Xbox 360 version 2

[Zimix]

Engadget supposedly got some inside information on the Xbox 360 version 2.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/the-second-xbox-360-revealed-codename-zephyr/

[metallicorphan]

well i hope the 120 gig hard drive will be sold seperately....its been too long with this pultry 13gig

[Arkon]

If it is the same price as the current premium system, and they drop the price on the current systems, I would consider selling my current 360 to get a version 2 system.

[IkeVandergraaf]

120 GB hard drive!  Take that Sony!  I wonder how much that's going to go for separately.

[jblank]

I definitely will sell mine to get this, the HDMI out is a big plus for me.

[Zimix]

Is it easy to move XBox Live Arcade games to a different system?  I have a lot of money invested in those games.   

[Kevin Grey]

120 GB hard drive!  Take that Sony!

Heh, not quite.  PS3 will take an off the shelf 2.5" drive.  So you can put in a lot more than 100 Gigs if you want and at prices much cheaper than what console companies charge for their "official" products. 

[HankRaptor]

Hey Kevin,

How do you format that sucker? OR does the PS3 do it itself? Or PC format?

[Kevin Grey]

Hey Kevin,

How do you format that sucker? OR does the PS3 do it itself? Or PC format?

No idea unfortunately.  I'm not a PS3 owner- it's just what I've read.  Perhaps Hetz, KD, or someone else here that has a PS3 owner can let us know?

[EngineNo9]

I'm not sure how "soon" we'll see this.  Didn't they alreaedy say that the 65nm core has been pushed back a while?

[CeeKay]

Urgh, I need more HDMI ports.  I've heard system selectors that support multiple devices affect the image quality-  is that true?

[jblank]

Urgh, I need more HDMI ports.  I've heard system selectors that support multiple devices affect the image quality-  is that true?

Depends. I have a 3 port one from Monoprice http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=3029&seq=1&format=2&style= and there is ZERO picture degradation and yes I actually tested it.

[ChaoZ]

Sweet, I'm glad I waited. I hope they solved the reliability problems.
No HDMI port on my TV, but I do have a DVI port I can spare (HDMI is just DVI with audio, right?)

[CeeKay]

Urgh, I need more HDMI ports.  I've heard system selectors that support multiple devices affect the image quality-  is that true?

Depends. I have a 3 port one from Monoprice http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=3029&seq=1&format=2&style= and there is ZERO picture degradation and yes I actually tested it.

coolness.  Thanks jblank!

[jblank]

Urgh, I need more HDMI ports.  I've heard system selectors that support multiple devices affect the image quality-  is that true?

Depends. I have a 3 port one from Monoprice http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=3029&seq=1&format=2&style= and there is ZERO picture degradation and yes I actually tested it.

coolness.  Thanks jblank!

You're welcome my man! Just don't buy something off a Wal-Mart shelf and odds are you will be ok, but I can guarantee you that Monoprice one will give you outstanding video performance, PLUS, its HDCP compliant and supports 1080p, something some cheaper ones don't offer.

[drake113]

Dangit!  I *JUST* plunked down the cash for a 360 not two weeks ago and now they're announcing a better one for the same price is coming 'soon'.  I hope it's soon like in a year, rather than soon like in 3 months, or I'm really going to feel like a grade A chump.

[Kevin Grey]

Dangit!  I *JUST* plunked down the cash for a 360 not two weeks ago and now they're announcing a better one for the same price is coming 'soon'.  I hope it's soon like in a year, rather than soon like in 3 months, or I'm really going to feel like a grade A chump.

Latest word is that the 65nm revision was pushed to some time in second quarter so you're probably looking at about six months. 

[The Grue]

Hey Kevin,

How do you format that sucker? OR does the PS3 do it itself? Or PC format?

From what I've read, when you put in the new hard drive, it asks you if you want to format it.

[Ridah]

120 GB hard drive!  Take that Hetz!  I wonder how much that's going to go for separately.

Fixed that for you.

 

[kronovan]

Urgh, I need more HDMI ports.  I've heard system selectors that support multiple devices affect the image quality-  is that true?

