Toshiba HD DVD price cut a swan song? |
116 Comments |
Posted by Marc Saltzman at 2:16 PM | E-mail this post
Toshiba announced yesterday it was slashing prices of its HD DVD format players by up to 50 percent, effective immediately.
Tis is perceived by many as a strategic move to boost sales in the wake of news that the biggest Hollywood studio, Warner Bros., will be abandoning HD DVD for its high-def disc rival, Blu-ray, joining the likes of Sony, MGM, Fox, Disney and Lionsgate.
Still committed to the HD DVD format, however, is Universal and Paramount/DreamWorks, though the recent Consumer Electronics Show proved Blu-ray has a lot more hardware to support the high-definition discs than the couple of new HD DVD players from Toshiba.
"While price is one of the consideration elements for the early adopter, it is a deal-breaker for the mainstream consumer," said Toshiba executive Yoshi Uchiyama in a statement.
Toshiba's players will now start as low as US $149 going up to US $399 for the top-of-the-line player. Stay tuned to Sync for new Canadian pricing.
The company says it will also continue with its ongoing promotions, including giving away five HD DVD titles for free with any of its HD DVD player.
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Posted by Marc Saltzman at 2:16 PM in Home Entertainment
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| Comments (116)
Brian on January 15 at 4:12 PM | Report abuse
Strategic move? More like "let's dump our stock before nobody buys it". Face it....it's over. Anyone who spends $150 dollars on an HD DVD player now is an idiot. Let's hope Blu-ray doesn't get cocky and start expecting us to go all goo-goo over the winner. I still won't pay $500 for a stand alone Blu-ray player. Ever. PS3 only at this point.
McGrath Dot Ca on January 15 at 11:30 PM | Report abuse
I agree with Brian. Buyer Beware but some consumers don't do enough research and that's why I wrote this yesterday just in case.
Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD player: The New $134 Doorstop?
http://www.mcgrath.ca/2008/01/14/toshiba-hd-a3-hd-dvd-player-the-new-134-doorstop/
We just need the 2 remaining studios to started making Blu-Ray so that we can talk about movies and not war unless it's war movie in HD ;)
A Navales on January 16 at 10:32 AM | Report abuse
Na-na Na-na Na-na na na He-he hey..... Good bye..
DrVex007 on January 17 at 12:19 AM | Report abuse
Hey not-so fast. All of this HD DVD death talk is premature. It is very simple.
If Toshiba also drops the price of the HD DVD movies as well to below twenty bucks, NOBODY is going to buy Blu Ray at $32 when you can get the same quality picture and BETTER sound at $20. If I were Toshiba, that would be my next move.
If they do that, I will buy that $149 door stop and a few of those movie companies will flip to the HD DVD side. It is all about the amount of people who own the players. Blu Ray does not actually have a very big lead. Blu Ray does have the momentum however and if Toshiba counters that by dropping the price on the HD DVD movies, then the momentum will slide back and by the way, Disney has already stated that they would consider either format. (Currently they are Blu Ray)
So although I agree that most of the momentum is on the side of Blu Ray, I would argue that it would take an idiot to buy a PS3 for substandard games. (XBox 360 has 45 games rated 80 or higher, PS3 only 4!) Or buy a PS3 for Blu Ray movies which would be $12 overpriced, with the same picture quality and have lesser audio quality than HD DVD. But the move by Toshiba has to continue and the drop in HD DVD movies must happen. If not, Blu Ray will win.
M on January 17 at 12:32 AM | Report abuse
I agree wholeheartedly with you DrVex007. People better hope that HD DVD continues, cause if it doesn't, prices for Blu Ray will go up and up...If HD discs go below $20, people will buy it, and studios will follow where the money is going. It's not over, not even close
tvman on January 17 at 12:32 AM | Report abuse
It's over!!! plain and simple!!! The consumers are choosing blu-ray for a reason...and now it's because as of may 75% of the movies being released will be blu-ray only. I think that says it all!!
