Two major microsoft announcements tonight and tomorrow.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158277

My guess is the elite and something else....

:)

Still crossing my fingers at the remote chance of a Halo 3 beta announcement after the maintenance comes back online....

Maybe the annoucement tonight at 9 Pacific, 12 Eastern is that Xbox live is back up :p

Actually, the timing is about right for the Halo Beta.
Of course, considering all the $50 deals out there on the Premium, soon to be gone, Pack, maybe a price cut on the *core* is in order.
Ah, speculating without data is such fun! ;-)

:rolleyes:

Link is busted.


EDIT: 1up is busted. :D

Its the elite and the listed upcoming features for the first half of the spring update.

Hopefully we'll finally get proper Dolby Digital PLUS decoding from HD-DVD's.

Your mouth to their ears Ed.

What time tonight? I want to go to bed.

Maybe they're going to announce that they're finally going to allow Epic to release their extra content for Gears...

I think it would be the announcement of the Elite tonight, and a preview of GTA4 tomorrow night..

is this going to be like the Halo 3 beta we stayed up till 4 in the morning? :p

Well its the ELITE!

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158254

good of them to include the HDMI cable. Does say its is a proprietary connection of if you can use your own HDMI cable.

wow so lame....

Another sku for the same 90 nm chip xbox

179.99 retail for the 120GB HD, no thanks MS.

this is not what MS needed to do. Give us a cheaper HD and get the 65 nm chips out.

wow so lame....

Another sku for the same 90 nm chip xbox

179.99 retail for the 120GB HD, no thanks MS.

this is not what MS needed to do. Give us a cheaper HD and get the 65 nm chips out.

Microsoft is trying to make money. They'll get a fair number of buyers with current 360s who will buy a 2nd one to have the latest and greatest.

Meh

Is it worth $80.00 more? For someone that owns one already, in my opinion, NO!

So it has HDMI? Well, thats nice and all, but outside of integrated upconverting of DVD and the elmination of extra cabling, this isn't quite as big a deal as you think. I would imagine most people won't see much impact on the clarity and definition of their games versus Component or VGA. The HDD is the only draw for me really, the rest of the stuff is basically cosmetic. They should have thrown the HD DVD drive in there, just for the hell of it, but right now, for me, I have no incentive to sell mine and buy this, especially since its the same core processor unit.

1- Xbox elite confirmed by major Nelson
2- 120 Gb HDD for $179 with transfer cable and software

Elite is priced as Core+120GB HDD; HDMI port and *two* cables (HDMI+component) free

Well its the ELITE!

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158254

Does this come with active camo?

Seriously though...It sounds like the HDMI is just a new cable that could be used with current boxes. Hell, if Monster can sell an HDMI cable for $80, then the Elite is like getting a HDD upgrade for free.

The standalone HDD costs WAY too much. They need to just open it up to any and every USB 2.0 External HDD and let us use that instead. God that is expensive.

The standalone HDD costs WAY too much. They need to just open it up to any and every USB 2.0 External HDD and let us use that instead. God that is expensive.

1- System security relies on the encrypted file system on the drive.
2- Data transfer cable+software is comparable to the $30.00 Datel Xport.
<shrug>
Nobody is putting a gun to your head and its not needed for gaming.

I'm aware of that, but they can write safeguards that would make the USB 2.0 HDD's work fine. If Sony can do it, so can Microsoft.

I'm also aware nobody is forcing me to buy it, but as a fan of the system and an owner of a Premium for over a year now, I have a right to voice my opinion, especially when I feel they are making a mistake.

Lame as hell. That hard drive price is absolute rape. Thanks to Microsoft for lying to us before (IGN, I believe?) about HDMI being able to be done on the current 360s.

This "choice" excuse for Microsoft dicking us out of the extras of their choosing is more transparent than ever. They want to give us "choice?" Fine, take the small niche market that actually NEEDS the "a" band for WiFi, and make them buy something. At least give us the WiFi features standard on the $250 Wii, for christsake.

Microsoft is shooting themselves in the foot with this...Without including HD-DVD or replacing the current premium as this one nothing good is going to come out of it...Try passing that one off to consumers....Yeah right.

"Elite" moniker notwithstanding, the PS3 still holds the hardware advantage. You still get HDMI, a BR player and the ability to swap a hard disk of your choice for not so much more money. I am not sure adding a 120GB HDD would cost $180 to bring a BR equipped PS3 on par with a HD-DVD bundled XB360Elite.

well the hd isnt going to get cheaper than 79 bucks, hell 69 bucks if you take the hdmi cable into account.

premium - 400
hdmi - 10
120gb - 69
black case - FREE

good deal if you ask me, now give it a rest. would you rather MS ignore the customers completely and not change anything? their working on the 65nm deal and i think if they could put it out now they would.


this is a good position for someone without a 360 only wanting a 20gb drive.

buy the elite - 479
buy a used 20gb - $50 (i see a lot coming to ebay when the 120 hits)
sell included 120 - 150.

that gets you a new elite in black with hdmi and 20gb HD for $379

Microsoft is trying to make money. They'll get a fair number of buyers with current 360s who will buy a 2nd one to have the latest and greatest.

I think the original posters concern is that of reliability..i mean if it's not using the new chip set then their could be a chance of the console breaking down, and at $470..that's a pretty steep price for hardware if it fails.

well the hd isnt going to get cheaper than 79 bucks, hell 69 bucks if you take the hdmi cable into account.

premium - 400
hdmi - 10
120gb - 69
black case - FREE

good deal if you ask me, now give it a rest. would you rather MS ignore the customers completely and not change anything? their working on the 65nm deal and i think if they could put it out now they would.


this is a good position for someone without a 360 only wanting a 20gb drive.

buy the elite - 479
buy a used 20gb - $50 (i see a lot coming to ebay when the 120 hits)
sell included 120 - 150.

that gets you a new elite in black with hdmi and 20gb HD for $379

Were customers clammoring for this though? I don't recall any outcry for a revised 360. Sure people wanted HDMI and a larger HDD, but neither requires a revision like this.

Meh

Is it worth $80.00 more? For someone that owns one already, in my opinion, NO!


Well, duh. Those of us that already own the system aren't their target market.

I think the "elite" should have came after the problems of 90nm chips have been fixed..This is just going to create more problems and them addressing the issue of it by saying "here is a new console that will still fail like the rest of them, but who cares take it anyways" isnt the types of revisions that should be made.

Were customers clammoring for this though? I don't recall any outcry for a revised 360. Sure people wanted HDMI and a larger HDD, but neither requires a revision like this.


many users complained about white sticking out like a sore thumb in their home theater setups (though just as many liked the white)

many users complained about lack of hdmi

many users complained about lack of a larger hard drive.


these concerns were all answered, be it in a single bundle, but they were still answered, i dont see what your point is?

i dont care for the black, i dont NEED hdmi (VGA thank you) and i dont need a bigger drive, but i'm not complaining by ANY means. MS is listening to the fans, and i dont think they are ripping off anyone at that price point. a hard drive alone at the 179 mark is high, but it's not like you HAVE to own or buy one, i'd say the market for the larger drive is fairly small.



