What time & where today will the XBOX 360 version 2 announcement be?

Is is supposed to be announced today?

Is is supposed to be announced today?

That is the rumor. Bill Gates has some sort of an address at CES later today; it's expected that he'll talk about new XBOX 360 features... possibly the version 2 we've been reading about.

I thought CES starte on the 8th.

I thought CES starte on the 8th.

It does, but many companies announce their products right before the show. Microsoft is supposedly scheduled to have a big presentation this afternoon / evening. I just want to figure out when and where.

It does, but many companies announce their products right before the show. Microsoft is supposedly scheduled to have a big presentation this afternoon / evening. I just want to figure out when and where.

Here is the link from majornelson.com for a webcast:

http://microsoftatces.com/Default.aspx

Any news???

It doesn't start until 6:30 PST.

http://www.microsoft.com/ces/

@ 9.30PM EST

its past 9:30, why cant we hear or see anything.

Just noticed it says streams will start 2 hours after keynote speech ends. I've been waiting for nothing. Glad I noticed and just wanted to pass it on.

The site actually says:

"On-demand feeds will be available aproximately two hours after the keynote ends"

The streaming still should be live...

Then why isn't it up?

this stinks, I want to watch it now

I'm not sure why it is just music at the moment. At engadget they are blogging live and Gates is not speaking yet, so maybe they are not starting it until he is on

Starting now...maybe...just some odd commercial atm

here it is

It started.

THe video just started

WHat the?

"In respect to the Intellectual Property being demonstrated on-stage. we are temporarily suspending the audio and video portion of this broadcast. Normal programming will begin shortly. Thank you for your patience."

If anyone is just watching this keynote for the 360...there was no annoucement of an Xbox 360 V.2

If anyone is just watching this keynote for the 360...there was no annoucement of an Xbox 360 V.2

They have the rest of the week for that ;)

If anyone is just watching this keynote for the 360...there was no annoucement of an Xbox 360 V.2

How do you know this? Isn't this live? I saw a schedule, and XBOX 360 is supposed to be the last thing they talk about...

They are talking about xbox now.

http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2007-01/artikel-7545278.asp

They are talking about xbox now.

And they didn't mention anything.

Just thought I would let people know if they were waiting for a big announcement. Time for me to go to bed. I stayed up to watch teh keynote...I give it a 7/10 :rolleyes:

So no v2 of 360 announced....

So no v2 of 360 announced....

Nope, and one would think that the time to drop a bomb like that would be during the keynote address. Maybe Bill & Co. have another card up their sleeves?

Well looks like M$ is still not saying anything about this, but it looks negative for soon, BUT the new "Zephyr" could be an IPTV enabled "special edition" as M$ said that the 360's that were offered from the IPTV providers this holiday season would differ from the regular 360's from provider to provider...here is 1 of the articles:

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2080674,00.asp

probably MS is waiting for the new E3 (E for All) to announce the 360v2

Why would they make an announcement now.. come on guys..

1) You would see promotions to get the V1 360 stockpiles sold. Maybe a free game offer or $50 off.

2) You wont see an announcement until the V2 is ready to sell. Why? Because annoucing it and then just sitting on their hands will freeze the sell of alot of current 360's. Look how many people already on this forum are like I want to buy a 360, or another 360.. but are waiting for the V2 before doing so.

As long as the V1 is selling, and selling well they arent gonna touch a public V2 annoucement.

Any confirmation on a HD-DVD/HDMI drive for the 360 yet?
Thanks!

Who said there even was going to be a v2 xbox 360?

No one has confirmed a Version 2 as far as I know.

I think this started because a supposed leaked picture of an X360 with HDMI inout on the back is on the internet.

That then turned into a Version 2 coming out...which then turned into a Version 2 that will have HDMI, built in HD-DVD, a 120GB harddrive, etc.

The internet is fun...stories grow and grow and grow.

I hear LG + MS are going to release a blue ray / hd readable drive.


Just kidding

Oh shoot I thought it wasn't a rumor, I thought MS was just waiting for CES to confirm everything.:(

I thought thats what all this version 2 crap was. I saw the "leaked" picture of the Xbox 360 with HDMI which was more than likely photoshopped. Sometimes rumors are worse on this website than in in high school.

