[Merged] TigerDirect.com Toshiba HD-A3 HD-DVD .....$129.99

[riskit]

is this the end of HD-DVD

TigerDirect.com Toshiba HD-A3 HD-DVD .....$129.99 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3304908&CatId=2356)

[kuqdew]

good deal

[vietnutz]

I guess all that effort on the 26th of dec. wasn't really worth it after all...hahaha

[Rudy]

i get 149 when i click the link

[sixer]

haha, free still wouldn't be a good deal because you'd still have to buy HD dvd's which will be non-existent shortly, not to mention you can't even rent any.

[massonite]

I got the one from Boxing Day at Future Shop (yes, I waited in the cold) and my model supports 1080p, which this one doesn't seem to support.

Still a pretty good deal though, except for the fact that HD-DVD seems to be on its way out. I really hope there's some sort of revival coming soon. I'd hate to see Sony win this war.

[jcoltage]

i get 149 when i click the link

You must drop the Check our low price tab to see that it has a 20 dollar discount

also US model has the free HDMI and yes this can upconvert to 1080p

[riskit]

note that Sams club in the US has the Toshiba HD-D3 HD-DVD Player (w/ HDMI Cable and 7 HD-DVD's) for $128.84

[Bishop8]

I've read in other forums that this player is probably one of the best upconverting DVD players out there (even better than the OPPO). Any comments? Are Blu-ray players just as good at upconverting? Not to get wrapped up into this debate (I hate Sony with a nuclear white fury), but thinking ahead......just in case. ;)

[jhardy]

After adding shipping (twice), is it still worth it?

[ZenOps]

Subtotal $129.99
Shipping $140.12

Total $270.11

Umm yeah whatever...

[riskit]

Subtotal $129.99
Shipping $140.12

Total $270.11

Umm yeah whatever...

shipping to a US address is $15.00

[ZenOps]

Sony has all the Bluray camp brainwashed into thinking that a Hidef player should be in the $400 range.

Truth be known, there are minor differences in HD-DVD and DVD. A few watts more laser power, all metal head seeking assemblies with a tighter track coil, slightly faster decoding processing (which is offset by the advances in processing) bigger buffer memory (which is offset by the extreme capacities and processing advances.

That a regular elcheapo DVD player sells for about $20 and they still make money off of it should put things into perspective.

I mean really - its basically the same idea as a 360K floppy drive built to slightly higher standards so that you can put 1.44MB on it.

Someone stated that a good chunk of the physical cost was the large metal enclosure, and not the components. The other $10 to $300 are licensing fees.

[jhardy]

shipping to a US address is $15.00

And the cost of using a US address, then re-shipping or driving down to get it?

[Angultra]

wow, for a minute there I though this was a Canadian deal...the US have been enjoying low-priced HD-DVD players for some time now.

That said, this is definitely a new price point in line with the recent 360 HD-DVD price drop in the States, so is a great deal for our amerifriends. The 5 free movies (only works with a US address) makes it even better.

[sixer]

Seriously, how is anything HD DVD a deal??? It's history, blu-ray has won, don't waste your money people!!!

[Duuuuude]

Sony has all the Bluray camp brainwashed into thinking that a Hidef player should be in the $400 range.

Truth be known, there are minor differences in HD-DVD and DVD. A few watts more laser power, all metal head seeking assemblies with a tighter track coil, slightly faster decoding processing (which is offset by the advances in processing) bigger buffer memory (which is offset by the extreme capacities and processing advances.

That a regular elcheapo DVD player sells for about $20 and they still make money off of it should put things into perspective.

I mean really - its basically the same idea as a 360K floppy drive built to slightly higher standards so that you can put 1.44MB on it.

DVD and HD-DVD are actually fairly different, hence the long load times (along with BR). The new hi def players are basically computers, with GPU's, long load times for th OS, and network adapters for firmware updates and interactive content (sorry "Profile 1.0"). I think it is well known that Toshiba loses money on every one of these.

