Marz, why is it that when HD-DVD players were bundles with titles it was called a sign of desperation, and when Blu-Ray players are bundled with titles it's called "a great start" to entering the BD marketplace?
Who called this--the bundling of 5 movies with HD DVD players--a "sign of desperation?" It surely wasn't me, but it could have been possibly stated by another individual. So, in other words, I really can't comment or justify this statement, as I never stated it in the first place.
Perhaps it was in the timing of when the bundle was released, but this is just speculation as to what someone might say in justification of such a statement.
Regardless, I think the Panasonic standalone is a great start considering the caliber of movies coming with the player for free. You don't think so?
If you ever jump back into BD again, I'll send you a "good" Fifth Element for nothing (as well as whatever is freely available).
Hey.... that's the nicest thing anyone said to me on this thread and one prior to this. Feels like I've already got them free, now. Thank you!
If and when I get a BD player at my house again, it will probably be through HTPC and I think I'll have to wait very long time before I can get a BD or Combo drive under $99. The money I spent on my second HD-DVD player had actually been saved for a PS3, but I got discouraged at the last minute and got the HD-XA2 instead. It was a lot better valuel for the money to get HD-XA2 over PS3. I actually ended up paying alot less ($599 - $80(amazon price match refund) - $150 Sony credit offer = $369 total shipped). Have to cheap to get the toys I want.....
Midway Games Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment America on Thurs. announced a partnership that will sell a game and a film on a single Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc.
Midway's Stranglehold will be sold in a limited edition version on the console that will include the game an John Woo's action film Hard Boiled on the same Blu-ray format disc.
Stranglehold is a collaboration between Midway and John Woo's Tiger Hill Entertainment. The in-game lead Inspector Tequila is played by Chow Yun-Fat, who also starred in 1992's Hard Boiled.
The Weinstein Company will sell a stand-alone 15th anniversary edition of Hard Boiled on July 24.
The Blu-ray format can hold up to 50GB on a dual-layer disc. Sony includes a Blu-ray disc drive in each PS3 console sold.
"The exclusive collector?s edition of Stranglehold demonstrates the power of PlayStation 3 Blu-ray disc and the total entertainment experience that can only be found on PlayStation 3," said Riley Russell, senior vice president Third Party Relations and general counsel, SCEA.
"The 50GB capacity of Blu-ray disc allows PS3 content publishers to do things simply not possible on our competitor?s 9GB DVD-based systems. Thanks to the advanced technology found in PS3, developers like Midway can truly realize their visions, bringing consumers even closer to the game."
Blu-ray disc is a key feature in the PS3 that allows users to playback new high-definition films. However, the feature has been held culprit for the console's high retail price, which has led to lower-than-expected sales worldwide.
Sony has sold 1.2 million PS3 units to date in the U.S. It expects to ship 11 million units worldwide by fiscal Mar. 2008.
Fairly interesting, but what I found interesting is what I bolded. I thought Weinstein was HD DVD exclusive, despite some information in some internet articles to the contrary. Although what was bolded doesn't specify what format the standalone release will be on, but considering the context in which it is found, it makes it appear that it will be on Blu-ray. If Weinstein has gone format neutral officially,...well, that will be just more good news for Blu-ray.
Ahh, yes I seem to remember this being all the rage when HD-DVD was but new and fresh {seems so long ago now } and was the reason for me getting the DVD in the first place.
The eye candy BD thread kept me up late, some of those screen grabs/pics are stunning, I have not been that keen on getting any animation, but after viewing those pictures I've done a complete revaluation!
WRT the tier lists I haven't recieved my Casino Royal yet, but I did go ahead and order Black Hawk Down, I haven't actually seen the film at all yet, and by the looks of it, I'm in for a treat.
P.S. It now seems apparent that I need to join a rental system, Amazon looks good for BD. the temptation to spend money all over again is too great.
Sounds like you're catching the HD bug.... just becareful with your spending and buy for the contents, not just for the eye candy.
I'd be looking forward to hearing your comments on the BD, since you just turned yourself into an enthusiasts from a fanboy on my list. LOL.... Maybe at a later time, you might be interested in taking the red pill..........
Fairly interesting, but what I found interesting is what I bolded. I thought Weinstein was HD DVD exclusive, despite some information in some internet articles to the contrary. Although what was bolded doesn't specify what format the standalone release will be on, but considering the context in which it is found, it makes it appear that it will be on Blu-ray. If Weinstein has gone format neutral officially,...well, that will be just more good news for Blu-ray.
