Earlier today at Comic-Con, Microsoft announced that it will be lowering the price of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player from $199 to $179. This price cut, available only in the US, will be effective from the 1st of August. Microsoft will also throw in five free HD DVD movies to anyone buying an Xbox 360 HD DVD player between the 1st of August and the 30th of September.

Microsoft also announced exclusive content for Xbox Live Marketplace to promote the HD DVD versions of ‘300’ and ‘Heroes: Season 1.’ Starting from the 14th of August, Xbox Live will offer ‘300’ on demand in HD. Xbox Live members will also be able to download ‘Heroes: Season 1’ pilot episode in HD. This free download will be for a limited time only and is ahead of the release date for the boxed set. If you are a Heroes fan also look out for trailers and teaser scenes which will be downloadable on Xbox Live.

“With the price reduction to $179, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player continues to be the most affordable way to enjoy high definition,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “From the beginning, we set out to offer Xbox 360 owners an unrivaled high-definition experience, with a choice of optical discs on the HD DVD format and digital downloads through Xbox LIVE Marketplace — both of which have a selection of the best content Hollywood has to offer. Today’s announcements around ‘300’ and ‘Heroes: Season 1’ are great examples of how we believe HD content can be offered to consumers.”

As mentioned above, Microsoft is also offering five free HD DVD discs to consumers who purchase the Xbox 360 HD DVD player at $179. Consumers will be able to choose from 15 popular titles, worth over $140.