Oh shoot I thought it wasn't a rumor, I thought MS was just waiting for CES to confirm everything.:(

Here is a link to a pst I did earlier.posted earlier where Microsoft Denies the existence of such a unit. What MAY happen though is that this HDMI unit\Bigger HD will be released at the end of the year "co-branded" for use with the IPTV plans...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9399322&&#post9399322

What a let down, those damn rumors, I guess its my mistake for believing it and fueling the rumor.

So was that new scaling chip for HDMI just a rumor to?

What about the cooler running 360, was that also just a rumor?
:(

Thats why its been stated countless times to wait for an official announcment. The other day when this started, it went from having HDMI built in to all types of variation setups everyone can think of the new 360 v2. Nobody should be complaining about dissapointment. I am not saying this isn't a possibility but it gets out of hand thinking something is fact and it never gets announced.

its just fun...

wrong, but fun.

Excerpt from Gamespot's interview with MS (CS)...

GS: All this cool HD stuff that you're talking about starts to take up space. The 20GB for a lot of people is already starting to fill up. Seeing how Microsoft has been great about responding to customer needs on the Xbox 360, can you speak to larger-capacity hard drives?

CS: That's not really something we're looking at today. We're very open to feedback on it. As we produce these services, if we see an increase in pressure that's something that will be interesting to look at, but there isn't any announcement today about any new configuration that may or may not be happening.

GS: What can you tell us about the HDMI-enabled Xbox 360 rumors that have been going around?

CS: We're always working on prototypes and new technologies and just playing with stuff in Redmond to see what's interesting. I think at the moment we have the widest available connections on the system. If you want to get great HD, I think we've got a good solution for that. In the future it's interesting to see where standards evolve to. I think one of the problems that the whole industry, us and entertainment, are facing at the moment is we're in this world where standards are evolving very quickly.

We have different high-definition standards for discs that we know are competing at the moment. We think HD-DVD is going to be the right way to go, but really it's all about choice in that system so that's why we're offering these sort of services with downloads--skip that whole "format wars" problem. With other standards, audiovideo standards, they're evolving very quickly as well. We're obviously keeping an eye on that and saying, "What are the future standards and how do we give consumers the right choice for that?"

At the moment, everything you might have seen is just looking at our experimentation back in Redmond, not really a product that we're thinking about announcing.


Here's the line:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6163965.html?tag=latestnews;title;4

WOW

I will be kinda disappointed if this hdmi 360 never sees the light of day. Although it means the 360 I received for xmas won't have to be sold or traded in.

So I guess since MS is messing with a new hardware with the 360 their isn't a way to get hdmi on the current 360 ?

But then you have videos like this that make you believe its a bit more real then let on. I for one understand they will not comment/confirm on future products due to various reasons.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tcACuy4x8nA

But then you have videos like this that make you believe its a bit more real then let on. I for one understand they will not comment/confirm on future products due to various reasons.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tcACuy4x8nA

yeah i have seen the video too, but if it is a "tester" model so to speak it may never see the light of day as far as consumers go(I beleive they mentioned video in the extreemtech article). Much like concept cars that you can actually drive the finsihed product may have missing\different features then the final product.

In the end I wouldnt expect anything changing at least until the end of the year when IPTV gets rolled out. This is where the Larger HD would really be in demand to hold the content that is being offered, right now M$ figures that if you do download something it is not staying on your system long enough to make an impact on the overall system. As far as HDMI goes like M$ said right now they dont see a need for it as they offer 1080p over Component and VGA giving you a "wide" selection of output choices. We are a "small" comunity hear when compared to the overall market that M$ is dealing with and right now they probably are right where J6P doesnt even care about HDMI so why do it.

GS: All this cool HD stuff that you're talking about starts to take up space. The 20GB for a lot of people is already starting to fill up. Seeing how Microsoft has been great about responding to customer needs on the Xbox 360, can you speak to larger-capacity hard drives?

