Microsoft announce HD-DVD for XBox 360
HD-Beat have the news that they are going to release an external drive for the XBox 360 which will be HD-DVD only. It's due this year...yes, that's as close as they could say.

The new drive will offer millions of Xbox 360 owners the ability to easily enjoy HD DVD movies and will provide consumers with even more choices for experiencing high-definition content, in either physical or digital form.

Will it now? You're sure that existing owners won't have to buy anything other than the drive? Like perhaps a remote control to make it work as well? That's what they did with the XBox, it's a DVD player, but only if you buy the additional MS remote control too...and is it more choice, or just locking XBox users into one side in the battle for the new format? None of these companies have you or I in mind, just them and what they aim to gain from a winner.

Sony Blu-Ray player
The DBP-S1 is the first from Sony and the picture is over at Engadget. I think it looks rather cool, rough spec so far...

...dual-layer lens for up to 50GB of storage capacity, read support for BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE...and 1080 progressive-scan output.

That means way high HD output for HDTV's, that's nice. Due early summer.

Philips Blu-Ray player
Philips have announced theirs with a picture at Engadget, but little else other than a suggestion of a delivery date in second half of 2006.

Toshiba's HD-DVD players
Yes, players. Although to be fair one has just a few more fancy features than the other, so it's one player with two models. Check out a picture at Engadget or Gizmodo, specs from both sites with delivery dates due March 2006.

Both models will support native HD in 720p and 1080i. The higher-end model, the HD-XA1, will include four DSP engines for audio output, along with two front USB ports, stabilizing feet and multiple user interfaces. The HD-A1 is expected to retail for $499, while the HD-XA1 will be $799...

...HD-XA1 - High end cosmetics, HDMI Output, 720p / 1080i output, UP conversion for DVD, Interactive Functions, Internet Connectivity, USB ports for gaming, Built in Dolby and DTS Decoders.

HD-A1 - Same minus some cosmetics, no frills.

Bit of a mixed message between Engadget and Gizmodo there. I think it's just a typo on the second list, the HD-A1 should also list minus Decoders. However, four audio decoders for DD and DTS, would that be DD5.1, DD7.1EX, DTS and DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 perhaps? Who knows as yet.

Warner Brothers announce HD-DVD and Blu-Ray titles
Through HD Beat, here are the lists and the "street dates" as they call them!

WARNER HOME VIDEO - HD DVD TITLES
Batman Begins 3/28/2006
Constantine 3/28/2006
Million Dollar Baby 3/28/2006
Phantom of the Opera 3/28/2006
Twister 3/28/2006
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 4/11/2006
The Last Samurai 4/11/2006
Lethal Weapon 4/11/2006
Training Day 4/11/2006
Unforgiven 4/11/2006
Goodfellas 4/25/2006
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 4/25/2006
The Matrix 4/25/2006
Swordfish 4/25/2006
Syriana 4/25/2006
Blazing Saddles 5/09/2006
Dukes of Hazzard 5/09/2006
Full Metal Jacket 5/09/2006
Rumor Has It 5/09/2006
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 5/09/2006
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory 5/16/2006
The Green Mile Special Edition 5/16/2006
Ocean's Twelve 5/16/2006
Troy 5/16/2006

PLANNED WARNER HOME VIDEO - BLU-RAY TITLES
"Batman Begins"
"Charlie & The Chocolate Factory"
"Constantine"
"The Dukes of Hazzard"
"The Last Samurai"
"Lethal Weapon"
"The Matrix"
"Million Dollar Baby"
"Oceans 12"
"Swordfish"
"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines"
"Training Day"
"Troy"
"Twister"
"Unforgiven"