Microsoft covering up Ballmer’s comment about Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360
The fine PR folks at Microsoft have a history of “reinterpreting” things Steve Ballmer have said in the past. Its happened enough to raise some eyebrows. It seems like the PR folks may be at it again trying to “clarify” Ballmer’s statement that the Xbox 360 will be getting a Blu-ray add-on.
Gizmodo recently interviewed Steve Ballmer, the head honcho of Microsoft. In the video interview, Ballmer talked about Natal and the prospect of Blu-ray for the Xbox 360. He seems extremely bullish about Natal, which isn’t surprising with Ballmer’s fixation to beat Nintendo at its own game. In the past, the only time Ballmer ever mentioned the Xbox 360 was to talk about how many copies of Halo Microsoft sold.
The other comment Ballmer made created some waves across the Web as he stated something that completely refutes the company’s stance on Blu-ray. When Gizmodo asked Ballmer point blank if the Xbox 360 will expand its multi-media capabilities with Blu-ray integration, he stated that there will be add-on accessories for the system.
Gizmodo wrote:
When I asked Ballmer about adding Blu-ray to the Xbox, he said:
“Well I don’t know if we need to put Blu-ray in there—you’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories.”
Ballmer’s statement seems pretty straight forward and clear. However, Microsoft’s PR department churned away and sent Gizmodo a response refuting what Ballmer had stated by providing “clarification” to his comments.
According to Microsoft PR, apparently Ballmer was talking about Blu-ray drives for PCs. I know many of you will probably be dumbfounded by Microsoft’s sloppy attempt at back pedaling. I am not sure what’s more insulting (or humorous) – Microsoft PR’s attempt to make Ballmer out to be a babbling buffoon (talking about PC accessories in mid-answer to an Xbox 360 question) or telling us that PR needs to act as an interpreter to what Ballmer said.
You can watch the video here- no “clarification” needed.
Earlier this year, Ballmer stated clearly that there will be a new Xbox 360 model with Natal in 2010 and it was quickly shot down by PR and Aaron Greenberg. Greenberg stated that he “believed” that Ballmer was referring to the project Natal rather then a new Xbox 360 SKU. I highly doubt that anyone believes Greenberg’s explanation as it completely makes sense for Microsoft to release an Xbox 360 with Natal cam bundled with it. I’m sure Sony will be bundling the motion wand with the PS3 as well. Its no big deal and to be expected, similarly to Blu-ray drive add-ons for the Xbox 360.
Related Posts:
90 Responses to “Microsoft covering up Ballmer’s comment about Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360”
Leave a Reply:
You must be logged in to post a comment. Don't have an account? Register today!
October 23rd, 2009
Xbox 360 are so bad at lies LoL. They need Blu-ray Disc support so i think is true even if they have to pay Sony money. I do believe they will be a new Xbox 360 if NATAL ever comes out the idea process. Steven Ballmer is one of the worst CEO and Aaron Greenberg is a TOOL. PS3 has everything it needs.
“In the past, the only time Ballmer ever mentioned the Xbox 360 was to talk about how many copies of Halo Microsoft sold.”
That’s still the case mostly LoL. Thanks for saying that awesome.
October 23rd, 2009
Fuck, he’s more freaky when hes moving.
October 23rd, 2009
“Xbox 360 are so bad at lies LoL.”
LoL i meant Microsoft my bad. Add-on Blu-ray Disc a little late but still worth it.
October 23rd, 2009
“LoL i meant Microsoft my bad. Add-on Blu-ray Disc a little late but still worth it.”
No it’s not. Who wants the jet engine fan on the 360 going when playing Blu-ray .
Better off just getting a stand alone player.
October 23rd, 2009
“In the past, the only time Ballmer ever mentioned the Xbox 360 was to talk about how many copies of Halo Microsoft sold.That’s still the case mostly LoL. Thanks for saying that awesome”
@roca & mike..
They cant even ask sony, how many copies for its so called “EXCLUSIVES” sold, they ll be embaressed..
“1.1 million pre-orders for killzone 2 in europe”
sony sure, everyone believed u..
October 23rd, 2009
ToshithegreaT:
Why are suddenly so mad LoL the true is not for everyone i guess.
me_:
LoL i know is better just getting VAIO or a new PS3.
October 23rd, 2009
@ToshithegreaT,
I wasn’t disparaging Ballmer for only mentioning the 360 to talk about Halo sales – I was making a point thats how much Project Natal is important to Ballmer. Important enough to talk about it so much.
You have to understand Ballmer is the top man at Microsoft, he has bigger things to worry about like Windows.
