Microsoft announced that it will cut the price of its Xbox 360HD DVD Player from $199 to $179, effective on 1 August 2007. To make this deal even sweeter the company further announced that it will add five free movies for all purchases between 1 August and the end of September this year.<\/p>\n
Clients will be able to select five free movies from a basket of fifteen, including titles like Apollo 13, Seabiscuit, Constantine, Casablanca, We Were Soldiers and U-571.<\/p>\n
Microsoft further aims to strengthen the Xbox 360’s position in the high definition entertainment arena with the HD DVD launch of ‘300’ and the first season of the hit series Heroes.<\/p>\n
In advance of the street date for the "Heroes: Season 1" HD DVD boxed set, Xbox LIVE members will be able to download for free the show's pilot episode in high definition for a limited time. Members will also be able to download trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials highlighting the "Heroes: Season 1" boxed set on HD DVD.<\/p>\n
The battle between HD DVD and Blue-Ray is certain to hot up in the coming months, and many experts predict a ‘standard battle’ similar to the VHS-BETA war a few decades ago. The Xox 360 is currently the most affordable high-definition player available.<\/p>\n
"With the price reduction to $179, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player continues to be the most affordable way to enjoy high definition," said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. <\/p>\n
"From the beginning, we set out to offer Xbox 360 owners an unrivaled high-definition experience, with a choice of optical discs on the HD DVD format and digital downloads through Xbox LIVE Marketplace — both of which have a selection of the best content Hollywood has to offer. Today's announcements around '300' and 'Heroes: Season 1' are great examples of how we believe HD content can be offered to consumers."<\/p>\n