Madcatz Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit

Scotracer · 15-02-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider announced today the release of the Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit, a revolutionary new accessory designed to allow owners of the Xbox 360 console to connect directly to any standard HDMI input on their TV’s or displays and enjoy true High-Definition (HD) digital video and audio for gaming and movie playback.

The HDMI Conversion Kit connects easily and safely to the ‘AV Output’ located on the rear of the console and utilizing advanced microprocessor technology, converts the analogue signal to a digital HDMI stream, outputting all popular HD resolutions up to and including 1080p and compatible with the HDMI 1.3 standard.

Furthermore, the HDMI Conversion Kit has been engineered to carry full multi-channel Digital Audio (Dolby® Digital, DTS®) through the HDMI cable directly to compatible TV’s, eliminating the need for multiple video and audio connections. Should users wish to output digital audio to an alternative source, a separate Digital Audio Output has been built in to the device and using the Digital Optical Cable provided, offers users flexibility to connect however they choose. With all necessary cables needed supplied in the box, the HDMI Conversion Kit is a true ‘one-stop solution’ to an all digital experience.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “HDMI is widely recognized as the connection standard for the High-Definition age in which we live, delivering unsurpassed visual and audio quality. However, millions of Xbox 360 consoles are not equipped with an HDMI output and owners are unable to take advantage of the benefits an all digital connection provides. Mad Catz’ Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit provides gamers with a digital video and audio solution that we believe will be embraced by owners of HD-TV’s and those who demand the best from their entertainment. With breakthrough, innovate products such as this, Mad Catz continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing all areas of gaming and we look forward to introducing Xbox 360 owners everywhere to the all digital revolution.”

Compatible with all Xbox 360 consoles not equipped with HDMI connectors; the HDMI Conversion Kit is expected to be available across United States in late January 2008 for an SRP of $89.99.

Source: Madcatz Press Release

This is what we've all been waiting for. Sure, it's price is high but if you feel you need HDMI for video or audio, here's your chance. I'd wait for reviews before you take the plunge but it's a start!

15-02-2008, 01:13 PM

I wouldn't buy a a glass of water from Madcatz. I've owned a PS2 steering wheel and an original xbox controller by them - they were both rubbish.

15-02-2008, 01:24 PM

VGA is as good.

If you think you notice a massive difference then your a sucker for corporate BS, and need to get your eyes tested.

Kona Palangi · 15-02-2008, 02:15 PM

I am intrigued to say the least but I'll forgo an immediate purchase and wait for some feedback, possibly some reviews.

KiladuBz · 15-02-2008, 02:29 PM

wow scott, i see ur no longer bothered by the "true" or "full" hd terms, good for you!

Pepper Jack · 15-02-2008, 02:29 PM

will this actually be as good as real HDMI? or just a ****ty conversion?

and what is soooo good about HDMI anyway? my VGA is fine, what is better about HDMI than VGA?

KiladuBz · 15-02-2008, 02:33 PM

i guess its simply more convinient, one cable, with 1080p video and audio.

Pepper Jack · 15-02-2008, 02:41 PM

so the only advantage is that vga has a couple of audio cables?

15-02-2008, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper Jack

and what is soooo good about HDMI anyway? my VGA is fine, what is better about HDMI than VGA?

Long answer, VGA is analogue and HDMI is digital, and your HDTV is digital so not converting needed, so ergo better video quailty, and digital sound.

Short answer, no difference, VGA looks better on some tellys, HDMI better on others. HDMI tends to have a very very slightly sharper image, but thats about it. If your a real audio-whore then you will prefer HDMI, but if your a normal person you wont notice difference.

Only reason I can ever see a HDMI worth a purchase is so I can free up VGA connection for my PC.

Pepper Jack · 15-02-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane32Eire

Long answer, VGA is analogue and HDMI is digital, and your HDTV is digital so not converting needed, so ergo better video quailty, and digital sound.

Short answer, no difference, VGA looks better on some tellys, HDMI better on others. HDMI tends to have a very very slightly sharper image, but thats about it. If your a real audio-whore then you will prefer HDMI, but if your a normal person you wont notice difference.

Only reason I can ever see a HDMI worth a purchase is so I can free up VGA connection for my PC.

why is the short answer longer than the long answer? lol

and yeah i see what you mean now, it looks to me like all this fuss over HDMI isn't nessecary in the slightest. i have a HDMI link from my laptop to my tv and a VGA from my xbox to my tv and both look great, i can't tell any kind of difference at all. i dunno why people are going so crazy over HDMI, maybe because they were told to, every time someone goes on about HDMI i get a wiff of halo

Scotracer · 15-02-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiladuBz

wow scott, i see ur no longer bothered by the "true" or "full" hd terms, good for you!

I believe I have grown, emotionally

15-02-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper Jack

why is the short answer longer than the long answer? lol

He's Irish, they do everything backwards remember.

15-02-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrutless

He's Irish, they do everything backwards remember.

Thats what she said!

IIJoshIII · 16-02-2008, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrutless

I wouldn't buy a a glass of water from Madcatz. I've owned a PS2 steering wheel and an original xbox controller by them - they were both rubbish.

Agreed. Everything that I have come across from MadCatz has been complete ****.

Pepper Jack · 17-02-2008, 04:50 PM

yeah, there is a madcatz controller in my flat, not sure who's it is but it's gash

Blasterpez · 17-02-2008, 05:52 PM

didn't mad catz release some peripherals for last gen consoles that were found to actually damage the console? i seem to remember talking to a guy at a store that bought and sold used consoles and games.
i had some mad catz stuff for my n64, it was pretty crappy, to say the least. but it did have a longer cord on the controller, that was nice.

KiladuBz · 18-02-2008, 01:24 AM

madcatz for the most part has been crap, thankfully, when my 360 crapped out, i got an hdmi enabled falcon model

oli · 18-02-2008, 05:44 AM

stick with ol' VGA but good idea none the less.

Pepper Jack · 18-02-2008, 06:10 AM

yeah, VGA is fine for me, unless i see a friends xbox looking amazing with HDMI i see no reason to change

axeman2008 · 18-02-2008, 06:43 AM

Sounds like a good idea, shame it was Madcatz that developed it, however since i don't own a VGA cable i might see what the reviews are like.