Honestly, we're not entirely sure. Microsoft haven't said either way, but it's worth noting that some lucky people who were involved in the development of the machine have received 'limited edition' black HD-DVD drives and remotes. Whether these will ever be made available to the masses is anyone's guess, much like the date of a UK launch for the Elite. I can't help but think Microsoft have missed another trick by not building the HD-DVD drive into the Elite itself, but there you go.