How toconnect Xbox HD-dvd drive to computer and TV?

essexsi_2

Good afternoon all.

Have just got HD ready panasonic TV, TH37PX80, and would like to take advantage of the cheap HD-dvd prices and get hold of the Xbox HD-dvd drive that goes on the Xbox. Never had an Xbox or PS3 and am computer incompetent.

Have read you can connect the HD-dvd drive to a laptop and TV, is this right and how is it done. I assume the drive connects to the tv, not the computer as I don't have HDMI on my laptop. Then you use the computer to access the drive to play the HD dvd on the tv.

Am I in the right ball park? Any links or step by dummy step for me , would be very much appreciated!

All the best Si

mdbarber

yup it can be done, not sure if there any guides, try googling it.
Essence is you need to track down the original PC drivers for the drive which i think was a toshiba.
Once installed you can attach the drive and then you need some software to decode the HD-DVD content (look up power DVD 8 and upwards

Conor_3

You don't need drivers for it but you do need software to play back HD DVDs. In addition to that, the laptop has to be capable of playing back high definition content and many of the Intel integrated graphics found in most laptops aren't.

essexsi_2

Thank you both for your replies.

So not just as easy as plugging in and playing then! If a new lap top is needed then that kind of spoils the money saving aspect of the cheap HD dvds.

I thought this would be the cheapest way of getting on the HD train, but I guess I need a re-think. Perhaps the price of stand alone blu-ray players will drop after christmas.

Thanks for your time. Cheers Si

Conor_3

TBH, the standalone Toshiba HD-DVD players are cheap on Ebay.