I'd just like to take this moment to say, "I love my X-Box 360." Thank you, Microsoft.
Specifically I'm pleased with some software updates that have come out in the last year or so. Late last year the 360 started supporting AVI files compressed with XVid and DivX. Whereas before I had to convert those files to DVD images and burn them to discs to watch them on our main display, now I can just plug a thumb drive (or any external USB hard drive, for that matter) right into the XBox and enjoy instant gratification. That's especially excellent because the thought of upgrading my computer into an HTPC, partly for that purpose, had crossed my mind; XBox is actually saving me money, it seems. (Except for the money I'll have to spend to buy new hard drives, as mine are filling up fast.)
Now with its silly Mii-ripoff service update, the 360 adds instant streaming for Netflix customers, including a limited selection of HD offerings. (NOTE: That link only works if you're signed into Netflix. ALSO NOTE: About 95% of the movies on that list are really terrible.) For not much less than the X-Box's cheapest system, people purchase a device that only does Netflix streaming -- no AVI playback, no video games, no DVD player.
The 360's Netflix service has some kinks that need ironing out: there's no way to tell via the X-Box's interface whether a movie will be HD or SD until you've already started streaming, which is obnoxious; the HD selection, as I mentioned, is dishearteningly bad (unless you're the kind of person who rushed Iron Eagles 3 and Cougar Club to the top of your queue); and apparently Sony (as in Sony Playstation 3) has made sure that you won't be streaming any Columbia pictures to your Microsoft X-Box 360, at least for now. But all in all, I think with this update the 360 cements itself as a crucial home theater component. And it has achievement points!!!
Well, there is one more thing that would really make it perfect: Blu-Ray support, presumably via an external add-on like the no-longer-available Betamax unit. (Strange choice, Microsoft.) If the 360 supported Blu-Ray, I don't see why anyone would buy the PS3, except for those of you with an unhealthy Final Fantasy obsession.
Interesting thoughts... I'm probably going to buy a PS3 next month, almost exclusively for the Blu-Ray. I'd just as soon buy a stand-alone player, but people who know this stuff better than I do tell me the PS3 is actually among the best Blu-Ray players on the market and roughly the same price as a stand-alone.
According to James, some of the new BD models are worth checking out. They might have good deals around X-mastime.
Unfortunately, Julia won't let me get a 1080p display. =(
PS3 has been a good choice for Blu-Ray up until this point because it was the only upgradeable Blu-Ray player (as the new specs are adopted, it can upgrade itself via the Internets). That may still be the case, although there are indications that the prices are coming down on new players.
Apparently not being able to tell a movie is HD before you play it is a limitation on Netflix's end, which they're working on.
I'm off to watch Cougar Club...
cougar club wasn't even watchable when i was drunk. not montegna's finest.
Yes, Julia and I watched Cougar Club last night. It was, of course, completely terrible. Faye Dunaway's face gave me nightmares. For Mantegna, it was a better performance than "Baby's Day Out", but still worse than all other performances by anyone.
Unfortunately I won't be doing a full review of Cougar Club, but suffice it to say Julia fell asleep within the first forty-five minutes. (I suspect most people only read those reviews to see if Julia makes it through the whole movie.)