Xbox 360? Elite High-Definition Gaming and Entertainment System

[Jules]

Originally posted by: CKDragon

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'll take a wild guess, this system WON'T come with the HDMI cable right?
I'll take another wild guess, the HDMI cable it uses WON'T be the standard.

Anyone have any idea how much MS will charge for their proprietary one?

I'm actually thinking about getting an Xbox 360, I don't need 120 gigs or HDMI, but I sure do like the black look of it.

Luckily for both of us, you're wrong on both accounts.

MS is including the HDMI cable per the official stories on the net that reference the press release. Here's more.

By the way, someone also mentioned earlier in this thread that the Elite would be a limited run. That's an old, outdated rumor that was proven wrong by MS's official statement on it.

CK

Im thinking of picking up a xbox 360 again. i just sold mine about 2 months ago. Im not sure though as i might go buy the Ps3 20gb version as i have a 80gb laptop drive thats brand new.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: MyStupidMouth

Originally posted by: CKDragon

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'll take a wild guess, this system WON'T come with the HDMI cable right?
I'll take another wild guess, the HDMI cable it uses WON'T be the standard.

Anyone have any idea how much MS will charge for their proprietary one?

I'm actually thinking about getting an Xbox 360, I don't need 120 gigs or HDMI, but I sure do like the black look of it.

Luckily for both of us, you're wrong on both accounts.

MS is including the HDMI cable per the official stories on the net that reference the press release. Here's more.

By the way, someone also mentioned earlier in this thread that the Elite would be a limited run. That's an old, outdated rumor that was proven wrong by MS's official statement on it.

CK

Im thinking of picking up a xbox 360 again. i just sold mine about 2 months ago. Im not sure though as i might go buy the Ps3 20gb version as i have a 80gb laptop drive thats brand new.

There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

 

[CKDragon]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: MyStupidMouth

Originally posted by: CKDragon

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'll take a wild guess, this system WON'T come with the HDMI cable right?
I'll take another wild guess, the HDMI cable it uses WON'T be the standard.

Anyone have any idea how much MS will charge for their proprietary one?

I'm actually thinking about getting an Xbox 360, I don't need 120 gigs or HDMI, but I sure do like the black look of it.

Luckily for both of us, you're wrong on both accounts.

MS is including the HDMI cable per the official stories on the net that reference the press release. Here's more.

By the way, someone also mentioned earlier in this thread that the Elite would be a limited run. That's an old, outdated rumor that was proven wrong by MS's official statement on it.

CK

Im thinking of picking up a xbox 360 again. i just sold mine about 2 months ago. Im not sure though as i might go buy the Ps3 20gb version as i have a 80gb laptop drive thats brand new.

There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

I agree with you for the most part. I have yet to own any version of the 360 so I'm not sure if #1 will hold true throughout the entire life of the console. It seems like I'm constantly reading about new downloadable content that I'll want. I suppose I could just re-download it, though.

However, I would add a third reason is that you want the 120GB hard drive off the bat for the future IPTV. That's pretty much confirmed at this point, right? Therefore, that space will come in mighty handy when the time comes.

I completely understand where the 360 vs. PS3 arguments are coming from on a strictly hardware perspective, but there are just no games at all that I want for PS3 right now while there's ~10-15 that I want for 360. Maybe when the PS3's library builds up I'll get one to go next to my Wii60.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: CKDragon

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: MyStupidMouth

Originally posted by: CKDragon

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'll take a wild guess, this system WON'T come with the HDMI cable right?
I'll take another wild guess, the HDMI cable it uses WON'T be the standard.

Anyone have any idea how much MS will charge for their proprietary one?

I'm actually thinking about getting an Xbox 360, I don't need 120 gigs or HDMI, but I sure do like the black look of it.

Luckily for both of us, you're wrong on both accounts.

MS is including the HDMI cable per the official stories on the net that reference the press release. Here's more.

