Rather than a few threads thought this would be a good idea.


My first thought:

The home server would solve the 360 storage problems.

10.4 million units ,IPTV,Lionsgate movies on xbox 360

Nice that PC gamers and 360 gamers can play together, but how can you balance keyboard and mouse against a controller?

well, Iam impressede by MS vision, I wish they had mentioned something for those who want HDMI support. As a ex pat living out of the US, I do wish they were able to actually make all the features, that customers in the US, enjoy, to all customers, hopefully the legal side will be worked out or will move back home dammit ;) , hopefully this week we will here about new hd releases from companies not yet supporting HDDVD, or sony will annouce banruptcy :) .

I did think we would hear something on Live Aware and cell phone connectivity to the 360. I guess we will see what the announcement MS has for tomorrow holds.

I still don't understand the demand for HDMI. What does it provide that isn't provided right now aside from a few extra audio options which aren't really supported by the console anyways?

Nice that PC gamers and 360 gamers can play together, but how can you balance keyboard and mouse against a controller?

According to the Shadowrun Devs, during alpha/beta testing, Mouses users did better from long range, while controller users did better in close quarters. Doesn't sound like it will be a big issue.

http://microsoftatces.com/Default.aspx

I still don't understand the demand for HDMI. What does it provide that isn't provided right now aside from a few extra audio options which aren't really supported by the console anyways?

The ability to upscale 480i DVD's to 720p/1080i to the only option to do this available to many HDTV owners... HDMI!

The ability to eventually feed a native 1080p HD-DVD or 1080p game to HDTV's only able to do it via HDMI.

These two factors alone make me want it... long before I'd even pondered the audio options HDMI affords.

I did think we would hear something on Live Aware and cell phone connectivity to the 360. I guess we will see what the announcement MS has for tomorrow holds.

I still don't understand the demand for HDMI. What does it provide that isn't provided right now aside from a few extra audio options which aren't really supported by the console anyways?

HDMI is not about gaming. It's about supporting Hollywood's need to feel more secure about HD Video Content. X360 is clearly Microsofts trojan to get into livingrooms. It's their way to begin to take over home systems in general. The Home Server from last nights keynote is clearly part of this vision. But if the X360 does not have the HDMI support that Hollywood is requiring this plan has a big hole in it.

The Microsoft Home Vision:

Vista Home PC's with Media Center (cable card and DirecTV)

Microsoft Home Server- Storage (Managed Copy for HD-DVD and BD+PC storage) and later a place for Automation Software and Home VOIP PBX

X360- Gaming+Media Center Extender+IPTV settop box+Internet Video downloads

Zune- Connected Music experience

But if the X360 does not have the HDMI support that Hollywood is requiring this plan has a big hole in it.

If anyone can find a way around HDCP compliance (which is really the only reason for HDMI), don't you think it would be MS?

If anyone can find a way around HDCP compliance (which is really the only reason for HDMI), don't you think it would be MS?

Are you saying that you think Microsoft is so large a force that they could just ignore Hollywood and force a change? If so, I think the answer is no.

Microsoft is trying for a shift of thinking here. Replacing CE devices with connected computing.To fight Sony et. al. and Hollywood at the same time would not be possible.

One must think about what we (that's the collective we) would do if say Microsoft was able to bring HD content (as I described HD-DVD, BD, HD cable and satellite+internet and IPTV) without protection from copy. The result would make the present situation with DVD look like it was a fully protected system. I know that we all feel, at some level, that we would like free content as it's only natural as humans to want it all at no cost, but if we think for just a bit, as if it were OUR content, OUR income, we will see why protection is sadly needed.

The ability to eventually feed a native 1080p HD-DVD or 1080p game to HDTV's only able to do it via HDMI.


Component can't handle that?

The HD-DVD agreement (specifically AACS) does not allow 1080p over component and a number of 1080p displays (such as Sony's) do not accept 1080p over component.

HDMI would allow me to buy a second 360 for my bedroom and hook it up to the only empty port I have on the LCD. That alone makes me smile from ear to ear

IPTV is pretty cool idea but I wonder what the costs involved in turning your system into an tivo will be. I can't imagine MS's bigger hard drive is going to be cheap, and I also can't imagine the service itself being cheap either.