Anyway, I see nothing wrong with the 2 million Killzone 2 sold. Guerrilla Games should be proud of themselves, they did a superb job and have proven themselves to be talented developers. Bungie is also a very talented developer and I don’t think anyone doubts that the Halo franchise is one of the biggest out there.
October 23rd, 2009
Mike Ferro:
I swear that i knew you were going to comment on that quote. I just couldn’t help but quote the true. LoL.
Halo is big for all the wrong reasons.
“1.1 million pre-orders for killzone 2 in europe”
You got owned ToshithegreaT again LoL. Roca didn’t even say anything dumb ass i don’t his post here so you an idiot again now owned by me. I suggest you STFu already and stop being so stupid.
Words that describe the Xbox division RROD E74 HALO ADD-ON and DLC.
October 23rd, 2009
This guy is a complete freakazoid.
Getting everyone to chant developers? WTF!? lmao
Blatantly a meth head or something… I would be as well with his money lmao.
@ ToshithegreaT: What’s with your random dig at Killzone 2 then?
October 23rd, 2009
oldschool1987:
LoL true… People are just jealous of Killzone 2.
hey what’s new on PS3 i haven’t check in long time LoL weird me.
October 23rd, 2009
Ivan give me your PSN.
Mines oldschool1987
…treat yourself lol.
October 23rd, 2009
My PSN ID: Ivan-
I have you on it if i was not deleted but what ever accept them.
October 23rd, 2009
Roger that.
October 23rd, 2009
Ivan- Yes, Halo blows away KZ2 in sales.
Yes, Natal will blow away Wand in sales.
Yes, if 360 ever gets a Blu-ray accessory it will probably outsell PS3’s… lol… just kidding.
Ballmer is actually quite more reasonable, quiet, and reserved in this interview than his more popularized videos:
Gizmodo: “we sent two guys into their and they were just blown away with Natal”
Ballmer:
Job 1- Let’s get Natal to market first before we talk about anything else.
Job 2- Let’s see how successful it is, how it resonates, and adjust from there.
We’ll see how people respond.
In the future, Movies on demand will probably be more popular than physical distribution, but we will still try to make it the best overall entertainment experience we can.
Nothing more.
October 23rd, 2009
CarlB:
What ever dude. Sales don’t make my game any funner if you know what i mean. As for NATAL is a Wii without controller but make believe crap. Steven Ballmer is ruing Microsoft look at Vista and Zune and Xbox 1 all failure evn the Xbox 360 e74 rrod disc scratching over price crap.
October 23rd, 2009
“idiot again”
@ roca/ivan
I think i addressed to the rite person.. lol
October 23rd, 2009
Well Ivan, that idiot discussion betwn me and roca happenned weeks ago (it was my first day posting here in blorge), and i know u werent even posting on blorge those days.. Unless u visited all those msg posts, and still remembered that idiot discussion.. I m sure Roca = Ivan.. Just a deliberate spelling mistakes dont change ppl..
October 23rd, 2009
You instead of all took the @roca bait lol
October 23rd, 2009
“CarlB:
What ever dude. Sales don’t make my game any funner if you know what i mean. As for NATAL is a Wii without controller but make believe crap. Steven Ballmer is ruing Microsoft look at Vista and Zune and Xbox 1 all failure evn the Xbox 360 e74 rrod disc scratching over price crap.”
Neither does Graphics or reviews, e74, rrod, disc scratching@ all covered under warranty
October 23rd, 2009
With standalone players getting cheaper these days it’s hard to justify an additional player.
The whole topic of digital media vs physical media is interesting though. I don’t think you will ever be able to replace physical media, especially in countries where you have a cap on downloads, however I can see a place for digital media in the form of rentals etc.
October 23rd, 2009
ToshithegreaT:
Keep fixing the same shit every 2 month LoL.I never said graphics make game funner dumb ass LoL you truly are a one of a kind IDIOT.
harry sachz:
You so right physical media is the best that’s why most full length PS3 games i get are on Blu-ray Disc if they make on it. Only reason i own a Blu-ray Disc player is because my VAIO and PS3 have it i don’t really use much on my PS3 only on my VAIO to burn a lot of movies on a blank disc.
October 23rd, 2009
Looks like its YOU, who has started buying and fixing ps3’s.. Not me, i have just replaced my xbox once and it was my fault, got a new jasper in return, within 3 days..
October 23rd, 2009
I never said graphics make game funner dumb ass LoL ..
so U r kinda saying, u wont bring graphics into the discussion while comapring(in ur opinion)/dissing(in our opinion) xbox’s game.. rite
October 23rd, 2009
Ballmer is well known for saying things, and the people behind the scenes try to provide clarity.