By the way, someone also mentioned earlier in this thread that the Elite would be a limited run. That's an old, outdated rumor that was proven wrong by MS's official statement on it.

CK

Im thinking of picking up a xbox 360 again. i just sold mine about 2 months ago. Im not sure though as i might go buy the Ps3 20gb version as i have a 80gb laptop drive thats brand new.

There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

I agree with you for the most part. I have yet to own any version of the 360 so I'm not sure if #1 will hold true throughout the entire life of the console. It seems like I'm constantly reading about new downloadable content that I'll want. I suppose I could just re-download it, though.

However, I would add a third reason is that you want the 120GB hard drive off the bat for the future IPTV. That's pretty much confirmed at this point, right? Therefore, that space will come in mighty handy when the time comes.

I completely understand where the 360 vs. PS3 arguments are coming from on a strictly hardware perspective, but there are just no games at all that I want for PS3 right now while there's ~10-15 that I want for 360. Maybe when the PS3's library builds up I'll get one to go next to my Wii60.

Most of the downloadable content is reasonably small < 1GB. The largest so far has been for the FFXI MMORPG. Even the Oblivion:Shivering Isles expansion is just under a Gig. XBLA games are tiny. Demos can get up over a GB but you aren't going to keep every demo on your system forever.

IPTV is supposed to be coming later this fall. I believe the 360 will still be able to do IPTV without the 120GB HDD. Probably just won't have any DVR functions with it. The rollout of IPTV is sooo limited so far though that this isn't even an issue for the majority of people for the next couple of years.

 

[nyker96]

nice video!

 

[WileECoyote]

Quick question will it be possible with the Elite to connect the HDMI to my TV and optical/coax to my receiver for audio? IF not how can you get 5.1 if your receiver does not have HDMI inputs?

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: MyStupidMouth

Originally posted by: CKDragon

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'll take a wild guess, this system WON'T come with the HDMI cable right?
I'll take another wild guess, the HDMI cable it uses WON'T be the standard.

Anyone have any idea how much MS will charge for their proprietary one?

I'm actually thinking about getting an Xbox 360, I don't need 120 gigs or HDMI, but I sure do like the black look of it.

Luckily for both of us, you're wrong on both accounts.

MS is including the HDMI cable per the official stories on the net that reference the press release. Here's more.

By the way, someone also mentioned earlier in this thread that the Elite would be a limited run. That's an old, outdated rumor that was proven wrong by MS's official statement on it.

CK

Im thinking of picking up a xbox 360 again. i just sold mine about 2 months ago. Im not sure though as i might go buy the Ps3 20gb version as i have a 80gb laptop drive thats brand new.

There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

1.3 and 1.2 of HDMI? whats the what's the difference? if i do buy a xbox 360 it will be the elite version. Why? Cus its only 80$ more. But i already owned a 360 and i got rid of it because alot of my friends left and dont play anymore. so a PS3 would be considered but the games are lacking.

 

[lupi]

Wow, with all these replies the deal is now even hotter!

 

[maximusfarticus]

Originally posted by: lupi
Wow, with all these replies the deal is now even hotter!

Retail price!!!

This thread belongs in the gaming section.

 

[Dacalo]

Originally posted by: Queasy
There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

You have it the other way around. Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI is 1.2 , NOT 1.3. This means that it will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Talk about half-assed. It can however do 2 channel.

More details.

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: maximusfarticus

Originally posted by: lupi
Wow, with all these replies the deal is now even hotter!

Retail price!!!

This thread belongs in the gaming section.

We heard you already and no one cares.

 

[deeznuts]

Originally posted by: MyStupidMouth

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: MyStupidMouth

Originally posted by: CKDragon

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'll take a wild guess, this system WON'T come with the HDMI cable right?
I'll take another wild guess, the HDMI cable it uses WON'T be the standard.

Anyone have any idea how much MS will charge for their proprietary one?