I've expererienced signal degradation in the past with S-Video and composite switchers. In some cases it's not just the image for the switched signal but images for any of the inputs; i.e. a bad switcher can cause inteference for the entire TV irregardless of the signal source.

I recently and reluctantly bought a component switcher as I ran out of component inputs on my HDTV when I got my Wii component cables. I'm pleased to say that I tested it thoroughly and haven't noticed any image degradation for any of the input sources. I was surprised as it wasn't a very expensive switcher.

My advice is to get a switcher that you can return if necessary and then thoroughly test it. In the worst case scenario you can get one of the more expensive powered switchers that have grounded AC plugs. These switchers are gauranteed to be signal degradation free.

[ChaoZ]

I'm not sure I understand why HDMI would suffer from signal degradation. It's a digital signal, shouldn't it either work or not?

[Kurt Stevens]

I'm not sure I understand why HDMI would suffer from signal degradation. It's a digital signal, shouldn't it either work or not?

That's my understanding too. Does someone else have any different info? I've been looking into a switch at Monoprice myself. My TV only has one HDMI port and I've acquired more devices with HDMI than I thought I would over the last year.

[jblank]

I'm not sure I understand why HDMI would suffer from signal degradation. It's a digital signal, shouldn't it either work or not?

Yes, but you are still putting something in between the two devices, so it is possible that with bad/cheap electronics, and/or poor craftsmanship and connections, that the signal could and would degrade. Some people get "sparkles" from using HDMI switches, but again, I think that is with lower quality boxes.

Even good quality switches, like that Monoprice, probably have a bit of degradation, but it is so slight that its not perceptable. If you took an El Cheapo made by El Salvadoran slave wagers, thrown together with crap components and poor quality control, interference and things of that sort could easily be introduced, possibly causing you to get poor "handshakes" between the devices, or hurt the quality of the image.

EDIT - http://www.octavainc.com/Clear%20Eye%20difference.htm

Octava makes some VERY good switches, and that page explains why a better quality switch can make a difference over a crap one.

[Jancelot]

Nice, I'll snatch one of these up for the HDMI port as soon as possible.  Well, maybe I'll give it a couple weeks to work out the glitches.  It would be nice if they had some sort of trade-in program for existing owners, bum I'm sure that's a pipe dream.

Can anyone recommend a good HDMI capable receiver in the sub $1000 range?  Once I have more than one device I'll be looking to upgrade my existing unit.  I'm planning on dipping in to the avs forums but I'd like to go in with some ammo.  Thanks.

[jblank]

Nice, I'll snatch one of these up for the HDMI port as soon as possible.  Well, maybe I'll give it a couple weeks to work out the glitches.  It would be nice if they had some sort of trade-in program for existing owners, bum I'm sure that's a pipe dream.

Can anyone recommend a good HDMI capable receiver in the sub $1000 range?  Once I have more than one device I'll be looking to upgrade my existing unit.  I'm planning on dipping in to the avs forums but I'd like to go in with some ammo.  Thanks.

Have I got a deal for you Jance......
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-fhAmkFkXxVW/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=022RXV1600

[papasmurff]

Here is a question for someone who is more intelligent than I.......I have a 2 year product replacement plan with BB.  My 360 is starting to act up again and I am considering taking it back (I am getting the really slow loads and image freeze at times, which last time this happened it was shortly followed by the RRoD).  However, If I wait to take it back until after the release of Version 2 would I get a version 2 replacement??

[whiteboyskim]

Hey Kevin,

How do you format that sucker? OR does the PS3 do it itself? Or PC format?

From what I've read, when you put in the new hard drive, it asks you if you want to format it.

In the version released in Soviet Russia, you don't format the PS3. The PS3 formats you.

[ChaoZ]

Here is a question for someone who is more intelligent than I.......I have a 2 year product replacement plan with BB.  My 360 is starting to act up again and I am considering taking it back (I am getting the really slow loads and image freeze at times, which last time this happened it was shortly followed by the RRoD).  However, If I wait to take it back until after the release of Version 2 would I get a version 2 replacement??

They will probably replace it with whatever they have in stock. I'm guessing it will be well into Q3 before you are guaranteed a v2 replacement.

