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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Microsoft announced in February 2008 that it would stop manufacturing new HD DVD Players for Xbox 360, while continuing standard product and warranty support for units already on the market. The announcement ended new production; it did not say existing players would immediately stop working.
What Microsoft discontinued
The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player was an external add-on for watching HD DVD movies. The Xbox 360 itself had a standard DVD drive, so HD DVD playback required the separate player. Microsoft’s manual also describes the accessory as a USB 2.0 hub. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 HD DVD Player manual documents the device and its use.
In its February 2008 announcement, Microsoft said it would no longer manufacture new players but would continue standard product and warranty support for units already in the market. That was the support commitment at the time of discontinuation, not confirmation of warranty or repair availability today. Ars Technica’s February 25, 2008 report reproduced Microsoft’s statement.
Why Microsoft withdrew from HD DVD
Microsoft cited decisions by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers. The move followed Toshiba’s retreat from HD DVD as studios and retailers shifted support toward Blu-ray, as contemporaneous coverage reported. This describes the format landscape around the 2008 decision; it is not a claim that the two formats’ technical merits were settled by Microsoft’s announcement. Macworld’s February 24, 2008 coverage explains the announcement in that context.
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#1 Best Overall
- Ultra Slim, New Mid Size Design, HDMI Output, 1080P Upscaling, JPEG, MP3 Playback, Multi Disc resume, Multi band TV Remote, Energy Star
- 1 Year Parts & 90 Day Labor Warranty
- Region: DVD: 1; Power Requirements:120V, 60Hz
- Video: DVD, DVDplus R, DVDplus R DL, DVDplus RW, DVD R, DVD R DL, DVD RW; Audio: CD, CD R, CD RW; File Formats Supported: JPEG, MPEG1
- NOTE: This is not a Blu ray player; POWER CONSUMPTION (STANDBY): Less than 0.5 W
What happened to the player after production ended
Existing owners received an update notice from Xbox Wire on April 8, 2008. Microsoft said it included compatibility improvements for certain titles and additional support for network features. The notice did not promise that every surviving player or disc would work indefinitely, and it should not be read as a statement about the condition or present-day functionality of an individual device. Xbox Wire’s HD DVD Update gives the notice.
How the price changed before discontinuation
Prices below are dated historical Microsoft announcements, not current offers.
Rank #2
- Versitle: 1x HDMI output, 1x composite video/audio output (RCAx3) and 1x Coaxial Audio output, connect your TV and audio systems for high quality audio and an enhanced entertainment experience when watching your favorite movies, shows and sports. AV Cable Included, HDMI Cable not included.
| Date | Announced price or offer | Where it applied |
|---|---|---|
| July 26, 2007 | $179 U.S. ERP, alongside a limited offer of five free HD DVD movies with qualifying purchases | United States; promotion terms applied to qualifying purchases |
| February 6, 2008 | MSRP reduced from $179.99 to $129.99, effective immediately | United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand |
Sources: Xbox Wire’s February 6, 2008 price announcement and Microsoft’s July 26, 2007 announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this means for owners now
The discontinuation announcement did not itself disable players already sold. But it is historical evidence of Microsoft’s 2008 production and support position, not a guarantee that any particular unit works today. No current used-device inventory, prices, repair options, or replacement-part availability are established here. Anyone considering a secondhand player should treat its condition and operation as unverified unless the seller demonstrates them.
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Best Value
- Stunning video and immersive surround-sound audio with up to six times higher resolution than standard DVD
- Innovative interactive content enables PIP commentary, scene selection, and menu access, all while the movie is playing!
- Only HD DVD offers a 'combo' disk: DVD on one side allows playback on all your existing DVD players in your home or car
- Enjoy hundreds of great HD DVD movies this holiday from major studios such as Universal, Warner, Paramount, Studio Canal, and more
Rank #4
- Please note: Not a Blu-ray player. It does not support Blu-ray discs and cannot connect to a computer as an external disc drive.
- 【DVD Players For TV】DESOBRY DVD Player is much smaller than regular DVD players, only 6.1*5.9*1.2 inches and 1.1lbs, save more space and easy to carry on. The supplied full-function remote control, also easy to use for kids and ederly.
- 【Upgrade Drive & Last Memory】This Mini DVD Player has upgraded Drive Core. It can be read quickly in seconds. Noise cancellation makes it loading DVD quietly. Error correction allows it to read scratched discs well. Anti-shock protection ensures a smooth and stable viewing experience. Breakpoint Memory function makes it always start from where it left off.
- 【HDMI / AV Output & 1080P】Our Small DVD Player can be connected to smart TVs and projectors via the supplied HDMI cable. And it can also hook up to tradtional TVs via the included RCA cable. Full HD 1080P upscaling resolution provide you a lifelike audio and video experience, turning any room into a mini home theater.
- 【All Region Free & USB/TF Card Input】Our Region Free DVD Players can play standard discs from all countries, supports CD, DVD, DVD±R, DVD±RW, CD-R/-RW, VCD, SVCD, KODAK PICTURE & PHOTO CD; USB /TF card input supports playing MPEG-1V, MPEG-2V,H.263, XVID, DX50, DIVX, MP3, MP2, WMA, AC3, PCM, JPG ( max to 32GB with FAT32 format). Note: Do not support blue-ray disc and MP4 files.
Rank #3
- DURABILITY: It is firmly designed, the wires will not be pulled out easily, or break up when it was plugged in or during shipping!
- UL LISTED & RISK FREE: It is built in safety protection, will not cause fire ,blow a circuit or too hot to touch when you use it for a long time at home.
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Charging your device more efficient than normal,will not emit out any physical noise!
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: 12V Microsoft PSC24W-120 Xbox 360 HD DVD Player (Replacement For use with Xbox 360 Console) 12VDC Power Supply Cord Cable PS Charger Input: 100 - 240 VAC 50/60Hz Worldwide Voltage Use Mains PSU
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