Though Steve has a big job I mean Win7 has to be a success after the crap that was Vista, but I think the philosophy as CarB noted earlier about media is a valid one.
Though here in Aus where broadband infrastructure is a joke digital distribution will be a long way off yet, and for me personally I like to have some dics in the cupboard.
Speaking of Blu-ray think I might go watch Iron Man…….
October 23rd, 2009
Well gotta bookmark/add to favorites this page now.. thanks
October 23rd, 2009
@ ivan, Mike
“1.1 million pre-orders for killzone 2 in europe”
I hope u realize that was joke comment on sony,
They said it b4 the launch of killzone 2, that it has already crossed 1.1 mil preorders in europe.. And within/after a month after the release of killzone 2, sony stated that killzone 2 has sold 1 million units worldwide.. Of those 600/650k were in US alone, 20k in Japan.. so what happened to those 1.1 millionm preorders.. The game got really good reviews, so its not like that so many people cancelled their preorders..
October 23rd, 2009
ToshithegreaT:
Shut up already obviously you just like The Future of Sega a big trolling spammer whoe’s bitter cuzz he can afford to buy a PS3. At least harry an Xbox only owner claims to have played the PLAYSTATION 3 and CarlB got one to have some more saying on how much he think it sucks LoL. Get a life other then that problematic white box.
October 23rd, 2009
Unlesa any proposed Blu-ray add-on sold (as happened with the HD DVD add-on) for about half what a stand-alone is going for what would be the point of an Xbox add-on?
It will not be for games (they are not going to alienate 30 million+ existing 360 owners) so that just leaves HD movie playback.
Which you can have now anyways by download or streaming (in addition to which a superior streaming tech is about to appear in the next couple of months).
So, why would they?
Balmer (as is the case with many CEOs) just isn’t fully genned up on the detail.
It’s not like it’s the 1st time he’s made comments which had to be, er, ‘clarified’.
October 23rd, 2009
It was funnier when Steve was getting pelted with eggs.
October 23rd, 2009
Happyhockum:
If Xbox 360 ever sees Blu-ray Disc support is just for movies easy fact. Steven Ballmer is just a really useless dumb pathetic fat lazy crappy Chief Executive Officer it shows by the way he acts like a real fool. Not having Blu-ray Disc support is definitely going to bite them hard in the end. They notice too late i think.
October 23rd, 2009
Ivan
Bitten hard by what?
A movie format that is growing at a crawl despite being put in a multi-million selling game console from almost day 1?
You do know Blu-ray only has 6.6% share, right?
3yrs in and that’s pretty unimpressive – and has in fact, contrary to the PR BS, failed to match DVD (despite DVD’s initial growth being slow, after 3yrs DVD growth rocketed, something which is not likely to happen to Blu-ray especially in this economic climate).
According to this report (dated Oct 2009) Blu-ray accounts for a mere 6.6% in the USA right now – w.homemediamagazine.com/general/home-entertainment-spending-gap-continues-narrow-17343
Blu-ray is a niche product.
DVD is staying king of the pile for now.
Gradually that will erode over the next 5yrs or so but it is very very clear that it will absolutely not be replaced by Blu-ray.
Most likely Blu-ray will have a short (like the senior Samsung guy said a little while back maybe 5yr) spell as just another minority share in the video marketplace.
Blu-ray will not be replicating DVD’s market penetration or share because (just like with the PS3 v Xbox 360) it would need to grow so fast for so long to catch up and pass DVD that it is impossible, the market will have moved on long before that could happen.
October 23rd, 2009
Blu-ray Disc is the new standard no matter what in here to stay it was time for new technology. Some people like the past but real people like futuristic tech. You can try helping Microsoft but they already drown bigg time at everything. SORRY LoL….
October 23rd, 2009
Happy: “Blu-ray will not be replicating DVD’s market penetration or share because (just like with the PS3 v Xbox 360) it would need to grow so fast for so long to catch up and pass DVD that it is impossible, the market will have moved on long before that could happen.”
I agree with that whole paragraph ^^. I believe DVD and BD are going to live together for a while. but I dont agree with 5-years BD life span. its been already 3 years since it came out I dont see any other type of optical HD media coming out anytime soon. so the Samsum guy must have been high or something when he said it.
I bet 2 years from now they HD media format split in 3 (DVD/BD/DD) and thats how its going to be for a while whether ppl like it or not.
also electronic products are not bound to last long during these “Technologically Advance” days. you buy a cell phone today and a month later your device is obsolete and they come out better ones. same with Ipods, TVs, PC, etc….even DSs and PSPs are following that trend. I can see TVs doing more than 1080p before the next PS3/Xbox come out.