John on January 17 at 12:36 AM | Report abuse
Uh, Toshiba doesn't make the movies. And the disks cost next to nothing vs a DVD disk already. Blame the movie companies for the price of the movies, not Toshiba. I for one was rooting all the way for HD DVD...why not it was region free and had the ability to make 1 legal copy for back-up. Blu-ray isn't region free(we are used to it) and initially didn't support the back-up. Quality was the same if not better since not all BD players were 1.1 compatible. Oh well digital distribution is here anyhow. I have a $99 500GB portable HDD that has close to 100 HDef movies on it, and I see that as the future...just need the internet backbone to flex a bit more.
Jason on January 17 at 1:20 AM | Report abuse
hey, here's a thought. Now that Blu-Ray has taken the step forward. Wouldn't you expect BETTER Blu-Ray machines in the future and possible DUAL machines that will play HD DVD's too. Do you recall machines now that play VHS and DVD movies. it's too early to assume a winner here. Think about it.
I won't buy either right now. I will wait for BETTER Blu-Ray machines. The PS3 will be old news when it comes to BLU-RAY machines in a year or 2. technology changes fast...Better Machines and hopefully BETTER sound from Blu-Ray. You can buy all the DEALS you want on HD DVD's movie and machines, but in 2yrs you might not be able to watch ANY new movie out there.
Martin on January 17 at 1:22 AM | Report abuse
DrVex007 I would just like to say that HD-DVD does not have better audio. The audio and video quality on the discs are identical. The only real difference between the two is an HD-DVD is 30GB and a Blu-Ray is 50GB.
bradzbrad on January 17 at 1:30 AM | Report abuse
I predicted this scenario a cpl weeks ago but predicted an entry price of less than $100.00 ,.. ask the guys at work.. lol.(go hd-dvd) As i see it the only reason that blu ray is a slight leader with `average' consumers that dont realize the eventual cost and present audio differences between the 2 formats is it just sounds way cooler to tell yer buds that you have a `Blu Ray' dvd player as compared to a `hd-dvd'. From what i understand, it is more cost effective to use the hd dvd format, you would think that this alone would be enough to sway the argument towards hd dvd.
Aron on January 17 at 1:47 AM | Report abuse
This is no deal, it's a fire sale.
Tj on January 17 at 2:10 AM | Report abuse
Remember Beta and VHS. Beta was the better format, but was more expensive. VHS won out because of the cost.
Wise on January 17 at 3:10 AM | Report abuse
I agree with DrVex007 comments above very much.
Money talks. Consumer chooses, Movie studio provide.
Rango on January 17 at 3:59 AM | Report abuse
People should learn from the past. What happened to Beta & VHS? They both lost out to DVD.
If blu-ray wins they will have cornered the market and we will be stuck to pay what they ask or do without.
Personally, I am fed up with being ripped off in the name technological advancement by the studios and the manufacturers.
It seems you spend a fortune converting from one format (VHS to DVD) and find out that eventually you will have to convert again to blu-ray etc. Most consumers don't have money to burn to keep replacing the formats. Then the manufacturers wonder why piracy is so rampant.
I'd like to be able to buy a player that can play all formats and studios that would make all formats so that consumers could finally be the winners. But that is just a pipe dream.
No matter which way it ends up we will all have our bloody pockets picked again by these insatiable money grabbers.
rik on January 17 at 7:12 AM | Report abuse
Blu Ray will probably destroy itself if it continues to produce newer versions 1.1, and later this year 2.0, without the possibility to upgrade via firmware. PS3 is the only Blu Ray device that will allow an upgrade to 2.0 and further up. Allthough I agree with DrvEx007 that I would not purchase a PS3 for gameing nor for blu ray movies alone.
McGrath Dot Ca on January 17 at 7:37 AM | Report abuse
Wow! I go to sleep and 11 new comments :D
1.HD-DVD main advantage was price yet you pay the same price for the movie as Blu-Ray? Amazon do BOGO often so people can buy movies for $16 if they are patient. I paid $20 for a movie(Futureshop) and it was in sale(reg. $32). You could rent a HD movie too.