I think the "elite" should have came after the problems of 90nm chips have been fixed..This is just going to create more problems and them addressing the issue of it by saying "here is a new console that will still fail like the rest of them, but who cares take it anyways" isnt the types of revisions that should be made.

and while i agree that the problems should be addressed and the elite should include the 65nm processor, i will also say that I BELIEVE that NO more consoles should be put out with these problems or the 90nm chip, but that surely isnt going to happen.

almost any problem you can pick out about the elite you can also pick about the core/premium, so MS definitely has some issues to work out, but please, put the elite complaints to rest already.

Tell that to the number of gullible people that I read on various boards today. You would have thought this thing was more advanced. A lot of current owners DO seem interested, which is why I made the comment above.

You do realize there was a lot of interest from current owners don't you?

many users complained about white sticking out like a sore thumb in their home theater setups (though just as many liked the white)

many users complained about lack of hdmi

many users complained about lack of a larger hard drive.


these concerns were all answered, be it in a single bundle, but they were still answered, i dont see what your point is?

i dont care for the black, i dont NEED hdmi (VGA thank you) and i dont need a bigger drive, but i'm not complaining by ANY means. MS is listening to the fans, and i dont think they are ripping off anyone at that price point. a hard drive alone at the 179 mark is high, but it's not like you HAVE to own or buy one, i'd say the market for the larger drive is fairly small.

My "point" is that 2 of the 3 "problems" could have been remedied with retail accessory releases, NOT a new SKU. I would like the larger HDD, but that price, eek.

Just throwing my 2 cents in guys, no need to tear into me. I'm a fan, I'm on your side here.

i wasnt tearing into you, and those 2 out of 3 problems ARE rectified with retail accessories (though the black case is aftermarket)

so considering that, how does the elite affect us? it doesnt. at least not negatively.

new fresh ideas + new sku = new sales.... sales are always good, bigger platform fanbase = more/better games

i dont like the elite, and i'm not buying one, but i think it's a good thing both for microsoft and for us as gamers.

i wasnt tearing into you, and those 2 out of 3 problems ARE rectified with retail accessories (though the black case is aftermarket)

so considering that, how does the elite affect us? it doesnt.

Right, but how many new buyers is THIS gonna atract? I would imagine the 360 already has done well with this SKU's demographic. It just seems a bit, well, early, to be releasing this.

Why now for this? Why release this Elite now? What is their marketing/branding strategy for releasing a new Sku in April of 07? Was the demand becoming so big for this type of sku that it couldn't wait any longer? Just curious what you guys think.

Why now for this? Why release this Elite now? What is their marketing/branding strategy for releasing a new Sku in April of 07? Was the demand becoming so big for this type of sku that it couldn't wait any longer? Just curious what you guys think.


they fake the "leak" of the elite rumor, huge interest is sparked, sku is a go.

honestly i have no idea.

"Elite" moniker notwithstanding, the PS3 still holds the hardware advantage. You still get HDMI, a BR player and the ability to swap a hard disk of your choice for not so much more money. I am not sure adding a 120GB HDD would cost $180 to bring a BR equipped PS3 on par with a HD-DVD bundled XB360Elite.

About $90 for a bare 120gb/5400rpm notebook drive.

We could play the "add up the bill of materials to make them equal and see which costs more" or focus on why most of us buy consoles - which would be to play games.

360 1, PS3 0

what if the Elite is refurbed models with a bigger hdd... that would be way too hilarious.

Well, duh. Those of us that already own the system aren't their target market.

I concur. If you do not already own an Xbox 360, this is a great deal.

We could play the "add up the bill of materials to make them equal and see which costs more" or focus on why most of us buy consoles - which would be to play games.


http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8428/comparodz5.jpg

not to mention a larger game library, access to arcade/movie/tv, etc.


also i know plenty of people that spent 60-100 bucks for a $10 cable just because it was branded by sony or monster. i'd say a very small percentage of ps3 owners shop at monoprice. (suckers!)

Tell that to the number of gullible people that I read on various boards today. You would have thought this thing was more advanced. A lot of current owners DO seem interested, which is why I made the comment above.

You do realize there was a lot of interest from current owners don't you?

Hang out with the fanboys, and you're going to get a fanboy perspective.

This is going to appeal to people who feel they need HDMI, and it's going to appeal to people who want to make use of the video service. From before day one, people bitched about the lack of HDMI--people who didn't even need HDMI bitched about it, as stupid as that may be. Now it's there. People complained about the hard drive size, even though most of us are just fine with 20GB. Now there's considerably more.

I really don't know what more MS could have done to satisfy people, and to bring those who are on the fence into a decision to purchase. The talk about the 65nm CPU is just stupid--if MS could make it happen, they would. Maybe some of you just aren't at all familiar with IBM and how they deal with their chip customers. What they do is provide a product design, then make a bunch of promises about improvements. For over a decade Apple was saddled with IBM's promises. The truth may very well be that MS's volume on a custom CPU isn't enough to drive IBM to get it done. It may also be that there just isn't the physical capacity to do it--whether that's an infrastructure issue or a cost issue isn't at all relevant.

Besides, it's not the CPU. Most all of the failures I read about from people who I believe have knowledge to speak to the cause point to inadequate cooling of the memory. But hey, it sure is fun to bitch about the number 90 and 65--even if most people have no idea what they're really talking about when they do it.

MS has done a pretty good job with the 360, and they're being responsive to what potential buyers indicate that they want. MS should be commended for that--and they're a company I usually find considerable fault with.

holy ****

5150 and i agree on something.

Only thing I would want it for is the HDMI. VGA is occupied by my PC and I really don't like the colors with the VGA. I know it's sharper, but color is off putting for me. Oh well, not going to plop down so much for a new machine. Wish I held out though. 80 bucks more for bigger hard drive and HDMI is worth it.

I wish it was not the 90 chip

I already paid $500 for my xbox 360. $400 in December 2005 when I purchased it and another $100 15 months later in March of 2007 when it bricked on me---and hey, I didn't even get a 120GB HDD or HDMI. Boo.

Does anyone know if they are offering a trade in option for current 360's?

For me this new x box doesnt excite me, I dont use the HDD for much other than demos and game saves so a 20 GB is plenty big enough. My lcd tv does 1080p through component and both my HDMI ports on my tv are being used, soooo this new model is useless for me. I'm sure some peeps will like it but at a cost increase I'm not sure it was the smartest move for them to make.

2 questions come to mind for me.

1) Can we buy the HDMI cable separate to use with our current 360?
2) The 1up article says DVD upconvert out of the box. Is that because of the HDMI cable? If so I'll stick with what I have and just buy the cable. Unless the changed the port on the back so current owners can't use the cable.

2 questions come to mind for me.

1) Can we buy the HDMI cable separate to use with our current 360?
2) The 1up article says DVD upconvert out of the box. Is that because of the HDMI cable? If so I'll stick with what I have and just buy the cable. Unless the changed the port on the back so current owners can't use the cable.