BTW, this is a 1080i player, identical to the HD-D3, and any decent 1080p TV should de-interlace it to 1080p nicely.

Sadly, I will probably be picking up a PS3 sometime this year since it is the only BR player to be compatible with "Profile 2.0", or as I like to call it, version 1.0. Unlike the current stand-alone "beta" BR players.:razz:

[Darko]

HDDVD.. ahaahahhahahaha... no thanks.

[kmchow]

Subtotal $129.99
Shipping $140.12

Total $270.11

Umm yeah whatever...
This particular model is selling for $249 Cdn at my local FS so it doesn't pay to buy from the US and ship to Canada. But then if you ship to amerifriend and bring up from the states, you could possibly pay duties.

But the battle isn't over untl Toshiba stops producing the HD DVD players or drop down to $19.99? :D Who knows what suprises HD DVD may have up their sleeve.

[NightRain]

This is a great deal. Everyone is the $110 upconverting pioneer at walmart, this is a great upconverting dvd player that can also play HD-DVD. I'd buy one if it wasn't for the fact I already have a 360 addon and the shipping to Newfoundland is $140 (WTF).

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7828/hddvdoe5.jpg

If I could get one locally I'd be all over it.

[quentin0]

note that Sams club in the US has the Toshiba HD-D3 HD-DVD Player (w/ HDMI Cable and 7 HD-DVD's) for $128.84

yeah i saw that when i was in there today.....great deal for a fantastic upconverting player and still the ability to buy hd dvds now......and possibly quite cheap if they end up liquidating them.

[AirForceElite]

I got the one from Boxing Day at Future Shop (yes, I waited in the cold) and my model supports 1080p, which this one doesn't seem to support.

Still a pretty good deal though, except for the fact that HD-DVD seems to be on its way out. I really hope there's some sort of revival coming soon. I'd hate to see Sony win this war.

if you waited in the cold at FS like me for $99 deal, then you got HD-D3 and it does not output into 1080p resolution.
it's max is 1080i, however with a good brand TV and it's deinterlacing features, 1080o looks exactly the same as 1080p version because your TV does the job (instead of HDDVD doing it)

This is a great deal. Everyone is the $110 upconverting pioneer at walmart, this is a great upconverting dvd player that can also play HD-DVD. I'd buy one if it wasn't for the fact I already have a 360 addon and the shipping to Newfoundland is $140 (WTF).


The reason why people prefer Pioneer over this is because Pioneer has faster load times, more responsive controls, and most importantly plays Divx and has USB slot.
You can not imagine how many people are drooling over Divx playback feature because it essentially means that they no longer have to burn movies they downloaded on CD-R's anymore.

I've read in other forums that this player is probably one of the best upconverting DVD players out there (even better than the OPPO). Any comments? Are Blu-ray players just as good at upconverting? Not to get wrapped up into this debate (I hate Sony with a nuclear white fury), but thinking ahead......just in case.



Yes, you are correct. HD-A3/D3, connected via HDMI cable is one of the BEST upconverting DVD players out there.
The only problem is that they are both very slow in response times, even with regular DVD players.

I had HD-D3 from Future Shop at $99 (yes, i stood in the cold for 6 hours to get this deal) and I returned it because of the Pioneer DVD-400V-K model which is GOD of ALL (non-HD) players.

[ciao]

I had HD-D3 from Future Shop at $99 (yes, i stood in the cold for 6 hours to get this deal) and I returned it because of the Pioneer DVD-400V-K model which is GOD of ALL (non-HD) players.

