You're probably sick by now of hearing "Next Generation" this and "High Definition" that, but what does it all mean? A far better movie viewing experience is what! The age of High Definition is among us, with High Definition meaning a sharper and more defined picture which therefore shows more ... Read review
ClimaxDigital offers you the high quality, high performance and reliable 4 X 2 HDMI True ... more
Matrix Switch-splitter that allows you to connect 4 HDMI sources to any or any combination of the 2 HDMI output displays and easily switch between them. The 2 HDMI...
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ClimaxDigital offers you the high quality, high performance and reliable 4 X 2 HDMI True ... more
Matrix Switch-splitter that allows you to connect 4 HDMI sources to any or any combination of the 2 HDMI output displays and easily switch between them. The 2 HDMI...
Postage & Packaging: £2.95 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The HDMI converter is a component video (YPbPr) to HDMI converter. It converts YPbPr input ... more
into HDMI signal output. The HDMI converter has the ability of buffering and amplifying the signal. It achieves long distance transmission of HDMI signal of more than 15 metres. The HDMI Converter is a component video (YPbPr) converter that allows older analogue devices to be integrated seamlessly into the modern home theatre setup. This adapter connects component video home theatre devices to HDMI compliant digital LCD / Plasma screen. This adapter also takes digital audio and encodes it onto the HDMI signal for the full HDMI video and audio effect.* With the Component + Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter legacy home theatre devices can be easily connected to any HDMI display for the full digital video and audio experience. (* Please note that as Component cables don't have an integrated audio signal, a separate lead to an amp will have to be used to produce the audio, or alternatively an SPDIF cable can be used to route the audio through this converter unit, giving you full video and audio to the HDMI output.). Features: The only HDMI converter to be approved by HDMI ATC lab. Fully supports 1080P HDTV. HDCP Compliant. Gold plated connectors. Built in amplifier and equaliser enables longer HDMI cables to be used. Plug and play, installs in seconds. Shape HDTV resolutions up to 1080p. VGA 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1920x1200. DTV/HDTV 480i / 576i / 480p / 576p / 720p / 1080i / 1080p. HDMI V1.3+ HDCP 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3
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The HDMI converter is a component video (YPbPr) to HDMI converter. It converts YPbPr input ... more
into HDMI signal output. The HDMI converter has the ability of buffering and amplifying the signal. It achieves long distance transmission of HDMI signal of more than 15 metres. The HDMI Converter is a component video (YPbPr) converter that allows older analogue devices to be integrated seamlessly into the modern home theatre setup. This adapter connects component video home theatre devices to HDMI compliant digital LCD / Plasma screen. This adapter also takes digital audio and encodes it onto the HDMI signal for the full HDMI video and audio effect.* With the Component + Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter legacy home theatre devices can be easily connected to any HDMI display for the full digital video and audio experience. (* Please note that as Component cables don't have an integrated audio signal, a separate lead to an amp will have to be used to produce the audio, or alternatively an SPDIF cable can be used to route the audio through this converter unit, giving you full video and audio to the HDMI output.). Features: The only HDMI converter to be approved by HDMI ATC lab. Fully supports 1080P HDTV. HDCP Compliant. Gold plated connectors. Built in amplifier and equaliser enables longer HDMI cables to be used. Plug and play, installs in seconds. Shape HDTV resolutions up to 1080p. VGA 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1920x1200. DTV/HDTV 480i / 576i / 480p / 576p / 720p / 1080i / 1080p. HDMI V1.3+ HDCP 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3
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Advantages: Extremely cheap drive and movies, easily plugs in to an Xbox 360 console Disadvantages: Loud noise and heat production throughout movies
You're probably sick by now of hearing "Next Generation" this and "High Definition" that, but what does it all mean? A far better movie viewing experience is what! The age of High Definition is among us, with High Definition meaning a sharper and more defined picture which therefore shows more detail throughout films. The optimum resolution of a High Definition picture is 1920x1080, whereas a standard definition DVD or TV signal ... ...is said to be six times shaper and more detailed than ordinary standard definition signals.
Awesome you might be thinking, but what's the catch? Well, the price... Until now that is! At the beginning of the High Definition era, 2 formats battled it out for HD supremacy, with Blu-ray coming out on top and HD DVD falling short. Fortunately for us consumers, that wasn't such a bad thing due to HD DVD films and players now being sold ... more
You're probably sick by now of hearing "Next Generation" this and "High Definition" that, but what does it all mean? A far better movie viewing experience is what! The age of High Definition is among us, with High Definition meaning a sharper and more defined picture which therefore shows more detail throughout films. The optimum resolution of a High Definition picture is 1920x1080, whereas a standard definition DVD or TV signal only displays a resolution of 640x480; and therefore High Definition is said to be six times shaper and more detailed than ordinary standard definition signals.