CS: That's not really something we're looking at today. We're very open to feedback on it. As we produce these services, if we see an increase in pressure that's something that will be interesting to look at, but there isn't any announcement today about any new configuration that may or may not be happening.
uh, I would think a bigger HDD is needed now. 20 gigs just isn't enough and the 360 been in the market for over a year. At the least I thought this would be announced at CES.:confused:

No kidding! Down load a couple of tv shows and the HDD is almost done!

yeah i have seen the video too, but if it is a "tester" model so to speak it may never see the light of day as far as consumers go(I beleive they mentioned video in the extreemtech article). Much like concept cars that you can actually drive the finsihed product may have missing\different features then the final product.

You do not go through the expense of designing a new chip like this (HANA) and not put it in a product.

You do not go through the expense of designing a new chip like this (HANA) and not put it in a product.


Hmm. There's a thing called "R & D"

Research and development.

I guess you haven't seen our Military and other companies do this as well.

While some move and are functional, not all are operational, look at concept cars from auto manufacturers.

Hmm. There's a thing called "R & D"

Research and development.

I guess you haven't seen our Military and other companies do this as well.

While some move and are functional, not all are operational, look at concept cars from auto manufacturers.

I work for a major chip manufacturer. Chips like this are complex and expensive to design and make.

The design and manufacture of a chip like this isn't done for R&D. It isn't as if people and companies don't know how to make a digital video scaling chip with analog and HDMI output. There is no point in researching something like this unless you plan on productizing it. There is benefit to selling them as part of a complete design. There is no benefit to just researching and building a chip like this only to throw it away in the end. There are millions of dollars and man years of time invested into this chip.

Throw away R&D is done on projects that haven't ever been done before. Where there is promise in a new technology that may be applicable in a future revision, but really has no practical use in the current project.

This chip isn't new technology. It is just an integrated scaler and video output chip that is designed for the XBox 360.

HDMI would be nice but would I re buy a new 360 just to have it? I doubt it seriously, I have my 360 occupying the otherwise useless VGA port on my LCD so Unless it would give some massive pq advantage over that, I'm pretty much going to stay with the VGA

There is no doubt an upgraded 360 is coming guys.. you just have to wait for it.

CES just isnt the time.

Originally posted by Shape
You do not go through the expense of designing a new chip like this (HANA) and not put it in a product.
Was the chip NOT a rumor? The rumor was the new chip was needed for the HDMI output.

Daekwan, whys isn't CES the time?

Daekwan, whys isn't CES the time?

Probably like a pricedrop....why announce it offically before it's ready? You just hurt current sales.

I don't see a price drop anytime with in 2 years, unless a updated 360 comes out. The are selling too many to drop the price. If the PS3 market share was a little stronger, than maybe. They are besting their own predictions and sales goals now. Who's to say that they aren't waiting on the release of a new one until component prices drop. You could leave it at the same price point and jsut replace the V1.

I don't see a price drop anytime with in 2 years, unless a updated 360 comes out. The are selling too many to drop the price. If the PS3 market share was a little stronger, than maybe. They are besting their own predictions and sales goals now. Who's to say that they aren't waiting on the release of a new one until component prices drop. You could leave it at the same price point and jsut replace the V1.

In addition, they are 'lowering' the price in other ways now. Microcenter and ToysRUs were giving $100 back. Other stores are throwing in free games or accessories. They have more to offer this way right now which prolongs the original pricetag on the unit itself.

Will it offically be reduced this year? Perhaps...or maybe not. You'll still be getting more for your money as the year goes along no matter what.

In addition, they are 'lowering' the price in other ways now. Microcenter and ToysRUs were giving $100 back. Other stores are throwing in free games or accessories. They have more to offer this way right now which prolongs the original pricetag on the unit itself.
Touche. Good point.

If you want to get great HD, I think we've got a good solution for that. In the future it's interesting to see where standards evolve to. I think one of the problems that the whole industry, us and entertainment, are facing at the moment is we're in this world where standards are evolving very quickly.


MSFT drives me nuts. How, exactly, is a current standard "evolving?" HDMI is here. The 360 should have had it from day 1. Not having it has caused problems on many fronts.

I love my 360, but please, MSFT, cut the BS.

umm... granted their wording could be better, but the HDMI standard is ever evolving. How many TV's/Receivers support 1.3 right now? probably not nearly as many support 1.1 or 1.2.

Had they dove in at the time the 360 was released, then the 360 would have an HDMI 1.2 output. So with the addition of the HD-DVD player, it would not have been able to handle Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD.