I had purchased the Pioneer 400V-K to see if it made a difference vs. my old LG upconverting DVD player...could not see the difference, not sure what effect my 1080P LCD was doing...

ending up with the Toshiba HD-A2 in fall, 8 free HD DVD's and at $200 still a great upconverting DVD player with free movies...not a total loss even if HD looses the format war

[AirForceElite]

I had purchased the Pioneer 400V-K to see if it made a difference vs. my old LG upconverting DVD player...could not see the difference, not sure what effect my 1080P LCD was doing...

ending up with the Toshiba HD-A2 in fall, 8 free HD DVD's and at $200 still a great upconverting DVD player with free movies...not a total loss even if HD looses the format war


the important question is:

did you notice difference between A2 and old LG upconverting player?

[fitbrit]

Seriously, how is anything HD DVD a deal??? It's history, blu-ray has won, don't waste your money people!!!

Don't you have any baseball cards to go and look at?

[smacd]

I have an LG7832 upconverter and an A2. I'd rate the A2 as slightly better ( I've done the same scenes back to back). The bonus is the ability to play HD DVDs also. I paid $199 for the LG a couple of years ago and $199 for the A2 in October. 3 movies in the box, Transformers, and my 5 movies for $10. If they never make another HD movie, I'm still ahead of the game in my books. I'll be able to enjoy the current catalog of HD movies and a good upconverter. By the time I'm ready to upgrade again, BR will be ready for prime time, and sub $200, also. No regrets here!

[fitbrit]

I have an LG7832 upconverter and an A2. I'd rate the A2 as slightly better ( I've done the same scenes back to back). The bonus is the ability to play HD DVDs also. I paid $199 for the LG a couple of years ago and $199 for the A2 in October. 3 movies in the box, Transformers, and my 5 movies for $10. If they never make another HD movie, I'm still ahead of the game in my books. I'll be able to enjoy the current catalog of HD movies and a good upconverter. By the time I'm ready to upgrade again, BR will be ready for prime time, and sub $200, also. No regrets here!

Stop justifying your purchase with logic and reasoning. I may have to report you for being reasonable and not flaming a format in a hot deal thread.

[T3rry]

you poor uninformed souls



Blu-ray has won the battle, but not the war, the winner of the war is clearly M$ as they have been pushing for digital downloads... they own the market with xbox marketplace, and blu-ray player still being high priced.

[gheart008]

I don't get why you're all jumping to conclusions that Blu-ray has officially won. I just came back from CES 2008 and even there, there was no clear indication of a clear winner as of yet.

I even went to the AVN adult convention afterwards and same deal.

Just wait a bit before lashing out unjustified comments since it still will be the adult film industry that decides who stays and who goes.

[ciao]

I don't get why you're all jumping to conclusions that Blu-ray has officially won. I just came back from CES 2008 and even there, there was no clear indication of a clear winner as of yet.

I even went to the AVN adult convention afterwards and same deal.

Just wait a bit before lashing out unjustified comments since it still will be the adult film industry that decides who stays and who goes.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22576005/

why can't I get a job that sends me to the CES?

[bellboy26]

US Flag?

[ZIgot]

But this is from US, so you might need to pay some duty plus the shipping.

[Vinman]

Seriously, how is anything HD DVD a deal??? It's history, blu-ray has won, don't waste your money people!!!

And I got in trouble for Blu-ray trolling - must be a one-way street on here and I'll need to tattoo Sony on my arm. :lol:

[AirForceElite]

it still will be the adult film industry that decides who stays and who goes.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: lol

since EVERY other major Hollywood company already went BluRay, and only 1 is currently still doing HD-DVD because it has contract until mid-2008, how would Adult Industry decide anything, where whole hollywood is on BluRay.

trust me, i am not BluRay fanboy, in fact i stood in cold at Future Shop to get my D3 for $99, but i dont understand why people are so trusting adult industry and say that because they still support HD-DVD, there's a chance for HD-DVD

[ZenOps]

Actually it was 50/50 content for most of the last two years - not counting porn. Which is incredible considering that HD-DVD was not pushed on consumers (IE: Not forced purchase with every Xbox 360, which they could have easily required) Bluray has a larger amount of exisiting hardware players out there, but still pales in comparison to DVD by a margin over 100:1, and media sales at a good 20:1. Saying that Bluray outsells HD-DVD by 2:1 is almost embarrasing for Sony considering the amount of money they have pushed into the format (Which is probably why the entire Bluray media arm of Sony was fired last year) By buying off studios (which both sides do) and most damaging, by selling the PS/3 at a $100+ loss on each unit.

