View Full Version : Microsoft: No blu-ray for 360
Mael Duin
03-13-2008, 12:51
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1224707720080313?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
I was expecting this one so no surprise.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) is not in talks to include Sony Corp's (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) Blu-ray high-definition DVD technology in its Xbox 360 video game console, an executive said on Wednesday.
The comments by Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for Xbox 360, poured cold water on recent speculation that Microsoft could support Blu-ray after Toshiba Corp (6502.T: Quote, Profile, Research), backer of the rival HD DVD format, gave up when key movie studios and retailers abandoned the technology.
"Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience," Greenberg told Reuters in an interview.
Microsoft, which has stopped making an HD-DVD add-on for the Xbox 360, would continue to invest in its Xbox Live online service that already lets users rent hundreds of movies, including ones in high-definition.
"We're the only console offering digital distribution of entertainment content," Greenberg said.
The software giant also expected that supply problems for the Xbox 360 meant the machine was outsold in the U.S. market by Sony's PlayStation 3 console in February for the second month in a row.
"We definitely expect we will trail in February as a result of our supply constraints," Greenberg said, adding: "By April, we will be in a very healthy inventory situation."
That would be in time for the April 29 launch of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc's (TTWO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) "Grand Theft Auto 4" game, which is widely expected to be one of the best-selling titles of 2008 and could drive purchases of the Xbox 360 and PS3.
Greenberg spoke a day ahead of the planned release of U.S. video game sales data for February by market research firm NPD, whose monthly reports are pored over by game companies eager for bragging rights.
The PS3 struggled last year due to its high price and lack of must-have games, but sales have picked up in recent months thanks to price cuts in late 2008 and a slate of anticipated upcoming games.
"We still think we have a great value, that we have significantly better value than Sony. Every month we've actually been in stock we've outsold them by a 2 to 1 margin," Greenberg said.
Carsonal
03-13-2008, 12:57
Thats not what I was told.........by a fat gypsie.
Very surprising
So it was a lie? Anyway DVD9 and the HD-DVD is so good,so MS don't need Blu-ray!! lol Anyway that's their problem,and it's good that we got an confirmation on this:)
Silver&black_Attack
03-13-2008, 13:36
So it was a lie? Anyway DVD9 and the HD-DVD is so good,so MS don't need Blu-ray!! lol Anyway that's their problem,and it's good that we got an confirmation on this:)DVD9 has worked fine for games on the 360, a Blu-ray add-on would be for movies, and with Blu-ray stand alone players becoming cheaper in the coming months a add-on for the 360 doesn't make sense.
LeisureSuitLarry
03-13-2008, 13:42
Kinda flies in the face of Microsoft's claim about offering "choice" to their customer. I'll say it again: Microsoft has no interest in promoting Sony's media format. Why should they? And how are they going to market an expensive blu-ray add-on? All that would do is make the PS3 a more attractive buy.
I think it's the right decision, but then again I don't really care about HD and Blu Ray much. But there's no reason at the moment for MS to jump ship and support Blu Ray.
That article mentioned nothing about blu ray. I mean, the headline said it but you would think they would have elaborated why in the article.
LeisureSuitLarry
03-13-2008, 14:06
That article mentioned nothing about blu ray. I mean, the headline said it but you would think they would have elaborated why in the article.
Go to page 1 of the article: link (http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1224707720080313?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0)
EncoreEncore
03-13-2008, 14:06
No big surprise here as anything about a blu-ray and the 360 was pure internet rumors...
Oh and just in case people are wondering here is the link to the actual bit that states this threads title.......The OP's link does not take you to the full article....;) (Hope thats ok OP)
"Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience," Greenberg told Reuters in an interview.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1224707720080313
hey??? what happen to their precious choices?
Mael Duin
03-13-2008, 14:35
That article mentioned nothing about blu ray. I mean, the headline said it but you would think they would have elaborated why in the article.
Aaaah sorry, I didnt quote the whole article. Fixed :]
kryton101
03-13-2008, 14:58
I dont see the loss, I probably wouldn't buy a BD drive for the 360 and neither would a lot of people. In less than a year BD players will become very affordable. More so than a BD add on for the 360 would be. So it makes good business sense.
Anyway, it could never be used for the games so it's all redundant. They would only be getting the thing to market in say 6-8 months and then 2 years later the next Xbox is likley released.
justintheman99
03-13-2008, 15:22
Not a big surprise as an add-on would be fairly expensive I am sure which would then make the PS3 even more attractive to consumers.