By doing a revision with HDMI, they haved added a bullet point (which the companies always loved) as well as have the capability to add a 1.3 HDMI port that will allow full use of the HD-DVD add-on.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

If that isn't eligible for the designation of an "evolving standard"... what exactly does?

can we close this thread...... there is no version 2 and no evidence there will be one...

while the video could be a hoax (and please correct me if it's been proven as such)... does the video not add some merit to the argument? especially considering that MS has long ago confirmed there will be a 65nm die shrink in the 360's life-cycle.

Even if the 65nm chip were the ONLY change, it would still be a revision 2. So to say there will be no version 2 is a little closed minded considering at least that is confirmed, the details are what are up in the air.

Video in case you missed it - http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/zephyrs-hdmi-port-and-new-hana-scaler-up-close-and-personal/

lmao @ this entire thread....

where do these rumors get started...? Oh that's right, the INTERNETS

You can chip the cable, you don't need a whole new rev for hdmi

lmao @ this entire thread....

where do these rumors get started...? Oh that's right, the INTERNETS

You can chip the cable, you don't need a whole new rev for hdmi

how do you chip a cable that's transmitting analog to send a signal that's required by spec to be all digital all the time?

Interesting read here about XBOX 360 vs. PS3, MS guys here hedge about a bigger HD in future boxes, but say there will never be a built in HD DVD drive.

http://arstechnica.com/articles/headstart.ars/3

MS will likely release an HDMI capable Xbox 360 at some time. However, it would not be in their best interest to release info on one now. Think of all the Xbox 360's that were sold over the holidays. If MS released info of a noticeably new console revision in early January, they would just be encouraging myriads of consumers (still within their return window) to return holiday 360 console purchases. This would infuriate retailers which is something Microsoft certainly doesn't want to do. Expect Microsoft to release the info after they let their stock of 360s dwindle down in the retail channel. I wouldn't be surprised in the official announcement comes at the same time they start shipping v2 consoles.

Take note of my current sig, and contact MS asking for an HDMI solution. It is clear they are working on one. As long as they think we really want it, I'll bet we see the new revision this calendar year. Politely let them know you want a 360 with HDMI. While you are at it, you can also let them know that their DVD drive is too loud. I'm a fan of Microsoft. If we clearly let them know what we want, we will get it.

MS General Manager confirmed the existence of an upgraded 360, however its for testing purposes only at this time and its not a product they are thinking about announcing.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156318

MS General Manager confirmed the existence of an upgraded 360, however its for testing purposes only at this time and its not a product they are thinking about announcing.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156318
Suddenly RAVEN56706's and Skewed's comments seem rather silly :)

Suddenly RAVEN56706's and Skewed's comments seem rather silly :)

That's old news. Just because some 360 developers modded out the office xbox doesn't mean they're going to be mass producing one

That's like saying Shelby is going to start making motorcycles because the OCC guys built him a chopper

Just a guess....An updated 360 v2 November 07.

It makes total business sense for MS to upgrade it's products every couple of years.

Just a guess....An updated 360 v2 November 07.

It makes total business sense for MS to upgrade it's products every couple of years.

This wouldn't surprise me, but its definitely not coming anytime soon.

That's old news. Just because some 360 developers modded out the office xbox doesn't mean they're going to be mass producing one

That's like saying Shelby is going to start making motorcycles because the OCC guys built him a chopper
you really equate working on a car with creating a new scaler chip, and designing a new digital throughput to a new output?

That seems like an AWEFUL lot of "fun on the side" for no benefit. And besides, I said your comments were silly, i.e. regarding it as fake/unfounded. It is most definately not fake or unfounded now, making your comments silly, I didn't say YOU were silly (which besides, if you were offended by that, that's a whole other issue).

MS General Manager confirmed the existence of an upgraded 360, however its for testing purposes only at this time and its not a product they are thinking about announcing.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156318

That is certainly what I would say if someone leaked pictures and video of an upgraded device that could cause the sales of your current device to stop selling. ;)

I just don't understand why everyone has so much trouble believing that an HDMI x360 is coming. Now as I noted in the keynote thread, this unit has nothing to do with gaming. But it has everything to do with livingroom domination.