I'm actually thinking about getting an Xbox 360, I don't need 120 gigs or HDMI, but I sure do like the black look of it.

Luckily for both of us, you're wrong on both accounts.

MS is including the HDMI cable per the official stories on the net that reference the press release. Here's more.

By the way, someone also mentioned earlier in this thread that the Elite would be a limited run. That's an old, outdated rumor that was proven wrong by MS's official statement on it.

CK

Im thinking of picking up a xbox 360 again. i just sold mine about 2 months ago. Im not sure though as i might go buy the Ps3 20gb version as i have a 80gb laptop drive thats brand new.

There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

1.3 and 1.2 of HDMI? whats the what's the difference? if i do buy a xbox 360 it will be the elite version. Why? Cus its only 80$ more. But i already owned a 360 and i got rid of it because alot of my friends left and dont play anymore. so a PS3 would be considered but the games are lacking.

Deep color (not too important) and allowing the newer lossless codecs TrueHD and DTS-HD.

 

[deeznuts]

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: Queasy
There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

You have it the other way around. Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI is 1.2 , NOT 1.3. This means that it will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Talk about half-assed. It can however do 2 channel.

More details.

Slight correction here ... You do not need HDMI 1.3 to pass multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. I believe HDMI 1.1 could do that. It's the newer lossless codecs (TrueHD and DTD-HD) that need 1.3.

 

[agrall]

Originally posted by: deeznuts

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: Queasy
There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

You have it the other way around. Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI is 1.2 , NOT 1.3. This means that it will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Talk about half-assed. It can however do 2 channel.

More details.

Slight correction here ... You do not need HDMI 1.3 to pass multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. I believe HDMI 1.1 could do that. It's the newer lossless codecs (TrueHD and DTD-HD) that need 1.3.

But the other rumor is that the 360 will not be able to decode the lossless audio formats - so....

 

[Treyshadow]

Correction again.

It can do multichannel HDMI 1.2a, but correct no True HD audio (at least not by default, maybe in a firmware upgrade)

So DTS, Dolby Digital Check.

 

[agrall]

Originally posted by: Treyshadow
Correction again.

It can do multichannel HDMI 1.2a, but correct no True HD audio (at least not by default, maybe in a firmware upgrade)

So DTS, Dolby Digital Check.

Which are both compressed formats... Once you have heard uncompressed audio on the HD disc formats, it's tough to go back...

As of now, they are saying no uncompressed sound from the 360 - period. That means -

No True HD
no DTS HD Master
no PCM 7.1

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: MyStupidMouth
Very Hot. 100gb more HD Space, Black casing and HDMI for only 80 bucks more.

You'd pay $80 for a 100GB HD (difference between 120GB and 20GB = 100GB) and a HDMI port? Sorry, but that's not hot.

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: runninkyle17
First of all, MS made a huge mistake putting this out at such a high price. Look at what the Wii has done with its price tag. I have had a 360 for just under a year so I can tell you from experience that it is a good system and while the premium is lacking some of the things the PS3 has it has been out longer.

Anyway, the reason I think MS screwed up is because all the people that spent the money on a 360 before the "elite" version came out now feel like MS just screwed them over. Basically MS released a dumbed down version of the 360 to gain ground on Sony, then when they had the market share secured they released another full featured version at an INCREASED price. If MS wanted to really show some consumer loyalty then they should have reduced the price on the Core and premium systems and priced the elite system at $400.

Not to mention the fact that the 120GB add-on hard drive is ridiculously priced at $180. What kind of crap is that????? Since when does a 120GB hard drive cost over $80, let alone $180? The whole HDMI thing really doesn't matter to me because I am not using the HDMI port on my TV and by the time I do, the "new" 360 will have HD-DVD, Wifi, and all kinds of other goodies built in.