2. Toshiba is the only major manufacturer of HD-DVD. The others don't believed in HD-DVD or they would had make players. By "fire selling" their players, it's a last ditch effort to clear out stock. Those with already a HD-DVD player may buy one for backup while you can to watch your precious HD-DVD movies.
3. Disney/Fox waited for the copy protection of Blu-Ray. They don't want to loose money on HD-DVD because of it's lack of protection. Also, region free media is not argument for them. That is why HD-DVD comes later than Blu-Ray because it still at theater elsewhere in the world.
4. The Xbox 360 has more games because it's been out for 1 more year. Yes, the PS3 do need more games in this second year. But Microsoft did not believed in HD-DVD or they would had make one with an internal model by now. Of course, it would not be able to use the extra space for games.
5.Blu-Ray will NOT come up in price. It may just slowdown the rate of lower prices but then again with more demand, it will also increase production thus savings and competition by other manufacturers. It's called economy of scales. Also, electronics is the rare industry that is costing less for more.
6. Digital Distribution is less than perfect. Can you loan your movie to friend? Not easy like a DVD. I do agree that it will be in our future but to many problems ahead for the "general public" and companies. Btw, you better backup that 500GB HD. I had a 300GB crashed on me loosing all on it. Learn from me ;)
7. PS3 will be able to be upgraded to Profile 2.0 so not so old news for an affordable media player/game console even in 2 years. Future Blu-Ray players also. Profile 1.0 can still play a Blu-Ray movie which is the main goal of most people. The extra are nice but not a must. I would still buy a PS3(40GB) because it's a multi purpose machine. Oh wait, I just deed on Dec. 30. :D
8. HD-DVD has 51GB(official) but not movie out in the market so far. Unfortunately, we won't be able to compare quality of audio/video. Technically is should be the same using the same codec and space. For example, does "300" encoded for only 30GB to match the less space than HD-DVD or they reencoded to fit the 50GB of Blu-Ray?
9. Dual machine will be a "niche" player unless Toshiba give up royalties to lower the price more. That would be great for current HD-DVD owners.
10. Blu-Ray is not "cooler" because it not well known by most. It raise question. HD-DVD is a better selling name because most people know about DVD. HD, not so much but more and more. Talk to non techie unlike us. ;)
11. Going from VHS(analog) to DVD(digital) was great because HD players can still play DVD movies. Who said you have to buy again all your movies? Me, I will however buy some of my favorite movies again in HD. A DVD comedy don't need to be in HD but an Action/Scifi would. Waiting for ID4 :D
12. Here is why I choose Blu-Ray even before I bought my PS3 a few weeks ago. I looked at my small DVD collection and selected the movies that I would buy again in HD. Result: The majority(90%) are from Blu-Ray studio in my case. Do the same with your own collection.
That's it for now
SLD on January 17 at 7:49 AM | Report abuse
News flash... Sony Blu Ray is free (essentially)!! My husband and I have been watching this debate for some time and with more than 500 DVDs in our current collection we had been quite concerned. However, Best Buy had sale where you received 10 blu rays when you purchase a Sony Blu Ray player. This makes the player essentially free. When we got it home we first played regular DVDs and the picture/sound was wonderful. When you pop in a Blu Ray is was even better. Blu Ray is the smart choice.
MP on January 17 at 7:51 AM | Report abuse
Question ? If we all go to blu-ray now , at what point in time will this new format start to affect our personal computers. You know the part where you buy computer games , new programs etc.
Is that upgrade going to cost an arm and leg also ?
McGrath Dot Ca on January 17 at 7:59 AM | Report abuse
LG GGC-H20L BLU-RAY HD-DVD Reader BD-ROM is $280. That's if you want to play movies on your computer. Expect more for a burner.