On the 29th we will see the consumer launch of Vista. One major part of that launch is Cable Card support in Media Center. Due to Cable Lab rules, to get Cable Card support with Vista you'll have to buy a new PC. So after reading lots and lots of Microsoft advertising, you go out and buy a new Vista system with Cable Card for your home office thinking that you'll get a new PC and that you can use your existing X360 as a Media Center Extender on the LivingRoom TV. Your new PC comes in and the cable company comes out and installs your cable card....Great HD Recording experience on the PC.....The cable guy leaves and you go out to check out how well it works in the living room. To your horror, it looks like its very soft. In fact you think to yourself...That kinda looks like crap....What's up here. So you come to the AVS forum and do a bit of research, only to learn that to make the Cable Labs people happy, unless your extender device has a protected digital output (HDMI or DVD with HDCP) the output from your Media Center HD content MUST BE SCALED DOWN.

With this in mind, why would you NOT think that a HDMI X360 is on the way.

That's old news. Just because some 360 developers modded out the office xbox doesn't mean they're going to be mass producing one

A couple guys working in their spare time fabbed this new digital chip on their own? Wow. That's quite a feat. What did they do, melt down some sand and sculpt it by hand?

Well not only do I beleive this so called "side project" was built and had the pictures leaked to garner an overall response from the xbox community but it would only make sense to go forward with the project to be more flexable as a whole. All those opposed to the idea of a 360 V2 should at least see that there is a huge interest in one. So many sites got fired up a few times with rumors of an HDMI cable on the 360. The community wants it. Microsoft has listened to the community. I think they will release it for the holiday season of '07. I'm sure a lot of testing needs to be done so they can make sure software updates coincide with the original design, instead of always having to release two seperate patches. It would just make sense to offer 3 systems and maybe even pricecut the current systems by $50 or more.

Some pictures of the new hana chip are below just scroll down the page some.
http://xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/news-archive-31-12-2006.php

can we close this thread...... there is no version 2 and no evidence there will be one...There is a lot of evidence that Microsoft is working on one and simply because they didn't announce that yet doesn't change that. For someone to have gone through so much trouble to hoax an HDMI version of the Xbox 360 is very unlikely.

Daekwan, whys isn't CES the time?


Think about it if CES was the right time then it would be most likely released in the Spring time. All this talk about bigger hard drive is never going to end because even if they offer a 120g drive then the complaint goes from being too small for someone on here to saying they need to allow me to hook up my own external hardrive, MS needs to offer a virtual hard drive for me to store all of my stuff etc etc etc. It won't end even if and when they do release the hard drive which honestly it would make sense that it was towards the time IPTV rolls out. MS to me has nothing to worry about they met their goals for 06 they won Xmas sales for 06. MS hasn't dissapointed me at this point, my system still works the games are still fun I continue to purchase new games for it the Live services continues to get better even though I am currently 1 month away from getting back home and getting to see the new features of it. Over all they are doing a good job and listening and complaining about an HDMI cable doesn't hinder the fact that I can still enjoy the games on my 1080P display. HDMI will get here when it gets here. If it doesn't, oh well I didin't miss out on anything and the same goes for the harddrive and anything else they haven't announced that we were not aware of at a certain point like IPTV and god knows what else them or Sony or Nintendo have up their sleeves.

2007 4q is logical date. Vista is Q1 and that is microsoft bread and butter... with vista comes using the controller, media center with cable card, and Live access. There will be a media server release and around yearend will be IPTV. My bet is IPTV player will be the new Xbox 360 with larger drive and .... HDMI.

Thus they will have 3 and maybe 4 sizes...

1. short- game only with no drive
2. tall- with 20G drive no HDMI
3. grande- with 80G+ HDMI
4. Venti- with 120G+ HDMI

with Grande and Venti they will ask. Would you like IPTV with that?
My question will be. Will it offload to the media server?

because its clearly speculation... you guys are acting if this is true..... most of the articles out there are old ones and the other are just rumors...... if MS at the CES said something like we are working on it... then we can say legitimately that something is coming but all we hear now is "HDMI is new technology and its evolving and we will look into when the time is right"...... what does that say.......

because its clearly speculation... you guys are acting if this is true..... most of the articles out there are old ones and the other are just rumors...... if MS at the CES said something like we are working on it... then we can say legitimately that something is coming but all we hear now is "HDMI is new technology and its evolving and we will look into when the time is right"...... what does that say.......
you haven't even read the confirmation article or looked at the high res pics have you? Let alone read most of the sensible posts that followed that information in this thread.