1. No, it is a male to male HDMI cable, it doesn't have an adapter on one end like the current component/composite and VGA cables.

2. Yes, but if you want to get that with your current 360 you have to use VGA for DVDs. If your TV supports it, you can upconvert games to 1080p through component.

Does anyone know if they are offering a trade in option for current 360's?

They damn well should, but I highly doubt it! You know ol' Bill wouldn't do anything like that for his loyal customers ;)

1. No, it is a male to male HDMI cable, it doesn't have an adapter on one end like the current component/composite and VGA cables.

2. Yes, but if you want to get that with your current 360 you have to use VGA for DVDs. If your TV supports it, you can upconvert games to 1080p through component.

Thanks Blaze. What a let down, I was hoping to just score the cable but figured it wouldn't be that easy.

Tell that to the number of gullible people that I read on various boards today. You would have thought this thing was more advanced. A lot of current owners DO seem interested, which is why I made the comment above.

You do realize there was a lot of interest from current owners don't you?

WHY?

Why would current owners be looking at the same system? Its the same machine with a HDMI output and larger HD. Its like buying a tiny PS2 when you already own the larger PS2, and being pissed that its still "JUST" a PS2.......

You can buy the premium, or you can spend an extra $80 bucks and get an extra 100gb on your hard drive and an HDMI output. THATS IT.

Hard for me to fathom why people are crying and/or angry about this announcement. Their add-on hard drive is overpriced...a 120gb seagate drive is less than $90 bucks at NewEgg...but their 20gb drive at $100 was a far worse raping than this drive is. If anything, this is a step in a better direction.

But I've read so many 'They should make the system $200, so I can afford one!" or "The Sony is still better cuz you get a BD drive, and that RULEZZ" crap here and on other forums it makes me wonder if people are just so desperate to have a new Console already they now have to fight about hardware revisions.
:P

Why now for this? Why release this Elite now? What is their marketing/branding strategy for releasing a new Sku in April of 07? Was the demand becoming so big for this type of sku that it couldn't wait any longer? Just curious what you guys think.

Because there is a price drop coming in the Fall of 07.

And the 65nm chips are probably coming mid-year. I wouldn't expect this to be a huge thing, though. No changes should be visible to the average consumer.

This way they keep the buzz going all year on the hardware side of things.

There was essentially a price drop over the holiday '06 season with all of those $50, $100 and $200 (thanks Microcenter!) off deals. They will do the same thing this year, but the drop will be permanent and on all SKUs, which should hit PS3 sales pretty well.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see HDMI come to all the 360 SKUs in April '08. You heard it hear first. ;)

Does anyone know if they are offering a trade in option for current 360's?

No why would they...Revisions are made all the time...This is no different than Sony slimming down the ps2 and adding networking capabilities built in...Their are pros and cons of buying early or buying late...Revisions happen.

I really don't know what more MS could have done to satisfy people, and to bring those who are on the fence into a decision to purchase. The talk about the 65nm CPU is just stupid--if MS could make it happen, they would. Maybe some of you just aren't at all familiar with IBM and how they deal with their chip customers. What they do is provide a product design, then make a bunch of promises about improvements. For over a decade Apple was saddled with IBM's promises. The truth may very well be that MS's volume on a custom CPU isn't enough to drive IBM to get it done. It may also be that there just isn't the physical capacity to do it--whether that's an infrastructure issue or a cost issue isn't at all relevant.

Besides, it's not the CPU. Most all of the failures I read about from people who I believe have knowledge to speak to the cause point to inadequate cooling of the memory. But hey, it sure is fun to bitch about the number 90 and 65--even if most people have no idea what they're really talking about when they do it.Well said. Some on this forum act as though Microsoft had a choice between the 90nm and 65nm chips. They didn't. The 65nm doesn't exist yet in production silicon. It's still sampling, and months away from volume production.

It seems some would rather Microsoft wait until ~October when they can mass produce units using the cooler / cheaper 65nm silicon. Perhaps at the one year anniversary, Microsoft will drop the price on the Xbox360 lineup and incorporate the new chips. However, like 5150 says, I wouldn't expect that to eliminate the failures, most of which relate to the memory.

This deal is aimed at people looking at the Xbox 360 for the first time or someone looking to get a second Xbox360 for their 1080p tv. It does not have to appeal to existing users.

This deal is aimed at people looking at the Xbox 360 for the first time or someone looking to get a second Xbox360 for their 1080p tv. It does not have to appeal to existing users.I disagree.

Most consumers won't pay $479 for an Xbox360 (or $499 for a PS3).

Mommy isn't going to buy a $479 Xbox360 for 9-year old Freddy. Mommy is going to buy the Xbox360 core she can get on sale for $249. At this price point, the Xbox360 Elite is clearly targeted at enthusiasts. The average customer doesn't even understand the benefits of HDMI.

A significant percentage of those paying $479 for the Xbox360 Elite will be existing owners and hardcore gamers that want to have the latest and greatest. These enthusiasts and hardcore gamers will pay whatever Microsoft asks for the new black design with a 120Gb hard drive and HDMI (to a point).

People seem to forget that Microsoft currently loses money on every Xbox360 sale. Microsoft lost $1.26 billion on the Xbox360 in FY 2006. But that's the way the console market works -- you lose money on the console sale, but make it back with the games. But Microsoft doesn't make that money back if existing Xbox360 owners replace their box with the Elite version. Hence, they've got to price it in a way that better reflects their cost.
Building loads of Xbox 360s at an estimated $125 loss each puts a bit of a dent in a company’s financials. Lazard Capital Markets analysts Colin Sebastian reminds us that once a really significant installed base is established for the Xbox 360, it’s all about software sales.
Once all the "hardcore" Xbox360 fans have got their new Elite, Microsoft can reduce the price to a level that makes it an option for everyone else. Expect that to happen for the Christmas selling season when they make the move to 65nm silicon (~October).

I disagree.

Most consumers won't pay $479 for an Xbox360 (or $499 for a PS3).




People seem to forget that Microsoft currently loses money on every Xbox360 sale. Microsoft lost $1.26 billion on the Xbox360 in FY 2006.

It is a good thing they have not stop making the Core or the Premium then. While I do not necessarily believe the report that said Microsoft was making $75.00 a console now I do not believe they are loosing as much money on the current Xbox360 as they were in the beginning.

will people with a 2 year replacement plan at bestbuy be able to go in the store on 4/29/07 and exchange a premium for an elite?

will people with a 2 year replacement plan at bestbuy be able to go in the store on 4/29/07 and exchange a premium for an elite?No. The Elite is an entirely new model (SKU). It doesn't replace any existing models.

If your Xbox360 Premium goes bad for some reason, you get another Premium.

Why would you be able to do that?

Some of you guys don't know much about marketing. The price points are great--just enough of an upgrade at each level to make a person buying the level below it seriously consider bumping up. That's the idea behind multiple SKUs.

