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Pro 360s HDMI'd

Microsoft confirms Elite feature's arrival on $349 model; retailers "gradually introducing" new form factor into stores.

The Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI port.

The Xbox 360 Elite's HDMI port.

Earlier today, Shacknews reported that one of its readers had purchased the freshly cheapened Xbox 360 system (commonly known as the Xbox 360 Pro or Xbox 360 Premium system) and found that the system featured an high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port. Previously, HDMI output had been exclusive to the pricier Xbox 360 Elite and the forthcoming Halo 3-themed 360.

A Microsoft representative confirmed the report for GameSpot, saying that HDMI-enabled Xbox 360s are starting to roll out in stores now.

"Yes, we are offering an HDMI port for Xbox 360 simply as another choice in Xbox 360 owners' games and entertainment experience," the representative said. "Retailers are gradually introducing HDMI-enabled Xbox 360s into the channel to meet demand."

Gamers can identify which consoles have the HDMI port before purchasing because the system will have an HDMI logo on the external packaging. Don't bother looking for the logo on Core systems just yet, however; the representative told GameSpot, "We have not announced any plans to add HDMI to the Xbox 360 Core System."

As for whether or not the new HDMI-equipped Xbox 360 systems include the anticipated 65nm chips, the representative wouldn't say.

"We are constantly updating the console's more than 1,700 internal components and therefore will not comment on details of specific components or manufacturing processes," he said.

First announced last year, the 65nm chips run cooler than the 90nm chips in the original design of the Xbox 360. Those chips' heat output remains the prime suspect in the widely reported Xbox 360 failures which prompted Microsoft to extend the console's warranty to three years, costing it $1.08 billion last quarter alone.

1027 Comments

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Aug 20, 2007 6:24 am GMT

    --Xtreeem813 --
    LOL...again we see what people know verse the facts of the matter.

    HDMI 1.2 vs 1.3

    You clearly do not know what the difference is, as far as video quality goes...nothing. The vast majority of you simply see "Oooo...it's a new version old version stinks". For so many kids it's all about the #'s and it's as simple as that for them. Ignorance is bliss as the saying goes.

  • dsmen

    Posted Aug 20, 2007 12:47 am GMT

    darkscorcher if that is free am tha first in line

  • darkscorcher

    Posted Aug 19, 2007 10:02 pm GMT

    i say, stop waiting for the next xbox with the hdmi 1.3 or the 65nm chips, just place your xbox 360 on a grate to help keep it cool, and if it breaks, m$ will fix it for FREE. stop waiting, new tech will always be out there, halo 3 launch will only happen once.

  • Xtreeem813

    Posted Aug 19, 2007 7:32 pm GMT

    Maybe if it was an HDMI v.1.3 port it would be something special. So much for MS actually improving their products when they rehash them. They just keep shooting themselves in the foot for insignificant things that make people that already bought one more and more marginally pissed off.

  • mjk_1

    Posted Aug 19, 2007 11:52 am GMT

    I have no comment considering I have an Elite. Good for M$ though.

  • Megawizard1

    Posted Aug 19, 2007 1:56 am GMT

    All I know is I won't buy a 360 till they put at least the 65nm chips in. This must really agitate the Elite buyers though. That was really that version's key selling point.

  • zer0ne

    Posted Aug 18, 2007 9:19 pm GMT

    I'm piss with this announcement. I just bought a X360 about 2 months ago and MS slap me with this. I recently bought a 32" Samsung LCD HDTV with 3 HDMI and now my X360 plug on my component. I recommend that those have bought the regular ones don't waste money to buy the HDMI version. The component cable they supply have HD switch that enable HD quality signals from the X360 to your HDTV. Im currently using one on 1080i. Its good enough for me. Just save the money for better games.

    Unless you haven't got a X360, I recommends the Elite version to get all the good stuffs like HDMI and 120Gb HDD. Thats the only perks over the Pro/Premium version.

  • king-of-blades

    Posted Aug 18, 2007 3:30 am GMT

    Quote- "firebreathing
    by the time M$ is done there will be 600 different version of the 360 >___> "

    I'd put my money on 360 different versions- anything gimmicky to make people spend more money is m$ all the way.

