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DivX video codec confirmed for Xbox 360

by Steven Williamson on 16 November 2007, 10:57

Tags: Xbox 360, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Xbox 360

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But, it's not a priority

In a JP Morgan conference DivX's new CEO, Kevin Hall has unwittingly let slip that Microsoft are indeed working to add the DivX video codec to the Xbox 360, although he has stated that the new feature will not be a priority and the final deal with Microsoft has yet to signed and sealed.

From the conference:

“Just a minor point here, but there was a recent Microsoft (MSFT) conference where I believe their media extender now incorporates the DivX codec on it, is that correct? Can you confirm that and does that mean we’re soon going to see Xboxes with DivX on them?

Keving Hell - “Yes! that, uh, we’re in discussions with Microsoft on that at this point in time, so I can’t go into any great detail on that. Um that is not a certified, that is not a certified or licensed product at this time.”

DixX has already confirmed that the video format will be coming to PS3 in the next firmware update and support for it has already been partially implemented in the latest 2.00 update.

"We are excited to work with Sony Computer Entertainment to bring DivX to PS3. Our technology will expand the multimedia functionality of PS3 by enabling users to enjoy access to the broad library of content in the DivX digital media format."

Source :: The Inquirer


HEXUS Forums :: 2 Comments

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Posted by SiM - Fri 16 Nov 2007 11:05
Why don't they just add decent codecs and containers (xvid, h.264, mkv, avi)?!?! Why bother with this divx nonsense?
Posted by charleski - Fri 16 Nov 2007 15:58
Free open source projects like ogg and mkv are actually a legal minefield for manufacturers as they would need to be checked thoroughly for IP infringements before they could be used, unless you're such a small outfit that no-one's going to bother. I would imagine that the 360 doesn't have the buffer limitations of cheap divx decoders, so they will have full xvid support as well. Licensing the code from divx gives them legal guarantees and a limitation of IP liability.

I think we all know the real reason that it's taken so long for divx/xvid support to come to the 360, this is certainly one area in which the console wars have finally yielded real benefits for consumers.