Xbox 360 HDMI cable rumor #1073

Another day, another Xbox 360 HDMI cable rumor. Although it seems unlikely that the Xbox 360's multi-AV out will ever support a digital encrypted connection, yet again such a cable has appeared on a retailer's website. This time EBGames has a listing for a "GameStop Universal Premium HDMI Cable", no details listed other than a price of $99 and a ship date of 12/1/2006. Analog to digital übercable, extension for an as-yet unannounced HD DVD and HDMI-equipped Xbox 360, or some marketing exec just checked the wrong box as they giddily prepared for high profit margin HDMI cable sales to confused Playstation 3 buyers?

[Thanks for the tip, SJ]

[IseWise Posted Sep 21st 2006 12:51AM]

I think all these rumors are all Microsoft's fault. To me Microsoft is sending mixed messages with the Xbox 360. All the executives have gone on record saying that the Xbox is primarily a gaming console. So why are they trying to get me to buy an HD DVD add on that only plays movies? Plus the fact that how will the Xbox handle encypted signals is some what of a mystery, plus the 20GB PS3 doesnt have an HDMI port but plays Blu-Ray, is it possible to have a DVI connection coming out of the AV multi port on the Xbox and PS3? I think it is more likely that there will be another Xbox 360 version with a built in HD DVD and HDMI. I think this is the fault of Microsoft trying to be first to market insted of waiting and putting some better tech into the 360 . I compare it to the Xbox vs. PS2, the Xbox came latter, had better tech, generally speaking a better built gaming console. But now we see the PS3 coming latter with more tech.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2006 6:06PM]

The cable could be used for two things:

1) It's probably just a cable which converts the analog signal to digital, so that people with HDMI inputs can use it. It's probably better to just buy a component-to-HDMI cable I guess.

Or,

2) It's a cable for the 360's HD-DVD drive.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2006 7:26PM]

Weird...the cable does not show up on the site anymore.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2006 9:36PM]

Removed upon request by Microsoft.

"Microsoft has not announced any additional support beyond component video for HD output. MS is watching the market closely and they will continue to evaluate any options in the face of consumer demand."

Besides, the 360 doesn't support TMDS. Doing so would result in a respec of the system; = More money, resources, manufacturing, licensing... etc.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 6th 2006 5:00AM]

#2, I disagree. I believe it is for 360 owners to hang themselves after they realize that for the cost of a premium system, 1yr of Live, and the HD-DVD player that they spent more money than they would have on a PS3.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 6th 2006 11:59AM]

I am not a electronics genius, but I would wager that the multi plug on the rear of the 360 is capable of producing a digital signal, so a new cable with a HDMI or DVI plug on the end is possible.

I don't think that the HD-DVD drive being used for just movies, as an add-on is that odd either. Does anyone remember having to buy the remote for the original Xbox to watch DVDs?

Is this a case of Microsoft not being aware of what the HDMI rules were going to be? I doubt it as they are one of the biggest pushers of DRM and Rights Management in the world.

My bets would be that the HDMI/DVI cable will be just that a cable. There will not be a new Xbox 360 with HDMI/DVI. I also think that Microsoft will win the console wars again this fall with the now reported shortage of PS3 parts and shipments.