Microsoft updates Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on
What's the point?
Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
HD DVD may be dead but it's clearly not yet buried. Microsoft this week unveiled a software update for the Xbox 360’s now-discontinued HD DVD add-on drive.
Next time you pop an HD DVD into the drive, the update will be automatically downloaded and installed – provided you’re connected to Xbox Live. If not, then it’ll soon be available through Xbox.com.
Microsoft hasn’t said much about what benefits the update provides, aside from stating that it includes “compatibility improvements” for a number of HD DVD titles and “additional support for network features”.
It’s strange that Microsoft’s chosen to release an update for an add-on drive that it officially discontinued back in February, soon after Toshiba dumped the HD DVD format. The update will leave many Xbox 360 fans wondering what Microsoft’s future plans are for embracing HD media.
Despite several claims that it’s considering introducing a Blu-ray player for the console, including one made by a Sony executive, Microsoft has continuously denied that it’s talking to anyone about the format.
But Microsoft’s ‘anti blu-ray’ statements have always been carefully worded, and the company has never said it’s ruled out Blu-ray altogether. So could the HD DVD add-on update just be a way of throwing gamers off the Xbox 360 Blu-ray scent? You decide.
COMMENTS
Hold on...
I thought HD-DVD didn't need updates, and was a stable format??
So, berating BluRay as a 'profile driven, unstable, not finished yet' format was a case for Pot and Kettle, eh?
Makes sense now... Microshaft were just as bad..
What's the point?? - Plenty
I find it odd that we are quick to give out about companies who produce products with bugs then make them obsolete so as not to have to repair the bugs.
This is a case of a company improving things for those of us who have a collection (granted small) of HD DVD's and have no intention of sending them to landfill.
Please give Kudos where it is deserved - and I know that Microsoft does normally not deserve it but in this case I feel it is justified.
BTW, planet Earth on HD DVD 1080p (US edition) makes purchase of the HD-DVD add on well worth it - and even more so now.....
Walter.
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