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By MARTIN FACKLER
Published: May 17, 2007
TOKYO, May 16 ? Sony posted its worst quarterly loss in four years today, but said strong television sales and hit movies like ?Spider-Man 3? will put it back on course by fiscal year-end, when it expects a record profit.
The Japanese electronics conglomerate said it lost 67.6 billion yen ($583 million) in the three months ending March 31, as a weak start for its new PlayStation 3 video game masked a turnaround in other divisions like consumer electronics and movies.
For the entire fiscal year ending in March, Sony?s net profit rose just 2.2 percent to 126.3 billion yen ($1.1 billion), the company said.
However, Sony sounded a rosier note in its forecast for the current fiscal year, when it expects to narrow its video game losses and bring its bread-and-butter TV division to profitability. The company said it expects a record 320 billion yen ($2.8 billion) profit for the year through March 2008.
I don't know how many times we need to repeat it, but obviously, more than once. Besides, I am realistic, yes I realize Sony is taking losses due to the PS3, but this is to be expected, and actually planned on their part. Moreover, the link you provided wasn't all that negative, in that they plan on having quite a good year and had their net profit rise for the year ending in March.
As was the case for Curse of the Black Pearl, Disney has blessed Dead Man?s Chest with a 50GB Blu-ray disc (BD50) and glorious AVC transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio and the average bit rate ranges from 35 to 38 Mbps. In short ladies and gentleman Dead Man?s Chest movie gives us the new benchmark in picture quality for HD optical. While on par with Curse of the Black Pearl, this disc surpasses the video quality found on other reference discs such as Crank on Blu-ray and King Kong on HD DVD. At no point in viewing Pirates did I experience any macro blocking or any noise of any type. I could not believe this considering the amount of both bright and dark scenes and also the amount action sequences. Also the film was extremely sharp and clear and free of any film debris and I mean zero debris whatsoever. There was also little to no film grain noticeable. I have not experienced this as of yet on HD optical until the viewing the Pirates discs. Colors (and this is a very colorful film) were extremely vibrant and flesh tones were spot-on. This disc is truly an AMAZING benchmark in picture quality.
Quote:
For this transfer Disney went with 50GB Blu-ray disc (BD50) and glorious AVC transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio and the average bit rate ranges from 35 to 38 Mbps. In short ladies and gentleman this Pirates movie gives us the new benchmark in picture quality for HD optical. Up until this point, both Crank on Blu-ray and King Kong on HD DVD were the films to beat in HD optical picture quality. I was fortunate enough to watch the new Matrix Collection HD DVD box set yesterday, and not even it rivals this Curse of the Black Pearl disc. At no point in viewing Pirates did I experience any macro blocking or any noise of any type. I could not believe this considering the amount of both bright and dark scenes and also the amount action sequences. Also the film was extremely sharp and clear and free of any film debris and I mean zero debris whatsoever. I have not experienced this as of yet on HD optical until the viewing of this disc. This disc also contained little to no film grain. Colors (and this is a very colorful film) were extremely vibrant and flesh tones were spot-on. This disc is truly an AMAZING benchmark in picture quality.
Quote:
Audio is another area where this disc excels. I watched using the PCM 5.1 option. For this option Disney went with a 48kHz/24-Bit encode and all I can say is WOW! Curse of the Black Pearl (along with Dead Man's Chest) is the most encompassing and powerful film I have ever heard on HD optical.Until this point there have been several films on both formats which have really excelled in terms of audio quality and I have seen them all, however again Curse of the Black Pearl sets the new benchmark for audio quality. During the film, dialog is very well channeled through the center channel and the surrounds are used extensively throughout the film. This film also set a new standard for use of the LFE channel. By the end of viewing my subwoofer was exhausted. Again Disney has done an AMAZING job in setting the new standard in audio quality.
Special Features
This Curse of the Black Pearl disc is stocked with some great extras?
Games And Activities ? Scoundrels of the Sea (Build your own view of pirate history).
Movie Showcase ? Instant access to select movie scenes that showcase the ultimate in High Definition picture and sound.
An Epic At Sea ? The making of Curse of the Black Pearl.
Featurette ? Fly on the set.