I have a Media Center PC, I might just invest in a TV tuner card for it instead.

HDMI is not about gaming. It's about supporting Hollywood's need to feel more secure about HD Video Content. X360 is clearly Microsofts trojan to get into livingrooms. It's their way to begin to take over home systems in general. The Home Server from last nights keynote is clearly part of this vision. But if the X360 does not have the HDMI support that Hollywood is requiring this plan has a big hole in it.

The Microsoft Home Vision:

Vista Home PC's with Media Center (cable card and DirecTV)

Microsoft Home Server- Storage (Managed Copy for HD-DVD and BD+PC storage) and later a place for Automation Software and Home VOIP PBX

X360- Gaming+Media Center Extender+IPTV settop box+Internet Video downloads

Zune- Connected Music experience

As your post will go largely unnoticed by most at AVS.. I not only completely agree but have been spreading this information for a long time.

The 360 is much much bigger than console gaming. While the PS3 is catered primarily towards winning the Bluray/HDDVD format war, with gaming being its number 2 consideration.

The 360's primary job is to stick a HTPC (home theater PC) in every living room. I consider gaming its number 2 priority also. I just think pc like nature of the 360 makes it easier, and cheaper to develop for.. and thats why the games we have seen thus far make it so succesful at doing such.

I really believe in the next 2-3 years we will see the 360 become much more of a media centric hub for the living room. Especially with Vista intergration. So much so that people who never play a game on it, will still consider it a great addition to the living room.

I have had a month or two myself.. especially after the launch period where I didnt play a game. But used my 360 several times a week to show pictures to guests, play music with the wonderful visualization presentation on my 50" plasma (really gives the nightclub feel), and of course watch DVD's.

I continue to enjoy the ALL-AROUND media entertainment it offers.. and truly understand why MS named the unit.. "360".



I simply cannot wait to get a Vista computer to intergrate with it.

As your post will go largely unnoticed by most at AVS.. I not only completely agree but have been spreading this information for a long time.

The 360 is much much bigger than console gaming. While the PS3 is catered primarily towards winning the Bluray/HDDVD format war, with gaming being its number 2 consideration.

The 360's primary job is to stick a HTPC (home theater PC) in every living room. I consider gaming its number 2 priority also. I just think pc like nature of the 360 makes it easier, and cheaper to develop for.. and thats why the games we have seen thus far make it so succesful at doing such.

I really believe in the next 2-3 years we will see the 360 become much more of a media centric hub for the living room. Especially with Vista intergration. So much so that people who never play a game on it, will still consider it a great addition to the living room.

I have had a month or two myself.. especially after the launch period where I didnt play a game. But used my 360 several times a week to show pictures to guests, play music with the wonderful visualization presentation on my 50" plasma (really gives the nightclub feel), and of course watch DVD's.

I continue to enjoy the ALL-AROUND media entertainment it offers.. and truly understand why MS named the unit.. "360".



I simply cannot wait to get a Vista computer to intergrate with it.


Well said! I too love the way the 360 brings everything together in my living room. I used it over the holidays to stream Christmas music and show pics/vids of the kids to the grandparents. Very cool. I've had a HTPC for years, but I prefer the interface with the 360. My office computer is in need of an upgrade, but I'm waiting for Vista just so I can connect it to the 360 (although, I'm wondering if it will be all that different from a MCE machine.)

I agree with both of you. I can see the next itterration of the XBOX saying "also plays video games."

Damn talk about a company finding new ways to make money. Anyone think Google will make a console :rolleyes: ?

As your post will go largely unnoticed by most at AVS.. I not only completely agree but have been spreading this information for a long time.

The 360 is much much bigger than console gaming. While the PS3 is catered primarily towards winning the Bluray/HDDVD format war, with gaming being its number 2 consideration.

The 360's primary job is to stick a HTPC (home theater PC) in every living room. I consider gaming its number 2 priority also. I just think pc like nature of the 360 makes it easier, and cheaper to develop for.. and thats why the games we have seen thus far make it so succesful at doing such.

I really believe in the next 2-3 years we will see the 360 become much more of a media centric hub for the living room. Especially with Vista intergration. So much so that people who never play a game on it, will still consider it a great addition to the living room.