At this price point, the Xbox360 Elite is clearly targeted at enthusiasts.
I'm hardly a gaming enthusiast, but I agree with what you're saying. I will more than likely get one as a new main system, and move the old one to the bedroom. And, as 5150 mentioned about the price points, for only $80 more than the premium I'll just go ahead and get the Elite. I guess it's nothing more than a new toy to buy, really.

Getting lost in all this Elite bantar (which I love to read!) is the 2nd annoucement! Please post as soon as you hear.

Getting lost in all this Elite bantar (which I love to read!) is the 2nd annoucement! Please post as soon as you hear.That announcement related to the Xbox360 Video Marketplace. More information here (http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=6673).

Snippet below:
Running alongside the announcement of the Xbox 360 Elite, Microsoft also revealed the addition of multiple new agreements with A&E Network, ADV Films, National Geographic and TotalVid.com to bring TV series and movies to the U.S. Xbox Live Video Marketplace.

Microsoft is also partnering with Paramount Pictures to offer high definition feature films for download. Available titles will include “Braveheart,” “Team America: World Police,” “World Trade Center” and “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.” Also, for the first time, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will be releasing its direct-to-video movies exclusively in high definition on Xbox Live simultaneous with their availability on DVD, starting with “Sublime” and later “Babylon 5: The Lost Tales.”

Hang out with the fanboys, and you're going to get a fanboy perspective.

This is going to appeal to people who feel they need HDMI, and it's going to appeal to people who want to make use of the video service. From before day one, people bitched about the lack of HDMI--people who didn't even need HDMI bitched about it, as stupid as that may be. Now it's there. People complained about the hard drive size, even though most of us are just fine with 20GB. Now there's considerably more.

I really don't know what more MS could have done to satisfy people, and to bring those who are on the fence into a decision to purchase. The talk about the 65nm CPU is just stupid--if MS could make it happen, they would. Maybe some of you just aren't at all familiar with IBM and how they deal with their chip customers. What they do is provide a product design, then make a bunch of promises about improvements. For over a decade Apple was saddled with IBM's promises. The truth may very well be that MS's volume on a custom CPU isn't enough to drive IBM to get it done. It may also be that there just isn't the physical capacity to do it--whether that's an infrastructure issue or a cost issue isn't at all relevant.

Besides, it's not the CPU. Most all of the failures I read about from people who I believe have knowledge to speak to the cause point to inadequate cooling of the memory. But hey, it sure is fun to bitch about the number 90 and 65--even if most people have no idea what they're really talking about when they do it.

MS has done a pretty good job with the 360, and they're being responsive to what potential buyers indicate that they want. MS should be commended for that--and they're a company I usually find considerable fault with.

I don't hang out with fanboys and I am not one, it's just that a lot of people, just like with the revised DS, originally seemed to be interested in this, but from the looks of the thread at Gamingtrend.com, that has been squelched.

here is the official Microsoft announcement

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/xbox360elite/default.htm?WText.camp=TS3-Xbox360Elite&WText.campSrc=Home

I disagree.

Most consumers won't pay $479 for an Xbox360 (or $499 for a PS3).

Mommy isn't going to buy a $479 Xbox360 for 9-year old Freddy. Mommy is going to buy the Xbox360 core she can get on sale for $249. At this price point, the Xbox360 Elite is clearly targeted at enthusiasts. The average customer doesn't even understand the benefits of HDMI.

A significant percentage of those paying $479 for the Xbox360 Elite will be existing owners and hardcore gamers that want to have the latest and greatest. These enthusiasts and hardcore gamers will pay whatever Microsoft asks for the new black design with a 120Gb hard drive and HDMI (to a point).

People seem to forget that Microsoft currently loses money on every Xbox360 sale. Microsoft lost $1.26 billion on the Xbox360 in FY 2006. But that's the way the console market works -- you lose money on the console sale, but make it back with the games. But Microsoft doesn't make that money back if existing Xbox360 owners replace their box with the Elite version. Hence, they've got to price it in a way that better reflects their cost.

Once all the "hardcore" Xbox360 fans have got their new Elite, Microsoft can reduce the price to a level that makes it an option for everyone else. Expect that to happen for the Christmas selling season when they make the move to 65nm silicon (~October).

Finally someone gets it. ;)

Why would you be able to do that?

Some of you guys don't know much about marketing. The price points are great--just enough of an upgrade at each level to make a person buying the level below it seriously consider bumping up. That's the idea behind multiple SKUs.

Right. IMO, the problem is that is also brings the PS3 into play as well. For an extra $20 consumers can add a brand new HD disc drive as well.

Its a lot easier to justify not getting the PS3 when its a $100 more than the premium, but now that its possible to get a PS3 for only $20 more than a high-end 360 that decision is a lot tougher.

Finally someone gets it. ;)


true but Microsoft is already making a profit on the xbox 360's....

further more, i might get the elite but i am in no rush to.....

It is a good thing they have not stop making the Core or the Premium then. While I do not necessarily believe the report that said Microsoft was making $75.00 a console now I do not believe they are loosing as much money on the current Xbox360 as they were in the beginning.
The R&D was paid for long ago we're nearly two years later and R&D returns are generally 6 months - there's nothing new of significant costs added to the Elite and the box runs the old formula of disposal razors and inkjets anyways. Those losses are not permanent factors once R&D is paid and Microsoft is a Cash Cow anyways so no tears for Microsoft is needed here - they are masters at making money! We heard these same lame arguments when Xbox was originated and here we are what 6 years later or longer and someone thinks they are losing money permanently?

No Way! Need we mention the Game Licensing - the LIVE Fee's, the Accessories and add-ons et al and future media streaming of HD Fee Based Content.;)

Right. IMO, the problem is that is also brings the PS3 into play as well. For an extra $20 consumers can add a brand new HD disc drive as well.


But they also lose 100GB of hard drive space, an HDMI cable, an HD component cable, Live, Marketplace, soon to be IPTV, and all the games the the XBox 360 has.

The R&D was paid for long ago we're nearly two years later and R&D returns are generally 6 months - there's nothing new of significant costs added to the Elite and the box runs the old formula of disposal razors and inkjets anyways.


Actually, a new HANA digital video scaler chip needed to be designed and fabbed for the HDMI output. So there was significant work to make this new model.

true but Microsoft is already making a profit on the xbox 360's....Huh?

The R&D was paid for long ago we're nearly two years later and R&D returns are generally 6 months - there's nothing new of significant costs added to the Elite and the box runs the old formula of disposal razors and inkjets anyways.The $126 loss (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6140383.html) per Xbox360 Premium console sale, reported last fall, excluded R&D costs. The $126 loss (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6140383.html) per sale was based on the component costs.

As I noted in my previous post, the Microsoft's entertainment devision -- which receives all revenues from Xbox360 sales, accessories, game licensing, and Live subscriptions -- lost $1.26 billion in FY 2006. Those numbers are a bit inflated, because it includes $100 million spent on marketing for the Xbox360 launch.

In the most recent quarter, Microsoft's entertainment division -- which receives all revenues from Xbox360 sales, accessories, game licensing, and Live subscriptions -- lost $289 million. In its earnings conference, Microsoft said it hadn't been able to reduce Xbox360 costs as fast as it had hoped, but they expect to break even in 2007, thanks to reduced component pricing, increased licensing revenues, and new revenue sources (Video Marketplace).

