They do let you get the 5 free HD DVD offer with the xbox add-on:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x...now/offers.htm
I am seeing that there are a few $100 limited supply Hd DVD players showing up. Why would you buy a $179 xbox add-on when you can get a HD DVD standalone for the about the same price? I bet with the holiday season upon us we will see some fantastic deals on standalone players. I would hold out for another month and keep an eye out for a good sale.