I have had a month or two myself.. especially after the launch period where I didnt play a game. But used my 360 several times a week to show pictures to guests, play music with the wonderful visualization presentation on my 50" plasma (really gives the nightclub feel), and of course watch DVD's.

I continue to enjoy the ALL-AROUND media entertainment it offers.. and truly understand why MS named the unit.. "360".



I simply cannot wait to get a Vista computer to intergrate with it.

Great Points and I agree. I have a 360 and have only three games. Two being Xbox 1 games. Halo CE and Halo 2. I also own FIFA 07. I rent games for the urge to play them but like to download the old classics. This winter my brother and I played Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. I was shocked at how he remembered some fatalities. I also download demos and trailers, stream music, and I am more concerned with watching movies. I will get a PS3 though because its the best and cheapest Blu Ray player and because a few new games are coming to it that I would like to own, Metal Gear for example and FF. But that would probably be it. I love my 360.

I will get a PS3 though because its the best and cheapest Blu Ray player.

Is it really? I thought there were problems with upconversion/down conversion for 1080 sets? I have been pondering the PS3 also, but the games selection is still weak through March.

The HD-DVD agreement (specifically AACS) does not allow 1080p over component and a number of 1080p displays (such as Sony's) do not accept 1080p over component.


and neither is yours. the hd dvd add on for the 360 plays 1080p hd dvd discs natively and just fine via component (or vga)

I'm sorry, but check your facts, and your tone when correcting people. The Xbox 360 will play games fine at 1080p over component but certainly not HD-DVDs.

I'm sorry, but check your facts, and your tone when correcting people. The Xbox 360 will play games fine at 1080p over component but certainly not HD-DVDs.

my tone is just fine (no caps, no smilies, no cursing etc). facts apparently not so much. it's 1080p via vga for hd dvd add on. 1080p via component for everything else. i was confused because my tv outputs everything to 1080p (360 connected via component) and forgot this little tidbit. you are correct. my apologies

The HD-DVD agreement (specifically AACS) does not allow 1080p over component and a number of 1080p displays (such as Sony's) do not accept 1080p over component.If you had a nickel for every time you have had to explain that... ;)

If you had a nickel for every time you have had to explain that... ;)

If I had a nickel for every time I saw a post that requires me to remind someone about ICT and DOT coming........ :)

If I had a nickel for every time I saw a post that requires me to remind someone about ICT and DOT coming........ :)

Do you honestly think ICT will be both implemented by the time people are done using the addon as a HD DVD player? Its going to play out like this (In the U.S. at least):

Studios announce plans to implement ICT (or its leaked)

Consumers go nuts

Consumer advocates go nuts

Random Congressman and or Senator go nuts

Courts become involved

We have years before there are enough sales for studios to even CONSIDER slowing adoption by implementing ICT, then we have years in the court system. Seriously the HD DVD addon will be gone by then and we'll have $200 players of a higher quality than a $1K player today.

Do you honestly think ICT will be both implemented by the time people are done using the addon as a HD DVD player? Its going to play out like this (In the U.S. at least):

Studios announce plans to implement ICT (or its leaked)

Consumers go nuts

Consumer advocates go nuts

Random Congressman and or Senator go nuts

Courts become involved

We have years before there are enough sales for studios to even CONSIDER slowing adoption by implementing ICT, then we have years in the court system. Seriously the HD DVD addon will be gone by then and we'll have $200 players of a higher quality than a $1K player today.

You are much more optimistic about our Government than I am....I think it's already been sold to the Hollywood\Corporate community....for reference see DMCA.

By the way I still have not see any credible evidence than ICT will slow adoption.....The largest number of Sets DO have a DVI or HDMI connector. That ratio increases every day.

Is it really? I thought there were problems with upconversion/down conversion for 1080 sets? I have been pondering the PS3 also, but the games selection is still weak through March.


Yes sir. Check the reviews. The picture quality is great granted the transfer is a good source itself. Also the load times are currently the fastest. Correct me if I am wrong someone.

I don't know if they solved the 1080i problem as of yet or if they plan on doing it at all.

My biggest thought on the keynote is that this will do great things for Microsoft's IPTV product. The early demonstrations of it are sweet looking, on10 has a video of the Carbon interface in action... I can't add links yet to posts (after 5 posts restriction) but I have a link to it from my blog.