San Diego - Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will lower the cost of the HD DVD player add-on for its Xbox 360 video game console from $199 to $179, beginning Aug. 1. New purchasers of the player will also receive five free HD DVD titles from a selection of 15. Microsoft also announced promotions with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Universal Studios, tied to the release of Warner's movie "300" and Universal's TV series "Heroes: Season 1" on HD DVD. The Xbox Live online gaming service will offer "300" on demand in HD starting on Aug. 14, and a free, HD copy of the pilot episode of "Heroes," along with trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials from the series.

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