Ubisoft reminds us that James Cameron's Avatar: The Video Game will need 1080p resolution from an HDMI cable if you're grabbing up that game with the expectation of having your mind blown. So if you're an early adopter of technology, and that early adopted technology includes the Xbox 360, you're SOL. You'll be experiencing normal video game graphics like the rest of us.

I realize, of the potential population to be disappointed by this realization, I've described maybe 12 people. But it is a useful caution to keep checking the console requirements as technology gets more sophisticated.

3D TV Doesn't Guarantee a 3D Avatar, Says Ubisoft [UGO Games Blog]

We're guessing that not too many people will take advantage of Madcatz' latest accessory, but with as stingy as television manufactures can be with HD input options, there's certainly some segment of the 360-owning population who will benefit.

Preorder [via gamingnexus]

I may very well be one of the only people with this problem, but HDMI-enabled devices are a total pain in the ass for me. That's because when I bought my television there weren't many out there with multiple HDMI in ports, so mine only has one. And I have a cable box, PS3 and Xbox 360 Elite that all use HDMI. So I bought the only switcher I could find at the time, a 2-1 splitter, and just manually swap cables, which is a pain in the ass.

Walking around CEDIA today I stumbled upon RT Com, a company that specializes in HDMI switchers and splitters. What caught my attention was this nifty set-up: One Playstation 3 playing on six high-def televisions at once. Once there they I spotted an 3-1 remote controlled HDMI switcher for $130, not bad, not bad at all.

There were some funny exceptions, like the 103-inch high-def television being used to play Wii Golf, a sales rep standing by cringing with every wild swing of those involved. The endless supply of PS3s being used to show off high-def video. The HDMI splitter being used to feed video from one PS3 to six high-def televisions. I'll be writing all of that stuff in a bit, including my being pwned by a pro-gamer on Halo 2, but for now check out the gallery and revel in the non-gaminess of it.

On the plus side, wonderkins did provide a photo of the new Premium's DVD-drive, the quieter BenQ variety. More shots of the hardware in the gallery below and at the original NeoGAF thread. Thanks to wonderkins for the original photos.

The Falcon and the Snowman: Greatest Movie Ever or The Greatest? [NeoGAF]

Also, when the current "Zephyr" chips are replaced with new, smaller, cooler "Falcon" technology, that will be right on the box as well:

Shop smart. Don't do drugs. Yadda yadda yadda.

Wonderkins Photobucket shots [via joystiq]

Microsoft has just confirmed that HDMI is now standard with the Premium version of the Xbox 360, now priced at $350. The retooled Premium 360, sporting the fancy HDMI, will sport an HDMI logo on the outside of the box, a Microsoft rep told Kotaku.

"Yes, we are offering an HDMI port for Xbox 360 simply as another choice in Xbox 360 owners' games and entertainment experience. Retailers are gradually introducing HDMI-enabled Xbox 360s into the channel to meet demand."

Big kudos to Opposable Thumbs for being the first to get their teeth into this story and Shack News who got their hands on the first picture proof.

The console clearly displays a manufacturing date of July 4, 2007, indicating that Xbox 360s that post-date that are likely to be of the new, HDMI ready variety. No official word yet on whether the new box is sporting a CPU of the 65nm manufacturing spec, but we'll get our magnifying glasses and rulers out to check as soon as is humanly possible.

One additional note, it appears the box for the new Xbox 360s makes no mention of the change, nor is an HDMI cable included in the Premium package as it is in the Xbox 360 Elite. Buyer beware.

HDMI Port Appears on X360 Premium Model [Shacknews]

Opposable Thumbs is reporting that a new batch of Xbox 360s, with built-in HDMI, 65nm processors, quieter DVD drives and resolved heating issues, will be quietly hitting shelves last this month or next month.

The story, which cites an unnamed source, says that the new 360s will be quietly rolled out, but that there will be something on the box that calls attention to the new HDMI out feature.

The story doesn't say anything about a price increase on these new versions of the 360, so I assume that the recent $50 price drop will still apply, otherwise Microsoft would be pulling a Sony and instead of discounting their console, they'd be having a fire sale to get rid of their buggy stock... no pun intended.

360 Cores and Premiums with HDMI? An Inside Source Spills the Beans [Opposable Thumbs]

However, Eric Lempel, director for PlayStation Network Operations does mention that "We're continually evaluating and improving PS2 software compatibility too" so maybe there's something marginally exciting nestled within. Deep within.

Me? I'm just happy to know what I'm downloading ahead of time. Thanks, PlayStation.Blog! Michael McWhertor

PS3 Firmware Upgrade 1.81 Coming Tomorrow [PlayStation.Blog]

If you're one of the few who decided to double invest in the Xbox 360 due to your love of HDMI, a free (FREE!) transfer cable is just a PDF away. Simply fill out the migration kit order form, then mail it off to Microsoft and wait patiently.