[Hetz]

HDMI! Finally! They better allow somekind of upgrade path though for current 360 owners.

The 120GB HDD is nice, but I really wish they would be like Sony and allow ANY HDD purchased off the shelf for use in the 360. The MS branded hard drives are horribly overpriced.

[papasmurff]

I have an HD TV that runs 720 P and 1080i will I get better Video with an HDMI or will it just be the same as the component?

[Kevin Grey]

I have an HD TV that runs 720 P and 1080i will I get better Video with an HDMI or will it just be the same as the component?

In theory better.  In actuality, probably almost indiscernible difference. 

[JLu]

Hrm.  I can not justify the money it'd be to upgrade my existing one just for HDMI; hoping also that they come out with a cable for the original console.  (Though I read somewher that there simply aren't enough pins in the existing output for that to happen, but it was on the internet that I read that as well, so grain of salt...)

I have an HD TV that runs 720 P and 1080i will I get better Video with an HDMI or will it just be the same as the component?

To my eyes , component vs. HDMI wasn't a huge difference on my TV though HDMI was slightly nicer.  But also I have awful awful vision...

[Calvin]

I will 100% sell mine and buy the new one, just for the convenience of the new features and extra storage.

[Clanwolfer]

I would sell mine and upgrade in a heartbeat, IF the HDMI output would also upscale regular DVDs.

[Kevin Grey]

I would sell mine and upgrade in a heartbeat, IF the HDMI output would also upscale regular DVDs.

It should.  MS does it now over VGA but isn't allowed to do it via component.  I would say there is 99.5% certainty they will upscale over HDMI. 

[Calvin]

I would sell mine and upgrade in a heartbeat, IF the HDMI output would also upscale regular DVDs.

Very very good point Clan.

[Calvin]

I would sell mine and upgrade in a heartbeat, IF the HDMI output would also upscale regular DVDs.

It should.  MS does it now over VGA but isn't allowed to do it via component.  I would say there is 99.5% certainty they will upscale over HDMI. 

Wait wait wait. If I play a dvd on my dell monitor it will upscale, but not on my hdtv?

[papasmurff]

I would sell mine and upgrade in a heartbeat, IF the HDMI output would also upscale regular DVDs.

It should.  MS does it now over VGA but isn't allowed to do it via component.  I would say there is 99.5% certainty they will upscale over HDMI. 

Wait wait wait. If I play a dvd on my dell monitor it will upscale, but not on my hdtv?

That is the way I currently understand it as well.....

[Kevin Grey]

I would sell mine and upgrade in a heartbeat, IF the HDMI output would also upscale regular DVDs.

It should.  MS does it now over VGA but isn't allowed to do it via component.  I would say there is 99.5% certainty they will upscale over HDMI. 

Wait wait wait. If I play a dvd on my dell monitor it will upscale, but not on my hdtv?

Not 100% sure if you are using a non 720p resolution on your monitor but at 720p, yes. 

MS added the upscaling ability back in the spring update.  Unfortunately they aren't able to do it over component due to licensing restrictions that mandate upscaling for TVs can only be done via digital connections.  However, the licensing does not apply to computers, ie VGA, so MS was able to add that ability for VGA users. 

EDIT- It will also upscale on TVs that have VGA connections as well. 

[papasmurff]

I would sell mine and upgrade in a heartbeat, IF the HDMI output would also upscale regular DVDs.

It should.  MS does it now over VGA but isn't allowed to do it via component.  I would say there is 99.5% certainty they will upscale over HDMI. 

Wait wait wait. If I play a dvd on my dell monitor it will upscale, but not on my hdtv?

Yeah, but wasn't it VGA connections on TV's that were causing washing out?

Not 100% sure if you are using a non 720p resolution on your monitor but at 720p, yes. 

MS added the upscaling ability back in the spring update.  Unfortunately they aren't able to do it over component due to licensing restrictions that mandate upscaling for TVs can only be done via digital connections.  However, the licensing does not apply to computers, ie VGA, so MS was able to add that ability for VGA users. 

EDIT- It will also upscale on TVs that have VGA connections as well.