  • gnutux

    Posted Aug 17, 2007 8:46 pm GMT

    They should've done this from the start. Then again, I don't really care since none of my TVs have HDMI (even my 1080i TV).

    gnutux

  • greenpyro33

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 9:38 pm GMT

    smooth move Microsoft. They gotta really think things through in advance so they don't do stuff like this

  • RoC1909

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 9:31 pm GMT

    @monty_4256

    You are absolutely correct!! I just bought a Elite three days ago and now I find out that 'pro' buyers are getting something that I paid a premium for. Hell, with the OVERPRICED accessories (HDD, Wireless Network Adapter...), it's getting real hard to like Microsoft.

  • dryden555

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 7:23 pm GMT

    waiiiiiittttt for the 65nm 360's. There's no point in buying any of these models right now.

  • edgarchong

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 3:24 pm GMT

    You nice people aren´t getting the point it´s not only about the HDMI it´s also the 120gig HDD, the sexy shiny black finish and accesories and I don´´t know about you but I´m a sucker for style.
    See it like this Pro w/HDMI $349.99 with no 120gb HDD, big no no, if you buy it separetely it´s $179.99 extra which totals out to $529.98!!!
    Xbox elite has it already for $450 plus you get a sick color with it and you save around 80 bucks so... so you elite owners got your money´s worth I´m sure of it

  • firebreathing

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 2:48 pm GMT

    by the time M$ is done there will be 600 different version of the 360 >___>

  • monty_4256

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 2:44 pm GMT

    haha elite owners just got screwed

  • ScottEFresh

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:37 am GMT

    I pity the fool who don't wait for the new Falcon chip.

  • FreddieGermany

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 12:41 am GMT

    good so I don't have to spend more money on a stupid elite to get hdmi

  • A7Xfan

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 7:50 pm GMT

    Good deals. I spent $480 for my Elite a month and a half ago, but I still don't really care, I have it paid off. HDMI was a selling point for me when I purchased it, but Microsoft is a company and like any other money is what drives it. So good move I think.

  • RoC1909

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 6:39 pm GMT

    Let's screw over the people who spent EXTRA for the Elite system by bringing the same features over to a 100 dollar less system. Hell, next i'll be hearing of the 120gig HDD being available on the 349.00 dollar system. This is a pretty sad state of affairs.

  • miningguy

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 5:54 pm GMT

    drdeath15

    its as loud as a chainsaw in gears of war and makes the 360 hotter in cases so that wont help much

  • drdeath15

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 5:32 pm GMT

    if you guys are worried about over heating then theres a NYKO product that fits on the back of the 360 and acts as a massive cooler http://www.nyko.com/nyko/products/?i=71

    hope that helps

  • Crombian

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 3:17 pm GMT

    Not touching a 360 until the 65nm chips come out. Period.

    Might even wait for the 45nm's.

  • miningguy

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 1:37 pm GMT

    any acessory for the older pros????

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 12:13 pm GMT

    --Tebbit --
    Ummm 360 has VGA and has had it since day one...heck the original xbox had VGA.

    --NeoNavarro --
    The hardware in your 46" Sony LCD has been updated more times then anything and you'll never see any difference between VGA and HDMI on that.

  • packernation31

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 11:51 pm GMT

    hopefully they switch to the 65nm chip

  • Liondog

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 10:59 pm GMT

    They should concentrate on fixing the problems with "ALL" the 360s, instead they do this. Brilliant. Its not gonna make me waste my hard earned money on it.

  • jumpie

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 5:07 pm GMT

    You can pick up REALY nice HDMI cables from monoprice.com. $5 for a 28ga, I have two of them and they are high quality. They have Monster type for more too. I want the Pro with HDMI
    http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2412&seq=1&format=2&style=

  • Adam_the_Nerd

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 4:36 pm GMT

    Why is there no cable?! this is cheap! But still, one more reason to say "In your face!" to all the people that bought the Elite for its ports.

  • somejobro

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 2:37 pm GMT

    To the early adopters:Hardware updates are a fact of life when it comes to technology.They're to be expected.When you buy early, you run the risk that what you're buying will be improved upon and re-released.You have to know that.All 3 systems are going to have updates that leave the people who bought the system on launch day high 'n' dry.Who's to say that MS won't update the 360 6 months from now,leaving even the people who buy this HDMI-enabled version with an outdated system?

  • Grayfox777x

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 1:56 pm GMT

    Not getting a 360 until the 65nm chips are confirmed to be included.

  • Pete5506

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 1:43 pm GMT

    Good, price drop

  • zey2k

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 12:23 pm GMT

    the diference from 1080i to 1080p in video games is almost nothing. including a hdmi port is just to make costumers buy another gadget. im quite fine with the corrent setup i have now and i discourage everyone who wants to trade their xbox beacouse of a 1080p display.