October 23rd, 2009
Well all i know is that companies spend millions on Blu-ray already plus is now the new standard so is going to be here for a long long time no doubt.
October 23rd, 2009
“I don’t think anyone doubts that the Halo franchise is one of the biggest out there.”
Well actually COD is the biggest FPS franchise out there.
October 23rd, 2009
“With standalone players getting cheaper these days it’s hard to justify an additional player.
The whole topic of digital media vs physical media is interesting though. I don’t think you will ever be able to replace physical media, especially in countries where you have a cap on downloads, however I can see a place for digital media in the form of rentals etc.”
It doesn’t happen often, but I agree with harry 100%.
good post. I’ve been arguing that same point with Happy for almost two years now.
October 23rd, 2009
It definitely wouldn’t hurt for Microsoft to get a blu-ray drive. It is one of Sony’s strong points. However, what worries me is whether it gets put into the system to play blu-ray games, or if it is simply another $200 large add-on. If the Xbox wants games like Uncharted 2 and MGS4, you need blu-ray.
I just beat Uncharted 2 on Crushing yesterday, unlocked Genghis Khan. Wasn’t very hard at all.
October 23rd, 2009
If it’s an externel drive it will fail cause one no one will buy it so no games will made for it that’s why no one made xbox HD DVD games casue hardly anyone had a HD DVD add on but if it’s put into the next xbox like the ps3 it will do well
October 23rd, 2009
I was in the Sony store over the weekend and I was watching Transformers ROTF in bluray on the screen and I must say it looks good but it was so Hi-Defed up that it began to look fake and almost cartoonish. I own the First Transformers on HD-DVD and they did a way better job on the Hi-Def. I’m not sure if it’s the Movie or if it’s the 120mhz refresh rate but I have noticed that 120mhz makes things look so unreal. I would never buy one as I feel like I wanna throw-up. I’ll stick to whatever I have now which I think is 60mhz
October 23rd, 2009
barnabe, depends on how you define “biggest”… international competition? Halo, though it has branched out tremendously since it popularized it. He did fail to say console exclusive FPS though, wherein it would be the “biggest” sales as well.;)
I’ve already been in third world countries where basically what they do is share the media digitally via hard drive (not on base, out in the villages). They are not dumb, and they have already set up server farms. They make their own dvd’s from the digital source, which means they don’t purchase at regular retail… again, digital based is the main source of the media. They also use flash cards, as it is much more convenient and durable.
You’re right Ivan, Microsoft adapting Blu-ray appliances would increase Blu-ray market penetration and give Blu-ray a longer life before it is made obsolete within the decade.
October 23rd, 2009
Microsoft shoots down Blu-ray on Xbox talk
Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) has claimed that Microsoft has no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360, despite apparent comments to the contrary from CEO Steve Ballmer.
Writing on his popular blog, from his position as director of programming for Xbox Live, Hryb claimed that “Steve was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC. As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360.”
Ballmer’s comments yesterday appeared to be unambiguous, as he answered a question about Blu-ray compatibility with the Xbox by saying: “I don’t know if we need to put Blu-ray in there – you’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories”.
However, as many observed the rest of the interview did not appear to support the implications of his statement. Ballmer also has a record of making erroneous comments about the Xbox business, for which a Blu-ray peripheral appears to make little practical or strategic sense.
Highlighting Microsoft’s continuing focus on downloadable movie content Hryb added: “In fact, the future of home entertainment starts very soon when Xbox 360 becomes the first and only console to offer instant-on 1080p streaming HD movies. With a library of thousands of TV shows and movies to choose from, Xbox 360 owners can instantly watch the movies they want, when they want, in the highest form of high definition.”
October 23rd, 2009
CAD: “I was in the Sony store over the weekend and I was watching Transformers ROTF in bluray on the screen and I must say it looks good but it was so Hi-Defed up that it began to look fake and almost cartoonish. ”
lmaooo..I thought the same too when I saw that at Best Buy. but thats how BD movies will look if you have a 120+ Hz and a good contrast ratio.
I also saw a guy playing R.E 5 on one of those TV…and I was amazed by how good the game looks compare to the 60Hz 46″ HDTV I have.
October 23rd, 2009
I love 300 Watchmen The Dark Knight and The Day After Tmorrow on Blu-ray Disc they look sick i switch from my VAIO to my Bravia to watch Blu-ray films bigger LCD screen 55″ PSP i love it is great buy it.
