Microsoft is aiming to help make its Xbox 360 game console and HD DVD add-on more competitive by asking for a price reduction from its Taiwan-based component makers by an average of 5 to 15% on a quarterly basis for component quotes, according to DigiTimes. 

While Microsoft is working with Lite-On IT for its HD DVD add-on drive, it is also keeping an eye on other Taiwan-based optical disc drive makers for potential competing ODD makers. 

So far, despite many stores reducing the price of dedicated Blu-ray set-top players, it still works out cheaper to buy an Xbox 360 games console and its HD DVD add-on together, not to mention being able to play games on the console.  The two together also still work out much cheaper than what many US stores are even selling the PS3 for.