Xbox to feature HDMI High Definition standard after all?
by Conrad Quilty-Harper 
{ Aug 24th 2005 at 3:45PM }
Just last week sister blog HDBeat was questioning Microsoft's lack of HDMI output on the Xbox 360, but now it appears that the feature is there after all, the only issue being that there aren't any cables to take advantage of it. Some guys over at TrustedReviews.com were at the IDF (Intel Developer Forum) in the Moscone Center, San Francisco and spotted an Xbox 360 hooked up to a plasma screen via component video. Apparently they casually asked a Microsoft rep why it wasn't connected by the superior HDMI standard (not knowing officially Microsoft doesn't offer this) and he responded by assuring them that; "360 can output over HDMI, but that there isn't a cable available at present."
Obviously this isn't confirmed officially and there are still questions over why this hasn't been announced and how (assuming they are going to offer the connection) they'll integrate HDMI into the line-up in the future. If this is true and Microsoft's next-gen console is capable of HDMI out of the box, then what's the big deal with holding it all back? I mean, it is just a cable connection right? Thanks to Scott Scott and SilverX for the heads up.
[Via Xbox Scene]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Spartacus @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
According to xbox.com this isn't new news. Microsoft has made DVI and HDMI possibilities but opted for bundling the component because they were more mainstream. Later these cables will most likely be offered just like the VGA cable add-on. I posted this in the last blog about the 360 cables... So I guess this would be the time to say "I told you so", lol.
Gamer @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
Friggin sweet!! That was the main drawback for me.
(now I'm sure everyone wants to disagree and say that they think the whole xbox is a drawback because they are fanboys, so lets not)
monmin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
As #1 pointed out this is not news. It has been said multiple times before that MS will release an HDMI cable when/if the market calls for it.
The reason they are holding back is because currently nobody would use an HDMI cable (statistically speaking of course). They could sell it as an add on, but not many people would buy one. At some point in the near future things will change and they will offer it.
adumicic @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
It may also have something to do with HD-DVD having restrictions on what can be passed through component and HDMI, and seeing as Microsoft haven't made a firm discission there...
Reggie Jack @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
Why wouldn't it be capable of outputting over an HDMI connection? I didn't think that was ever a question, just whether or not microsoft would release the cable.
epobirs @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
For the moment component connections are the most widely available across both NTSC and HD displays. This product is already up against big cost issues and saving must be found wherever possible. Those who've invested in HDMI capable displays aren't going to be too unhappy about buying a cable if it's reasonably priced. A certain number of them will pay out the wazoo for a super-duper third party cable just for the warm feeling it gives them.
HDMI is more of a requirement for the PS3 due to the Blu-ray HD movie playback function. Game publishers don't care if people make perfect digital movies of a game's display. It is copying of the disc that concerns them. For HD movies the image is the product and so digitally recording the image means easy piracy and massive anxiety for the content owners.
Choosing to not include an HD movie playback function in the Xbox 360 has it's good points when it comes to freedom from that part of the DRM wars.
Michael @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
Component and HDMI are exactly the same quality, the latter just includes audio. It'd be sort of pointless to "upgrade" from one to the other unless you're really picky about minimizing cables.
amiga_tone @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
Hmmm. the biggest puzzle game to be released on the XBox 360 - how to connect it to your TV!
OTAM @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
Here's an idea.
1. Get the cable that comes with the Xbox360.
2. Plug one end into the back of the 360,other into your Tv/VCR (i'm sure you can figure which end goes where).
3. Turn power on.
Don't thank me,just trying to help the consumers out.
eric @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
Look for a third party to offer HDMI cables :)
MC @ Dec 18th 2005 9:41PM
****
Component and HDMI are exactly the same quality, the latter just includes audio.
****
DVI-D AND HDMI are the same video signal quality.
Component are NOT a digital signal
I can see a clear quality differance.
Hdmi / DVI-d are absolutly the winner