October 23rd, 2009
A blu-ray drive add-on for the xbox 360 would be about as useful as a chocolate frying pan. For one it would most likely be more expensive than a decent standalone (going by the price Microsoft have the habit of charging for their accessories) and it could only ever be used for movies anyway, which would potentially eat into their profits from renting films with their 1080p on-demand service. It would be completely useless for games, as that would alienate 35 million existing console owners and totally unnecessary anyway. Allowing mandatory game installs would instantly fix any single disc capacity problems in the near future, and in the longer run they could simply offer games on a 24gb usb memory stick. Or combine the DVD (8.5gb) together with a cheap as chips 8gb usb stick. And if a games developer can’t get to grips with 16gb of data that would give you, then they need their heads examining (or stop putting tons of pre-rendered HD footage in the game)
October 23rd, 2009
“3yrs in and that’s pretty unimpressive – and has in fact, contrary to the PR BS, failed to match DVD (despite DVD’s initial growth being slow, after 3yrs DVD growth rocketed, something which is not likely to happen to Blu-ray especially in this economic climate”
How and the hell do you know? Are you psychic? I doubt it. BR “IS” on par with the growth of the DVD in its lifetime. The Br library is growing very fast at the video stores. The same as DVD did. Up scaling is no were near BR quality and as Tube TV’s phase out people are going to see the difference when SD looks like crap on an HD TV. Man you are pathetic. It was much better when you were gone so why don’t you leave again.
October 23rd, 2009
A BR add-on will be pointless if it is not used for games. BR players are getting very cheap these days. I still remember my dad paying $600 for a VHS player when they came out. BR has dropped in price quite a lot.
October 23rd, 2009
ncaissie:
How can Microsoft put out Blu-ray games when they started making them on the crappy DVD. What would happen to the idiots. Xbox is pointless period.
October 23rd, 2009
Ivan
Blu-ray is not “the new standard”.
It’s market share is far too tiny (and will stay too small a minority) for that to be true.
The glaring flaw in this claim is the almost total absence of Blu-ray in the PC market.
There are simply no writing burners or writable media at a price to attract anyone but the most optimistic/blind.
Roca
When the Samsung guy said he expected Blu-ray to last 5 years he meant in addition to the time it had already had.
He made the comment in Sept 08.
phranctoast
There will always be those who prefer physical media to a download.
But look at what happens when a market gets used to downloading.
The music industry shows us what is going to happen.
Once people are used to the (much bigger) ‘library’ being one they access elsewhere and not one they have to build and store themselves then I think the future trend is pretty easy to predict.
It’s going to chew a huge chunk of the buying people away.
People just haven’t gotten used to the idea yet, but it’s coming and they will.
All we’re waiting on is the infrastructure growing to meet the demand (and the speed increases in the last 5yrs alone have been phenomenal – personally I’be gone from dial up @ 5kbps to broadband @ 18mbps.
It’s happening all over the developed world
(Korea are mandating gb connections on new build now!)
5yrs from now and the market will be unrecognizable.
ncassie
How do I know?
Easy, you don’t have to be psychic, just informed.
Some of us read the trade publications and also have the data for what happened in the past with DVD.
What I said about Blu-ray being given a huge leg-up by being built into a multi-million selling console from almost day 1 is self evidently true and that did not happen with DVD
(PS2 for instance came out 3yrs in with DVD)
This is the most obvious point (usually skimmed over as fast as possible by the BD PR gang) proving how like is not being compared with like in this.
It’s simply a fact that at the end of the 3rd year of DVD DVD had sold 98 million units in the USA and shipped 128 million.
w.dvdinformation.com/News/press/CES2009yearEnd.htm
We know from data published last year that Blu-ray sold 63.2 million units over the whole of 2008 in the USA.
This year the Digital Entertainment group reported in Oct 2008 that they were seeing Blu-ray sales up 44.5%.
w.homemediamagazine.com/general/home-entertainment-spending-gap-continues-narrow-17343
So, a less than 50% increase on last year which is less than 98 million.
This despite PS3 and a consumer and retail market now very well used to disc-based video media.
Next year the weak growth is exposed badly as DVD jumped from that 98million to practically double again to 182 million (and it doubled again the year after that and almost again the year after that), Blu-ray meanwhile is showing zero sign of that sort of explosion in take-up.
I’m not saying Blu-ray will show no growth, of course it will and it has done but it is not ‘the next DVD’ and cannot now ever be.
You can complain about upscaling until you are blue (:P) in the face, only the already converted care.
Streaming is the future as HD TVs and even Blu-ray players show this right now with things like Netflix being included.
