thesman's Full Review: Microsoft HD DVD for Xbox 360
It's tough not to be intrigued by the $200 price point of an HD-DVD player in today's market. Having never compared HD-DVD or Blu-Ray against the quality of a standard DVD I was set to return this unit if I wasn't impressed by the picture.
Well, needless to say, I returned 2 defective units hoping that my third Xbox 360 HD-DVD player lasts more than a couple of showing because there IS a difference especially with movies filmed in high definition.
The Xbox 360 HD-DVD player is easy to set-up, possesses a relatively small footprint when on its side and delivers an exceptional picture. Honestly, I am not schooled in the difference between 1080i vs. 1080p but comparing King Kong in DVD and HD-DVD - well, let's just say that my wife, who could care less about a high definition picture, noticed a significant difference in favor of HD-DVD.
However, as I stated in my 'con', this is my third player. The first player had an issue with the drive door opening and closing uncontrollably on only my second use. The second drive refused to read a disk, regardless of the format, again on its second use. A little more than a tap on the top of the unit got it started - but I should expect more from a $200 piece of hardware - so I returned it for a third. If that breaks - I am done with this unit - but SOLD on HD-DVD or Blu-Ray if I can get my hands on a PS3 at some point in the next few months.
Also, I feel obligated to point out a sound issue. Not of the hardware itself – in fact, it is whisper quiet, but one should know that the USB connection will cause you to crank up the volume of your TV or Surround Sound system. I have my Xbox 360 connected to my 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound system via an optical connection. The 360 ROCKS on a moderately low volume setting. I must crank it up to almost twice the volume to get the same volume of sound. The issue is, of course, going back to the Xbox 360 Main Menu which is now incredibly loud. Also, when you turn off the Xbox 360 or return to the Xbox Main Menu while watching a film you do not possess the ability to pick up where you left off.
I’ll be sure to update all of you if I have another problem with the player.
UPDATE - Three Times is a Charm. I've had my third HD-DVD unit for a year with no issues. I still contend that it is not built extremely well, but it has been reliable.
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