TwitchingMcgee
03-13-2008, 15:50
And its a sony product it just woundnt justify the ps3 then
overthirtygamernj
03-13-2008, 16:05
hey??? what happen to their precious choices?
I had the choice not to pay to be an early adopter of a format that may have lost the war when I purchased my console. I had a choice to not have to pay for built in Wifi and card readers that I wouldn't have needed or used. And most importantly I had a choice of a ton of great games in 2007. Why do people on this board incesantly feel the need to attack at every opportunity. Its childish.
When it comes down to it, MS wouldn't make much money off it and people wouldn't buy it. Sony will probably drop the PS3 down to $350 soon, why would I buy an add on Blu-Ray for the 360 if I could get a PS3 for $150 more?
Microsoft, which has stopped making an HD-DVD add-on for the Xbox 360, would continue to invest in its Xbox Live online service that already lets users rent hundreds of movies, including ones in high-definition.
Too bad those HD-movies take forever to download and are super-compressed. Until bandwidth improves... HD-movies will still be better on disc. I still see potential for a Blu-ray add-on for the 360. An add-on could be made for cheaper than a stand alone Blu-ray player because the add-on would require less materials to make as it would be using some of the existing hardware of the 360 for playback. At least I think that would be the case...
zeon9881
03-13-2008, 16:23
they said they wont have the blu-ray in the console, but than again i only read the first 3 lines
LeisureSuitLarry
03-13-2008, 18:22
I had the choice not to pay to be an early adopter of a format that may have lost the war when I purchased my console. I had a choice to not have to pay for built in Wifi and card readers that I wouldn't have needed or used. And most importantly I had a choice of a ton of great games in 2007. Why do people on this board incesantly feel the need to attack at every opportunity. Its childish.
When it comes down to it, MS wouldn't make much money off it and people wouldn't buy it. Sony will probably drop the PS3 down to $350 soon, why would I buy an add on Blu-Ray for the 360 if I could get a PS3 for $150 more?
I read more than a few posts by some praising Microsoft for offering an HD drive as a "choice" on this board. Why should Microsoft be immune from criticism when they taken that "choice" away? It is really a no-win situation for Microsoft. For the reasons you stated, it doesn't make sense from a business standpoint to offer a blu-ray drive, but again, what about giving the customer a choice? In the end, it doesn't really matter. There still isn't a huge demand for HD movies and even less demand from 360 owners. That, and their push for digital downloads, are Microsoft's saving grace.
Need0fOne
03-13-2008, 19:18
I'm not surprised at all. In fact given the HD-DVD's defeat, the criticism they got for not having a standard HDD, not wanting to help Sony and their digital download ambition, I fully expect their next console to have NO optical drive.
I had the choice not to pay to be an early adopter of a format that may have lost the war when I purchased my console. I had a choice to not have to pay for built in Wifi and card readers that I wouldn't have needed or used. And most importantly I had a choice of a ton of great games in 2007. Why do people on this board incesantly feel the need to attack at every opportunity. Its childish.
When it comes down to it, MS wouldn't make much money off it and people wouldn't buy it. Sony will probably drop the PS3 down to $350 soon, why would I buy an add on Blu-Ray for the 360 if I could get a PS3 for $150 more?
I dont see nobody here attacking nothing, but I see you getting defensive about an unexisting threat, and I wonder why.... Blu-Ray won the format war, I love the WiFi I have a baby boy and I wouldn't like to have a cable laying on the floor and 2008 is shaping up as a great year for PS3 owners... So I'm pretty sure there is no reason for PS3 owners to regret their decision either... Actually, I feel it has been a real smart one...
well with the price cuts it seems like they are going the nintendo route,ither way im sure a version will blu-ray will eventually come out,unless MS releases a new console within 2 years.
tmacfan4321
03-14-2008, 00:26
Okay, what type of "news" is this?
Microsoft has been denying Blu-Ray talks from the get-go. Why are they so much more convincing now than they were before?
Carsonal
03-14-2008, 00:33
Kinda flies in the face of Microsoft's claim about offering "choice" to their customer. I'll say it again: Microsoft has no interest in promoting Sony's media format. Why should they? And how are they going to market an expensive blu-ray add-on? All that would do is make the PS3 a more attractive buy.
You and I know that choices stuff was just PR bull****.
Especially since it was Peter Moore who enjoyed saying it most
admartian
03-14-2008, 00:36
What happened to giving choice to consumers? Never mind. :lol:
I knew that this was never going to happen...
next time i go to best buy i will find that worker and tell them that the 360 will not have a blu-ray player.
he told every body it will lol.........
