Xbox 360 Core HDMI Port Confirmed?

[fitbabits]

Interesting, and this reinforces what I've been hearing...

It looks like the Core Xbox 360 will be joining it's more revered siblings with the inclusion of an HDMI port. Says who? Microsoft (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/compare101.htm?WT.svl=nav), that's who!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/fitbabits/X360COMPARISON.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/fitbabits/X360COMPARISONX.jpg

Methinks the core will be here to stay for some time to come.

[bapenguin]

Mark my words. Core Bundle this holiday with Viva Pinata and a memory card for $279.99.

[KingGorilla]

It is not so much that any particular model is getting an upgrade, but the base unit of production is going to have HDMI standard. They are keeping it so the only differences between the models is storage capacity. It is like saying back in 1995, Ford F150 XL to get passenger airbage upgrade? No, but the standard features on a particular group of production models has changed.

[Heretic Machine]

Hm, I thought they didn't include HDMI cables with the Elite? Guess I was wrong. Anyhow, I thought this was already confirmed, haven't users already taken home Premium units with HDMI ports?

[Gorvi]

It is not so much that any particular model is getting an upgrade, but the base unit of production is going to have HDMI standard. They are keeping it so the only differences between the models is storage capacity. It is like saying back in 1995, Ford F150 XL to get passenger airbage upgrade? No, but the standard features on a particular group of production models has changed.
That's exactly what I was thinking. Why would they keep two separate production lines going for two different models?

[TrackZero]

Mark my words. Core Bundle this holiday with Viva Pinata and a memory card for $279.99.

That's hot.

[TrackZero]

Hm, I thought they didn't include HDMI cables with the Elite? Guess I was wrong.

No, that's the PS3. ;)

[DangerousDaze]

Hey, they might one day settle on a stable spec. That would be nice.

[Johan]

Hey, they might one day settle on a stable spec. That would be nice.

That's the Wii.

The PS3 and 360 can't make up their minds...

[II ZoiD II]

Hm, I thought they didn't include HDMI cables with the Elite? Guess I was wrong. Anyhow, I thought this was already confirmed, haven't users already taken home Premium units with HDMI ports?
Yes this is true, but I think the main focus is the fact that the Core is getting the HDMI port as well!

[Adam Blue]

Who actually uses the HDMI? I tried and it didn't work. I might have a defected console...

[KarmaGhost]

I'm thinking I may wrap my exhaust port in towels and let the 360 overheat, so I can get a new unit with HDMI. Just kidding! But seriously, it's tempting.

[II ZoiD II]

Who actually uses the HDMI? I tried and it didn't work. I might have a defected console...

Well take it back and get a new one. HDMI is fucking amazing period

[gzsfrk]

HDMI isn't a huge visual upgrade, but it becomes more noticeable the bigger your display and the longer the cable. I have to run a 20' cable to my projector, and I have both component and HDMI run, with A/V switchers for both. Judging by my digital cable's output, component looks great, but at 160", you can notice just a bit of jitter in high contrast images. Switch it to HDMI, though, and it's pixel perfect.

Probably isn't hardly noticeable on a smaller (42") screen with high quality component cables. (Although I'm sure Schnoogs would disagree.)

[RorschachCCCLX]

I disagree, GameStop no longer stocks the cores and we've been told by Microsoft that they no longer manufacture them. I say the core is dead.

[fitbabits]

I disagree, GameStop no longer stocks the cores and we've been told by Microsoft that they no longer manufacture them. I say the core is dead.

Believe me, it's faaaaarrrrr from dead.

[fitbabits]

Hm, I thought they didn't include HDMI cables with the Elite? Guess I was wrong. Anyhow, I thought this was already confirmed, haven't users already taken home Premium units with HDMI ports?

The Premiums do, but this news concerns the Core...

[RorschachCCCLX]

Then why don't we, (gamestop) the number one video game retailer and Halo 3 advertizing partner stock core systems anymore?

[cp#]

+$299 XBOX360 Premium
-$xxx XBOX360 Core

[KarmaGhost]

The Premiums do, but this news concerns the Core...I think he's referring to the image, fits, which shows that the cable for HDMI is included in the package. He's saying he thought it wasn't included, and neither did I.

[Adam Blue]

Update: I plugged my 360 into my roomates LCD via HDMI(I'm still a CRT purist) and with an LCD, you're given many options for resolutions. I set it to w/e by 720, and then moved it back to my TV and Viola.

Now I need an HDMI switcher, or just freakin get an LCD...I just cannot stand refresh rates...(CRT all the way!)

[bapenguin]

I disagree, GameStop no longer stocks the cores and we've been told by Microsoft that they no longer manufacture them. I say the core is dead.

Because it's not called the Core anymore.

