Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on (Xbox 360 Player)

[May 10, 2006] Originally posted.
[August 7, 2006] Updated with more information... based on this source

Microsoft has announced the availability of the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on called the "Xbox 360 HD DVD Player" this holiday season. And it will be the cheapest entry point to high-definition for consumers, said Kevin Collins, senior program manager for HD DVD for Microsoft.

The drive connects to Xbox 360 with a USB 2.0 cable and uses the gaming device’s audio/video connections. “The external option was the way to go,” Collins said during the first public demonstration with a Phantom of the Opera HD DVD disc from Warner Home Video using a pre-release prototype drive.

The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player connects with Xbox 360 (via USB 2.0) to deliver even more high-definition content through blockbuster HD DVD releases from major Hollywood and international movie studios. The HD DVD Player delivers superior high-definition-quality video and stunning digital surround sound with Xbox 360. The add-on package includes the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Prices are expected to be announced at a later date.

Since Dolby Digital-Plus and Dolby TrueHD are mandatory audio codecs for the HD DVD Video format, the console-player combination is also expected to decode and output such audio via the Xbox 360.

Microsoft's Rationale for Supporting HD DVD:
HD DVD Explained
HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray

Check back soon for more details on this HD DVD add-on...