I am a little confused at what MS is trying to do with the console market though? It seems like they are trying to make consoles into very temporary things like PC's are. I understand new technology is coming out that will make the console better, but they should wait until they have a very stable system and produce one final product that consumers can be confident in using for 4 or 5 years like older console systems. Heck, I still use my PS2 and I probably will be using it for another year or so until Sony pulls their head out of their butts and fixes the prices on the PS3's.

News flash, Microsoft and Sony are both heartless corporation and only care about your wallet. They're in this for the money, and this is what they viewed as being the most cost effective strategy.

 

[kki000]

Originally posted by: deeznuts

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: Queasy
There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

You have it the other way around. Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI is 1.2 , NOT 1.3. This means that it will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Talk about half-assed. It can however do 2 channel.

More details.

Slight correction here ... You do not need HDMI 1.3 to pass multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. I believe HDMI 1.1 could do that. It's the newer lossless codecs (TrueHD and DTD-HD) that need 1.3.

Not exactly. Its not simply a matter of missing 1.3, you can send truehd as pcm 5.1 over hdmi1.2 (even 1.1)
MS specifically castrated this functionality down to 2 channels.

No one is denying that all corporation are heartless money grubbing whores. MS could be grubbing more money had they been smarter about this. As it stands this simply segments their own market share more, doesnt draw anyone away from the ps3 camp.(or wii for that matter)

 

[magnux]

The only reason I intially considered upgrading to the newer model was for the HDMI which I figured would finally allow me to utilize Dolby True HD from my Xbox HD DVD Player. Once I found out that I still can't do that, I lost interest immediately. Sad, really.

The 120GB drive is useless. You're spending more money to allow yourself to spend even more filling it up. Boggling. Until you can play uncompressed PCM over HDMI -- I'm quite happy with my 'phased out' unit.

Is it too much to ask to be able to play my Nine Inch Nails DVD in TrueHD? /cry

 

[deeznuts]

Originally posted by: kki000

Originally posted by: deeznuts

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: Queasy
There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

You have it the other way around. Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI is 1.2 , NOT 1.3. This means that it will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Talk about half-assed. It can however do 2 channel.

More details.

Slight correction here ... You do not need HDMI 1.3 to pass multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. I believe HDMI 1.1 could do that. It's the newer lossless codecs (TrueHD and DTD-HD) that need 1.3.

Not exactly. Its not simply a matter of missing 1.3, you can send truehd as pcm 5.1 over hdmi1.2 (even 1.1)
MS specifically castrated this functionality down to 2 channels.

yes I understand you can send truehd/dts hd ma as pcm 5.1 over hdmi 1.1 and up. that's because the player decodes this to PCM and sends it.

to output the TrueHD or DTS-HD MA signal itself, over HDMI, to the receiver for external decoding, you need HDMI 1.3. That's what I said above but I guess with the way I worded it one could read it the way you did.

 

[Sniper82]

I'd rather seen a $50-$100 price cut on the premium. I was/am waiting for lower price to buy not more features and a higher price. I think MS did this because most with older Xbox's will sell them off and buy new ones. Also alot that was waiting will now buy since they can have a upgraded Xbox for just $80 more.

I'll continue to wait for the $299 price tag on a bundle with any HD. Curious are they gonna do away with Core and Premium? Or just leave them priced as is?

 

[kki000]

Originally posted by: deeznuts

Originally posted by: kki000

Originally posted by: deeznuts

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: Queasy
There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

You have it the other way around. Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI is 1.2 , NOT 1.3. This means that it will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Talk about half-assed. It can however do 2 channel.

More details.

Slight correction here ... You do not need HDMI 1.3 to pass multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. I believe HDMI 1.1 could do that. It's the newer lossless codecs (TrueHD and DTD-HD) that need 1.3.

