HD DVD not yet dead for Xbox 360 - final update?

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 10 April 2008 08:52

Opinion and Analysis

Then earlier this month, Digitimes in Taiwan ran a report which stated that Taiwanese optical drive manufacturer Lite-On was manufacturing a Blu-ray add-on player for the Xbox 360.

Engadget ran with Microsoft’s official denial that: “Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360”, further quoting Microsoft saying that "customers who want a premium movie experience [can check out the] library of on-demand HD content available to console owners.”

I personally still believe that a Blu-ray add-on from Microsoft is on the way, despite all of the denials.

Companies regularly deny they are releasing a product, only to – surprise, surprise – actually start delivering that very product.

It’s all to do with marketing, using misdirection to throw competitors off the scent. Clearly, if the Xbox 360 was powerful enough to display high-definition movies on HD DVD discs, it will be powerful enough to play Blu-ray movies.

I guess it all comes down to whether or not Microsoft is willing to pay the Blu-ray Association royalties, some of which will undoubtedly go to one of Microsoft’s biggest competitors (in consoles) – and partners (in selling computers with Windows)... Sony!