In about three months, it will be 70/30 content for at least one full year assuming there won't be more defectors to either side.

BTW: The HD-A3 is now going for $139.98 on Amazon.com (US)

Oddly enough, what may be helping HD-DVD is the replacement of DVD players as they break down. The high price point of the PS/3 and standalones (which are often more expensive than the PS/3) usually puts off the casual movie watcher. But they are also looking for something better than their old DVD player but without excessive initial cost.

If someone did a survey, At the same price: I'd be willing to bet more people would prefer a Wii and a HD-DVD player to a PS/3. Sony may be in for an uphill battle as they are going to have to start recuperating their losses probably starting this year. And there is no greater fury than a consumer that has to pay more for what they used to get for cheap.

[orighammer]

By the way, for those touting porn is deciding factor, we know thats not true. But porn is now releasing on blu-ray. The porn show is after CES and they are releasing in blu-ray too, so enough about the porn ****.

[ppl4golf]

I don't get why you're all jumping to conclusions that Blu-ray has officially won. I just came back from CES 2008 and even there, there was no clear indication of a clear winner as of yet.

I even went to the AVN adult convention afterwards and same deal.

Just wait a bit before lashing out unjustified comments since it still will be the adult film industry that decides who stays and who goes.

I doubt if pron industry would have major impact like it did in the past...

If I understand correctly, in the old days, you either watch pron in the theatre or rent/buy a tape for home (the choice was obvious then)...I am not sure about the available options now...but certainly won't be limited to getting a disc.

[ppl4golf]

I have the A2 which indeed is a very good upconverting player...word of caution...the chance of incompatible disc is higher in a HDDVD player than DVD player...also there is no DivX support. Upconverting is only through HDMI.

I was never a big believer of upconverting player but this one had shown me some differences. Also great sound.

Back to topic, $99 is a steal, $150 is about right with a few free discs...if you're in the market of a good upconverting DVD player :~)

[RedFlagRobot]

Stop justifying your purchase with logic and reasoning. I may have to report you for being reasonable and not flaming a format in a hot deal thread.

Why doesn't he understand that all your HDDVDs are going to evaporate soon when the format war is "won" and your HDDVD player will explode and burn your house down?

[gheart008]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: lol

since EVERY other major Hollywood company already went BluRay, and only 1 is currently still doing HD-DVD because it has contract until mid-2008, how would Adult Industry decide anything, where whole hollywood is on BluRay.

trust me, i am not BluRay fanboy, in fact i stood in cold at Future Shop to get my D3 for $99, but i dont understand why people are so trusting adult industry and say that because they still support HD-DVD, there's a chance for HD-DVD

The adult industry would still play a big role due to it's size.

[gheart008]

But porn is now releasing on blu-ray.

Not sure where you're getting your info from:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9008579



The porn show is after CES and they are releasing in blu-ray too, so enough about the porn ****.

CES was Monday to Thursday, AVN was Thursday and Friday with the awards on Saturday. What's your point?

[g0blez]

Cold!!! :confused:

Blu-ray has won:

- BD players: Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, Sony (including PS3) standalones available
- HD-DVD players: Toshiba-only standalones... which are incredibly slow to boot and often freezes
- Hollywood chose BD (several studios vs few studios)
- Porn is now on BD (Pirates xxx, a very famous porn title, is now available on Blu-ray)
- Anything Japanese including Animes are mostly on Blu-Ray

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that HD-DVD is done for.
The only reason I would buy a HD-DVD player is just to own the "HD Betamax"!

