You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
Speaking in an interview with gaming blog Kotaku, Kim confirmed that the 1080p capability of the Xbox 360 includes scaling up to 1080p and displaying true 1080p images for both games and movies.
“If it is running at 720p we will up-res it to 1080p, if it it’s already 1080p then we can display it in 1080p,” said Kim.
When asked about the possibility of HDMI, Kim said that the company has no “HDMI announcement now,” but didn’t rule out any such HDMI cable in the future. According to Kim, 1080p gaming will be possible on both VGA and component, but he feels 720p will remain the norm.
“We believe 720p is the sweet-spot for high definition,” he said, noting that Microsoft Game Studio releases will continue to be developed using 720p as standard.
Of course the soon to be released HD DVD add-on won’t be used for gaming, so the Xbox 360’s lack of HDMI could come back to haunt the console. It had been believed that the DRM in place on HD DVDs coupled with the lack of a digital output could well prevent the movies from being played in full resolution, instead being forced to play at 960×540. However, some new information coming from the VP of Digital Media at Microsoft says otherwise.
“1080p is supported over VGA for DVD, HD DVD and gaming output. And yes, AACS [a form of DRM] does allow 1080p over VGA (classified under authorized “computer monitor outputs”).“
The VP goes on to add that “for component, you get gaming up to 1080p, and 1080i for HD DVD. DVD only works at 480p over this connection. The latter two are due to restrictions in DVD CCA and AACS rules for DVD and HD DVD playback respectively.“
So, perhaps the Xbox 360’s HD DVD add-on isn’t as crippled as had been previously thought.
About the Author
