Microsoft issued a firmware upgrade for its HD DVD player add-on for the Xbox 360.

The new firmware allows users to select from Digital Stereo (2 channel PCM), Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 or WMA Pro audio output formats through either TOSLINK or HDMI. In addition, it offers improved HD DVD networking support, higher HD DVD title compatibility and better performance with MPEG-4 AVC / H.264. Last but certainly not least, the 1080p resolution through HDMI is now supported on the Elite console with HDCP compliant displays.

Users not subscribed to Xbox Live have the option of downloading the update directly from the Xbox.com site as soon as it goes up later this week. Users being signed on to Xbox Live will automaticaly receive the software update the next time they play an HD DVD movie.