[game_fanatic]

[QUOTE=gheart008;6254746]Not sure where you're getting your info from:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9008579

If you take a quick look at the Digital Playground website store, they are taking pre-orders for a pornographic film called "Pirates" on Blu-ray.

[g0blez]

[QUOTE=gheart008;6254746]Not sure where you're getting your info from:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9008579

If you take a quick look at the Digital Playground website store, they are taking pre-orders for a pornographic film called "Pirates" on Blu-ray.

No longer pre-orders... my copy shipped! :cheesygri

[gheart008]

Not sure where you're getting your info from:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9008579

If you take a quick look at the Digital Playground website store, they are taking pre-orders for a pornographic film called "Pirates" on Blu-ray.

That is the first and ONLY XXX film on blu ray as of now, while Pirates XXX has been on HD-DVD for the longest time. You're taking one film and generalizing that there's tons of adult films on blu ray, which isn't true.

As a side note, Pirates 2 is coming out soon. :D They were playing teasers of it at AVN.

[g0blez]

[QUOTE=game_fanatic;6254903]

That is the first and ONLY XXX film on blu ray as of now, while Pirates XXX has been on HD-DVD for the longest time. You're taking one film and generalizing that there's tons of adult films on blu ray, which isn't true.

You are right! There are not many titles... but a few including "debbie does dallas".
Several Japanese titles are available though and more western titles will make their way to Blu-Ray in 2008.

The adult industry has little impact on the HD war, especially because of the Internet.

[fitbrit]

Anyone know what the largest movie industry (Bollywood) plans to do with regard to High definitions standards?

*Sigh* It seems I'm getting into a format discussion in a Hot Deals thread after all; mods can we move some (most) of these posts to a relevant section?

[gheart008]

but a few including "debbie does dallas".

I remember that movie! Ah the classics. Or is it Debbie does Wallstreet the one I'm remembering? :o

[ah802]

haha, free still wouldn't be a good deal because you'd still have to buy HD dvd's which will be non-existent shortly, not to mention you can't even rent any.They still play DVD's and make a fine upconverter, that's close to the price... then you get a couple free HD movies, and it will play some 500+ HD titles floating around at a good deal. I can rent HD-DVD movies at my local.... so the 'free' just labels you as a fan boy. I don't own one yet... but I'm likely to buy when I like the price... and free is nice, but I'll pay a lot more than that.

[alwaysbuylow]

Blu-Ray and HD-DVD war is still far from over. If you can find a cheap HD-DVD player a low price, such as the $99 Toshiba with 7 free movies, why not buy it now and enjoy, it is such a low price.

There are still many factors to determine which format will actually win, these factors are still at early stage, nobody knows what will happen in the future for sure.

1. Hollywood Studio - Sony wins
2. Adult Industry - HD-DVD wins, more adult HD-DVD movies than Blu-Ray.
3. Low price of the player. HD-DVD wins. HD-DVD Standalone players actually outsell Blu-Ray standalone players if PS3 are not counted.

If Toshiba can keep its palyers at low price around $100 with 7 free movies, a lot of current regular DVD players may jump on it instead of waiting for the Blu-Ray players to drop price, and it is also a very good unconverting player.

My opionion is, even the HD-DVD is really dead after one or two years, there will still be a lot of HD-DVD movies available for fire sales. If the player is at such a low price around $100, why not buy it now and enjoy, it is well worth it, you can enjoy the HD-DVD exclusive movies now that other Blu-Ray people cannot, why need to wait another one or two years until they release Blu-Ray version. On the other hand, not a lot of people can afford the $300 up Blu-Ray players, they may opt for the $100 HD-DVD players. if there are massive of HD-DVD players sold, then all studios may change their minds again to release movies in both formats. Nobody knows what will happen in the future, if you can buy a $99 HD-DVD player now, why not buy it now and enjoy, instead of waiting. For me, I think it is well worth it, not a waste at all.