  • NeoNavarro

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 11:44 am GMT

    Dammit, this pi$$es me off. I would really love to have an HDMI port on my 360. Is this the punishment I get for buying it when the system came out? I have a 46' Sony LCD that I would love to have my 360 hooked up using HDMI. So now the only thing to do is buy a new 360... just to have that one cable. It sure leaves you with the feeling that your system is Inferior.

  • Tebbit

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 11:58 pm GMT

    Err, yes, HDMI is a major deal if you have a HDTV!
    Ok, VGA looks just as good as HDMI, but which video game consoles have VGA huh? Oh yeah, NONE OF THEM!
    Therefore my dear chaps, HDMI wins.

    P.S. The PS2, while it certainly had its fair share of internal changes over the years, It never shafted anyone by adding completely new functionality to the existing system, well, until the slimline versions which had the online functionality built into it. and lets be fair, that was about 4 years after the original came out.

    How long has the Xbox 360 been out for? Just a touch off 2. Perhaps these features should have been added originally, rather than mucking people around with inferior products and forcing developers to cater to the lowest common denomonator.

  • 0011992288

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 9:18 pm GMT

    Wow, glad I didn't buy an elite yet. Sounds like a $350 Pro is coming my way. MS give us reparations for overheating consoles! Now if only the white devil would do the same (kidding, please don't mod me)
    Yuck_Too: 1, UmonDaisuke: 0.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 12:32 pm GMT

    HDMI is not a major deal even if you have a HDTV. I have a 50" 1080p Samsung with dual HDMI, VGA and Component. You know what looks best. 1920 x 1080 @ 60h from PC. You know what the difference between HDMI and VGA is...nothing. Now all displays are not created equal, chances are if you see a difference it's becuase your make / model cheaped out on some internal components, not becuase of your cables connecting it.

    And yes there were 14 versions of the PS2 and the first ones in Japan shipped with CD drives.

    The PS2 has undergone many revisions, some only of internal construction and others involving substantial external changes. These are colloquially known among PS2 hardware hackers as V0, V1, V2, etc., up to V14c[9] (as of 2006).

    Original case design The original PlayStation 2 design.Three of the original PS2 launch models (SCPH-10000, SCPH-15000, and SCPH-18000) were only sold in Japan, and lacked the expansion bay (Dev9) of current PS2 models. These models included a PCMCIA slot instead of the Dev9 port of newer models. A PCMCIA-to-Dev9 adapter was later made available for these models. SCPH-10000 and SCPH-15000 did not have a built-in DVD player and instead relied on an encrypted player that was copied to a memory card from an included CD-ROM (normally, the PS2 will only execute encrypted software from its memory card, but see PS2 Independence Exploit). V3 had a substantially different internal structure from the subsequent revisions, featuring several interconnected printed circuit boards. As of V4 everything was unified into one board, except the power supply. V5 introduced minor internal changes, and the only difference between V6 (sometimes called V5.1) and V5 is the orientation of the Power/Reset switch board connector, which was reversed to prevent the use of no-solder modchips.

  • UmonDaisuke

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 12:11 pm GMT

    @ Yuck Too

    Funny, because I own an SCPH-10000 PS2 (Japan launch), and it has a DVD drive. I had it picked up in late March 2000, and it came with a memory card and a movie driver. 14 revisions, cute. The only major revisions up to the introduction to the slim in Japan were the expansion bay (day one in NA), movie driver installed on firmware, and with the last thick model, infrared sensor and lack of firewire. That's it. Component revisions happen with every console, so I'm surprised you're not noting the various ones the 360 went through with the HDD and DVD-ROM. It's 2 years old in 4 months btw.

    Thank you for re-iterating the 20GB discontinuation in NA. I've noted that already. You've made that point. That's not a revision btw. You're lost on the meaning and on my point there it seems. Taking a base hardware SKU and adding features to it would be a revision; like the case in point. With that, the Elite would not be considered a revision. Been reading a few articles about HDCP have we? Reality is, HDMI does in fact offer a better image quality with less artifacts than anything on the market. With sets 40" and up, it's quite noticeable, REGARDLESS of resolution. It's not a perfect connection due to some constraints, but it's the best out there, period. Much better than component, especially if you take audio into consideration. Why would MS finally make a standard with Pro systems if it's such a joke of a connection? You should be knocking them for doing so I guess.. or is it about "choice" now? You're quite the MS cheerleader. The vast majority of 1080p sets don't even accept the signal via component either.

