problem with the DD+ to DD part of it.

Popular opinion is that the fix from MS will allow all formats to transfer to DTS, which is what the standalone players do, and they sound great.

did I miss anything?

You are just plain wrong on that, Jeff.
That is like saying both HD-DVD and Microsoft are wrong.

Microsoft has said it is 1080i max over component for HD-DVD playback.

The movie studios will not allow 1080p over component for HD-DVD viewing.

I have watched more than one 1080p over component capable TV switch from 1080p to 1080i once the HD-DVD is played. It then goes right back to 1080p when you play a game or hit the dashboard.

So until someone shows me screenshots of a thier TV stating its recieving, not displaying, and 1080p image, I will not believe otherwise. And yes, your 1080p TV will take that 1080i input from the 360 and de-interlace it to diplay as 1080p. As it is the same image quality on the screen, it is still not technically recieving a 1080p image.

I don't understand why some folks keep trying to talk about really specific circumstances.

(a) I've never used my Xbox via component, but I'll be happy to try it out sometime..
(b) Over VGA, which is what I DO use, there is NO SUCH situation at all - so whether it exists over component, I have no idea and probably couldn't care. Over VGA, it is 1080p, no matter whether I drop in an HD DVD or not.

So the blanket statement that Jeff made was wrong. Nothing to fight about, but there are people here who might have misunderstood.

You are just plain wrong on that, Jeff.

What are you smoking?

I'm exactly right. When running a component cable @ 1080p into a 1080p Television and you put in a HD-DVD into the Add-On. The 360 swiches it's output to 1080i.

Someone please prove me wrong and show us all this magical way to get 1080p over component playing a HD-DVD in our Add-Ons.


If you can't then quit telling me I'm wrong.

So the blanket statement that Jeff made was wrong. Nothing to fight about, but there are people here who might have misunderstood.

Blanket Statement?

What are you smoking?

I'm exactly right. When running a component cable @ 1080p into a 1080p Television and you put in a HD-DVD into the Add-On. The 360 swiches it's output to 1080i.

Someone please prove me wrong and show us all this magical way to get 1080p over component playing a HD-DVD in our Add-Ons.


If you can't then quit telling me I'm wrong.
Well, I'll leave it alone until I test it out this weekend. But I only know that it doesn't happen on VGA, that's for sure.

So if that's the case then please accept my apology in advance.

Are you saying that a user can't get 1080p at all if they are watching HD DVD over component?

You are just plain wrong on that, Jeff.

Actually, he is correct. I you re-read his posts you will see that he is only talking about component.

Using component, max res for HD DVD is 1080i... AACS restriction.

Games will do 1080p, and he also pointed that out in his post.

Actually, he is correct. I you re-read his posts you will see that he is only talking about component.

Using component, max res for HD DVD is 1080i... AACS restriction.

Games will do 1080p, and he also pointed that out in his post.
Gotcha, then I'll repeat my apology above, and no need for me to test it this weekend :)

I only used VGA into my Samsung, so I guess I never experienced that.

Cheers!

^^ rdjam.. In Florida today.... thanks for the good weather... in Orlando at leaset..

/endhijak

^^ rdjam.. In Florida today.... thanks for the good weather... in Orlando at leaset..

/endhijak
/conthijak -

Miami is nice today - feels about 70 and clear blue skies :) Of course, I'm sure the BD camp will issue a press release now saying that this clearly indicates that they have won the format war! :p

/endhijak

Gotcha, then I'll repeat my apology above, and no need for me to test it this weekend :)

I only used VGA into my Samsung, so I guess I never experienced that.

Cheers!

xbox vga = crap

xbox vga = crap

LMAO, I take it you like your colors oversaturated?

xbox vga = crap

Xbox vga=lilstinky heaven on earth

xbox vga = crap
News to me - is this supposed to be serious, or just ****? :rolleyes:

News to me - is this supposed to be serious, or just ****? :rolleyes:

Have to assume he doesn't like VGA because it looks washed out in comparison to Component.