[roguechameleon]

http://www.dailytech.com/Toshiba+Launches+HD+DVD+Player+Fire+Sale/article10318.htm

"Now, Toshiba's third generation 1080i-capable HD-A3 is selling for a mere $139.98 on Amazon.com. The 1080p-capable HD-A30 is not much more expensive at $179.98. For the price of an Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on, consumers can now purchase a fully-fledged set top box with 1080p support.

Amazon isn't the only retailer with the discounted pricing, however. Tiger Direct is selling the HD-A3 for $129.99 and the HD-A30 for $179.99. There are also reports that Sam’s Club and Costco are selling the HD-A3 for as little as $128."

[ccdude]

good deal but bad sign for HD DVD

[ah802]

good deal but bad sign for HD DVDhere's a link of interest for those who want a wider explanation of the optimism.
http://www.techconsumer.com/2008/01/12/hd-dvd-price-drops-while-blu-ray-screws-early-adopters/

[buy00buy]

HBO Confirms Switch to Blu-ray Exclusivity
Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 04:05 PM ET
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/HBO/Industry_Trends/HBO_Confirms_Switch_to_Blu-ray_Exclusivity/1357

[SecretAgent]

HD dvd is dead. cold deal. It's funny how everything changes so quickly; just a few weeks ago this would have been HOT!

[Takato]

blu-ray for the win, since most hollywood movies are gonna be released in blu-ray in the coming years.

[NG]

*Sigh* It seems I'm getting into a format discussion in a Hot Deals thread after all; mods can we move some (most) of these posts to a relevant section?

This isn't a thread about a Christian bookstore so a mod won't come in to protect the thread topic by modifying or deleting posts.

[7-Endless]

I've read in other forums that this player is probably one of the best upconverting DVD players out there (even better than the OPPO). Any comments? Are Blu-ray players just as good at upconverting? Not to get wrapped up into this debate (I hate Sony with a nuclear white fury), but thinking ahead......just in case. ;)

Not sure about the Blu-ray players but the A3/D3 is definitely a very good upconverting DVD player. I was previously using a Sony DVP-NS75H upconverting player that is also supposed to be pretty decent but I noticed an improvement right away with the D3 with PQ and audio.

[galanz]

Seriously, how is anything HD DVD a deal??? It's history, blu-ray has won, don't waste your money people!!!

Ok, we got that you're a sony fanboy with your first post, did you really need to make another?

I just love the way any mention of HD-DVD brings out the BD fanbois.

[ViperZ]

WHO CARES IF HD-DVD IS DEAD?

This player will kill any upscaling/upconverting player around. $129.99 for freakin' upscaling DVD player is an awesome deal. AND you are getting HD-DVD playback, plus 2 movies as a bonus.

Oh yeah! These players have amazing CD decoders built-in, and will sound better than many high-end stand-alone CD players.

So if you think that this is not a deal because HD-DVD is dead, you are WRONG!

[fluidmax]

Ok, we got that you're a sony fanboy with your first post, did you really need to make another?

I just love the way any mention of HD-DVD brings out the BD fanbois.

i don't have either player but ther sooner one format goes away the better for the rest to decide when to pick up a player that will last. the news coming out these days are a sign that blue ray is here to stay

[alwaysbuylow]

i don't have either player but ther sooner one format goes away the better for the rest to decide when to pick up a player that will last. the news coming out these days are a sign that blue ray is here to stay

If one foramt goes away, you will end up paying high price on the player and the movies. No competition, Sony will try to re-coup its development costs, will try to keep its PS3, Blu-Ray players and movies at high price. You won't see the PS3 and Blu-Ray player prices dropping as quickly as last year, you won't see the Buying The Player and Get 5 Free Movies promotion (I am sure Sony will remove this promotion right away if it wins), and you won't see the Buy One Get One Free movie promotion as often as now.

