Microsoft has released an Xbox 360 HD-DVD emulator for film studios and disc authoring companies, enabling content to be tested before committing to burning an expensive HD-DVD disc.

The emulator is amongst the first commercially available and eliminates the current trial-and-error process of testing HD-DVD titles.

Microsoft is charging a one-time licensing fee of USD 2,999 to download the emulation software.

As well as allowing users to test layout, menus and the behaviour of interactivity on a disc, the software also offers detailed reports to pinpoint any problems requiring debugging.

Source: gameindustry.biz