I personally think VGA looks right and I don't like the oversaturated component look. But then again my TV has the ability to calibrate each properly so it's not an issue.

xbox vga = crap

I have to agree. Had my 36o connected by VGA for months then decided to try the component. What a difference.

xbox vga = crap

totally depends on your TV and how good it's VGA port is

Has anyone tried a calibration DVD in their add on drive? If so how did it work for you?

i'm considering a 360 to use for games and HD DVD's. i'm concerned about not having an HDMI out of the 360.

are they going to eventually make a 360 that has an HDMI out? is there one available now?

There are a bunch of rumors of such. I want an internal HDDVD drive just as much as I want HDMI output, though...

Hi,

I'm planning to use my 360 + hd-dvd with my 1080 front projector (Mitsubishi HC5000). I tried VGA to get 1080p but the quality is terrible compared to 1080i with component. The question is if any of you tried to use a long extender for component connection (about 32ft=10mt). In this case is there a noticeable quality loss?

thanks in advance.

i'm considering a 360 to use for games and HD DVD's. i'm concerned about not having an HDMI out of the 360.

are they going to eventually make a 360 that has an HDMI out? is there one available now?

There is one in the works. There's a picture of it on the Xbox 360 Forum homepage.

Has anyone tried a calibration DVD in their add on drive? If so how did it work for you?

I have and its great!!!! The ones that say its crap are probably people that haven't tried calibrating with a disc like DVE or don't have the ability to do so. Therefore they try to crap on VGA. :rolleyes: BTW my set is a Samsung HLS and its amazing once calibrated.

I have and its great!!!! The ones that say its crap are probably people that haven't tried calibrating with a disc like DVE or don't have the ability to do so. Therefore they try to crap on VGA. :rolleyes: BTW my set is a Samsung HLS and its amazing once calibrated.

Problem is alot of TVs dumb down the options so Calibration is limited. Sony XBR2 gives you barely any options via VGA.

My Sharp 92U has all option. VGA requires less color intensity reduction than component on it.

I tried calibrating my add on drive last night using the GetGray DVD. I had already done so on my Oppo971 however I ran into problems with the add on drive. First the add on is way brighter than the Oppo. I have the brightness down to -14 on my Mitsubishi HC3000 vs. 0 for the Oppo. Next when adjusting contrast there was basically nothing happening with the image. I could not get the contrast bars to become visible no mater what setting I used. Oh well. I ended up leaving the contrast at 0 and brightness at -14. I might rent either the Avia or DVE disc from my local Hollywood video to see if I have better luck.

xbox vga = crap

uncalibrated on my Samsung HLR xbox360 DVD looked washed out

after professional calibration and image alignment it looks great!

I don't think the VGA ports get the attention at the factory and the initial setting can be poor but after calibration the results can be stunning

Is it possible to get 7.1 channel sound out of the HD-DVD addon? I have an Onkyo HT-S790

Is it possible to get 7.1 channel sound out of the HD-DVD addon? I have an Onkyo HT-S790

No 5.1 only.

No 5.1 only.

even 5.1 is not as good as uncompressed 5.1 via hdmi, due to limitation of optical out and being defective

My question is how good is the HD-DVD drive with the Sony Pearl? I own both, I tried upconverting SD DVD's to 1080i over component and they look horrible, all washed out.

HD-DVD's look much better but I don't have anything to compare them to and now question their quality.

Which 360 output format works best with the Sony Pearl for SD DVD's, and which looks best for HD DVD's? I know 1080P is out of the question.

All I know right now is that my Sony 9000 DVD player outputing 480P looks much better than the 360 using 1080i for SD DVD's. I admit I haven't set the 360 to output 480P (I would have to constantly fiddle with the output format between SD and HD DVD's).

While I'm at it, is 1080i better than 720p with the Pearl? I know that 1080i is meant to be better but I swear that 720p looks better with my HD Tivo over component. Maybe the deinterlacer in the Pearl is suspect.