[SuperCM]

One line has stuck out for me during this format war business...

"Multiple studies show that the PlayStation 3 alone will not be enough to keep the Blu-ray format afloat. Six out of ten users aren't even aware that the device can play Blu-ray movies, and out of the remaining four, only two had actually used the player in the past month to play a disc, according to NPD Group."


SOURCE: BetaNews (http://www.betanews.com/article/How_HD_DVD_Got_its_Groove_Back/1194405684)


A couple things irk me about Blu-Ray...

1) Rushed - Why launch something and then continue to develop it? This business with 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 Profiles is ridiculous. A firmware upgrade is not going to create hardware.

2) Region Coding - This only caters to the studios to allow them full control over distribution. HD-DVD did not have this feature and so real movie buffs into the international stuff would have liked this.

[SuperCM]

Toshiba drops price of HD DVD players as format war continues
By Nate Mook, BetaNews
January 14, 2008, 10:52 AM

In a sign the high-definition format war is far from over, Toshiba on Monday dropped the suggested retail price of its entry-level HD DVD player to under $150. That puts the HD-A3 $250 cheaper than Sony's PlayStation 3.

The MSRP of the HD-A3 will now be $149.99 USD, while the HD-A30 with 1080p output is lowered to $199.99 USD. Toshiba's high-end HD-A35 will now be priced at $299.99 USD. Retailers are already undercutting these prices, with Amazon selling the A3 for just $134.99, while TigerDirect has it listed for $129.99.

Although the move is surely to be branded a "fire sale" by Blu-ray supporters, Toshiba says the price cut is part of a broader marketing strategy aimed at increasing exposure of HD DVD among consumers. Despite the constant rhetoric, neither high-definition format has made an impact in the marketplace compared to standard DVD.

The effort by Toshiba is a response to Warner Bros. snubbing the company just one day before the HD DVD press conference at CES. Warner decided to back Blu-ray exclusively, leading to false speculation that Paramount and Universal would follow suit. This left Toshiba, Microsoft and other HD DVD supporters facing an onslaught of negative press and consumers being told not to invest in the format.

Toshiba will roll out television, print and online media campaigns to promote HD DVD, and work with both studio partners and retail outlets to jointly advertise the format. The manufacturer has also rolled out an "HD DVD Concierge" phone line to help answer any questions consumers have about HD DVD.

Although HD DVD touts the ability to produce combination discs and was first to the market with advance interactive features, price is the determining factor when it comes to sales. Consumers snapped up HD DVD players over the holiday when prices dropped below $200, and the format greatly outsold standalone Blu-ray players.

"While price is one of the consideration elements for the early adopter, it is a deal-breaker for the mainstream consumer," said Yoshi Uchiyama, Group Vice President of Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Pricing is the most critical determinant in consumers' purchase decision of the next generation HD DVD technology."

Bringing down costs has been one of the major problems hindering Blu-ray adoption. The format has taken the lead in market share solely because of the PlayStation 3, which can be used to play Blu-ray movies. Standalone players are more expensive than the PS3 and cannot be upgraded to the upcoming Profile 2.0 specification, which adds Internet connectivity.

Toshiba is hoping the price drop will enable HD DVD to continue the momentum it had over the holidays, and perhaps convince more studios to re-consider the format. With over 1 million HD DVD players sold, it's hard to ignore that number of customers. Toshiba is also pitching the players to those who want to upconvert standard DVDs to high-definition resolution.

Amazon and other retailers have also slashed prices of HD DVD discs, many of which are now 50% off. Many Blu-ray moves are similarly priced, making it a perfect time to buy no matter which format you support.

Microsoft has not said whether it will lower the cost of its HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360, which currently runs $179, but a similar price drop is expected soon.