I would not recommend it and to stick with DVD burners for now unless you have some cash to burn. ;)
Mr B on January 17 at 8:10 AM | Report abuse
I have been really hoping for Blu-ray since the beginning of this little fight. For me it's all about the capacity. The not so far future of Blu-ray will have 100GB triple layer dics. HD-DVD can't even come close to touching that with 60GB. There are even talks about Blu-ray storing as much as 200GB which almost makes HD-DVD look like a CD-R. Even if it's true that HD-DVD has better audio (which I seriously doubt) that's just a codec technicality. What we are talking about here is a storage media that extends far beyond just movies. I know I would love to be able to use 100GB of space to put files on. I use DVD today for far more than just movies. Although movies is the first real need for this due to the size of HD movies. Yes it is annoying switching standards all the time but that only really happens every 10-15 years. The only reason why Blu-ray is more expensive is because it's a brand new technology. HD-DVD is merely an extention of DVD technology. The prices will come down. The fact still remains I am not willing to buy either right now. Toshiba could show up at my door with a free HD-DVD player and I would not invest a dime of my money in either side until this is sorted out. Remember we still learned from VHS/BETA. It's still too early. Until then the HDMI port in the back of my TV tingles in anticipation.
SadDaysforHD on January 17 at 8:18 AM | Report abuse
The problem with some of the statements is that they say consumers chose Blu-ray... back room deals and envelopes of money were choosing the winner, not the consumer (on both sides, not just one of them). One statement MGM/Warner made to justify their abandoning HD-DVD was that blu-ray discs were out selling HD-DVD 3 to 2, but noted those numbers didn't include Planet Earth, which had a much bigger HD-DVD following. Seems fishie to me to not include a series of discs that cost $80 and is selling very well.
I am an early HD-DVD adopter, and am sad to say this, but Toshiba is too late with their price cut. They probably should have done it in the fall, when Paramount/DW switched exclusively to them. People would have flocked to stores to get Transformers and Shrek 3 with a player for Christmas.
I am not sure why you would really want to move your existing DVD collection to HD-DVD, or use your old movies to decide which format. Older movies are not going to look all that much better in HD, at least not enough to justify buying the movie twice. DVD will be around for atleast another 5 years.
I am surprised the porn industry hasn't weighed in yet, since they would be the deciding factor, like they were in VHS and in DVD (remember, there were other digital solutions like DAT competing with it).
DRM or Digital Protection is a joke.. any solution will not last more then a month before someone out there breaks it. The money they spend on attempting to make things uncopiable (is that a word?!) could be saved and they could make the prices lower on the movies and more people would just buy them. I think the music industry is finally starting to catch on to this and moving to get rid of it.
I am rambling.. just thought I would get my two-cents in... I would say "Let the best format win", but it isn't looking too good.
Toshiba HD Sucks - let it die on January 17 at 8:52 AM | Report abuse
I paid $700 for an HD-X1 when it first came out. Blue Ray wasn't out yet and they were projecting a price of more than $1,000 when it did. I was about to spend $650 on a high-end upconverting machine from Sony so I thought, hey for $50 bucks I also get HD for whatever that's worth - turns out, it's not much.
The disappointment started pretty much from the beginning. The system takes forever to turn on, the controls are completely unresponsive, it takes nearly two minutes for the front loading drawer to open and god help you if you accidentally touch the open button twice - once the tray finally comes half way out it goes right back in and you're looking at another 2 - 3 minutes before you can get it back out again. Then there's the remote, black background with black text and no lighting. Makes trying to find the right key difficult in a lit room and pretty much impossible while watching a movie in the dark. In their defence when you finally get the movie into the machine and get it to start playing, it does an excellent job of upconverting and makes standard DVD's look great although I can probably purchase a $100 upconverting player that will do the same thing.
Then there's HD. It's like a crap-shoot trying to get them to actually play. Half the time it puts some lame error message up on the screen and then needs to be shut off to try again. After 4 or 5 attempts it usually plays but then I'm usually so frustrated that I don't want to watch anymore. I've rented HD movies three times and they absolutely will not play on my machine - no idea why. About the best thing that I can say about HD movies is that many of them have non-HD version on the other side so I can actually watch the movie - albeit at lower resolution.
Personally I'm glad that Warner Brothers pulled out, and that Microsoft / XBOX is indicating that they may support BlueRay. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will be switching to BlueRay when I purchase my next machine. Given that I haven't tested or even read any feedback on BlueRay systems, I hope that I'm not getting myself into a position where I'll be equally disappointed with that.