As I noted in my previous post, the Microsoft's entertainment devision -- which receives all revenues from Xbox360 sales, accessories, game licensing, and Live subscriptions -- lost $1.26 billion in FY 2006. Those numbers are a bit inflated, because it includes $100 million spent on marketing for the Xbox360 launch.

In the most recent quarter, Microsoft's entertainment division -- which receives all revenues from Xbox360 sales, accessories, game licensing, and Live subscriptions -- lost $289 million. In its earnings conference, Microsoft said it hadn't been able to reduce Xbox360 costs as fast as it had hoped, but they expect to break even in 2007, thanks to reduced component pricing, increased licensing revenues, and new revenue sources (Video Marketplace).

Don't forget that the entertainment division includes the Zune, which isn't exactly making money hand over fist, either.

Don't forget that the entertainment division includes the Zune, which isn't exactly making money hand over fist, either.True, but the last quarter didn't include any Zune revenues.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23840

Possible Blu Ray drive for the 360 elite.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23840

Possible Blu Ray drive for the 360 elite.

Ok, I know that most analysts are idiots, but that guy should get an award.

That announcement related to the Xbox360 Video Marketplace. More information here (http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=6673).

Snippet below:

That's not the second big announcement. They add partners left and right, two of which from that list have already been on the Marketplace (Warner and Paramount).

Yesterday was the Elite.

Today is...?

Ok, I know that most analysts are idiots, but that guy should get an award.

For being the biggest idiot?

Man, I can't wait for 1080p television broadcasts over the next few years. :rolleyes:

But they also lose 100GB of hard drive space, an HDMI cable, an HD component cable, Live, Marketplace, soon to be IPTV, and all the games the the XBox 360 has.

$479.00 Elite for gaming + $199.00 HD player for movies + $70 Live subsciption for online = $749.00

$499.00 PS3 for gaming + $80.00 200GB Ext. HDD (buy.com) + $6 6ft HDMI (monoprice.com) + $0 Blu-ray player for movies + $0 Online Access = $586.00

thats as close to an apples to apples comparison as this will get. If the soft advantages of Live and Marketplace are worth $163.00 up front then you have an even race.

ZUNE was EXPENSIVE

For being the biggest idiot?

Man, I can't wait for 1080p television broadcasts over the next few years. :rolleyes:

YES! Guess that wasn't clear. :)

Obviously people care about HD and you couldn't get HD out of an old XBox 360 because it didn't have HDMI, so sony rules. :rolleyes:

$479.00 Elite for gaming + $199.00 HD player for movies + $70 Live subsciption for online = $749.00

$499.00 PS3 for gaming + $80.00 200GB Ext. HDD (buy.com) + $6 6ft HDMI (monoprice.com) + $0 Blu-ray player for movies + $0 Online Access = $586.00

thats as close to an apples to apples comparison as this will get. If the soft advantages of Live and Marketplace are worth $163.00 up front then you have an even race.

You can just stop right here...

$479.00

vs

$499.00

One you have a choice to add on.

The other, you don't.

I'd gladly pay for the Live service instead of settling for Sony's attempt at online gaming/marketplace.

Honestly, companies aside, I'm glad Microsoft didn't include a HD-DVD drive (or any Hi-Def player) as we don't know what's going to shake down. I'd laugh if Blu-Ray failed and all those PS3's become obsolete. HD-DVD could fail too, but at least my console would still work. ;)

Anyone paying $70 for 12-monh Live access, is overpaying. Period.

But they also lose 100GB of hard drive space, an HDMI cable, an HD component cable, Live, Marketplace, soon to be IPTV, and all the games the the XBox 360 has.

IMO, the only thing you mentioned that the PS3 is sure not to have, besides the HDMI and component cables, which is inconsequential IMO since you can get an HDMI cable for $5 at Monoprice, is the 100GB of extra hard drive space. I think when given the choice people would prefer to pick-up the hi-def disc drive rather than an extra 100GB of space. The hi-def drive is a more marketable piece of hardware.

$479.00 Elite for gaming + $199.00 HD player for movies + $70 Live subsciption for online = $749.00

$499.00 PS3 for gaming + $80.00 200GB Ext. HDD (buy.com) + $6 6ft HDMI (monoprice.com) + $0 Blu-ray player for movies + $0 Online Access = $586.00

thats as close to an apples to apples comparison as this will get. If the soft advantages of Live and Marketplace are worth $163.00 up front then you have an even race.

Not everyone wants a HD disc player in their gaming console. I don't (just like I don't want or need wireless). I'll put one in my Media PC once the drives drop in price enough.

Live is $40 to $50 for 13 months. I don't know where $70 came from. Circuit City puts the 13 month cards on sale for $40 often.

And, frankly, you will have a hard time finding a 20GB PS3. Sony loses more money on each 20GB PS3 than they do on each 60GB PS3, so they make more 60GB versions.

Anyone paying $70 for 12-monh Live access, is overpaying. Period.
I thought I was the only one who noticed. $70 for live? Gimme a break.

The most dramatic announcement Microsoft could make, imo, is a dual-tuner CableCard add-on (based on ATI OCUR (http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=2662&p=2)) for the Xbox360 Elite.

That would allow the Xbox360 Elite to function as a full-fledged DVR for any cable provider.

Anyone paying $70 for 12-monh Live access, is overpaying. Period.

Hey PS3 fan boy. Go back to your forum. Oh wait. There is nothing exciting going on in the PS3 forum. They don't even have a game in the top 10. BTW 13 months live for $39.99 at newegg.

The most dramatic announcement Microsoft could make, imo, is a dual-tuner CableCard add-on (based on ATI OCUR (http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=2662&p=2)) for the Xbox360 Elite.

That would allow the Xbox360 Elite to function as a full-fledged DVR for any cable provider.

The point of the IPTV annoucement at CES was to allow DVR functionality built into the system.

Hey PS3 fan boy. Go back to your forum. Oh wait. There is nothing exciting going on in the PS3 forum. They don't even have a game in the top 10. BTW 13 months live for $39.99 at newegg.

So then are you a 360 fanboy??? Why do people not understand that having Sony, MS, and Nintendo battling for the console marketplace supremacy is a good thing for us as gamers? :confused:

The point of the IPTV annoucement at CES was to allow DVR functionality built into the system.Yes, to push Microsoft's own software and infrastructure for IPTV delivery.

Microsoft's IPTV solutions aren't compatible with any of the major cable operators in the United States. For the forseeable future, most US cable operators will rely exclusively on QAM modulation for channel delivery. To support those services with DVR capability, Microsoft would need to introduce and support an external OpenCable 1.0/2.0 tuner with the Xbox360. They have not yet announced any intention to do so.

Windows Vista Media Center supports CableCard DVR functionality, and they've got plenty of experience working with ATI on the "OCUR" CableCard solution for Vista. Will they leverage that experience with the Xbox360? Or do they feel like Apple does, that DVR functionality would just compete with their own direct sale of Internet-delivered video (in Apple's case, iTunes).