The blu-ray library is a mere 1700 or so (mostly recent titles too) against DVDs 90,000+. Some of which will takes years to come over to Blu-ray if ever (it’s worth mentioning that many titles did not go over to DVD from VHS and the same is bound to apply here).
TBH ncassie whilst I was away I didn’t miss the likes of you 1 bit.
You in fact are the one who demonstrably knows f**k-all about the subject and can be guaranteed to gurn & whine at & hurl your childish feeble abuse those who do.
I’m laughing at you.
Stay ignorant if you prefer I could care less.
October 23rd, 2009
happy – amen to that, brother! History will show Bluray taking up a place somewhere between DVD and Laserdisc. Not as dominant as DVD but more widespread than LD.
October 23rd, 2009
Rimmer:
“Not as dominant as DVD but more widespread than LD”.
Precisely.
….and they (Sony & the rest of the BDA) only have themselves to blame.
Their idiotic ‘format war’ was completely unnecessary, fatally delayed HD disc-based movie media and was entirely avoidable.
But, unfortunately once the ideas of greed & ‘winner takes all’ start to blind people who really ought to know better, this was always likely to happen.
October 23rd, 2009
We will see.
If sales are slow it is due to the bad economy. Besides are these site giving global sales or just US? And drop the next year sales bullshit. You don’t know how the sales are going to be or you would be rich. If you were rich I don’t think you would be hanging out at blorg.
October 23rd, 2009
BD was never a major selling point for me, other than eliminating/reducing the need for multiple disc games. That being said, I do love having it (along with the 1080p LCD) but would have been happy to not have to pay for it, had I been running an SD display. But I guess that is neither here nor there, since we bought both our first PS3 and first LCD on the same day.
BD might never (probably won’t) supplant DVD, unless DD hits a major roadbump and gives BD an extra 5 years of opportunity. The fact that the majority of the planet doesn’t have internet access that will support HD streaming doesn’t really matter: the parts of the world that do are the ones that drive the markets. This means hard media will have a place until our free satellite based 10gbps global wireless connections become reality, as well as relatively infinite storage space for those digital files (since you won’t want a situation where you have to download a movie or show every time you wish to watch it).
Had the economy not been deep-sixed in the past 18 months, things may have been distinctly difference for BD, as us westerners have a propensity for buying shit we don’t REALLY need for marginal increases in enjoyment, especially when the money is flowing.
Whether or not DVD to BD is a marginal difference is a different discussion, but my point is valid.
October 23rd, 2009
Every day is Groundhog Day on Blorge.
October 23rd, 2009
I think that the sheer fact that Microsoft is trying to have 1080P Streaming is good because it eliminates the need to store files and the minimum bandwith needed to operate it is 3MBPS which is obtainable by most companies on lower rated internet services.
October 23rd, 2009
ncassie
Besides Japan (which is always an unusual and unique example given the current composition of the CE market) these numbers almost always come from the USA.
They have had HD TV for many more years than the rest of us and are the single largest market.
By contrast the UK’s current Blu-ray share (@ July 2009) is a tiny 3% –
p://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article6620823.ece
Continental Europe started the whole HD thing even later than the UK.
Next year’s sales?
The problem you have there is the continual doubling up DVD has demonstrated.
Blu-ray simply isn’t keeping up (even with the huge boost PS3 must have been) and given the current economic outlook there is no reason to believe that they will (a) catch up and (b) repeat that performance nevermind (c) beat that performance.
JofaMang
I’d not disagree too much but the thing I think we have to bear in mind is that most of us here tend to either be out and out early adopters of hi-tech or have the tendancy to adopt relatively early(ish).
Most just aren’t like that.
Besides the disc is merely the container – and
with digital distribution you can forget all the stuff about containers.
It’s not really about whether everyone has a good enough connection, it’s usually steered mostly by how those in the developed world do it – and in particular in the cities and big towns where most in those developed countries are.
This is where we are already Netflix’ing etc etc.
From today, Oct 23rd, the Xbox owners can be Sky’ing in the UK.
I’m already a Sky subscriber, on their ‘full’ TV package (inc HD) I can stream and download films in HD & SD and sports in SD & HD *for free* over the Xbox.
Happy days.
October 23rd, 2009
ncassie
Seriously, you know nothing about what I have or do not have.
It’s the net.
You meet all sorts and you just never know, I will simply say you can guess away for all you like.
October 23rd, 2009
Sorry to burst your bubble but every single person I know that has Internet downloads movies from torrents and not Itunes or any other legal site.