R.I.P. HD-DVD, I know mine will (rest in pieces that is ;-) the next time I get frustrated enough with it - 2008.
AVhunter on January 17 at 8:59 AM | Report abuse
If you guys shop for a Blu-ray player recently, you should know that the cheapest one lists for $499 and on sale for $399 at Future Shop.
For the price of an upscaling DVD player, Toshiba is now giving you a HD DVD player. Sounds like a good deal to me.
Jim on January 17 at 9:24 AM | Report abuse
If Toshiba can cut their prices in half, that tells me that they have been overpriced, and we have been getting the shaft when we buy them
THE DARK on January 17 at 9:30 AM | Report abuse
WHO CARES WON'T BUY HD OR BLU DON'T SEE THE POINT DVD GOOD ENOUGH.
Jason Haney on January 17 at 9:32 AM | Report abuse
I hate to say it, but it seems Sony has waited just long enough after all...Just long enough that those of us old enough to remember Betamax, and willing to take the time to remind our youth, are far fewer than the millions of technosheep who have posted on blogs such as this, such nonsense!
Blu Ray is NOT the be all and end all. Sony had a winner with Betamax due to its superior quality. Unfortunately the cost was prohibitive and VHS lowered prices significantly enough to choke off even the sound of the Sony Betamax choking on it's own flegm.
Think about it. HD and Blu Ray side by side are 95% the same quality! With HD half the price AND 5 free movies thrown in, Sony either needs to match the offer dollar for dollar or throw in the towel.
Let's face it, economics will win yet again. Those too poor to buy into Blu Ray for $400 FAR outweigh those rich enough to say "it's pretty cool, it's the best and it only cost me $400"...
I myself could buy either, but I"ll my smart money on the $149 HD player and spend the other $250 on a movie renting spree. The smart movie studios will hop back on board and provide a the product that will sell millions, not thousands...
Jon on January 17 at 9:34 AM | Report abuse
I think the relevant point is that as of June 1, 2008, only two major studios support HD DVD. And Neilson sales data just out for the week after the announcement by Warner show that sales of high definition discs were 85% Blu-ray and 15% HD DVD. That shows that the consumer has seen the trend away from HD DVD. (Before the announcement the sales ratio was about 65:35 for Blu-ray.)
Personally I don't own either format as I was waiting for the format war to end first and I'm guessing this was the same for many others. Now that Blu-ray has won, I'm eager to enter the hidef market sometime this year.
JET on January 17 at 9:46 AM | Report abuse
My Samsung DVD player as a USB port which helps me to elimante discs somewhat altogether. Why don't they make players that support files like a computer so formats are changeable and updateable for memory devices. We can purchase movies online or at a store on a memory device that fits in your pocket. Whatever new format comes out would able to fit on a SD card or memory stick. Plus all these CD's wouldn't end up in a land fill like our VHS tapes.
stinger inc on January 17 at 9:47 AM | Report abuse
Hey DrVex007... I'm one of those 'idiots' that bought a PS3 and not one of crappy made xbox 360's... so by default i obviously use blu-ray simply because i use the system.... and last i saw, the normal DVD is still on the market so cry me a river about people not having a cheaper yet still mainstream option....
besides, when the majority of major studios are pro- blu ray... well lol, that must mean something....
off topic but just so you know, ps3 is a far superior piece of hardware compared to shitbox 360....
Soothsayer on January 17 at 9:50 AM | Report abuse
Beware the cruddy bus-stops on the road to finality. The physical medium (dvds) with which to transfer the message (movies) is a cash grab before the ultimate form comes about (downloading to your set-top). Netflix is already doing this. You don't buy cd's anymore because you're quite content to download the songs you need, so why have a dvd collection? To impress your friends? Smarten up people.