$479.00 Elite for gaming + $199.00 HD player for movies + $70 Live subsciption for online = $749.00

$499.00 PS3 for gaming + $80.00 200GB Ext. HDD (buy.com) + $6 6ft HDMI (monoprice.com) + $0 Blu-ray player for movies + $0 Online Access = $586.00

thats as close to an apples to apples comparison as this will get. If the soft advantages of Live and Marketplace are worth $163.00 up front then you have an even race.

IN the NOW:
$399 for Premium Xbox 360 and $50 for yearly live subscription. Tons of games to choose from. You can't watch any HD-Disc content on this system, but you can download HD content from LIVE. Full movies, TV shows.

$499 for PS3 with very few games and you can download some trailers and game demos, but you can watch the rapidly increasing selection of BD Discs. Online friend-list/gaming/interaction is as bare bones as they could get and still say they have "free online".

Now, if you want to talk about movies, the PS3 is the better deal...HD-DVD isn't really an option at this point. If you want to talk about games, the PS3 isn't really an option at this point since every major title is either coming to both systems, or has been pushed back to infinity.

But you don't need an Elite to view HD, M$ has more downloadable HD content than there are BD discs at this point.

So then are you a 360 fanboy??? Why do people not understand that having Sony, MS, and Nintendo battling for the console marketplace supremacy is a good thing for us as gamers? :confused:

dboss, Go back and reread the reply. It has nothing to do with the console war. You are right. Let them battle it out. It has to do with fan boys making fan boy comments so they can prove their consoles are better. I could care less about which one is better but don't come in here and tell me live cost $70 for 12 months just so you can justify your purchase.

U sure he wasn't just inferring that 12 months of Live can be had for less than that in stores? I know I see the subscription on sale alot.

dboss, Go back and reread the reply. It has nothing to do with the console war. You are right. Let them battle it out. It has to do with fan boys making fan boy comments so they can prove their consoles are better. I could care less about which one is better but don't come in here and tell me live cost $70 for 12 months just so you can justify your purchase.
I think his point is that you made a fanboy'ish retort by mocking the PS3.

dboss, Go back and reread the reply. It has nothing to do with the console war. You are right. Let them battle it out. It has to do with fan boys making fan boy comments so they can prove their consoles are better. I could care less about which one is better but don't come in here and tell me live cost $70 for 12 months just so you can justify your purchase.

He was responding to a post by 'todrigo' which indicated a price of $70 for live. If that guy is a fanboy, he's really only off by $20. I don't think that someone being off by $20 merited a slam on the PS3 forums or the PS3 in general. People just need to chill out.

I think his point is that you made a fanboy'ish retort by mocking the PS3.

Exactly. Thanks!

He was responding to a post by 'todrigo' which indicated a price of $70 for live. If that guy is a fanboy, he's really only off by $20. I don't think that someone being off by $20 merited a slam on the PS3 forums or the PS3 in general. People just need to chill out.

I dunno. I see that same comparison (add in all the XBox 360 extras to add up to more than the PS3) done all the time, and it always reeks of fanboyism. Though this guy at least didn't add in 4 years of live, like most people do.

Here is what I did. Flipped a coin last year. Luckily it came up tails. Got my first 360 premium. A few months later was going to buy a media extender. Decided to spend the little extra for another premium. A few months later bought one for a friend for his birthday. Was going to buy a premium but couldn't find one. So good for me:) saved the money. Friend was happy. Then had to decide between $40 for a memory unit or $100 for hard drive. Then had to decide on second controller, wired or wireless. Spent the $10 extra for wireless. Then$20 for hd cable.

This example shows why Microsoft has said they would not be getting rid of core unit. Some people may not have the money to get the premium, (have hard time saving)
And will piece meal it. So it is good for Microsoft.

For those who can afford, will go with the premium rather than buy the parts seperate. Now they have a 3rd option.

If anyone has listened to majornelson's podcast today. Part of it is marketing and part of it makes business since. The average consumer doesn't go online to buy a $7 hdmi cable. They drive to Best Buy and buy the overpriced one. The example in podcase was the average price of an external self powered notebook external was around $160 in stores. Plus if you add the core plus bigger hard drive you get the $479 price.

I might buy the Elite and put my main one in my media room. I use the media center feature quite a bit.
Definitely have gotten my moneys worth out of both.

the big rumor making the rounds is that they will announce gta4 exclusivity...

of course if the previous rumors about microsoft buying take 2 outright prove true, that would have the same effect...

i guess we'll find out tonight

He was responding to a post by 'todrigo' which indicated a price of $70 for live. If that guy is a fanboy, he's really only off by $20. I don't think that someone being off by $20 merited a slam on the PS3 forums or the PS3 in general. People just need to chill out.

dboss, Thanks for pointing that out. I did slam the wrong guy. todrigo is who it was aimed towards. Below is the snippet he was reffering too. I consider it fanboy because when quoting the Sony items he took the cheapest route and when quoting M$ he didn't. Also anyone who owns an XBOX and XBL would have known how much 12 months of live would cost.


$479.00 Elite for gaming + $199.00 HD player for movies + $70 Live subsciption for online = $749.00

$499.00 PS3 for gaming + $80.00 200GB Ext. HDD (buy.com) + $6 6ft HDMI (monoprice.com) + $0 Blu-ray player for movies + $0 Online Access = $586.00

I dunno. I see that same comparison (add in all the XBox 360 extras to add up to more than the PS3) done all the time, and it always reeks of fanboyism. Though this guy at least didn't add in 4 years of live, like most people do.

I would agree. Depending on your point-of-view you can make the numbers work however you would like. I could probably make the 60GB PS3 look cheaper than the Wii if I wanted to. I don't want to try though because that would be pretty hard. :p

Its really all in the features, which you care about and which ones you don't, and everybody has different opinions. I just don't think that by being off of a price by $20 means that someone is a fanboy.

the big rumor making the rounds is that they will announce gta4 exclusivity...

of course if the previous rumors about microsoft buying take 2 outright prove true, that would have the same effect...

i guess we'll find out tonight

I don't know. If this were the case, I'm on the fence about this one. I'm not sure GTA has the same drawing power that it once did. After playing GTA, GTA VC, and GTA SA it just seems like a 'been there, done that type thing'. Although, that's pretty easy to say without seeing any screenshots or actual gameplay footage.

I concur. If you do not already own an Xbox 360, this is a great deal.

Dunno about a 'great' deal when the 20gb PS3 (if you can find it) is only $20 more and it can playback BD.

Honestly I like the color options, and a bigger HDD and HDMI are spanky. Personally I have use for neither, but they were becoming necessary, especially for those that want to leverage the most out of HD DVD add-on and download services. Too bad you need to replace your base console unit to do so.

I would have waited for the 65nm chips myself, no idea why they didn't wait for that.

