X-bit Labs: "Microsoft Preps External Blu-Ray Disc Optical Drive for Xbox 360"

[joeorc]

Report: Manufacting contract awarded for external 360 Blu-ray

October 8th, 2008

According to this X-bit Labs report, Toshiba-Samsung Storage Technology Corp, a joint venture between Samsung and Toshiba, has been contracted to manufacture external Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360.

While the exact specifications of the product are unknown, it is rumoured that Microsoft aims at $100 - $150 price-point for the device.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multime..._Xbox_360.html

[Monkey]

From what I understand the 360 hardware is gimped in that it can't do lossless surround, so it will be just like the HD DVD add-on in that it will make for a gimped blu-ray player.

What they should do is just focus on the xbox720 and integrating a blu-ray drive. Well they probably already are doing that.

[joeorc]

yea they prob. are the more blu-ray the better, i say that means for the most part prices may drop faster

[Monkey]

Definitely true, anything the helps adoption is a good thing (not worried personally). I'm just not sure what MS's motive would be to release such a product, aside from maybe kill some PS3 sales.

[joeorc]

Its so to take away the advantage of Blu-Ray, to mainly keep current xbox360 owners and new consumers from buying a playstation 3 on top of buying a xbox360. That is One of the main reasons by offering an external add on Microsoft wants to keep the current xbox360 base and new future base from also buying a playstation 3.

right now Microsoft has more games for their system, but with compelling content IE: games and HD movies that in 2009 Blu-Ray picking up steam...just this year"IRON MAN Blu-Ray sales prove that" its ONE more Viable OPTION to pick up a Playstation 3 just for Blu-Ray alone its ONE KICK @SS Blu-Ray Player in of itself outside of playing GAMES.

Microsoft see's that.

2009 the switch to HD is going to be a main driver for HD systems
be that PC,MEDIA EXTENDER, HOME THEATRE, PLAYSTATION 3 etc.



IF anything being over $200.00 more in cost ,and yet the install base is not that far behind the xbox360's install base world wide, just shows Sony is on the right track

[Crim122]

Main reason I got the ps3, BUILT IN blu player. Screw buying more stuff.

[aramis109]

Interesting. Still, firmly entrench this one in the "rumor" category until something more comes of it. I'm all for it, as it'll up the adoption rate, but there's the no lossless audio/possible 1080i only via component issues to bear with as well.

[joeorc]

Originally Posted by aramis109

Interesting. Still, firmly entrench this one in the "rumor" category until something more comes of it. I'm all for it, as it'll up the adoption rate, but there's the no lossless audio/possible 1080i only via component issues to bear with as well.

IMO i do think this is True ,I do think Microsoft does see the advantage of offering Blu-Ray to consumers, the HD DVD add on sold pretty well for Microsoft, but offering Blu-Ray would give Microsoft ONE talking point . The XBOX360 can play HD DVD and Blu-Ray movies. which without linux or streaming you could not play HD DVD's on the ps3. but to me its not that big of a deal. that just means the xbox360 would have (3) Optical drives at that point.

[Adhamhnon]

Toshiba making blu ray drives for XBox... I think I've officially entered Bizzaro world.

[dereksworl]

I dont think it will happen..................who cares anyway?!

[Forrestandjen07]

yet again another rourmer

i already got a ps3 for this.

[DeathByAsh'aman]

Im a petty man so i hope its not true. Anything to destroy microsoft, or at least reign them in so competition can flourish.

[xtop]

Originally Posted by Monkey

Definitely true, anything the helps adoption is a good thing (not worried personally). I'm just not sure what MS's motive would be to release such a product, aside from maybe kill some PS3 sales.

kill ps3 sales. bingo! and you're right about the 360 hardware. but it shouldn't matter that the hardware is gimped for the majority of people. so thats mostly a non-issue i think.

whats going on with the thread title

[Aaron]

If you were a true BD supporter and not just a PS3 fanboy, you would be all for this

[xtop]

Originally Posted by Aaron

If you were a true BD supporter and not just a PS3 fanboy, you would be all for this

shhh..you can't say stuff like that around here *looks over shoulder*

[joeorc]

Originally Posted by xtop

kill ps3 sales. bingo! and you're right about the 360 hardware. but it shouldn't matter that the hardware is gimped for the majority of people. so thats mostly a non-issue i think.

whats going on with the thread title

Blu-Ray say's hi

IE: people that have a xbox360 can now also enjoy Blu-Ray.
that is if this does indeed turn out to be true that Microsoft is going to release a blu-ray attachment..blu-ray adoption increases = good news for Blu-Ray.

it does not matter if the xbox360 system gets it .
it still all good. like i said the only talking point is the xbox360 could also play HD DVD disc's, which at this point is OK since the HD DVD external add on could still play those HD DVD movies.Which the HD DVD format has ran its course other than that it gives no real advantage to the xbox360 getting to play Blu-Ray.

[xtop]

its not about the 360 having an advantage with a blu-ray drive, its about them taking a sony advantage away.

i'm still not convinced it'll happen tho

[Psychonaut]

This doesn't sound like Microsoft's MO. I thought they were pushing for all media to be downloaded and streamed directly. With the music industry wanaing due to iTunes and others, I'd be surprised if they jumped on the bandwagon.

[WriteSimply]

Don't know if the rumor is true but it just pains MS as a sad company behind REAL innovation.

Having a BD snap-on still won't make it a PS3 where games on disc is on a BD disc. It's still worth getting a PS3 over 360 with snap-ons + wireless adapter + HDD.


fuad

[dereksworl]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Having a BD snap-on still won't make it a PS3 where games on disc is on a BD disc. It's still worth getting a PS3 over 360 with snap-ons + wireless adapter + HDD.


fuad

+1, Lol. after you buy your 360 you gotta buy a wireless adapter?! WTF is that about?!