Like it or not very few people will pay for anything they can get free. And don’t bother saying you wouldn’t do it because I’ll call you a liar plain and simple. Most people don’t see it as stealing because if they didn’t download it they wouldn’t buy or rent it anyhow so the movie isn’t loosing money they would never have in the first place. It’s that simple. I still contribute by going to the movies and rent movies as much as I did before. In fact I’m taking the kids to the movies tonight.
I mostly download movies not worth paying for or really good ones after I watch then at the show. And TV Shows are easer to watch at my own time so I download it after it airs if it’s not on Rogers on demand.
And HH just fuck off already you fuckin looser.
I forgot more then you will ever know. I’m not even going to bother reading your posts beond this point.
October 23rd, 2009
ncassie
Sorry to burst your bubble but I’ve been downloading .mkv encodes for years.
The thing is that is largely for computer literate people and not really the mass-market.
Like it or not a satellite TV service you have already paid for offering streamed & downloaded movies and sport (in HD) is going to attract people.
S’funny to see who’s trying to predict the future now, huh?
(tho of course the difference is that you have absolutely zero data or trend info whatsoever to back up your prejudice & speculation)
(and that “I forgot more then you will ever know” line of yours merely illustrates the laughable extent of your own risible arrogance & ignorance)
So ncassie I really hope you do live up to your word…..tho I expect you’re lying here and undoubtedly at some stage you’ll be back to try and bore me with your ignorance & prejudice.
You dreary, laughably predictable, tediously petty & feebly abusive bore.
October 23rd, 2009
Oh, and Netflix is going international next year –
w.pocket-lint.com/news/28203/netflix-launching-international-streaming-service
But they must only be doing it for fun eh?
What with nobody being interested and all, right?
LOL
October 23rd, 2009
@Barnabe,
“Well actually COD is the biggest FPS franchise out there.”
I said Halo is “one” of the biggest franchise out there not the biggest. Of course there are bigger ones like COD, GTA, Gran Turismo, Wii-sports etc…
@CarlB,
Those Gizmodo guys were a bit awe-struck in the presence of Ballmer, hence the bit of blowing smoke in the beginning. I probably would have done the same..
October 23rd, 2009
I think this is a waste of time. Why not add the Blu ray drive in INTERNALLLY!!?? It’s looks so STUPID dangling outside of the Xbox 360. Just ADD it in!!!….Oh wait, will that cause the 360 too overheat??
October 23rd, 2009
LoL, Mike put up a controversial quote, we by the look of it was a bad thing. There so many franchises bigger then Halo let me know if y’all wanna see my massive list. Steven is jackass just look at him he is a lose tool. As for the people controlling the Xbox division they all a joke. Just watch this year’s E3 when the guy announces they getting Metal Gear Solid he think god came to earth. But is just a crappy Metal gear since the master would have nothing to do with it LoL plus is still coming home to PS3.
Happyhockum:
And hey dumb ass Blu-ray Disc has been the new movie standard since i think 2008 when all major Hollywood studios made it. All movies now come out in Blu-ray and some on DVD because is the transitioning part.
And stop your assault on Sony we all know you are rule by Microsoft unlike you i like some Microsoft stuff not just Sony’s. I like Windows XP Pro, I like the Zune HD even thought i have a third generation iPod Touch. Also i like Xbox 360 because is easy to get games free.
Blu-ray is the ultimate viewing and gaming experience if you own a real HDTV. I’m a graphics whore i love HD content that’s why i love watching UMD too on my PSP. Sony is always with new tech they made CD DVD and now Blu-ray well not alone of course.
Everyone here if you on a PSP or PS2 duh everyone has one LoL get MotorStorm: Artic Edge ASAP you won’t regret it.
October 23rd, 2009
Quote of the month:
IVAN: “I LIKE XBOX 360″!!!
Mike, you have to admit, Ballmer was more than reserved. And was Gizmodo really just “blowing smoke”? They sounded pretty sincere about Natal… I don’t think they would lie or stretch the truth about that kind of thing, though I could be wrong.
October 23rd, 2009
Ivan
“I’m a graphics whore i love HD content”
Which is the flaw in your whole approach.
Loving great movies is about great movies, once you go above a certain point things like the resolution, bitrates and all the rest become very secondary for most.
Of course the sort of dead-head who thinks Transformers 2 is an outstanding movie because of the shiney-shiney in it is never going to understand.
It’s just beads and trinkets to the native (fanboys).
October 24th, 2009
Goku pwns.
October 24th, 2009
I love HD but the movie gotta be awesome too in acting story and genre. I love war movies n black gang movies plus political film. Transfomer 2 sucked i only like Megan Fox she’s just a year older then me so we make a good match yeah lol my dream.