[KarmaGhost]

Now I need an HDMI switcher, or just freakin get an LCD...I just cannot stand refresh rates...(CRT all the way!)You know, speaking of CRTs, I made a big mistake this weekend. I moved my 360 from the Dell 2005FPW, that I've had it hooked up to since I got it, to my 27-ish" flat-tube SD CRT via the component cables (but it doesn't run in 480p, strangely enough... I think it uses a digital comb filter or something like that). Anyway, the image was obviously not as sharp as my computer monitor, but the colors? They were so bright and vibrant! Wow. So I have to sacrifice resolution over color saturation and the like and it's a hard trade-off, honestly.

[fitbabits]

Then why don't we, (gamestop) the number one video game retailer and Halo 3 advertizing partner stock core systems anymore?

You work there. You tell us!

[CynicSter]

Because it's not called the Core anymore.

The Core sku has been discontinued at Best Buy too, I'll have to check for a new sku

[RorschachCCCLX]

You work there. You tell us!

OK, because its dead!.

It's passed on, This SKU is no more. it has ceased to be. it has expired and gone to meet it's maker. It's a stiff, Bereft of life, it rests in peace. It's kicked the bucket, shuffled off this mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisibile. this is an Ex-SKU.

And we certainly aren't CorpseStop.

[fitbabits]

OK, because its dead!.

It's passed on, This SKU is no more. it has ceased to be. it has expired and gone to meet it's maker. It's a stiff, Bereft of life, it rests in peace. It's kicked the bucket, shuffled off this mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisibile. this is an Ex-SKU.

And we certainly aren't CorpseStop.

How hungry are you? The reason I ask is because you'll need to make room for the above words that you'll be eating when you're proven wrong.

I'll help you out, though - the Core (as was) is almost certainly kaput (you missed that one). :)

[Johan]

Will they continue to call it the "Core?" Or some other moniker?

[Second Century]

HDMI isn't a huge visual upgrade, but it becomes more noticeable the bigger your display and the longer the cable. I have to run a 20' cable to my projector, and I have both component and HDMI run, with A/V switchers for both. Judging by my digital cable's output, component looks great, but at 160", you can notice just a bit of jitter in high contrast images. Switch it to HDMI, though, and it's pixel perfect.

Probably isn't hardly noticeable on a smaller (42") screen with high quality component cables. (Although I'm sure Schnoogs would disagree.)

This is what I am seeing on my Samsung 23" HDTV monitor:


Component HD has a larger color plate but lacks a crisp image.
HDMI has a sharper picture but lacks the richness of color.
VGA HD has the largest color palate and the cleanest image.

[Feltoar]

Thumbnails plz.. stretches my 1024 screen

[Durka-Dan]

How hungry are you? The reason I ask is because you'll need to make room for the above words that you'll be eating when you're proven wrong.

I'll help you out, though - the Core (as was) is almost certainly kaput (you missed that one). :)


I'm confused. The core is dead? I mean the original SKU. Microsoft still calls it the core, bapenguin. someone explain.

[jadkins555]

Will they continue to call it the "Core?" Or some other moniker?

I thought they were coming out with an "Arcade" version that included a memory card, Uno, and Pac-Man.

[92miata]

just as people argue with me about hd dvd's vs. standard dvd's, there is a MAJOR improvement in video quality with hdmi. i returned my premium and purchased a elite and the difference is AMAZING. as a matter of fact, with my ps3 and my oppo dv-981hd, and now my elite xbox, i have no interest in purchasing a new receiver, which i need bad that has all those crap s-video inputs, yet only 1 or 2 hdmi. i am done with everything except hdmi. the difference is that amazing.

but i also own and watch all this with a sony kdl46w3000, so that probably explains why.....:)

[Suave Peanut]

Microsoft will always keep their entry-level "Core" around. Even without the amenities, it's having a system at the lowest price point that puts them about two steps ahead of Sony.

[UWCrash]

I've got an Elite, and I'm not really happy with how the HDMI works on boot-up. The console passes no signal when it's off, so my TV doesn't even show the channel as an option. Then when boot it up, the console won't actually get all the way to the dashboard until you selected that channel (...which you can't switch to until you started booting the console). Maybe it doesn't sound like a big deal, but I'll like to hit the power button, walk away for a minute, and have ready and waiting for me when I get back.

I've actually got it hooked up via component now, with my PS3 and DTV receiver on my two HDMI ports.

[oldjadedgamer]

HDMI is pointless for me, got my 360 running 1080p over VGA.

[Adam Blue]

HDMI is pointless for me, got my 360 running 1080p over VGA.

My original plan was VGA, I even have the cables just laying around...but honestly I think it's ugly.

[Telefrog]

All I can say is that my company has acces to the Core sku through the distribution channel. We don't sell many, but we do have the SKU active.

[cp#]

A Core by any other name..... (is still a Core)

[oldjadedgamer]

My original plan was VGA, I even have the cables just laying around...but honestly I think it's ugly.

