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Originally Posted by Ruined
The HD-XA2 will get the ability to output DTS-HDMA bitstream, not necessarily decode DTS-HDMA (this likely requires too much power to be feasible). It will also get 1080p24 output.
So, what can HD DVD standalone players get in hardware beyond the HD-XA2?
1. DTS-HDMA decoding.
2. Faster boot times (HD-XA2 is ~30 seconds)
3. Faster disc load times (HD-XA2 is ~10 seconds)
4. Larger persistent storage capacities
5. Built-in wifi
The nice part is that these things are all extras, so now what HD DVD will primarily get is software that takes advantage of all the stuff that HD DVD is capable of. While Blu-Ray is still trying to catch up their spec, studios are going to be thinking twice about authoring features that many people will not even be able to use at all. On the other hand, HD DVD studios will know that every HD DVD owner will be able to use the feature in full, so there is great potential in the development of features.
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Those are some good hardware features, but nothing spectacular. It's just what I thought...the hd-xa2 seems to be the ideal player for quite a long time if the price drops. As far as bd studios thinking twice about putting out bd-j features, I have no problem with that. All that stuff is pretty useless for sticking the disc in and watching a movie. And I'm sure it will give studios the opportunity to double dip later on.
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Some stuff that all HD DVD players, even first-gen, should be able to use with future HDi software:
1. Network a/v streaming
2. Interactive games with support for XBOX 360 controllers
3. XBOX Live Arcade Anywhere support for select games
4. USB External Hard Drive support for content download
5. Building on #4, downloadable movies off XBOX Live Marketplace
6. USB keyboard support for use with fan forums (not accessible off regular internet)
7. eStores
etc.
Note that in one way or another Amir has noted that all of these are possible in time with the HD DVD spec and current hardware. The HD DVD spec has essentially mandated that every HD DVD standalone player is a mini-computer with internet capabilities and external peripheral support.
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Really none of that stuff appeals to me. A/V streaming while I'm trying to watch a movie? No thanks. Interactive games? So, gamers don't watch movies, but movie watchers will play games on their hd-a2? Hmm... Harddrives for the players to download content? Estores to buy stuff? This all seems pretty unappealing.
Really, none of this hd feature stuff seems to be that great. I mean, the pip thing is something you could easily have as a separate feature that was actually in HD. I haven't seen anything that has really blown me away feature-wise. The key to me is, does it look and sound fantastic, and does it play flawlessly. If it does those two things, I'm happy.