Net, net I'm very 'meh' about the annoucement. Just not too impressed with the price-point mostly. I would have thought they would have just upped the premium with new hardware and kept the price the same while offering the bigger HDD in retail and the choice of colors and accessories to new buyers. But apparently MS thinks they can milk some more money out of folks that think this in some way is still a better deal than the PS3 at its pricepoint(s).

IMO, the only thing you mentioned that the PS3 is sure not to have, besides the HDMI and component cables, which is inconsequential IMO since you can get an HDMI cable for $5 at Monoprice, is the 100GB of extra hard drive space. I think when given the choice people would prefer to pick-up the hi-def disc drive rather than an extra 100GB of space. The hi-def drive is a more marketable piece of hardware.

I wouldn't even care about the HDDsize on the 360 if they'd allow USB/network storage of marketplace content. You can already go backwards (and does a better job of the streaming than the PS3 at this moment in time anyway). It's extremely irritating MS hasn't enabled the other way, even in the likes of Vista. Even with a larger HDD now available, the price is total sodomy. Rare points to Sony for allowing their customers the freedom to upgrade HDD space as they see fit.

The most dramatic announcement Microsoft could make, imo, is a dual-tuner CableCard add-on (based on ATI OCUR (http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=2662&p=2)) for the Xbox360 Elite.

That would allow the Xbox360 Elite to function as a full-fledged DVR for any cable provider.

that would certianly have been cool, but you'd still want a bigger HDD, or the ability to record to external devices... :(

I love that I can take my 360 back to Costco and buy the Elite. I'll take the sacrifice of losing a crappy game, 1 controller, and a quick charge kit. The 360 bundle is the same price as the Elite so i won't be losing any $$$. I'm excited!

Gonna have to spray my HD DVD drive black now :rolleyes:

I would agree. Depending on your point-of-view you can make the numbers work however you would like. I could probably make the 60GB PS3 look cheaper than the Wii if I wanted to. I don't want to try though because that would be pretty hard. :p


Easy:

PS3 60GB includes Blu-Ray: $599
Wii plus Blu-Ray $499 (PS3 20GB): $749

What makes it easy is that everyone has to throw in the HD add-on for the 360 comparison since HD movie disc playback is "required" to play games for some reason. You just have to do the same thing for the Wii!

Its people like you doing that type of BS that ruined that policy and now they changed it.

I love that I can take my 360 back to Costco and buy the Elite. I'll take the sacrifice of losing a crappy game, 1 controller, and a quick charge kit. The 360 bundle is the same price as the Elite so i won't be losing any $$$. I'm excited!

Gonna have to spray my HD DVD drive black now :rolleyes:

Just called GameStop to see if I could preorder an Elite and the kid told me they're not taking preorders because they don't want people fighting over them :rolleyes: Those retail kids always give me a good laugh. :)

What time is the announcement supposed to happen?

any timeframe for the release of the Elite?

any timeframe for the release of the Elite?

April 29th

The most dramatic announcement Microsoft could make, imo, is a dual-tuner CableCard add-on (based on ATI OCUR (http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=2662&p=2)) for the Xbox360 Elite.

That would allow the Xbox360 Elite to function as a full-fledged DVR for any cable provider.


Yeah man cable companies are going to be using 360s soon as DVRs and set top boxes...That was talked about months ago.

April 29th


awesome its being released on a Sunday wo0t!! Now I dont have to worry about taking a day off, but now i have to come up with an excuse to tell ym ex wife that I wont be seeing the kids that day....

/sarcasm

According to a post on Kotaku the annoucement #2 will be tonight at the same time. 9 pacific \ 12 eastern. They think it will be Halo3 or GTA related.

Yeah man cable companies are going to be using 360s soon as DVRs and set top boxes...That was talked about months ago.They talked about using the 360 as a DVR for IPTV services. Unfortunately, cable services supporting Microsoft's IPTV implementation only exist in Europe. It was a nice demo, but had no practical use for anyone living in the United States.

In order to use the Xbox360 as a DVR with U.S. cable companies, Microsoft would need to offer / support a version of the "OCUR" device I described in my previous post. They have not said one word about that yet.

I thought I was the only one who noticed. $70 for live? Gimme a break.
I paid $65 for a camera, 2 arcade games, 200 points and a year membership. 70$ for what???? And I live in NY where nothing is cheap.

I paid $65 for a camera, 2 arcade games, 200 points and a year membership. 70$ for what???? And I live in NY where nothing is cheap.
That sounds like a lot more than live to me. That sounds like the Live Vision Camera Pack that I also purchased...but for $50.

$479.00 Elite for gaming + $199.00 HD player for movies + $70 Live subsciption for online = $749.00

$499.00 PS3 for gaming + $80.00 200GB Ext. HDD (buy.com) + $6 6ft HDMI (monoprice.com) + $0 Blu-ray player for movies + $0 Online Access = $586.00

thats as close to an apples to apples comparison as this will get. If the soft advantages of Live and Marketplace are worth $163.00 up front then you have an even race.

Wait, so its ok for you to go online searching for the cheapest possible HDMI cable, but it's not ok to use a coupon and circuit city and get the HD-DVD drive for $160?

You dont make any mention of the free movie that comes with the HD-DVD Drive, you dont make any mention of the free remote control that comes with the HD-DVD drive. What happened to the apples to apples comparison?

According to a post on Kotaku the annoucement #2 will be tonight at the same time. 9 pacific \ 12 eastern. They think it will be Halo3 or GTA related.
Nothing like screwing over the EST people that have jobs to go to in the morning.

Wait, so its ok for you to go online searching for the cheapest possible HDMI cable, but it's not ok to use a coupon and circuit city and get the HD-DVD drive for $160?

You dont make any mention of the free movie that comes with the HD-DVD Drive, you dont make any mention of the free remote control that comes with the HD-DVD drive. What happened to the apples to apples comparison?


he also forgot the headset, ps3 doesnt come with a headset, how much is a decent bluetooth headset? because that's all the ps3 supports. there there is the component cables, need them or not, the elite includes them, the ps3 sells them for 23 bucks.

what about the remote? can you even get one for ps3? if so what kind? how much? and media center functionality? is that possible? then there is xbox live, how much would it cost to add that functionality to the ps3? :D, will NEVER be possible.

if we're comparing apples to apples, you have to include this stuff.... ps3 has what, some "3d environment" coming soon? that should add a lot of functionality.

Nothing like screwing over the EST people that have jobs to go to in the morning.

blame the canadians! they invented time zones! :rolleyes:

Nothing like screwing over the EST people that have jobs to go to in the morning.

Yeah because clearly this announcement is more important than your job...gimme a break :p

he also forgot the headset, ps3 doesnt come with a headset, how much is a decent bluetooth headset? because that's all the ps3 supports. there there is the component cables, need them or not, the elite includes them, the ps3 sells them for 23 bucks.

what about the remote? can you even get one for ps3? if so what kind? how much? and media center functionality? is that possible? then there is xbox live, how much would it cost to add that functionality to the ps3? :D, will NEVER be possible.

if we're comparing apples to apples, you have to include this stuff.... ps3 has what, some "3d environment" coming soon? that should add a lot of functionality.

