HD-DVD drive

[Maximo]

I did a quickl search and really didn't see what I was looking for.

I am thinking about getting an xbox 360 HD-DVD drive for my HTPC. What kind of horsepower do I need to pull this off. And also, who on this board has one and how do you like it?

[lostinva]

I'm running one without any trouble. System specs are in my signature below.

If memory serves, Windows automatically installed the drivers for me. I did however install AnyDVD HD to disable HDCP since my graphics card isn't compliant. Playback software for some reason requires HDCP compliant graphics cards (if using DVI or HDMI) despite NO discs released to date having HDCP flags activated...

For playback, I use Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra v7.3 ($100).

[myktek]

Originally Posted by lostinva

I'm running one without any trouble. System specs are in my signature below.

If memory serves, Windows automatically installed the drivers for me. I did however install AnyDVD HD to disable HDCP since my graphics card isn't compliant. Playback software for some reason requires HDCP compliant graphics cards (if using DVI or HDMI) despite NO discs released to date having HDCP flags activated...

For playback, I use Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra v7.3 ($100).

pbmax, on the forums has one also and he likes it alot from what i can tell..


sidenote: how do you like your Westinghouse? I'm really tempted and want to get the 42" or 47" version, are you just using BTV to watch TV or did you get an external set top tuner for it?

[Maximo]

Lost, thanks but your specs crush mine. I have an HDCP vid card but I am skepticle about the rest of my system. I may just hold my breath for Blueray to win the war and then buy a cheap drive.

[RenegadeELEN]

I've got one as well and have been impressed by the quality. Cyberlink has a utility to check out the system you want to install it on to tell you if it will work well or not.

Here is the link: http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/suppo.../diagnosis.jsp

[Maximo]

Now THAT is a useful bit of information. How Cool. Thank you.

[myktek]

now that i have a xbox elite, i'm just waiting for them to make a black bezel/casing one... =)

[RenegadeELEN]

A black cased HD DVD drive would look much better with my system.

[lostinva]

Originally Posted by myktek

sidenote: how do you like your Westinghouse? I'm really tempted and want to get the 42" or 47" version, are you just using BTV to watch TV or did you get an external set top tuner for it?

It's awesome. Believe it or not, a 37" monitor at less than 3 feet away doesn't overwhelm you at all. I do use BTV so the lack of tuner doesn't bother me. I do have an old LG DVD/ATSC tuner combo hooked up for the rare occasion that the PC is turned off.

I have 3 things I dislike, however:
1) it lacks proper ratio/zooming options common on most HDTV's
2) mine is a tad brighter on the right side compaired to the rest of the screen.
3) the set needs to be sent back to Westinghouse to perform firmware upgrades. I believe the new TX series includes USB jacks so those should be user-serviceable. That is one thing I really miss from my 26" Philips.

I paid around $1k at Newegg for it, but Costco is currently running a deal on their online store for the newer "SE" model for only $799. The difference between the two is that the SE lacks a second DVI jack, and has a higher contrast ratio.

[lostinva]

Originally Posted by myktek

now that i have a xbox elite, i'm just waiting for them to make a black bezel/casing one... =)

Check out DecalGirl.com

http://www.decalgirl.com/browse.cfm/2,243.htm

[RenegadeELEN]

The DecalGirl.com site is pretty cool with all of the decal mods you can get.