Awesome you might be thinking, but what's the catch? Well, the price... Until now that is! At the beginning of the High Definition era, 2 formats battled it out for HD supremacy, with Blu-ray coming out on top and HD DVD falling short. Fortunately for us consumers, that wasn't such a bad thing due to HD DVD films and players now being sold at a ridiculously low price. Due to the HD DVD loss, production on new HD DVD discs and players has now officially stopped, resulting in only new films being available on the format King Blu-ray. With every disadvantage comes an advantage it seems. The stop in production has now jolted game stores and websites around the world in to selling off their HD DVD products cheaply to avoid making a loss on them, so now is a prime time to snap up some of your favourite films in glorious High Definition for an extremely appealing price.
Certain movie companies signed exclusivity with Toshiba and HD DVD before Blu-ray won the war, and this has resulted in an extensive list of HD DVDs that are currently unavailable on Blu-ray. This list includes such titles as The 40 Year Old Virgin, Assault on Precinct 13, Chronicles of Riddick, The Dukes of Hazzard, Jarhead, King Kong, Happy Gilmore, The Polar Express and Van Helsing, amongst others; a pretty good list I think you'll agree. A large percentage of these titles can now be picked up for £5 or less. £5! That is a ridiculously low price for a HD movie. You would struggle to find a normal DVD version cheaper. From what I've seen HD DVD movies look and sound every bit as good as Blu-rays aswell, so there is no need to fear a lack of picture quality. King Kong in particular looks stunning on HD DVD. The amount of detail you can see on the giant ape is jaw-dropping, with every piece of fur moving individually and battle scars being clearly visible; a cinematic feast you need to experience. Kong's frightening roar will give your 5.1 surround sound system a sturdy workout aswell.
Along with the exclusives HD DVD has to offer, films that appear on both HD DVD and Blu-ray, known as multi-format, will be far cheaper and more accessible to most on the HD DVD format. Why buy a film for £15 on Blu-ray when the near exact same movie can be bought on HD DVD for £5 or under, saving £10? I have bought all of my favourite films such as Blood Diamond and The Last Samurai on HD DVD instead of Blu-ray and therefore saved hundreds of pounds. If you don't mind different case designs in your collection, which you likely won't, then HD DVD's are a great, cheap, and sensible way to buy high definition films which appear on both formats.
The drive itself:
The HD DVD drive plugs in to the back of an Xbox 360 console via a USB cable, with a lead also being plugged in to a spare controller port on the front of the console. This could be a pain for those of you who use wired controllers, but the majority of Xbox 360 controllers these days are wireless so this shouldn't be an issue. The drive can either be rested on top of the Xbox or if room allows, stood up beside the console. The small and compact design of the drive allows the device to sit comfortably on top of the Xbox without any ventilation holes being covered; eliminating the risk of the Xbox overheating and producing the famous yet dreaded 3 red rings. The HD DVD drive only comes in white; this looks fine up against a normal Xbox 360, but looks odd whilst used with an Elite console and this look might put people off using the drive.
My main disadvantage of the HD DVD drive in my eyes is the noise the device produces whilst running. The Xbox 360 console is known for being noisy in the first place, so sticking another drive in the room which makes a ton of noise isn't really a wise idea. You won't have a problem with the surround sound cranked up and a bullet rattling around your room, but it's the silent parts of movies which the HD DVD drive really ruins. Take BBC's terrific documentary series Planet Earth for example. There are many quiet parts throughout the documentary as it shows wildlife in motion or gorgeous scenes; and last thing you want is hearing noise in the background to ruin the mood of the film. This annoyance has actually put me off watching movies in the past and I recently decided to trade in the HD DVD version of Planet Earth and purchase the Blu-ray version so I can now watch the documentary in peace.
Along with the jet-engine like noise, another concern of mine is the amount of heat the HD DVD drive produces. The Xbox 360 console itself creates a large amount of heat, and when you add the HD DVD drive and television in to the mix, you might find your room heating up and becoming an uncomfortable viewing area.
Summary:
Although the heat and noise issues might put some people off, the stupidly low price of the drive and HD DVD's should warrant a purchase alone. You can buy the drive for as low as £20 these days with HD DVD's costing as little as £3 or £4, so the HD DVD drive from Toshiba is the perfect way to step in to the High Definition era and watch your favourite movies with stunning picture clarity. For those who already own a Blu-ray player, I highly recommend purchasing the HD DVD drive and snatching up the HD DVD exclusives and multi-format films for an appealing low price.
Advantages: great price and lots of great films Disadvantages: Now discontinued
Over the past year or so there has been a bitter war between HD DVD and blu-ray over who woud be able to produce dvds and players of high definition standard.
The war has now been won by bu-ray ( a feature available on the ps3), and HD DVD have been said to have died out and buying a player for these would be pointless.