Gerry Chartrand on January 17 at 10:01 AM | Report abuse
Many of us have been waiting for this to happen, and finally it has. One of the reasons Sony PS3 isin't doing all well is because of the blue ray connection. Nobody waited in line to purchase this console when it came out. Nothing like when it's predecessor or the X360 made their apprearanced. As for the fact of having more storage, the majority of consumers out there have no need for this feature. This war is still too early to make definitive choices, but I think the price drop will definately turn the tide over. Many have waited for this moment to make a decision, and after all it is the consumers purchases that control the outcome of this war. Sony is the company responsible for the Beta catastrophy in the past, who know's they do say history repeats itself.
A Navales on January 17 at 10:03 AM | Report abuse
It's only a matter of time... I really dont see tha point of buying an HD-DVD player even for $50 if I can't get anything to play on it in the future exept for my old DVD's. We all know that companies need to make money and if they ever said that "we built our product's with the consumer in mind" is pure B.S.! I don't see the deal at all in here. Let it die so we can move on... I'll bet ya we'll see you agian in 7-10 years debating about Super High-Def at 4000 lines of resolution and of course same issues... And for all you naive people who think that Consumers dictates what in or out.... I have one word for you guys!! "MICROSOFT"
A Navales on January 17 at 10:12 AM | Report abuse
He Gerry, you got to get your facts straight.. When the PS3 was launched last November 06, Someone was actually shot trying to butt in line that was started a week before. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2006/11/17/playstation-rowdies.html?ref=rss
It actually happened in Canada!!
I hate Sony on January 17 at 10:28 AM | Report abuse
My experience with Sony has never been good. Ranging from the Beat VHS days to today's DVD players. A $70 generic has more functionality and flexibility(PAL NTSC) than a Sony player. Why are we letting Sony gain the market here?
Dave on January 17 at 10:35 AM | Report abuse
With the new PS3's going for 399 thats a good deal for what you are getting. And even if HD loses, blu-ray won't shoot up thier price.......find me an example where electronic goods go UP in price ............I would love to see crap box 360 eat crow and have to supply a blu-ray add-on. NOW THAT IS FUNNY.
Regrets on January 17 at 10:42 AM | Report abuse
I was on Maui over Christmas and saw a Sony Blu-Ray player at Costco for $269 (and should have picked it up). Also, it is not just HD-DVD that is offering free movies. If you go to the Sony website you can print the form to get 5 free Blu-Ray movies if you purchase your player (or PS3) before Jan 31/08.
Chris on January 17 at 10:52 AM | Report abuse
Paramount has signed over with blu-ray as well; it was on the finincial page last week. Toshiba IS trying to dump it's stock and the sales of HD has been sluggish at best. Whether blu-ray is better then HD it doesn't matter now because if it only has the support of one movie studio it will die. GJ sony this time your beta max won! for those who remember the battle for vhs vs beta ;)
Marcus on January 17 at 10:57 AM | Report abuse
I agree with TJ...The cheaper more viable option will win out. HD DVD will now entirely flood the market with the players by lowering costs, there are many movies out there in HD DVD versions and when the production companies see the movement in sales as well as the amount of players out there they will undoubtably support them. Money has no allies and those companies who strive for it will go to wear the action is and not wait for it to hopefully even out.
My business 2 cents.I would say HD will be strong soon enough...Not a fire sale whatsoever...this is a "Flood the Market" sale
Terry on January 17 at 11:02 AM | Report abuse
I find it remarkable that most comments I read about HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are based upon PRICE. It seems a lot of end-user seem to feel the BETTER system is the cheaper one.
It is much simpler for movie companies to produce HD_DVD software because there is not much different technically between Standard Definition and H.D. DVD’s. I know I am simplifying a lot but if you change a red beam laser to a blue beam laser you have HD-DVD’s. Most duplications companies said great. They could still use most of duplicators with minor changes. The companies that produce product for Blu-ray invested in new technology.
I suppose if you purchased a 42“ Display from a Chinese manufacturing company you NEVER heard of before and at a price that was 25% lower than a SONY or a Panasonic. And you are of the believe that image size is all that matter and not resolution or performance, Then maybe a HD-DVD is the perfect format for you.