Interesting thread. ToddD describes pretty much what I was thinking. Wait for Vista and then buy a new computer to use as a media server and stream HDTV content to the xbox360. I did not know about the availability of a cable card capable computer though. If I do not use the cable card could I just use a HD cable set top box connected to the Media Server to record HD content? What would I need in the server? A capture card of some kind? An HD Tuner? If I then want to stream it to the 360 would it scale down resolution or is that just with a cable card?

you haven't even read the confirmation article or looked at the high res pics have you? Let alone read most of the sensible posts that followed that information in this thread.


unfortunately i have read the sensible posts.... and everyone is making sense but there should be wishlist for the next version but so far all the lists from Microsoft themselves shoot down the idea by saying "we are not doing hdmi right now".... what makes us think they will....

hell i am all for it but i want some concrete evidence....

Think about it if CES was the right time then it would be most likely released in the Spring time. All this talk about bigger hard drive is never going to end because even if they offer a 120g drive then the complaint goes from being too small for someone on here to saying they need to allow me to hook up my own external hardrive, ...

This from Gizmodo interview with MS about 360 as IPTV box:

"...I couldn't get a confirmation of the upcoming higher capacity drives, simply that the all 360s are "designed now" to add an HD. Asking about hot swapping drives, supposing a "theoretical" higher capacity one existed, got a reply of "stay tuned."

Again, the devs model has a 100GB drive in it. So it is a matter of time. And those with the HDTV external drive will note that there is an additional USB (one for the Wifi adaptor to piggyback on, and another spare). That spare, could be for an external 100GB 2.5" external or bigger. Have you notice the Storage section? it can list other devices...

I'm betting on a patch-download or CD with the "anticipate" 360 external USB drive.
:p

can we close this thread...... there is no version 2 and no evidence there will be one...I think there's ample evidence that there WILL be a v2 as part of MS' solution to offer HDMI "when it makes sense". But I think it's rather pointless to go on and on about how many people are gonna be PO'd when the new version is released, what it'll mean for pricing, and so forth when there's so much that we just don't know. Seriously, this thread has turned us all into stupid people. (And I include myself in that category.)

It wouldn't make financial sense for MS to announce a new sku right now. Although numbers show 10+ million units sold it has been shown that sold=shipped. So how many people would rush out and buy the version 1 xbox360 when MS just announced version 2 is right around the corner? When the surpluss has been exhausted expect an announcement of a version 2. The arstechnica article indicates that a larger hard drive is coming. That's a given. I'm sure the hdmi pics and video were leaked by someone at MS. It most certainly wasn't some kids in their garage that just whipped up an hdmi box with dad's soldering iron like what has been suggested. This has already been talked to death at beyond3d. I would also doubt that MS would have 4 different sku's either except at the tale end of version 1 and the release of version 2.

Steve

There has to be a version 2 for IPTV (HDMI and bigger hard drive), so you guys are probably right in that it wont be untill Fall 07.:(

Interesting thread. ToddD describes pretty much what I was thinking. Wait for Vista and then buy a new computer to use as a media server and stream HDTV content to the xbox360. I did not know about the availability of a cable card capable computer though. If I do not use the cable card could I just use a HD cable set top box connected to the Media Server to record HD content? What would I need in the server? A capture card of some kind? An HD Tuner? If I then want to stream it to the 360 would it scale down resolution or is that just with a cable card?

The only way for Cable subscribers to get Cable HD into their Media Center is the Cable Card Tuners. As for Downres, as far as we know at this time ONLY Cable Card is affected. DirecTv is also building a Media Center Tuner...we'll have to wait and see it's also affected.

There has to be a version 2 for IPTV (HDMI and bigger hard drive), so you guys are probably right in that it wont be untill Fall 07.:(

And it's also when HALO 3 comes out!!!!!!!

I just don't understand why everyone has so much trouble believing that an HDMI x360 is coming. Now as I noted in the keynote thread, this unit has nothing to do with gaming. But it has everything to do with livingroom domination.