This is a limited time offer, only open to residents of North and South America who own both Xbox 360 (Core or Pro) and an Xbox 360 Elite. If that's you, make with the form filling! Michael McWhertor

Hard-Drive Transfer Kit for the Xbox 360 Elite System [Xbox.com]

Thanks for the warning, Dan. We appreciate it. Michael McWhertor

Xbox 360 Elite [Gamestop]

Despite his vast knowledge of video games, Stephen Totilo is, it appears, a television newb. That's right, he owns a (gasp) SDTV.

Valiant in the face of overwhelming odds, Totilo went looking for kindred spirits on the cusp of Microsoft's big HDMI announcement.

He found an unlikely ally in Epic's Mark Rein:

"The amount of crap that can go on in the scene isn't defined by the monitor, it's defined by the graphics capabilities," he said. "I think Microsoft made a mistake when they tied Xbox 360 so much into HD TV. What they should have done — it's complicated jargon, but they should have talked about high-definition visuals and high-definition TVs as separate things. Yes, the high-definition TV will improve the look of the high-definition visuals, but you still get much higher-definition visuals on Xbox 360 than you do on Xbox or PS2. Much higher."

After that Rein started to spiral down into technical jargon and talk of down-sampling, losing both Totilo and my interest.

There's much more involving windows, Gears of War and ancient televisions over on Totilo's site. Me? I'm a big-screen high-def kinda guy. Mostly because I happened to be finishing our basement and needed a big TV to fill the entertainment center.

I do sort of agree. While a standard picture looks like crap on my big-ass TV, I suspect that's because it's so big. High-def looks like normal def to me when seen on a big screen. What do you think? Brian Crecente

Mark Rein says I'm right and Microsoft "made a mistake" [Player Two]

I had an interesting conversation with Albert Penello yesterday about the Xbox 360 Elite and Microsoft's changing stance on HDMI. Here's Microsoft's Channel 10 talking him through the announcement and showing off the new console. Brian Crecente

By: Brian Crecente

It's no great surprise that Microsoft has a new Xbox 360 model in the works, but today they made if official and also announced five new Video Marketplace partners.

The Xbox 360 Elite will come with a 120GB hard drive, an HDMI port, a HDMI cable, both component and composite cables, an audio adapter for use with HDMI and a black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox Live headset. It will not have, despite rumors to the contrary, the smaller 65 nanometer chips, built in IPTV support or a built-in HD-DVD drive.

While Microsoft declined to comment on specific launch numbers for the new model, they did say it would not be a limited edition run. The Elite is here to stay, as are the core and standard Xbox 360.

The Elite model will hit in North America on April 29 for $479.99 along with a new stand-alone 120 GB hard drive that will sell for a whopping $179.99. The hard drive will come with a transfer cable and software to move the content stored on a 20 GB hard drive to your new drive.

Microsoft will also begin selling black battery packs and play and charge kits for the same price as their white counter-parts.

While the Elite edition will also be selling around the world, Microsoft did not discuss the date or price for other regions.

"Today's games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content," Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, said in a prepared statement. "Xbox 360 Elite's larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer."

Peter Dille, senior vice president of Marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment of America, was quick to point out that all of Sony's consoles offer an "elite" experience.

"The PlayStation 3 is the only elite gaming system on the market. Microsoft is trying to catch up to us at this point. Beyond the benefits of HDMI and a hard drive offered on every PS3 we make, we also provide game developers and consumers the huge capacity of Blu-ray disc, Wi-Fi, free online gameplay, wireless motion sensing controller and the power of Cell," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Our strategy has always been to offer all our consumers a future-proof experience when they first purchase any PS3, rather than continually asking users to upgrade with expensive new add-ons and entire new SKUs."

Speaking with Albert Penello, director for global platform marketing for the Xbox 360, earlier today I asked him why, after months of saying that an HDMI output was unnecessary for high-def gaming, was Microsoft now releasing a console with the port.

It was, after all, just six months ago that Msoft's Shane Kim was calling 720p the "super sweet spot" for gaming.

"That's a good question," he said. "I think what's interesting is that we have proven the point. One of the reasons we talked about that at the beginning was we were competing with a bunch of empty promises. We said 1080p can be done through analog, the picture quality isn't any better on HDMI, and I think we proved that."

" I don't think (HDMI) is necessary, it's not necessary to give a high-def experience," he said. "The HDMI decision was partially something that we have been thinking about how we were going to introduce. And now that there are a lot of televisions that have HDMI, we felt the time was right."

But, Penello is quick to point out, the Elite really isn't about the HDMI out, the big news for the Elite is the larger hard drive.

"I wouldn't encourage a current owner to come out and buy the Elite," he said. "We are releasing the stand-alone 120 GB drive... that's really going to be the primary solution for those who want more storage."

Penello said that Microsoft is working on a way to allow those current Xbox 360 owners who do decide to buy an Elite to transfer their data from their old Xbox 360 to their new one. He added that Microsoft has no intention of discontinuing either of the current models, there will be, he stressed, three Xbox 360 SKUs in the marketplace.