LeisureSuitLarry
03-14-2008, 13:45
You and I know that choices stuff was just PR bull****.
Especially since it was Peter Moore who enjoyed saying it most
Give Peter Moore credit. The man could sell an idea!
Silver&black_Attack
03-14-2008, 14:13
What happened to giving choice to consumers? Never mind. :lol:I wonder what choice consumers would make, a stand alone Blu-ray player and the add-on would likely be in the same price range by this Christmas, and buying a PS3 could serve as your BR player also.
If your not going to be able to give a 360 owner a sound choice why do it just for the sake of choice?
admartian
03-15-2008, 06:50
I wonder what choice consumers would make, a stand alone Blu-ray player and the add-on would likely be in the same price range by this Christmas, and buying a PS3 could serve as your BR player also.
If your not going to be able to give a 360 owner a sound choice why do it just for the sake of choice?lol I was joking mate. :lol: That's Peter Moore for ya. ;)
SlimDan22
03-16-2008, 17:09
i knew microsoft wouldnt want to use another companys format
they have always been "Independent" from everyone and would rather use something of there own that they created
Is it such a bad thing if a company would rather use their own stuff than someone else's?
That sucks, it would have been nice to play Blu-Rays on meh 360. My name can't stand behind me and my 360 anymore. :(
And here I thought Microsoft was all about choice..
skarekrow
03-16-2008, 17:34
I wish you people would quit bashing anything and everything.
This, in my opinion is the best option there is because the information would transfered over usb which not prove to be so great in HD-DVDs case. The quality on blu-rays just wouldnt be there and anyone who has compared the HD-DVD add on to that of a stand alone player will tell you that.
Businesses cater to a audience that will buy and if you truly think that this would sell well, your kidding yourself. The HD-DVD add on only sold well because it was cheaper than buying a stand alone unit and people needed to support it in order to under mine "Sonys" (in quotes because its not entirely theirs) blu-ray format.
Going this route saves MS from making yet another mistake and saves the consumer money as they dont need to purchase yet another over priced add on.
I dont see MS making this option "affordable" especially if Apple and Sony have anything to say about it.
Sure MS said that they offer choices and while this decision may negate that, they also said that they are focused on games more than anything and this basically supports that statement as the add on wouldnt be used for games.
I like reading arguments in forums, so please, carry on...
That's just Microsoft guys,and we can't change their mind, unless we do not buy their products or something like that lol:)
Anyway who cares how they treat their consumers as long you aren't one of them:P
baydestrian23
03-19-2008, 04:09
So Microsoft has blu-ray too or what?
So Microsoft has blu-ray too or what?
And you ask that question in a thread titled "Microsoft: No blu-ray for 360"?
The short answer is no. The long answer is still no, but you can read more about that in the posts in this thread.
tmacfan4321
03-19-2008, 04:15
I would actually say that the long answer is maybe, because of the fact that MS is likely to implement Blu tech in its next Xbox.
Well, that is pure speculation, something I don't like to get too much into. And the next Xbox is still far, far away!
baydestrian23
03-19-2008, 04:32
And you ask that question in a thread titled "Microsoft: No blu-ray for 360"?
The short answer is no. The long answer is still no, but you can read more about that in the posts in this thread.
Oh..Didn't read too much of it..
Not surprised in the slightest, I know some said they'd use it if HD-DVD failed (over a year ago) but look at it for what it's worth.
X360 uses DVD9 for its games, they have successfully incorporated switching of discs for games which need more data for whatever it may be.
MS want the future to involve digital downloads distribution, supporting Blu-ray won't assist in that, plus Sony are their competitors on the console front with internal BD's already.
Like leisuresuitlarry said; why would they?
BRandON99
03-19-2008, 09:33
What are they going to do when a DVD doesn't have enough room for a game? I know they can throw more layers on there but putting it on 2 discs is more expensive and kind of a hassle for consumers. It wouldn't hurt anyone to replace the DVD drive with a Blu-Ray drive and make it standard equipment. Then 360 won't run out of space for games and plays Blu-Rays too. Plus they won't be using old technology anymore. They'll make the jump soon enough but it won't be an add-on, it'll just be the drive it comes with.
LeisureSuitLarry
03-19-2008, 13:14
What are they going to do when a DVD doesn't have enough room for a game? I know they can throw more layers on there but putting it on 2 discs is more expensive and kind of a hassle for consumers. It wouldn't hurt anyone to replace the DVD drive with a Blu-Ray drive and make it standard equipment. Then 360 won't run out of space for games and plays Blu-Rays too. Plus they won't be using old technology anymore. They'll make the jedfasdfassoon enough but it won't be an add-on, it'll just be the drive it comes with.