    Keep singing the same tune though; it's not a big deal. And HDTV's are pathetic, so stick to PC gaming.

    Lastly, where did I ever say that HDMI is needed for gaming? You've been inferring that I claimed that it's a major required addition that MS fell flat on delivering up to now. I didn't. It's a major revision alright, and it affects HDTV owners like myself. That was my point. Go back to my original post.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 11:42 am GMT

    --UmonDaisuke --
    No I meant the PS2...The first two versions of it did not even have a DVD drive in Japan. Since then it has undergone 14 hardware revisions in it's 7 year lifespan, including the slim.

    And like it or not HDMI is not needed and is not a big deal. Unless you are supper eager to support copy protection. VGA is just as good and component can support 1080p without issues assuming your display supports 1080p inputs.

    And yes the 360 will be 2 years old in a couple months.

    Also by discontinuing the 20gig model they basically said Wi/Fi and 40gig we're mandatory and cost $100. Again I'd call that a hardware revision and equally not needed...just like HDMI.

    HDMI is a gimmick they hope to enforce copy protection across...it is simply not better much less needed for 1080p.

    Heck (HD)TV's are pathetic compared to where monitors have been for many years now. 1920 x 1080 @ 60h is nothing and certainly does not require a "new cable" to handle.

  • UmonDaisuke

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 11:15 am GMT

    I'd call cancling production of 2 versions of PS3 major.
    I'd also call removing the Emotion Engine chip major.

    You might as well call the Elite and the introduction of a 120GB HDD (proprietary) major revisions. Except that they're not. It's basically one version of the PS3 ceased in NA, and refer to the part about the HDD in the PS3 being a standard 2.5" SATA. The 80GB unit doesn't offer much over the 60GB. You have some merit with the EE absence though. The addition of HDMI is in fact major whether you like it or not, period. If you don't use it, then that's fine. Don't' downplay it because of personal preference or for the sake of defending MS. The hardware isn't two years old either.

    If anything MS has been slow on rolling out updates. The PS2 averaged 1 every 6-months. Did you complain about that?

    I'm pretty sure you meant PS3 there, and I have no problems with firmware updates. The PS2 didn't have a major revision until the slim unit's introduction... well towards the end of its life cycle.

    Chipset revisions need not apply here, because MS has changed both HDD and DVD drive suppliers a few times (particularly the HDD) since launch.

    Where did I complain exactly, other than point out the obvious? HDMI is a major addition for HDTV owners. Should've been a standard from day one (especially that it's only HDMI 1.2). Instead, they downplayed the importance until the Elite's introduction. Same with 1080p, yet here we are.

    Defend odd moves all you want, but at the end, it doesn't make your points correct.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 10:10 am GMT

    --UmonDaisuke --
    I'd call cancling production of 2 versions of PS3 major.
    I'd also call removing the Emotion Engine chip major.

    As for HDMI that is not major and it took 2-years for them to modify it...if you think you're an early adopter then you know things will get better and cheaper over time.

    If anything MS has been slow on rolling out updates. The PS2 averaged 1 every 6-months. Did you complain about that?

  • UmonDaisuke

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 10:07 am GMT

    As for your PS3...it's already undergone 2 major hardware changes and a price drop in half the time, why are you not ranting about that?

    What hardware changes? the HDD is non-proprietary so the extra 20GB isn't even noteworthy. What's the second one? There isn't one, let alone a claim of "major" revisions. Make a point to counter some nonsense, but don't make up ones of your own.

    As for the price drop... again, what price drop? Clearing out 60GB units to spike sales temporarily hardly qualifies as a price drop.

    The introduction of HDMI in the pro system is a major revision, and that's that. There is no real reason to argue with early owners who might feel down if they're HDTV owners. The circle of bs continues as always from both sides.

  • chrisdojo

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 10:06 am GMT

    too bad MS seems to have cut corners in the beginning with the 360. seems to be getting solid more and more all the time..... sux for all those who have purchased an "early model" though!

  • markd751

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 7:05 am GMT

    does anyone know if the Pro HDMI come's with the cables??