"We still think the 20 gig model will be our volume driver, the one most customers will buy," he said.

The decision to create an Elite model for the 360 was spurred in part by the "explosive growth of marketplace," Penello said.

While Penello acknowledged that the hard drive limitations of the Xbox 360 is a hot topic on gaming forums, he said that Microsoft doesn't believe that's an issue faced by most typical gamers.

"From my standpoint a lot of people still have room on their 20GB hard drives and we are still going to optimize all of the content on marketplace around 20GB," he said.

Microsoft also announced deals with distribution deals with five new video Marketplace partners:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment: They will be releasing its direct to video movies exclusively in high definition on Xbox LIVE simultaneous with their availability on DVD, starting with "Sublime" and later offering "Babylon 5: The Lost Tales."

A&E Network: "Dog the Bounty Hunter," "King of Cars," "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "Driving Force" and "Criss Angel Mindfreak"

ADV Films: Top offerings from the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation ("anime") outside of Japan

National Geographic: The television series "Is It Real?" and "Taboo" as well as programs such as "21 Days to Baghdad" and "Air Force One"

New Line Cinema: "Snakes on a Plane," "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" and "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," plus top titles including "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and "Magnolia"

TotalVid: A broad action-sports offering including extreme skiing and snowboarding, skateboarding, motocross, surfing and mountain biking

We posted it as a rumor this morning, based off of a Games Informer article, but the mag's editor has since contacted us to confirm that the story that is running in the latest Game Informer is no joke: A new Xbox 360 is arriving next month.

While Microsoft declined to comment on the story, sources tell us they plan to send out a press release next month, which is pretty much the only time they could, announcing the story.

According to the mag article, the new black Xbox 360 will arrive in late April and feature HDMI output, an HDMI cable and a 120GB harddrive all for $479. Unfortunately, there appears to be no talk of a 360 featuring a built-in HD-DVD drive. Perhaps that's down the line. There also seems to be room for a 360 with support for the IPTV announced at CES earlier this year.

Four SKUs, sounds like a bit much to me, but I thought two different Xbox 360s were out of line, so what do I know? Brian Crecente

Game Mag Says Black Xbox 360 is Coming [Kotaku]

Always get an iffy feeling posting black Xbox 360 stories — Especially ones that pop up in April. Yes, we know that the debug unit is black. And yet, the rumor continues to surface. This month's Game Informer says that a black Xbox 360 with larger 120GB hard drive, HDMI output and an HDMI cable will retail for approximately US $479. It does not include HD-DVD playback. A well-placed source at Microsoft tells GI that the reason is because the "format's not proven." Then again, neither is this rumor. And if this is in fact an April Fool's Joke, we've got two words: Not funny. Brian Ashcraft

Thanks Jc!

Ed's Note: Matt Helgeson, senior editor over at Game Informer, just dropped us a line to let us know that the story is in fact true. As a rule they don't post fake news stories in their April mag. So go celebrate.

Holy snot! Just take a look at Japanese gadget critic Yoshio Ohara's set-up. So sweet that a 20GB PS3 was hauled over to his house to see how it would look connected with a US $1,200 HDMI cable and projected on a 200-inch theater screen. Once hooked up, things like reading the print on the initial screens were difficult — Most likely, due to the fact the game wasn't designed for 200 inches. That aside, playing Ridger Racer 7 was compared to riding a theme park ride. Can you imagine? Brian Ashcraft

PS3 Blown Up [Arena]

GS: What can you tell us about the HDMI-enabled Xbox 360 rumors that have been going around?

CS: We're always working on prototypes and new technologies and just playing with stuff in Redmond to see what's interesting. I think at the moment we have the widest available connections on the system. If you want to get great HD, I think we've got a good solution for that. In the future it's interesting to see where standards evolve to. I think one of the problems that the whole industry, us and entertainment, are facing at the moment is we're in this world where standards are evolving very quickly.

We have different high-definition standards for discs that we know are competing at the moment. We think HD-DVD is going to be the right way to go, but really it's all about choice in that system so that's why we're offering these sort of services with downloads—skip that whole "format wars" problem. With other standards, audiovideo standards, they're evolving very quickly as well. We're obviously keeping an eye on that and saying, "What are the future standards and how do we give consumers the right choice for that?"

At the moment, everything you might have seen is just looking at our experimentation back in Redmond, not really a product that we're thinking about announcing.

The interview is a must read, Satchell also talks about whether IPTV is coming to all Xbox 360s or just a specialized model, sales, the PS3 and the Wii. Brian Crecente

CES 07 Q&A: Microsoft's Chris Satchell [Gamespot]

Well this seems to pretty much 100 percent confirm the rumor of the HDMI-touting Xbox 360. I wonder if it comes with can of petroleum jelly for all of us 360 beta testers. Brian Crecente

Exclusive: 360 HDMI Proof - HR Pictures and Video - HANA Scaler [Xbox Scene]