That will NEVER happen. If MS switched media formats in mid-generation, thus making every current 360 obsolete in the process......well, let's just hope Microsoft has an army of mob control on the payroll. Break out the pitchforks and torches, boys!
http://movietonic.com/hollywood/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/800px-simpsons_angry_mob.png
BRandON99
03-19-2008, 13:29
LOL you're right larry, Blu-Ray developed games wouldn't work on the DVD drives... OK so maybe they do offer an attachment as well. For $500. Or maybe a "do it yourself laser replacement kit" or...
What are they going to do when a DVD doesn't have enough room for a game? I know they can throw more layers on there but putting it on 2 discs is more expensive and kind of a hassle for consumers.
I didn't hear any PS2 owner whine about having to get off his/her fat ass to change discs, hardly a hassle man, seriously... The initial cost of the Blu-ray disc probably costs more than 2 or 3 DVD's for MS.
It wouldn't hurt anyone to replace the DVD drive with a Blu-Ray drive and make it standard equipment.
The X360 has a larger consumer base than the PS3, MS would commit suicide if they made the most stupendous move in their 25+ year history, not only would that be a stupid move, it'd cost MS more.
Then 360 won't run out of space for games and plays Blu-Rays too. Plus they won't be using old technology anymore. They'll make the jump soon enough but it won't be an add-on, it'll just be the drive it comes with.
I think you need to assess the reality a little more (that was not meant to sound rude), I think you're looking into this all a little too much with your feelings than with your logic, DVD is fine this generation, not dead and buried yet.
clerks37
03-20-2008, 05:31
This is retarded way to drop the ball m$.
I didn't hear any PS2 owner whine about having to get off his/her fat ass to change discs, hardly a hassle man, seriously... The initial cost of the Blu-ray disc probably costs more than 2 or 3 DVD's for MS.
That was "last" gen this is supposed to be "next gen" technology.
Can't really call it next gen when you're playing catch up with the competition. I would think HDMI and a larger format would be priority
for a next gen console. It's not like games are going to get smaller or
TVs are going back to analog.
Two4DaMoney
03-20-2008, 06:38
Every damn time I think about getting my own 360 some **** like this is posted. Hell I might as well keep ****ing waiting.
That will NEVER happen. If MS switched media formats in mid-generation, thus making every current 360 obsolete in the process......well, let's just hope Microsoft has an army of mob control on the payroll. Break out the pitchforks and torches, boys!
It wouldnt even be a proper SKU upgrade... it would be the XBox 540... or 361... or something...
BakaMaster
03-20-2008, 07:19
What are they going to do when a DVD doesn't have enough room for a game? I know they can throw more layers on there but putting it on 2 discs is more expensive and kind of a hassle for consumers. It wouldn't hurt anyone to replace the DVD drive with a Blu-Ray drive and make it standard equipment. Then 360 won't run out of space for games and plays Blu-Rays too. Plus they won't be using old technology anymore. They'll make the jump soon enough but it won't be an add-on, it'll just be the drive it comes with.
But the thing is DVD9 came out way long ago before Xbox 360 was putting it in good use. If i remeber correct Record of Lodoss War - The Complete Series DVD using 2 Disc putting out 355 Mins thats almost 6 hours. I remeber having that Disc sence 1997.
company makes DVD9 look exprensive but some old fat model PS2 can play DVD9 games or movies. If you notice on most Anime Disc, if you look at the bottom and see a golden look disc under it. Its usely DVD9 and i can tell you one anime i have thats 7.7 GB on disc witch called Alien Defender Geo-Armor: Kishin Corps. It dose play well on my DVD and PS2.
PS3 rocks
03-20-2008, 07:28
I don't see why they need one, it's not going to appeal to anyone since to play Blu-ray movies you need to buy a 360 and the add-on. If it's internal, then what's the point? I wonder how much it would cost. If it's more then the PS3 then it's bang for buck won't be looking good.
SolidSnakeUS
03-20-2008, 07:34
Surprising that they just kind of threw it out. Well, have fun with this Microsoft.
I don't think M$ should incorporate a BD drive, but should at least offer one as an add-on. That is the way they were defending themselves before, giving there customers an HD media option outside of the gaming experience.
I do see why they wont though. If they force people to get there media via LIVE, then they force more people to subscribe to LIVE. A LIVE subscription after all is much less than a BD drive. It will just eat up way too much bandwidth and HDD space for most peoples liking.