Sony, Microsoft discuss Blu-ray for Xbox 360

[Nicolai25]

Sony, Microsoft discuss Blu-ray for Xbox 360

By Chris Nuttall in San Francisco

Published: March 6 2008 18:50 | Last updated: March 6 2008 18:50
Sony is in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360, according to a senior executive.

The Japanese electronics maker has until now touted Blu-ray as an advantage its PlayStation 3 holds over Microsoft’s console. Microsoft has backed Toshiba’s HD-DVD format and offered an HD-DVD drive that can be plugged into the 360.

But after Sony’s victory last month in the high-definition DVD format war, Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, said the two sides were now talking about Microsoft adopting Blu-ray.

A Blu-ray drive in a 360 would make Microsoft more competitive with the PS3, but it would also mean extra revenues for Sony’s electronics division. It would also add further cost to the 360, meaning a premium edition of the console could be necessary.

A Blu-ray drive could be incorporated in its top-of-the-range Elite Xbox, or Microsoft could again offer a drive as a plug-in peripheral.

Mr Glasgow, speaking at a media dinner, added that discussions were also taking place with Apple, which has not offered Blu-ray drives on any of its computers so far and has focused on digital media via downloads and streaming through devices such as its Apple TV.

The Sony president said he did not believe Blu-ray would be overtaken by high-definition content becoming available over the internet. Bandwidth limitations meant it was still available to only a few, he said, and consumers favoured disks they could own.

“Downloading will build over time, but this will be over a period of years,” he said.

Microsoft declined to confirm any talks, saying: ”We have made no such announcement. Games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available.”

On Blu-ray pricing, Mr Glasgow expects prices of players to drop to as low as $299 by the end of the year. They currently cost $399 and higher. He feels the price of a player could fall to about $200 by the end of 2009.

The prices of Blu-ray players are not expected to fall as precipitously as they did with regular DVD players. The Blu-ray Association, the group controlling the standard, has yet to license it to Chinese manufacturers, who would be expected to drive down prices.


Any Reactions..

From the Financial Times: FT.com / Technology - Sony, Microsoft discuss Blu-ray for Xbox 360

[Lord Budweiser]

This article isn't worth much...

”We have made no such announcement. Games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available.”

This is a serious contradiction, people should red B3YOND it.

[refraction]

the xbox rumor is just a rumor. yes microsoft will be supporting bluray, but for PC Games (possibly) and windows itself, not 360's, thats what the talk was about.

Straight after Toshiba decided to drop the format, the format war drew to a stark close. Although some may have found it a bit sudden, a lot saw it coming. Toshiba has decided to move on, but what about HD DVD's other big supporter, Microsoft?

According to Sony US Electronics President Stan Glasgow, they were open for Microsoft to adopt a Blu-ray add-on for the Xbox 360. A important representative, however, reiterated that the company has no plans to introduce a Blu-ray player to their platform.

However, during the Mix08 Internet conference, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer confirmed that Microsoft will be supporting Blu-ray in some way. While they won't support it via the Xbox 360, they will support it via Windows:

We've already been working on, for example, in Windows, device driver support for Blu-ray drives and the like, and I think the world moves on. Toshiba has moved on. We've moved on, and we'll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense.

While this won't affect the console wars, perhaps this will mean better news for PC games. With Blu-ray as a standard format, perhaps PC gaming can catch up to the heights that console games have.

sauce of my copy and pasta: Microsoft: we will support Blu-ray - PS3 News, Wii News, Xbox 360 News, PSP News and more!

[PCXL-Fan]

I was realing an interesting article that put this bluray addon discussion between M$ and Sony all into perspective and takes into account the looming economic recession in USA (and how in past trends that actually fuels console sales growth although decreases software sales).

It also points out that this recession isn't that bad for Microsoft as there won't be in a huge demand for a bluray addon, and that anything that keeps the console price down to one simialr to the wii is a huge benefit for cash strapped consumers.

If anyone can find it and link to it since I seem to have lost the article it would be greatly appreciated.

