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Microsoft stopped manufacturing new Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in February 2008, after Toshiba withdrew support for the HD DVD format. The company said it would continue standard product and warranty support for players already in the market; the announcement ended new production, not the immediate use of existing units.
What Microsoft discontinued
The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player was an external accessory for playing HD DVD movies. The console itself had a standard DVD drive, so HD DVD playback required the add-on. Microsoft’s user manual also describes the player as a USB 2.0 hub.
Microsoft’s statement, reproduced by Ars Technica on February 25, 2008, said: “Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market.” That was the support commitment at the time of discontinuation; it does not establish current warranty coverage.
Why Microsoft withdrew
Microsoft cited decisions by Toshiba, Hollywood studios and retailers. The announcement followed Toshiba’s retreat from HD DVD as studios and retailers increasingly backed Blu-ray, as contemporaneous reporting by Macworld on February 24, 2008 described. The Xbox 360 add-on was part of a format contest that was turning against HD DVD.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra Slim, New Mid Size Design, HDMI Output, 1080P Upscaling, JPEG, MP3 Playback, Multi Disc resume, Multi band TV Remote, Energy Star
- 1 Year Parts & 90 Day Labor Warranty
- Region: DVD: 1; Power Requirements:120V, 60Hz
- Video: DVD, DVDplus R, DVDplus R DL, DVDplus RW, DVD R, DVD R DL, DVD RW; Audio: CD, CD R, CD RW; File Formats Supported: JPEG, MPEG1
- NOTE: This is not a Blu ray player; POWER CONSUMPTION (STANDBY): Less than 0.5 W
What happened to the player after the announcement
Existing owners received at least one later software update notice. On April 8, 2008, Xbox Wire described an update for the HD DVD player as including “Compatibility improvements with certain titles” and “Additional support for network features.” The notice was signed by Major Nelson and is available in Microsoft’s HD DVD Update.
The announcement and update notice do not establish the present-day functionality of every surviving player. They document Microsoft’s 2008 production decision, its support statement at that time, and a subsequent update for owners.
Rank #2
- Versitle: 1x HDMI output, 1x composite video/audio output (RCAx3) and 1x Coaxial Audio output, connect your TV and audio systems for high quality audio and an enhanced entertainment experience when watching your favorite movies, shows and sports. AV Cable Included, HDMI Cable not included.
Xbox 360 HD DVD Player price timeline
| Date and source | Published price or offer | Geography and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| July 26, 2007 — Microsoft | $179 U.S. ERP; limited offer of five free HD DVD movies with qualifying purchases | Historical U.S. announcement; the movie offer was limited and conditional. Microsoft’s announcement |
| February 6, 2008 — Xbox Wire | U.S. MSRP reduced from $179.99 to $129.99, effective immediately | Applied in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Historical pricing, not a current offer. Xbox Wire announcement |
What the news means for owners now
The 2008 news is a discontinuation announcement, not proof that all existing players stopped working. The manual confirms the add-on’s HD DVD playback function, but there is no basis here to promise that a particular used unit works today. Current used-device prices, inventory, repair options and replacement-part availability are likewise not established. Anyone considering a secondhand unit should treat its condition and functionality as unverified until checked directly.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stunning video and immersive surround-sound audio with up to six times higher resolution than standard DVD
- Innovative interactive content enables PIP commentary, scene selection, and menu access, all while the movie is playing!
- Only HD DVD offers a 'combo' disk: DVD on one side allows playback on all your existing DVD players in your home or car
- Enjoy hundreds of great HD DVD movies this holiday from major studios such as Universal, Warner, Paramount, Studio Canal, and more
Rank #4
- Please note: Not a Blu-ray player. It does not support Blu-ray discs and cannot connect to a computer as an external disc drive.
- 【DVD Players For TV】DESOBRY DVD Player is much smaller than regular DVD players, only 6.1*5.9*1.2 inches and 1.1lbs, save more space and easy to carry on. The supplied full-function remote control, also easy to use for kids and ederly.
- 【Upgrade Drive & Last Memory】This Mini DVD Player has upgraded Drive Core. It can be read quickly in seconds. Noise cancellation makes it loading DVD quietly. Error correction allows it to read scratched discs well. Anti-shock protection ensures a smooth and stable viewing experience. Breakpoint Memory function makes it always start from where it left off.
- 【HDMI / AV Output & 1080P】Our Small DVD Player can be connected to smart TVs and projectors via the supplied HDMI cable. And it can also hook up to tradtional TVs via the included RCA cable. Full HD 1080P upscaling resolution provide you a lifelike audio and video experience, turning any room into a mini home theater.
- 【All Region Free & USB/TF Card Input】Our Region Free DVD Players can play standard discs from all countries, supports CD, DVD, DVD±R, DVD±RW, CD-R/-RW, VCD, SVCD, KODAK PICTURE & PHOTO CD; USB /TF card input supports playing MPEG-1V, MPEG-2V,H.263, XVID, DX50, DIVX, MP3, MP2, WMA, AC3, PCM, JPG ( max to 32GB with FAT32 format). Note: Do not support blue-ray disc and MP4 files.
Rank #3
- DURABILITY: It is firmly designed, the wires will not be pulled out easily, or break up when it was plugged in or during shipping!
- UL LISTED & RISK FREE: It is built in safety protection, will not cause fire ,blow a circuit or too hot to touch when you use it for a long time at home.
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Charging your device more efficient than normal,will not emit out any physical noise!
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: 12V Microsoft PSC24W-120 Xbox 360 HD DVD Player (Replacement For use with Xbox 360 Console) 12VDC Power Supply Cord Cable PS Charger Input: 100 - 240 VAC 50/60Hz Worldwide Voltage Use Mains PSU
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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