On the 29th we will see the consumer launch of Vista. One major part of that launch is Cable Card support in Media Center. Due to Cable Lab rules, to get Cable Card support with Vista you'll have to buy a new PC. So after reading lots and lots of Microsoft advertising, you go out and buy a new Vista system with Cable Card for your home office thinking that you'll get a new PC and that you can use your existing X360 as a Media Center Extender on the LivingRoom TV. Your new PC comes in and the cable company comes out and installs your cable card....Great HD Recording experience on the PC.....The cable guy leaves and you go out to check out how well it works in the living room. To your horror, it looks like its very soft. In fact you think to yourself...That kinda looks like crap....What's up here. So you come to the AVS forum and do a bit of research, only to learn that to make the Cable Labs people happy, unless your extender device has a protected digital output (HDMI or DVD with HDCP) the output from your Media Center HD content MUST BE SCALED DOWN.

With this in mind, why would you NOT think that a HDMI X360 is on the way.

I couldn't have said it better!

The downrezzing to the 360 due to cablecard issue is being discussed over in the HTPC forum-with super participation by Chris Lanier. In short, unless something called ICT(?) is turned on by the provider on a specific channel, the no downrez will occur, assuming you're using the component cable (VGA will downrez automatically.

Now, we all know that HBO is a major driver of this stuff-they do not want to see a commercial free HD movie with their logo out there on the torrent. Suppose ICT ends up being like CGMS-a was for MCE 2005? then their isn't a problem with the bulk of the HD programming lots of us want toview, time shift & whatnot (ESPNHD is the biggie for me).

My thinking is that they wouldn't release cablecard if everything going to the 360 is going to be downrezzed. Its the only extender available immediately and there are lots out there. If I'm right that its premium movie channels being downrezzed for playback, thats a biggie, but HBO is so soft I'm not sure I'd notice-and 540p on a 720 display may not look that bad.

I have got three 360s and MCE2005-And a complete D* HD receiver at each TV for the HD tier channels. Major WAF issues. The good news is that the wifes primary TV stays set on the 360-she swears she doesn't mind if its HD or not (then again, she watched most of her shows recorded off Fusion 5s in the MCE box). My family is sold on the 360/MCE combo-I just want to get rid of the dual set-ups at each TV.

The downrezzing to the 360 due to cablecard issue is being discussed over in the HTPC forum-with super participation by Chris Lanier. In short, unless something called ICT(?) is turned on by the provider on a specific channel, the no downrez will occur, assuming you're using the component cable (VGA will downrez automatically.

Now, we all know that HBO is a major driver of this stuff-they do not want to see a commercial free HD movie with their logo out there on the torrent. Suppose ICT ends up being like CGMS-a was for MCE 2005? then their isn't a problem with the bulk of the HD programming lots of us want toview, time shift & whatnot (ESPNHD is the biggie for me).

My thinking is that they wouldn't release cablecard if everything going to the 360 is going to be downrezzed. Its the only extender available immediately and there are lots out there. If I'm right that its premium movie channels being downrezzed for playback, thats a biggie, but HBO is so soft I'm not sure I'd notice-and 540p on a 720 display may not look that bad.

I have got three 360s and MCE2005-And a complete D* HD receiver at each TV for the HD tier channels. Major WAF issues. The good news is that the wifes primary TV stays set on the 360-she swears she doesn't mind if its HD or not (then again, she watched most of her shows recorded off Fusion 5s in the MCE box). My family is sold on the 360/MCE combo-I just want to get rid of the dual set-ups at each TV.

it's CIT ...ICT is for Next Gen DVD ( gees all of this HD DRM is confusing :D )

I know that Chris thinks it will only be set for HBO and the like...but I see it more like 5c for firewire....Most cable companies set it for everything. I bet you'll find that a lot of the cable world will set CIT for ALL of their non broadcast HD content. Cable companies don't want you to use anything but their box....they love to try to put up as many roadblocks as they can to you using anything else. MCE will be no different....the main reason for this is that you can not order PPV with the MCE (some systems will allow you to order it over the phone) and they see this as the loss of $$$.

Sigh...

This thread is a waste of space.