SOURCE: BetaNews (http://www.betanews.com/article/Toshiba_drops_price_of_HD_DVD_players_as_format_wa r_continues/1200325959)

[monsterpixels]

Toshiba drops price of HD DVD players as format war continues
By Nate Mook, BetaNews
January 14, 2008, 10:52 AM

In a sign the high-definition format war is far from over, Toshiba on Monday dropped the suggested retail price of its entry-level HD DVD player to under $150. That puts the HD-A3 $250 cheaper than Sony's PlayStation 3.


It's this kind of one-sided reporting that will end up costing consumers even more money. A statement like, "a sign the high-definition format war is far from over..." is just asking for trouble since the natural predictor of the Warner decision was a lowering of prices by Toshiba - WHAT ELSE COULD THEY DO? The same thing happened with Betamax - prolonging the wastage of consumer collateral. The format war is more than 70% decided so before you decide to spend even $50 on an HD DVD player, ask yourself - WILL MY $50 BE BETTER SPENT ON SOMETHING ELSE? The answer is a resounding YES~!... A PS3! Look at it like a $50 or $150 giftcard toward a Blu-ray and save yourself the agony of buying a paperweight.

I, of course, have not chosen a side yet. I speak merely out of common sense and altruistic wisdom. ;)

[monsterpixels]

One line has stuck out for me during this format war business...

"Multiple studies show that the PlayStation 3 alone will not be enough to keep the Blu-ray format afloat. Six out of ten users aren't even aware that the device can play Blu-ray movies, and out of the remaining four, only two had actually used the player in the past month to play a disc, according to NPD Group."


SOURCE: BetaNews (http://www.betanews.com/article/How_HD_DVD_Got_its_Groove_Back/1194405684)


A couple things irk me about Blu-Ray...

1) Rushed - Why launch something and then continue to develop it? This business with 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 Profiles is ridiculous. A firmware upgrade is not going to create hardware.

2) Region Coding - This only caters to the studios to allow them full control over distribution. HD-DVD did not have this feature and so real movie buffs into the international stuff would have liked this.

Little known fact: Out of those people surveyed by the NPD Group, 90% still wonder where the "any key" is, 50% of which are convinced they have found it. :)

[blainehamilton]

Just as most PS3 owners are clueless about Blu Ray playback, most people seeing $150 pricetag for an HD DVD player are clueless about studio support.

Toshiba is banking on this with the current price drops. Capture a few hundred thousand new HD DVD standalone owners in a short period and you suddenly have a much bigger market for HD DVD disc rentals and sales...

$150 with 7 movies is a good deal, no matter how many Blu Ray fanboys stomp their feet and cry how it isn't...

[ZenOps]

Price is a pretty deterministic factor for most people.

Not many people read the entertainment headlines or the news... Most people just watch Seinfeld and then head out to Wallyworld when their DVD player breaks down.

If the price is low enough, they may actually bother to ask a salesperson if the new players can playback regular DVD's. If the salesperson says yes, and it comes with the right connectors for their TV (composite probably) its pretty well what I imagine the majority of sales are like.

Its definitely not: Research each tech to death, go to a specialty store to make sure you have the right cabling and latest firmware. Only the early adopters do that, and we would be a vast minority.

[Vinman]

the natural predictor of the Warner decision was a lowering of prices by Toshiba - WHAT ELSE COULD THEY DO? The same thing happened with Betamax

Sorry, but this is totally incorrect. Once Beta started to get run over, its price was higher than VHS and the price comparisons actually got worse as VHS players dropped.

Sure, a year or two after VHS has really buried Sony, Betas were fire-saled. But in the short-term, and during the battle (like now), it's actually the opposite of what you propose.

Sony NEVER EVER EVER lowers short-term prices unless they have a machine gun to their head.

In truth, Toshiba is low-cost, consumer-friendly VHS and Sony is proprietary, ultra-expensive Beta, with the only difference being that the *cough* paid-off *cough* studios are backing Beta this time.