Not exactly. Its not simply a matter of missing 1.3, you can send truehd as pcm 5.1 over hdmi1.2 (even 1.1)
MS specifically castrated this functionality down to 2 channels.

yes I understand you can send truehd/dts hd ma as pcm 5.1 over hdmi 1.1 and up. that's because the player decodes this to PCM and sends it.

to output the TrueHD or DTS-HD MA signal itself, over HDMI, to the receiver for external decoding, you need HDMI 1.3. That's what I said above but I guess with the way I worded it one could read it the way you did.

Sorry to keep beating this horse.
"Official" "Why you don't need HDMI 1.3" thread

"* You don't need HDMI 1.3 to take advantage of Dolby True HD
* You don't need HDMI 1.3 to take advantage of Dolby Digital Plus
* You don't need HDMI 1.3 to take advantage of DTS-HD Master Audio"

"Some people have said that they are waiting for HDMI 1.3 as they want the decoding done in the AVR. There is no evidence that could improve the sound in any way. Even if it did, according to Dolby, it may not be possible on all discs:" Please see post for explanation on this.

Again if it were MS omitting functionality because hdm1.3 specs werent ready etc, that would be one thing.
MS specifically omitted functionality that virtually all hd dvd players can do on the market already using existing standards, 1.1 and 1.2.
I think this is much more insidious. (Stupid?)

 

[lupi]

Are there any Wiis in stock?

 

[deeznuts]

Originally posted by: kki000

Originally posted by: deeznuts

Originally posted by: kki000

Originally posted by: deeznuts

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: Queasy
There are only two reasons to buy the Elite:
1) If you are or want to be a heavy user of the Live Video Marketplace. If you are not then 20GB is more than enough space.

2) If you insist on having an HDMI connection. The majority of 360 games are 720p which looks just fine over component. Since it has been announced that the 360's HDMI connection will be 1.3 and not 1.2, one of the benefits of HDMI is lost already.

You have it the other way around. Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI is 1.2 , NOT 1.3. This means that it will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. Talk about half-assed. It can however do 2 channel.

More details.

Slight correction here ... You do not need HDMI 1.3 to pass multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. I believe HDMI 1.1 could do that. It's the newer lossless codecs (TrueHD and DTD-HD) that need 1.3.

Not exactly. Its not simply a matter of missing 1.3, you can send truehd as pcm 5.1 over hdmi1.2 (even 1.1)
MS specifically castrated this functionality down to 2 channels.

yes I understand you can send truehd/dts hd ma as pcm 5.1 over hdmi 1.1 and up. that's because the player decodes this to PCM and sends it.

to output the TrueHD or DTS-HD MA signal itself, over HDMI, to the receiver for external decoding, you need HDMI 1.3. That's what I said above but I guess with the way I worded it one could read it the way you did.

Sorry to keep beating this horse.
"Official" "Why you don't need HDMI 1.3" thread

"* You don't need HDMI 1.3 to take advantage of Dolby True HD
* You don't need HDMI 1.3 to take advantage of Dolby Digital Plus
* You don't need HDMI 1.3 to take advantage of DTS-HD Master Audio"

"Some people have said that they are waiting for HDMI 1.3 as they want the decoding done in the AVR. There is no evidence that could improve the sound in any way. Even if it did, according to Dolby, it may not be possible on all discs:" Please see post for explanation on this.

Again if it were MS omitting functionality because hdm1.3 specs werent ready etc, that would be one thing.
MS specifically omitted functionality that virtually all hd dvd players can do on the market already using existing standards, 1.1 and 1.2.
I think this is much more insidious. (Stupid?)

Been an avsforum member for years. To recap, you don't need 1.3 because the player can decode TrueHD and DTS HD MA and send it over as PCM. IF you want to send an undecoded TrueHD or DTS HD MA stream, for your receiver to decode it, you need 1.3, but there is no real use for that or is it entirely known it will be fully possible.

And that quote you posted was the exact sentence from that thread I had in mind.

I agree with your take re:Microsoft not allowing a feature that is already included with any version of HDMI. It's stupid.