Don't know what to tell you, Planet Earth in full 1080p HD over VGA looks the complete opposite of "ugly" to me.

[Second Century]

(Q) Which is better—HDMI, VGA or Component?

According to Eurogamer, (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=78001&page=5)

"... the real question revolves around how good your display is.

"So while Microsoft is right to extol the virtues of its component and VGA outputs, the fact is that a digital output cuts out an additional element of processing analogue to digital at the display end and in many cases, this gives a huge quality boost. The only question is, if picture quality is an issue, do you upgrade your Xbox to Elite status, or do you put the cash towards a better display? Much as I prefer the Elite to the original 360, I think I'd sooner have a higher quality display capable of better results from a wider range of sources both analogue and digital."

*sigh* HDMI and my TV do not get along. :(

[Darkmatter]

So how do I RROD my non-HDMI 360 this fall so I can get the new 360 before my warranty runs out? ;)

[maharahaj]

So how do I RROD my non-HDMI 360 this fall so I can get the new 360 before my warranty runs out? ;)

Oo Oo, I know!

The upcoming Timeshift has an achievement called "Very Gracious", where you get 15 points to host a dedicated server for 48hours, then quit. Leaving your machine on for 2 days straight to get that baby should overheat your machine, no problem.

[h20fowler]

Who actually uses the HDMI? I tried and it didn't work. I might have a defected console...

The Elite's HDMI works great with my Sony TV (ironic I know).

Edit: Ooops...might want to read the entire thread before posting. Glad you got it working Adam Blue.

[Digital Outlaw]

Oo Oo, I know!

The upcoming Timeshift has an achievement called "Very Gracious", where you get 15 points to host a dedicated server for 48hours, then quit. Leaving your machine on for 2 days straight to get that baby should overheat your machine, no problem.

Wow, a whole 15 points for running your box for 2 days straight? Thats either a genious move or a fucking retarded move. They can't use their own dedicated servers so they will use the community that is point whores to make sure there online is a success for a mere 15 fucking points? Thats like selling crack at a N/A meeting.....

[Yeti2005]

So how do I RROD my non-HDMI 360 this fall so I can get the new 360 before my warranty runs out? ;)

I don't think MS is going to send you a new 360 if your old one has a RROD. My 2nd 360 had the RROD and they sent me another unit but it was a refurb from 2006.

[Avy]

All I can say is that my company has acces to the Core sku through the distribution channel. We don't sell many, but we do have the SKU active.

Which 'company' is this?

I haven't seen a core at my store, or any other store in this city, for about a year now. I wouldn't officially say it's 'gone' as I haven't heard any word from our rep regarding that, but from personal experience this is a product they are just not shipping to us.

[Disgustipated]

I don't think MS is going to send you a new 360 if your old one has a RROD. My 2nd 360 had the RROD and they sent me another unit but it was a refurb from 2006.

I had the RROD and Microsoft sent me a brand new, 3 week old console.

[drakkarim]

unless by "sold seperately" they mean "inside the elite box only"

[momusak]

Bought an elite, once I changed the picture settings for the HDMI port it was beautiful, I have an SXRD that could only accept 1080P on HDMI. Hopefully I can get good money for my Premium.

[Telefrog]

Which 'company' is this?

I haven't seen a core at my store, or any other store in this city, for about a year now. I wouldn't officially say it's 'gone' as I haven't heard any word from our rep regarding that, but from personal experience this is a product they are just not shipping to us.

www.zones.com. We sell IT products to business and government clients. Public sales are discouraged. The 360 Core SKU is sold to marketing businesses for their giveaways, I presume.

[mkelehan]

unless by "sold seperately" they mean "inside the elite box only"

$50 in stores now.

[Fartacus]

Believe me, it's faaaaarrrrr from dead.

GameStop is dead to me.

[fitbabits]

GameStop is dead to me.

And many people like you. With good reason.

[Dukefrukem]

Mark my words. Core Bundle this holiday with Viva Pinata and a memory card for $279.99.

who would buy a core?

[oldjadedgamer]

who would buy a core?

People who never care about going online?

[Gerbs]

who would buy a core?

People whose current Premium has broken and not covered by warranty.

[KingGorilla]

Can you use the HD-DVD drive without a Hard Drive?

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

People whose current Premium has broken and not covered by warranty.

Yes, I want one of these damn HDMI core systems but I want an Asian region one, they need to hurry up and get them up to date with this too.

[Trazzlo the Magnificant]

who would buy a core?
People who play arcade games mostly, from Live. Or the second (or third) 360 in the house, used to play HD movies in other rooms than the gaming room.

[oldjadedgamer]

Can you use the HD-DVD drive without a Hard Drive?

Yes, you can.

I always think it's stupid when companies bring out an add on then require you to have something else for it to work. Like how the Network adapter for the PS2 wouldn't work unless you had a memory card, or the HDD for the PS2 not working unless you had a network adapter.