Blooper Reel
Final Thoughts
As I said previously in this review, we have the new benchmark for both picture quality and audio quality for HD optical. If there were ever a movie or movies you wanted to show your friends and family to show-off your home theater set-up, Curse of the Black Pearl is it. This disc is absolutely stunning in terms of picture quality and amazing in terms of audio quality. Having watched this film over 24 hours ago, the smile has still not left my face and I am anxious to watch it again with friends. In short, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the purchase of Curse of the Black Pearl, regardless if you are a fan or not of the movies, as they are pure eye and ear candy and will not let anyone down.
Hmm, gotta say I'm looking forward to seeing these in person...and just think it comes free with the Panasonic player...bonus!
I don't know how many times we need to repeat it, but obviously, more than once. Besides, I am realistic, yes I realize Sony is taking losses due to the PS3, but this is to be expected, and actually planned on their part. Moreover, the link you provided wasn't all that negative, in that they plan on having quite a good year and had their net profit rise for the year ending in March.
Well... considering Sony taking over 90% of BD player market, when Sony pulls the plug, so would the BD market.
Sony always have nice things to say even when they are going under. It's called PR spin..... and can possibly trigger a lawsuit in this case.
Well... considering Sony taking over 90% of BD player market, when Sony pulls the plug, so would the BD market.
Sony always have nice things to say even when they are going under. It's called PR spin..... and can possibly trigger a lawsuit in this case.
Good point...I see where you are coming from. However, despite the majority of players in the market, that high of a percentage will be accompanied with more and more of the BD supporters' players. The same can be said for Toshiba too, but I understand your point of view.
Marz, why is it that when HD-DVD players were bundles with titles it was called a sign of desperation, and when Blu-Ray players are bundled with titles it's called "a great start" to entering the BD marketplace?
AFAIK, Blu-ray players were never bundled with 5 titles and a $100 rebate. It's one thing to give consumers one starter title so they don't have a paperweight. When you start throwing in a whole lot of swag, that does signal at least some desperation. For instance, car dealers giving financing is one thing. But when they start giving multi-thousand dollar incentives on a model, you just know that model isn't selling well.
Good point...I see where you are coming from. However, despite the majority of players in the market, that high of a percentage will be accompanied with more and more of the BD supporters' players. The same can be said for Toshiba too, but I understand your point of view.
The HiDef Home Theater market consisting both BD and HD-DVD is fragile and vulnerable because it still hasn't passed the infancy stage of the growth. Only way to survive is by manufacturing standalone players at a J6P price range. The $299 will only open the door, but it needs to be $199 and lower($99) to lure J6P to purchase HiDef players over the cheaper SD players. Until then, it will remain as niche enthusiast market. Don't forget that PS3 can also play SACD, but it's not turning SACD into a HiDef Audio successor.
AFAIK, Blu-ray players were never bundled with 5 titles and a $100 rebate. It's one thing to give consumers one starter title so they don't have a paperweight. When you start throwing in a whole lot of swag, that does signal at least some desperation. For instance, car dealers giving financing is one thing. But when they start giving multi-thousand dollar incentives on a model, you just know that model isn't selling well.
Couldn't the same also be said for Toshibas big give-aways?
Blu-ray has upticked another 2% this week, with last week's figures showing Blu-ray owning 62% of the market with HD DVD owning 38%. Year to Date (YTD) are Blu-ray 68% with HD DVD 32%.
IMO, this gap will widen significantly with the releas of Pirates on the 22nd. We'll see.
While I'm sure Sony would rather make money from day 1 on the PS3, often times new products loose money until economics of scale takes over. I'm not a gamer. but from what I've read the PS2 has had a long life and it seems Sony has designed the PS3 for an even longer one. Given how long Sony has kept SACD alive, I wouldn't read much into an initial loss and B-r's long term viability.
I also don't see the fascination with a lower player price. For video enthusiasts yes, but for the average consumer and their natural distrust of comprting formats no.
The other argument I have trouble with is that an universal player will be a panacea for the HD formats. Going back to the average conumer here's what I picture. He or she goes into the typical big box store with their "knowledgeable" sales staff and asks about a HD player and is pointed to an universal player that will play both formats. Both formats? What discs do I buy? It doesn't matter. Forget it.
I don't consider myself an average consumer. I bought into laserdiscs knowing it would never be more than a niche product. I would gladly step up to an HD format as I'm comfortable with the price point, but with competing formats and lack of an adequate library, both in terms of quality and quantity, forget it.
Blu-ray has upticked another 2% this week, with last week's figures showing Blu-ray owning 62% of the market with HD DVD owning 38%. Year to Date (YTD) are Blu-ray 68% with HD DVD 32%.
