Microsoft once again rubbishes Blu-ray Xbox 360 claim

by Stevie Smith - Oct 13 2008, 11:42

While most unsubstantiated tech rumours are quickly vanquished once an official source has released a stock-standard denial or “no comment” response, the notion of Microsoft incorporating Sony’s high definition Blu-ray drive into its Xbox 360 videogames console just won’t go away -- no matter how many times Microsoft attempts to kill it.

Microsoft continues to deny rumours of Blu-ray coming to Xbox 360. Image: Microsoft.

Specifically, the rumour that just keeps on giving has suffered yet another vicious attack from the Redmond-based software titan after Xbox Group product manager Aaron Greenberg strapped on a pair of steel toe-capped boots in an attempt to finally kick all credibility from the story.Speaking to Xbox Live guru Major Nelson, Greenberg insisted that Microsoft has “no plans to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience.” The exec also swung a heavy boot in Sony’s direction regarding Blu-ray by saying Microsoft stands firm behind the belief that “we shouldn’t force people to pay for things they don’t want.”Microsoft has countered Blu-ray rumours on several occasions following the February demise of Toshiba’s HD DVD format, which the software company backed through a standalone player for its Xbox 360 console.So where now for Microsoft’s expansive Xbox 360 user base when it comes to HD content? According to Greenberg, Microsoft’s position on hosting high-definition movie and television content is centred solely on providing online digital distribution through its hugely popular Xbox Live Marketplace.Revitalised rumours surrounding a possible Blu-ray deal on the Xbox 360 resurfaced last week when online reports began claiming Microsoft had commissioned the hardware’s manufacture through a production deal with Toshiba-Samsung. A somewhat vague retail price of between $100 USD and $150 USD accompanied the speculation.Despite Blu-ray having won the battle with HD DVD and emerging as the widely accepted industry flag bearer, Greenberg commented that “the days of one physical format being the standard I think are gone.” While adding that no one really knows where Blu-ray’s lukewarm reception is taking Sony’s format, the Microsoft suit offered that “it’s pretty clear it’s not the next DVD, right?”

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KyleOct 29th, 2008 - 17:54:42

Greenberg's an idiot who talks out of both sides of his mouth. Since when does offering a Blu Ray peripheral 'force' people to pay for something they don't want? How about offering people what they do want? Nobody wants to download HD rentals off of Live. HD off Live sucks compared to optical HD DVD or Blu ray. Microsoft is pretty much anti-consumer with regard to Blu ray.

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DerekOct 31st, 2008 - 18:32:31

Microsoft are dreaming if they think they can ignore the fact that Blu-ray is the next big thing. Nobody wants to 'rent' online HD content. It is too slow and not the same quality as Blu Ray. Microsoft are just being stupid because they bet on the wrong horse and now don't want to concede that their rivals, Sony, have a better technology. My advice to Microsoft? You are winning the console war with better games and a better console, put the last nail in the coffin by taking away the only advantage your competitor has over you right now-- a state of the art movie machine. A simple add on is all we are asking for. Get with the program. Your customers want it!

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BrianNov 4th, 2008 - 22:12:05

While I think its highly unlikely Microsoft would ever try to buy the rights to use blu-ray, even if they did try to what makes you think Sony would sell it to them? I doubt Sony would even consider such a thing. Plus lets not forget blu-ray isn't the only thing the 360 is missing. How about some wifi BUILT IN Micrsoft? Not everyones tv is beside their router. I'm not a Sony fanboy I just think Microsoft could have made the 360 a lot better than it is.

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surferNov 11th, 2008 - 18:43:12

Well - I guess I'll have to buy a PS3 to get OWN hi-def movies and extended content. I'll also get a gaming machine that runs at full 1080p HD! I wonder if this will help anyone decide between Xbox or PS3? Bungie will have to make another Halo to keep people interested in the Xbox.

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joemamaJan 25th, 2009 - 19:10:33

Yeah, MS is being stupid about this. Just give us the option of an add on, your not forcing us to do anything...

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Microsoft once again rubbishes Blu-ray Xbox 360 claim

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