  • gehring_matthew

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 11:17 pm GMT

    This is a great thing that Microsoft is doing. No, not the 1080p crap. I don't care for having to spend a thousand more dollars to look at what I am playing. I'm talking about the new, smaller chip. It seems to me that in the first couple of comments, that part was already ignored. I could use the lower temperatures considering the fact that I had to get rid of my space heater. My 360 keeps me nice and warm during the harsh winter months in Colo. Well, post on gamers, post on. Later.

  • wando77

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 6:55 pm GMT

    NATIVE 1080p 360 games -

    colin mcrae : dirt
    GRAW2
    virtua tennis 3
    euafa soccer
    shadowrun

    And I believe pretty much all games that are released now are 1080p on 360.
    All this HDMI is a load of rubbish and you really aint to bright if you buy into it all. They want you to buy HDMI because copy protection is 'built into the cable'. You can get 1080p for gaming through component(and not just barely) and 1080p for gaming, upscaling and hd-dvd through VGA. There is nothing wrong with adding new things to consoles......it has been happening for over 20years and is no new thing that microsoft only do. WI-FI wont be added and neither will an HD-DVD player. HDMI was added cause the market for HD-TVs is finally starting to grow a little and pc monitors are now equiped with HDMI. Also this is a cheap addition. What PS3 owners are STILL failing to see is that sony have FORCED people to pay for wi-fi, bluetooth and blu-ray and that has caused you owners the following problem - YOUR MACHINE IS TOO EXPENSIVE meaning not many people are buying it causing developers to avoid making and putting out games for it. A person would have to be blind or stupid to pay twice the price for a mchine that is currently running the same games(minus gears). Also games like rainbow vegas and GRAW2 you can pick on ebay for under £15 so why pay £425 for a PS3 then £40 for those games when you can pay £230 for a premium(on play.com) and £15 for those games????? And for the record.....I don't want WI-Fi. My 360 is RIGHT next to my modem and ethernet is a MUCH faster and more reliable connection. Why should I pay extra for something I don't want or need. Thats where the 360 is better.....OPTIONS.

  • Serious posted Aug 12, 2007 5:22 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Serious

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 5:22 pm GMT (hide)

    So this is Microsoft plan. Make new version of the 360 with the features that the PS3 came out with originally. So We can expect them to place Wi Fi version next year. Followed by Bluetooth , built in Blu Ray and then a shiny black coat with the words Playstation 3 in silver. Hey WTF is this thing morphing into a PS3 before our eyes. lol

  • firechameleon36

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 3:08 pm GMT

    auspicious12345

    now I don't own a 360, but I think I'd feel kinda ripped off if I did. people claim that component cables can do 1080p but thats a bunch of dung. they can barely do it. plus it does surround sound. as for people saying that the ps3 is doing the same thing, its not. sony has not yet added a new feature that I can't get on mine without a little work. all I have to do to match the 80 gig is buy a new hard drive, for nice and cheap. but I guess this doesnt matter too much for the 360 owners considering none of the 360 games can run in 1080p
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    actually just about every new game is in 1080p for the 360 so stop saying stuff thats not true

  • Lach0121

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 10:24 am GMT

    i have an elite so it doesnt matter i have a ps3 so again it doesnt matter. but im tired of all these fanboys from both sides only listing the flaws of their opposites. and are not looking at it in a whole... fanboys are not true gamers... fanboys are one of the main things killing gamming.. get overyourselfs and love the systems you own. and stop messing with someoneelses.... sony fanboys dont like it when 360 fanboys go to your forums and talk crap about your system, and 360 fanboys dont like it when sony fanboys go to your forums and talk crap about your system.. you fanboys are a DISEASE. in gamming.

  • alidanwer

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 4:49 am GMT

    this is very stupid of Microsoft lol 1st they were saying that "few ppl own HD TV so sony made a big mistake by putting on Blu-Ray and HDMI out-put" haha now what happened..??? lol St..pid microsoft "I TELL U THEY ARE GOING TO UPGRADE AGAIN IN NEXT SIX MONTHS BY SAYING THAT WE NOW GIVE U HD PLAYER IN 360"........


    again ppl are afraid to buy this system cuz of thr redlight problem my frnd having his three Xbox 360's abandoned cuz of that sh!t microsoft sold to ppl in $499

  • dfortin

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 10:03 pm GMT

    This Sucks Ass... HA HA HA Thatz Why I Have A PS3 My **** Came With The HDMI Port I dont have to get a new one because they decided to remake it. Xbox FUGDE TOP by making there gaming system for the present not for the future like sony and nintendo, this is a Rookie mistake

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