MS Confirms 360 *can* output a digital signal

[Abooie]

http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/735/5860p1.html

IGN: Could Microsoft theoretically release an HDMI dongle-cable like the various other cables already available for the console? Is the current 360 hardware able to output a digital signal, or is it restricted to analog?

Microsoft: Xbox 360 supports HD Component video output, which is compatible with nearly every HD ready TV on the market today. That's not yet true for HDMI. We are watching the market closely and will continue to evaluate our solution, in the face of consumer demand.

***Updated 9/28, 2:15 PM PST***

IGN: Can the X360 send out a digital signal now, or ever?

Microsoft Xbox 360 currently doesn't include a digital out connection for video. Our platform is flexible enough to allow support of a digital connection in the future should we choose to do so.

Still sounds a little cagey to me and I can't understand why they'd hold back a HDMI cable with the release of the HD-DVD drive. But it sounds promising.

There was also this bit...

IGN : Does the Xbox 360 have the internal bandwidth between CPUs and graphics processors necessary to move a full 1080p image? There's a big difference between 1080i and the 3GB/s of 1080p.

Microsoft: *updated* Yes, the Xbox 360 has the necessary internal bandwidth between CPUs and graphics processors to move a full 1080p image.

All good.

 

[Abooie]

It's not just for HD-DVDs the HDMI cable though, and should give a better picture for games. Plus we don't know if HDCP is definately on or off the 360. May be getting my info wrong, but isn't HDCP only a worry towards the end of the decade anyway?

Aye, 2011 afaik.

One thing I've read (on a forum though so take it with the proverbial pinch of salt) which may be causing the MS HDMI head-ache is the DVD-association stipulated that all HDMI ports have to be the same; with the same 'hole' so that any 'HDMI' cable can be used. MS would need a bespoke cable and thus a 'waiver' from the association before they could release something.

My guess is, if this is the case, the launch of the HD-DVD drive and the support MS is now putting into pushing the format will get them this 'waiver' and we'll see a cable release before too long.