The folks at the DailyTech have posted up some interesting tidbits about the HDMI connector found on the upcoming Xbox 360 Elite console. First and foremost, the connector supports HDMI version 1.2 as opposed to the latest 1.3 specification (which is supported on the PS3). When connected to an HDMI capable HDTV set, the Xbox 360 will automatically set the video resolution – upwards to 1080p. You will not be able to set the resolution yourself since the 360 relies on HDMI handshaking to perform the resolution matching.

More importantly, the 360 Elite’s HDMI connector will NOT output uncompressed multi-channel audio. That’s a BUMMER! The Xbox 360 coupled with the HD DVD player will continue to output Dolby Digital, DTS, or WMA-Pro audio. Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD audio will still be downmixed on the 360. If you want support for true 7.1 channel audio, you’ll have to get yourself a standalone HD DVD player which also happen to be dropping in prices (Toshiba’s low end HD-A2 now goes for $399 in stores).

When I first reviewed the Xbox 360 HD DVD player late last year, I didn’t care about the latest 7.1 channel audio support (or lack thereof).. but now that I have a new Onkyo TX-SR804B receiver.. I do! :(

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