October 24th, 2009
I have the entire Battlestar Galactica on Blu-Ray, that’s the BR set everyone should have
Obviously the updated BSG lol
October 24th, 2009
Oldschool1987
For myself I’m not paying the inflated price they’re after for that, when it drops by more than half I might be interested.
Meantime I’ve just got my self the new ‘The Plan’ in HD.
I enjoyed the 4 series but not enough to drop the sort of cash they expect on that one.
October 24th, 2009
Mike well I agree and disagree with your assesment that CODMW is the biggest FPS. While it sells more because of multiplatform sales it still did not sell more then Halo 3 on the 360 I Think. But it is hugh because it took the crown from Halo 3 on Lives top ten for a while but eventually Halo 3 took back the crown. I personally think while COD is a great FPS but the Multiplayer just did not do it for me. It’s obvious tha Halo 3 is the FPS with a more lasting appeal.. But my pick for the best shooter is Gears personally.
October 24th, 2009
And I have to agree with CAD. Halo does have a more lasting appeal than COD. COD is fun, but Halo is better.
October 24th, 2009
Call of Duty 4 is ten times better then all Halo combine.
October 24th, 2009
Good job we have both on the 360 then isn’t it Iavn?
BTW what happened with Kill Zone 2?
You PS3 guys reckoned it would be a massive seller cos you reckoned it was so amazingly good.
So how come so few of you guys bought it then?
October 24th, 2009
atleasat this cod vs debate is much better than that retarted prototype vs infamous debate, i saw on other boards..
October 24th, 2009
Prototype was a major massive failure the game sucked like hell it was just too lame just good cutscenes.
October 24th, 2009
Steering well clear of KZ2’s poor sales then Ivan?
LOL
October 24th, 2009
What Killzone 2 sold over 2 million that’s awesome and any game that sells more i guess is good too for them happy.
October 24th, 2009
B*llocks it did.
October 24th, 2009
Shipped more like and now being discounted massively.
October 24th, 2009
Care to compare the KZ2 sales to Hale ODST?
LOL
October 24th, 2009
I gather even Halo 3 sells better.
October 24th, 2009
Okay so LoL? I know it did.
October 25th, 2009
‘Call of Duty 4 is ten times better then all Halo combine’
I disagree here Ivan, Halo 2 is better than all CODs combined I reckon.
Playing Halos from 1 again, on number 2, forgot how epic Halo 2 is. Halo 3 is nothing on it.
The COD games are too overrated. They don’t deserve it’s God like status at all.
October 25th, 2009
I don’t know, I think every franchise is driven by it’s fans… and there will be better and worse iterations… still have some very fond memories of COD 1 and it’s expansions on PC, playing COD2 for the first time on launch day for 360 back in 2005… 3 and 4 were great too, but more focused on multiplayer I think…
But I did play Halo 1 and 2 as well… I think… I just couldn’t get into it as much, I think for me personally because it was more multiplayer driven and had less of a single player campaign. I haven’t bothered with any of the Halo’s this gen yet.
I do think it’s probably an unfair comparison, as even though they are both in the same basic genre, one is better know for it’s realism and trying to get you to be able to relive a bit of history in some shape or form, while the other is more science fiction based. I don’t think either of these two directions could ever feel the same, even if they had the same attention to detail and quality, besides the fact that a good portion of the tech would be obsolete or not make sense in a sci-fi setting (the slow transport boats in CoD2 for one).
October 25th, 2009
‘The COD games are too overrated.’
Depends on the gameplay that you like.
I don’t enjoy shooting someone 300 times with regenerating shields, and with CoD4 PC you can turn on hardcore so health doesn’t regen etc.
Other than that, CoD4 is a pretty standard shooter. Bad Company 2 looks neat tho
October 25th, 2009
Don’t get me wrong SW I love COD, there amazing games but the way some people go on about them and spend 100 Quid on some versions of it is pathetic.
100 Quid for some gay specs? lol.
And how do they justify the price their asking for the normal edition?
October 26th, 2009
I agree Call of Duty and Halo are both beyond over rated. I only like Call of Duty 4 a little bit and Halo 2 was okay. The rest sucks.
October 26th, 2009
they got rid of co-op. (IW mother fuckers)…how you cant even justified the $70 price in some contries
October 26th, 2009
Fuck call of duty
October 26th, 2009
Anf fuck their Special Ops(yeah right) Scopes lol
October 27th, 2009
“ncassie
Sorry to burst your bubble but I’ve been downloading .mkv encodes for years.”
And if you say you pay for them I’ll call you a fuckin liar. Plain and simple.