I got impressed with Blu-Ray because it offered newer technology. I was impressed that it offered Blu-ray software (movies) and Blu-Ray data disks. I have looked at Sony computers that have a Blu-Ray drive that store 50 Gb. of data. (HD-DVD is just 37 Gb.)
I am very disappointed that Apple did not offer any new units with a Blu-Ray Drive at Macworld this week. I hope at the next Apple event ( mid April) they show a computer with a Blu-Ray drive. I wonder if Apple is waiting for the 4 layer media that will offer 100 Gb. on ONE disk.
Ron on January 17 at 11:05 AM | Report abuse
BETA,DAT,LASERDISC,3 SIDE LP's?... Sorry Toshiha... the dance is over.
Marcus on January 17 at 11:13 AM | Report abuse
I am interested in seeing how many units get sold during this price slash...If alot sell you can bet your house this is far from over...far from over...
Gerry Chartrand on January 17 at 11:16 AM | Report abuse
I guess that could have happened up north, where people thought they would run out, but they never ran out of the PS3's. I'm sorry I didn't clearly state my thought. Maybe some waited in line, but in the end availability of the product surpassed the demand of the gamers out there. At the same time PS3's were flooding the shelves last year, you could not find a Wii. Sorry for any confusion.
Gerry Chartrand on January 17 at 11:23 AM | Report abuse
Hey A navales, nobody said that companies build their product with people in mind, they merely stated that the peoples choice dictate the outcome. What good is the worlds best mousetrap, if no mouse ever gets enticed to it.
Gerry Chartrand on January 17 at 11:28 AM | Report abuse
Hey A navales, nobody said that companies build their product with people in mind, they merely stated that the peoples choice dictate the outcome. What good is the worlds best mousetrap, if no mouse ever gets enticed to it.
And yes Microsoft does know how to flood a market and take over, they've also put customers needs in mind when making the x-box systems. eg. they were the first to offer controllers with simple cord length that didn't leave the player stuck to the screen.
Ronald on January 17 at 11:35 AM | Report abuse
Price slash Marcus?... More like a damaged goods...everything must go dump! I will not be purchasing anything that has to do with HD DVD seeing as how unlike Blu-ray it does not have stranglehold on the high definition market. I've been there and done that with numerous formats and I can tell all of you from my own personal experience,I know a sinking ship when I see one. I also think for Toshiba the dance is over.
McGrath Dot Ca on January 17 at 11:53 AM | Report abuse
Toshiba sell the A3 HD-DVD for $170 but yesterday it was $299 when I checked on FS. $300 Blu-Ray players exist but not in Canada yet. I expected them to lower their player at the same time as Toshiba.
Microsoft don't dictate anything in this war. They play on both sides(VC1 codec) and pulls the cover for their download service(ultimate goal). Retailers will decide and they see the numbers in favor of Blu-Ray. Space is limited.
Speaking of space, TV series will need the 50GB to lower the cost of the boxset. It's not just for movies.
Also, studios are looking at movie sales of HD-DVD. If people just rent for $250 ;) they will see that people think it's risky to buy HD-DVD movies. Of course, they are right.
To put some humor:
The Downfall of HD-DVD(Funny Video)
http://www.mcgrath.ca/2008/01/15/the-downfall-of-hd-dvdfunny-video/
THE DARK on January 17 at 12:03 PM | Report abuse
Truth is both formats are about the same problem is people will not replace there dvd librarys because its comes in a little better think about it $1000s of dollars lower the price then maybe people will.
Glenn on January 17 at 12:06 PM | Report abuse
Put the nail in the coffin, Blu-Ray drop your prices now to marginally over what HD-DVD is selling for and that'll solve everything.
J. Doyle on January 17 at 12:28 PM | Report abuse
Well, Sony can't win with its lame game system, the PS3, which seriously sucks compared to the Xbox 360 is every respect, so perhaps they'll at least win with their HD movie format.
A Navales on January 17 at 12:38 PM | Report abuse
This is the Quote from Jodi Sally (vice-president marketing TOSHIBA) on the 2008 CES Press Conference "It's been a tough day for me (laughs)". and moves on to say "HD DVD has always put the interests of consumers ahead of companies"