Microsoft re: a HD-DVD-drive for Xbox360: “Absolutely, yes.” at HDTV Xbox 360 Gaming

Microsoft re: a HD-DVD-drive for Xbox360: “Absolutely, yes.”

April 18th, 2006

Chris Lewis — Microsot’s regional vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Xbox 360 gaming console business in Europe — gave a very revealing interview to SPIEGEL ONLINE.

In the interview he spoke very openly about the forthcoming plans for an HD-DVD drive:

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Is the HD-DVD-drive for the Xbox 360 still in the pipeline?

Lewis: Absolutely, yes. We’ll say a little bit more about it at E3. It will give people access to HD DVD.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: But the 360 doesn’t have an HDMI-Interface — so you won’t actually be able to watch any HD DVD Movies on it because the obligatory copy protection mechanisms are missing.

Lewis: All I can say to you is — there are interesting developments in the pipeline. We will make sure that the HD-DVD-peripheral device will meet all the requirements for consumers to enjoy high-definition DVD playback.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Meaning, you will be able to watch Hollywood movies in HD through your Xbox?

Lewis: Yes.

Lewis kept referring to E3, which will be in May, as the time and the place where microsoft will make their announcements.

The HDMI issue is very real, so I’m sure everyone is curious as to what microsoft will come up with. But overall this is great news for those who plan on jumping on the HD-DVD format.

HD-DVD, E3