[Paratech]

I think driving up the XBOX 360s price another $200 would be crazy. The Playstation 3 had to be dropped to $400 for people to find it worth buying and I can't imagine people shelling out $500-$600 to buy an XBOX 360 with a Blu Ray player.

[Phil]

it always ends up like this...sony has superier hardware, microsoft has better software...so if they throw in together the consumer ussually benifits..

[galson]

Sony pays for every Blu-ray disc to MS anyway due to MS owing a codec used in BD movies. And even if a Blu-ray add-on for X360 ever hits the market it'll be used only for movies, never games - MS just can't force consumers into buying something in order to be able to play games on a console, that's against the law. They had problems with monopolistic practices in the past

And meh, I have no problems with multiple discs games anyway

[Paratech]

It is against the law? How?
Still I'd like to see how many people are willing to pay $200-$400 more for this.
I think economics will keep Microsoft from forcing gamers to buy the Blu Ray for the XBOX360.

[galson]

Monopolistic practices, as I've stated before? They are not legal you know and MS was sued over them in the past. And forcing consumers into buying another product in order to be able to use company's previous product is a monopolistic practice - i.e. at some point they announce that games would come out on BD only, so everyone who wants to play new games must buy a Blu-ray add-on.

[Phil]

thats the reason Standard Oil was busted up in the 20's. hmm Microsoft got off a lot easier..

[Thanakil]

1) If it's a add-on, they aren't forcing customers to pay a extra 200$ simply for a add-on, it's only a luxury for movies and ect.
2) They wouldn't make Blu-Ray-only games, IT'S A ADD-ON. They didn't make HD-DVD-only games after-all.
Because it was only a add-on.
I know sometime people are afraid that MS would use it for games because Sony does it, but it really wouldn't be the case.

Something that would make a Blu-Ray even more of a luxury tho : You'd have to buy a Elite version of the 360 (most likely) or at least a new HDD for your 360, because the Pro only has 20gb (atm). Not much to store movies and the like.

The Blu-Ray add-on would only be a luxury that customers would buy for watching their own stuff in HD/TrueHD, same thing that they did with HD-DVD.

[Lord Budweiser]

We've already been working on, for example, in Windows, device driver support for Blu-ray drives and the like, and I think the world moves on. Toshiba has moved on. We've moved on, and we'll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense.

They are making their OSs what OSs should be: compatible with all standards. Microsoft is not "zOMG! Brulay is da Best thinkg in universe!!!" They are just doing what drive manufacturers would do eventually. It is their obligation, not an endorsement.

[Paratech]

Originally Posted by galson

Monopolistic practices, as I've stated before? They are not legal you know and MS was sued over them in the past. And forcing consumers into buying another product in order to be able to use company's previous product is a monopolistic practice - i.e. at some point they announce that games would come out on BD only, so everyone who wants to play new games must buy a Blu-ray add-on.

I disagree, Sega made the Sega CD add on for the Genesis and didn't get sued, and they had the 32X as well, so there were Sega 32X CD games, and guess what? Nobody bought them! Not even me! I think if Microsoft tried something similar that's what'd happen.

I don't think Microsoft's that stupid!

[Nicolai25]

if MS tried a blue ray add on or blue ray build it..it will profit sony since sony MADE this hardware and software(blue-ray disc)

my conclusion maybe....

if MS goes blue-ray on games..
it might steal sony exclusive games..

and it is the LAST WAY of MS to maintain its SECOND POSITION in the CONSOLE WAR SINCE.. Wii is on the 1st slot..as PS3 is fast selling.

[galson]

Originally Posted by Paratech

I disagree, Sega made the Sega CD add on for the Genesis and didn't get sued, and they had the 32X as well, so there were Sega 32X CD games, and guess what? Nobody bought them! Not even me! I think if Microsoft tried something similar that's what'd happen.

I don't think Microsoft's that stupid!

