Microsoft Releases Xbox 360 HD-DVD Emulator

Officials from Microsoft have announced the release of an Xbox 360 HD DVD emulator, aimed at allowing film studios and disc authoring companies to simulate the behavior of HD DVD content without the need to burn a new HD DVD disc, which remains a costly procedure. The emulation tool will be one of the first commercially available and reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to the format over the Sony backed Blu-ray technology. The emulator uses an Xbox 360 and attached HD DVD Player together with specialized emulation software to enable playback from a network storage share, portable hard drive or optical disc. “We are committed to supporting and advancing the HD DVD ecosystem, and the new Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator reflects these efforts by providing developers with the software-based tools they need to efficiently deliver the highest-quality content,” said Jordi Ribas, general manager of HD DVD at Microsoft. “Microsoft developed the Emulator to help save studios and postproduction houses time, resources and costs involved with the creation of HD DVD content, and let them focus on what really matters — pushing the envelope with the format.” Setting up the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator involves downloading the software via Xbox Live and paying a onetime licensing fee of $2,999. Further information can be found at Microsoft’s website.