MS dropping HDMI cable gives consumers flexibility

[xnightcrawlerxx]

in from joystiq:


Microsoft's VP of Interactive Entertainment Business in Europe, Chris Lewis, tells GI.biz that the removal of the HDMI cable from the Elite packaging was to enable more "flexibility to consumers who can then decide which type of cable they want for their specific gaming and TV screen set-up." Pardon us, but that's like saying Sub-Zero ripping out your spine gives your body more "flexibility." Of course, the drawback is that you're dead.

Adding insult to injury, the new Elite bundle isn't just shipping sans HDMI cable, it has no HD cables at all; meaning that consumers now have even more flexibility to purchase better cables. While any old HDMI cable will do (they're cheap too!), the Xbox 360 component cable is proprietary and priced at $40 (as is the VGA cable). Want optical audio with your HDMI? That adapter's proprietary, too -- and $50. In fairness, PS3s don't ship with HD cables either (they do have an optical audio port, though), and that's always been a joke -- a joke that Microsoft is now in on

[DFUSIONITE]

I use a component cable with my old 20 gig 360 and the picture is excellent. I don't really see how it could be much better if i used hdmi. If i bought an elite though i would definitely want to try one out. It's crap that they won't be supplying ANY hd cable with it. Saying that i had to purchase a separate component cable with my 20 gig xbox which i wasnt happy about. It seems to me they have lowered the price and are hoping to claw some money back by selling the official xbox component, vga and hdmi cables which no doub't will be placed right next to the elites in store.

[sambo]

Microsoft has announced that the price of the Xbox 360 Elite will been cut to £199 on 28th August, following weeks of mounting speculation.

The black Elite, which comes with a 120GB hard drive and was previously £229, replaces the old 60GB Xbox 360 Pro which will now be phased out. The cheapo Xbox 360 Arcade has gone up to £159.99, although it still holds its place as the cheapest console on the market.

It's also worth noting the HDMI cable will no longer be bundled with the Elite. "In order to offer the Xbox Elite to consumers at a reduced price, now €50/£30 less at $249.99/£199.99, we eliminated the inclusion of an HDMI cable," explains Microsoft.
"That said, we are confident that providing even better value for our premium console will allow people the flexibility to purchase the HDMI cable of their choice so they can enjoy the full benefits of our high-definition and 1080p experiences over Xbox LIVE."

The cut is doubtless motivated by the announcement of the £249 PS3 Slim, which the Xbox 360 now undercuts much more handily. Standardising on a 120GB hard drive is sensible too, given the growing amount of Xbox Live Arcade games and DLC we're all loading up on.

The Arcade price increase is probably going to be blamed on exchange rates, seeing as the US version is staying at the same price.

[Failed]

The MS component cable is very respectable and has Optical Out. The gold plated HDMI cable with the old Elite though, is like gold plated bogs dollocks on a stick.

[nCogNeato]

I use HDMI.

I buy all of my cables and little doohickees from a site called www.monoprice.com.  I'm sure the UK has something similar.

[TaraJayne]

I use HDMI.

I buy all of my cables and little doohickees from a site called www.monoprice.com.  I'm sure the UK has something similar.

Pound stretcher

[Failed]

I think it's called ' The Everything £1 or less shop '

... catchy.

[TaraJayne]

I think it's called ' The Everything £1 or less shop '

... catchy.

Yeah thats the one. How could  I forget with a name like that

[nCogNeato]

I use HDMI.

I buy all of my cables and little doohickees from a site called www.monoprice.com.  I'm sure the UK has something similar.

Pound stretcher

  I have to be.  I now own all current-gen platforms.