However, i strongly disagree and believe it would be a worthy investment to buy one of these HD dvd players for your xbox 360 ... ...then it would certainly be worth it. The price of these players has dropped drastically after it was announced that these dvds would no longer be produced. The whole player along with a controller can be bought for as little as £30 from somewhere like play.com. This i a great price especially as it comes with a controller and not so long ago this would have cost well in excess of £100!
Okay, so your not going to be able to get any films that come ...
shamis4 12.07.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Drive
Advantages: Price, Ease of Use Disadvantages: Wont be as many films to buy as Blu-Ray
...nice piece of kit. Microsoft have designed it to replicate the shap of the Xbox 360 Console only smaller. It comes with its own power supply that, thankfully, is an awful lot smaller than the consoles. The drive is connected to your console via a supplied USB cable. if you have run out of available USB slots theres no need to worry as the drive comes with additional USB slots so you can swap devices around until everything is plugged in. Also supplied ... ...you to control your HD-DVD drive from the comfort of your sofa, it also lets you browse and control the consoles dashboard with ease and additionally any Windows media Centre PC's you may have. The only issue i have found with the remote is that it needs to be in line with the IR reciver on the Xbox 360 Console for it to work.
For those of you who may not be very technologically minded and are wondering how hard it is to set the drive up for use ...
RicME85 16.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Drive
Advantages: Cheap, good quality Disadvantages: Already obsolete, only cheap if you already have an XBox 360
...dropping the format and now Microsoft have also announced they will no longer be carrying this drive as part of the XBox accessories list..
It is a shame that this has happened as it is a great product and at around £100 was by far the cheapest way (assuming you already owned an XBox 360) of experiencing high definition. The drive itself is a little on the large side, being about half the size of the XBox itself. It comes in an off white colour, ... ...of place next to the new black XBox Elite.
It is powered from a separate mains power supply which thankfully is nowhere near the size of the consoles supply and when running is no noisier than the console itself. It is connected to the XBox by a usb lead (included) and acts as a usb hub, having 2 sockets located on the rear of the device. Also included in the box is a remote control which as well as controlling the HD DVD drive can also be used ...
jkjon 26.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Drive
Advantages: Cheap in comparison, well styled, quality build. Disadvantages: Long term options
...is a brilliant idea from microsoft to try and harness the fast growing market in high definition video.
There are currently two different types of high definition video players on the market, one being HD the other being blu-ray. In my personal opinion blu-ray will win out against the HD dvd player, so it is possible that dvd players such as this one will be obsolete in the near future, although the debate over this will rage on and on i imagine!
... ...term option, the styling fits in perfectly with the Xbox 360, and it is a relatively quiet unit that you will hardly notice is there. And also buying an xbox with this dvd drive is still considerably cheaper than its main competitior the PS3 with the blu-ray drive. Currently HD dvd's are selling for £15 - £30 so you are seeing only a slight increase in price over conventional DVD's for what can be considered much greater quality.
Although there ...
gaddy6 19.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Drive
Advantages: Cheap, high quality Disadvantages: Less choice than Blu-ray
Awesome! Buy it for a cheap thrill - you can get it for about £35 - £45 - check Gamestation and Ebay etc for a bargain - I think they are selling cheap in most places now.
The drive looks good and plugs into your Xbox 360 USB port (round the back), its like a mini Xbox next to yours. There are extra USB ports on it so you actual have more than you did before incase you were worried about this using up your only free port! Your wireless adapter can ... ...or if you are running ethernet you can just leave it plugged into your Xbox.
HD-DVD's look stunning, a great improvement on DVD picture quality if you have a HDTV. This extra HD-DVD drive seems to perform very well, your Xbox still processes the sound and picture with the sound so there is no need to connect any more wire to it (apart from USB and power). You can pick up HD-DVDs cheaply as they have lost the format war against Blu-Ray (its competitor) ...
jackthewelshman 10.06.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Drive
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Advantages: Brilliant graphics, HDMI Output, Excellent Games Library, Xbox Live Disadvantages: Expensive Games, Xbox Live Fee, Lack of Blu-Ray, Hardware Errors
's and Sony Playstation 3's Online services are both free, one would think that Microsoft would follow suit
***The Xbox360 Elite should have really included a Blu-Ray drive like its competitor PS3, instead Microsoft opted for a HD-DVD expansion drive (Which have now become obsolete)
****Any person that reads technology news must have heard about the dreaded "Red lights". This is the one fatal flaw on the Xbox360 which makes your Xbox unplayable and one must send their Xbox off to Microsoft's very slow repair service to get it fixed if their machine is cursed with this bug
Overall, the Xbox360 Elite is a brilliant purchase to anyone that wants High Definition gaming with a huge games library to choose from. But if you are scared of the red light syndrome, this console may not be for you... ...
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