I got an HDMI cable but don't have a DVD source that can drive it. I must add that my component connection goes through a cheap composite audio/video switch box (that seems to work as a cheap component switcher), since the 360 component cable is too short to reach the Sony Pearl. I'm not going to run a dedicated long component cable between the 360 and the Pearl if they even make such a thing. I admit this may be the cause of degradation.

Regards,

Rich Baker

Hi Rich.

I have the 360 HD DVD and the Pearl as well, so I can offer some comments:

Playing SD DVD: These will always be output as SD over component no matter what the XBOX resolution is set to. (I use PAL, so results might vary with NTSC although I doubt it). Even if the XBOX is set to 1080i, once you start playing SD DVD the projector should resync to SD resolution (480i or whatever it is in NTSC). Check the bottom item in the Pearl menu to see what it actually runs.

The Pearl then handles the upscaling which looks great imho, but I have not tried other upconverting players so I have no comparison. I can just say that it comes close to HD DVD, and looks much better than when I play SD DVD over my non upscaling HTPC.

Games etc: You can set the XBOX to 1080i, but since most games afaik render at 720p it looks much better if you set the XBOX to 720p resolution, and get pixel to pixel mapping.

HD movies: Set XBOX to 1080i. Since the movie on the HD DVD is 1080p24 it will be telecined and sent to the Pearl as 1080i60. This will be correctly deinterlaced in the Pearl to yield the original 1080p image, so there is NO difference between 1080i and 1080p here.

Hans Henrik

Not sure where to post this, but I've been playing around with the 720p WMV clips Microsoft has available to download on their site and burning them to disc to play on my 360. I've found a page with clips from some foreign sites as well, a lot of Japanese stuff shot with consumer HD cams and clips of Hollywood films dubbed in other languages. Does anyone know of any sites that have 720p WMVs to download? For free or a charge?

Someone tell me if this is wrong:

DVI = Digital = 1080P

HDMI = Digital = 1080P

VGA = Analog = Can't do 1080P (Interlaced only)

I'm Taking the XBOX HD DVD player back that I just bought today. It can't deliver a 1080P signal via VGA. Its extremely misleading and confusing.

Someone tell me if this is wrong:

DVI = Digital = 1080P

HDMI = Digital = 1080P

VGA = Analog = Can't do 1080P (Interlaced only)

I'm Taking the XBOX HD DVD player back that I just bought today. It can't deliver a 1080P signal via VGA. Its extremely misleading and confusing.

No personal experience, but my understanding is the XBox VGA will do whatever the destination is capable of displaying with analog VGA. Just because you have a 1080p tv does not mean the display can do 1080p over VGA. Most manufacters do not build this into the product. Look at your display manual to see the highest VGA rez it is capable of.

I have a projector that does 1280 x 768 over XBOX VGA and that is also the highest rez it will do with a computer - and is the highest rez stated in the proj manual.

My XBox dashboard shows a 1980x1080 setting, but my display will not handle it. I assume everything XBox send out over VGA is progressive so that must be a 1080p signal

No personal experience, but my understanding is the XBox VGA will do whatever the destination is capable of displaying with analog VGA. Just because you have a 1080p tv does not mean the display can do 1080p over VGA. Most manufacters do not build this into the product. Look at your display manual to see the highest VGA rez it is capable of.

I have a projector that does 1280 x 768 over XBOX VGA and that is also the highest rez it will do with a computer - and is the highest rez stated in the proj manual.

My XBox dashboard shows a 1980x1080 setting, but my display will not handle it. I assume everything XBox send out over VGA is progressive so that must be a 1080p signal


After doing more research on the Sony XBR3 owners thread... I have the 46 incher. According to several people there they say the VGA input displays 1080P from XBOX 360 however component does not for HD DVD.

My Owners manuel PC Input Signal Reference Chart says that VGA input on the TV Does VGA(640x480), SVGA, XGA, WXGA, SXGA and finally HDTV(1920x1080). So I guess it does 1080P. Also in the note section below the chart it say "This TV's PC input does not support interlaced signals."

Maybe I won't take it back. I'll have to crack the box open and see for myself.