Yeh it makes sense, but those two were utter failure anyways as everybody just stayed with carts and 5th generation of consoles was about to come out. Sega didn't get sued, but could easly have Cigarette companies weren't sued by smokers in the past either

Originally Posted by Nicolai25

if MS tried a blue ray add on or blue ray build it..it will profit sony since sony MADE this hardware and software(blue-ray disc)

my conclusion maybe....

if MS goes blue-ray on games..
it might steal sony exclusive games..

and it is the LAST WAY of MS to maintain its SECOND POSITION in the CONSOLE WAR SINCE.. Wii is on the 1st slot..as PS3 is fast selling.

Sony didn't make Blu-ray alone, it has been created by Blu-ray Disc Association, the consortium which was founded in 2002 by nine companies: Sony, Matsu****a, Pioneer, Philips, Thomson, LG Electronics, Hitachi, Sharp, and Samsung. They made Blu-ray, soon after more companies joined the consortium and now the Board of Directors counts 18 companies (as of Jan 2008). Sony has a little to say without them in Blu-ray matter as you can see.

And Microsoft has profited from Blu-ray since the beginning anyway as they own the VC-1 codec used in BD movies so BDA has to pay them for that.

[Nicolai25]

Originally Posted by galson

Sony didn't make Blu-ray alone, it has been created by Blu-ray Disc Association, the consortium which was founded in 2002 by nine companies: Sony, Matsu****a, Pioneer, Philips, Thomson, LG Electronics, Hitachi, Sharp, and Samsung. They made Blu-ray, soon after more companies joined the consortium and now the Board of Directors counts 18 companies (as of Jan 2008). Sony has a little to say without them in Blu-ray matter as you can see.

what can you say about this:

March 6,2008
Microsoft begging Sony for an Xbox 360 Blu-Ray drive
link: Gametrailers.com - The Source For Video Game Media

Summary:
Is it a coup for the ages? A Sony exec confirmed today that Microsoft has entered talks that could mean the creation of a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360.

Bow down to me, Microsoft

The blood on the doomed and discontinued Xbox 360 HD DVD drive is barely dry today, but nevertheless Microsoft is allegedly hard at work talking with Sony about a Blu-Ray replacement.

It should be noted that similar rumors have surfaced about a possible Xbox 360 Blu-Ray drive in the past, but it wasn't until today that they were given any kind of legitimacy. According to Engadget, Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, confirmed that "Sony is in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360."

Also worthy of note: the gadget blog cautions this is the same Sony exec who's been promising an Apple Blu-Ray drive collaboration for quite some time without results.

There's little else to go on right now regarding this statement, including release dates, prices or even a confirmation from Microsoft, so let's not go planning any celebrations just yet, ok? You know who you are.

REACTION:
and i mean it.. its NOT a ADD-ON Blue Ray Drive there after..
its BUILT IN(XBOX360)

[Phil]

you forgot something....





PLAY PS3


PLAY B3YOND

[Nicolai25]

heres another news
Gametrailers.com - The Source For Video Game Media

Microsoft chief Ballmer dumps HD DVD, demands Blu-Ray

Summary:
Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer said today that his company has embraced Sony-backed Blu-Ray as the HD disc format of the future.


"This is how much I looooove Blu-Ray!"

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed today that his company is actively seeking out ways to implement Blu-Ray technology into its array of products and hardware.

And while the outspoken, chair throwing executive did not specifically mention gaming in his remarks at the Mix08 conference (the Xbox 360, *cough*), he did admit the time was right to move on following the spectacular collapse of HD-DVD earlier this year.

"We've already been working on, for example, in Windows, device driver support for Blu-ray drives and the like, and I think the world moves on," Ballmer said. "Toshiba has moved on. We've moved on, and we'll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense."

The news goes hand-in-hand with remarks made by a Sony exec on Thursday, when Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, said his company was in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360.

Stay tuned to see if an external Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360 is one of the areas where Ballmer believes the technology "makes sense."

[Phil]

nikolai, you should do PR for Sony

[Thanakil]

Nicolai : He didn't say that it was impossible for such a drive to happen, simply that Sony weren't the only one to decide if microsoft could get one.
MS talking to Sony about a Blu-Ray drive simply means that MS wants Sony to supply them, it doesn't mean that Sony is the only one to decide.
Big difference.