Also forgot that the Xbox is an upscaling DVD player. Better add that to the PS3 cost as well...

Yes, to push Microsoft's own software and infrastructure for IPTV delivery.

Microsoft's IPTV solutions aren't compatible with any of the major cable operators in the United States. For the forseeable future, most US cable operators will rely exclusively on QAM modulation for channel delivery. To support those services with DVR capability, Microsoft would need to introduce and support an external OpenCable 1.0/2.0 tuner with the Xbox360. They have not yet announced any intention to do so.

Windows Vista Media Center supports CableCard DVR functionality, and they've got plenty of experience working with ATI on the "OCUR" CableCard solution for Vista. Will they leverage that experience with the Xbox360? Or do they feel like Apple does, that DVR functionality would just compete with their own direct sale of Internet-delivered video (in Apple's case, iTunes).

Microsoft will be piggy backing on the IPTV's providers infrastructure. They will just provide the software and a box that will enable you to hook into that infrastructure. Why would they provide a redundant solution? They allow you to stream your media center content to an Xbox360. All that cablecard functionality will be available on the Vista platform.

Yeah because clearly this announcement is more important than your job...gimme a break :p
Well it would be nice to hear it when its announced, not 8 hours later. :confused:

many users complained about white sticking out like a sore thumb in their home theater setups (though just as many liked the white)

many users complained about lack of hdmi

many users complained about lack of a larger hard drive.


these concerns were all answered, be it in a single bundle, but they were still answered, i dont see what your point is?.

One small thing that us cheap americans concern ourselves with and I suppose the rest of the world doesn't. Price. The value is just limp.

Well it would be nice to hear it when its announced, not 8 hours later. :confused:

You need to take a break. It's just a game system.

*Possible spoiler alert*


The 2nd announcement MIGHT be their new mobile and free web browser...Xbox 360 not included.


Get to sleep early tonight.

They talked about using the 360 as a DVR for IPTV services. Unfortunately, cable services supporting Microsoft's IPTV implementation only exist in Europe. It was a nice demo, but had no practical use for anyone living in the United States.

In order to use the Xbox360 as a DVR with U.S. cable companies, Microsoft would need to offer / support a version of the "OCUR" device I described in my previous post. They have not said one word about that yet.


Yeah my mistake it was IPTV...ATT/SBC are the ones will use the boxes if my mind remembers correctly...Not sure why I said cable, I still refer to my satellite as cable occasionally...I've seen IPTV through ATT and I must say I was impressed...

You need to take a break. It's just a game system.
Wow, thanks for the insight. I'll be sure to ask your opinion the next time I need it. :rolleyes:

Microsoft will be piggy backing on the IPTV's providers infrastructure. They will just provide the software and a box that will enable you to hook into that infrastructure.Are you sure about that? Some of the IPTV service architectures now deployed differ substantially in their design; I can't imagine that a single server could provide interoperability with the Xbox360.

Back in January, Microsoft said five service providers were currently deploying Microsoft IPTV solutions (servers and software), with eleven having plans to do so. Most are in Europe. AT&T was the only one in the United States. Verizon FiOS has no plans to use the Microsoft's solution for its television delivery at this time.

Why would they provide a redundant solution? They allow you to stream your media center content to an Xbox360. All that cablecard functionality will be available on the Vista platform.That requires a PC. Streaming high-definition at ATSC bitrates (~19 Mbps) around the home isn't really reliable at this point. Furthermore, only a small minority of Xbox360 users have Vista systems, and none yet have Vista Media Centers with CableCard.

"Elite" moniker notwithstanding, the PS3 still holds the hardware advantage.

And, no good games to play on it. Yaay. Nothing like having a 600hp car and no gasoline.

OMG THEY JUST POSTED THE SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT EARLY ON
http://on10.net/

GO CHECK IT OUT, ITS BEST ANNOUNEMENT EVAR.........


jking, its some lame mobile browser. who the hell cares about that crap. wow was that over hyped.

Are you sure about that? Some of the IPTV service architectures now deployed differ substantially in their design; I can't imagine that a single server could provide interoperability with the Xbox360.

Back in January, Microsoft said five service providers were currently deploying Microsoft IPTV solutions (servers and software), with eleven having plans to do so. Most are in Europe. AT&T was the only one in the United States. Verizon FiOS has no plans to use the Microsoft's solution for its television delivery at this time.

That requires a PC. Streaming high-definition at ATSC bitrates (~19 Mbps) around the home isn't really reliable at this point. Furthermore, only a small minority of Xbox360 users have Vista systems, and none yet have Vista Media Centers with CableCard.

From what I interpreted from that announcement they would be working with each provider individually. They were not exactly detailed on how they would get it done. So I might be wrong about how that is done.

Microsoft claims to have sold 20 million licences for Vista so far. I think you have to weigh the number of people who would be interested in a cable card in the a video game console as opposed to a PC where people want freedom to do what they want with their media. Why trade in one cable box for the Xbox 360?

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+sells+20+million+Vista+licenses/2100-1016_3-6170426.html

My decision was easy.

I was strolling through Walmart and I noticed they had the Pro incorrectly listed for $299. I said to myself "self, I know you haven't bought a console since the Nintendo 64 days, but doesn't that pro version usually cost $399?"

Self didn't answer, so I had to call someone else to confirm. For $100 off, I figured the worst I could do is sell it on ebay for a profit. Thankfully it rang up with the $299 price (I'm sure some employee got in trouble for pricing it wrong). I got home, opened it up "just to see what the hubbub was about" and got hooked on playing games again.

I really dont understand the pro responses. This was obviously going to be the premium but they didnt have it ready which explains basically the same hardware. They know nobody is going to want the middle model so essentially, they just RAISED the price of the 360. We are supposed to be going the other way people...

Please dont support this, we have to let them know this is not ok.

I guess this just goes to show you that you can't please everyone. Ugh.

If they didn't have HDMI, the same people who are criticizing the Elite would be criticizing MS for not having HDMI.

Hey PS3 fan boy. Go back to your forum. Oh wait. There is nothing exciting going on in the PS3 forum. They don't even have a game in the top 10. BTW 13 months live for $39.99 at newegg.

Clearly you quoted the wrong person... :eek:

Clearly you quoted the wrong person... :eek:

Yes I did. I am sorry. Dboss pointed that out to me yesterday.

I guess this just goes to show you that you can't please everyone. Ugh.

If they didn't have HDMI, the same people who are criticizing the Elite would be criticizing MS for not having HDMI.

They would have pleased me by not liying about the current system being able to output digital and having a HDMI cable If there was demand for it.

They would have pleased me by not liying about the current system being able to output digital and having a HDMI cable If there was demand for it.

I remember that quote, and I don't believe they said that they could just make an HDMI cable.

I seem to remember that they said that they could "add HDMI" at some point, which some people took the wrong way.

Yes I did. I am sorry. Dboss pointed that out to me yesterday.


:cool:

I had to double check my comments for a sec.. :D

since i dont have an extra hdmi port, i will stick with this.... until i get the sherwood receiver