IMO, this gap will widen significantly with the releas of Pirates on the 22nd. We'll see.
It'll be interesting to see how The Matrix Trilogy does next week versus POTC. I'll be buying TMT Ultimate.
I've pre-ordered the complete set from amazon and both sets seems to be selling well. At $57 shipped for a complete set, it's a steal. I thought the earlier Warner sales would influence the sales ranking from Amazon, but it's holding at the respectable place despite the Warner pre-order sales about a month ago. What amazes me is that The Planet Earth (HD-DVD version) has been retaining top#5 spot for almost a month now. I can't remember any other HiDef titles including the hottest BD top seller title doing that well. I don't think the POTC can beat HD-DVD version of The Planet Earth in amazon ranking. It just shows the difference of demographic interest in movie genre by HD-DVD player owners vs. the BD-player/PS3 owners.
Now... when can I get Back to the Future and Indian Jones collector's set in HD-DVD?
Comments
Marz, why is it that when HD-DVD players were bundles with titles it was called a sign of desperation, and when Blu-Ray players are bundled with titles it's called "a great start" to entering the BD marketplace?
Who called this--the bundling of 5 movies with HD DVD players--a "sign of desperation?" It surely wasn't me, but it could have been possibly stated by another individual. So, in other words, I really can't comment or justify this statement, as I never stated it in the first place.
Perhaps it was in the timing of when the bundle was released, but this is just speculation as to what someone might say in justification of such a statement.
Regardless, I think the Panasonic standalone is a great start considering the caliber of movies coming with the player for free. You don't think so?
If you ever jump back into BD again, I'll send you a "good" Fifth Element for nothing (as well as whatever is freely available).
Hey.... that's the nicest thing anyone said to me on this thread and one prior to this. Feels like I've already got them free, now. Thank you!
If and when I get a BD player at my house again, it will probably be through HTPC and I think I'll have to wait very long time before I can get a BD or Combo drive under $99. The money I spent on my second HD-DVD player had actually been saved for a PS3, but I got discouraged at the last minute and got the HD-XA2 instead. It was a lot better valuel for the money to get HD-XA2 over PS3. I actually ended up paying alot less ($599 - $80(amazon price match refund) - $150 Sony credit offer = $369 total shipped). Have to cheap to get the toys I want.....
http://news.punchjump.com/article.php?id=4200
Midway Games Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment America on Thurs. announced a partnership that will sell a game and a film on a single Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc.
Midway's Stranglehold will be sold in a limited edition version on the console that will include the game an John Woo's action film Hard Boiled on the same Blu-ray format disc.
Stranglehold is a collaboration between Midway and John Woo's Tiger Hill Entertainment. The in-game lead Inspector Tequila is played by Chow Yun-Fat, who also starred in 1992's Hard Boiled.
The Weinstein Company will sell a stand-alone 15th anniversary edition of Hard Boiled on July 24.
The Blu-ray format can hold up to 50GB on a dual-layer disc. Sony includes a Blu-ray disc drive in each PS3 console sold.
"The exclusive collector?s edition of Stranglehold demonstrates the power of PlayStation 3 Blu-ray disc and the total entertainment experience that can only be found on PlayStation 3," said Riley Russell, senior vice president Third Party Relations and general counsel, SCEA.
"The 50GB capacity of Blu-ray disc allows PS3 content publishers to do things simply not possible on our competitor?s 9GB DVD-based systems. Thanks to the advanced technology found in PS3, developers like Midway can truly realize their visions, bringing consumers even closer to the game."
Blu-ray disc is a key feature in the PS3 that allows users to playback new high-definition films. However, the feature has been held culprit for the console's high retail price, which has led to lower-than-expected sales worldwide.
Sony has sold 1.2 million PS3 units to date in the U.S. It expects to ship 11 million units worldwide by fiscal Mar. 2008.
Fairly interesting, but what I found interesting is what I bolded. I thought Weinstein was HD DVD exclusive, despite some information in some internet articles to the contrary. Although what was bolded doesn't specify what format the standalone release will be on, but considering the context in which it is found, it makes it appear that it will be on Blu-ray. If Weinstein has gone format neutral officially,...well, that will be just more good news for Blu-ray.
Ahh, yes I seem to remember this being all the rage when HD-DVD was but new and fresh {seems so long ago now
The eye candy BD thread kept me up late, some of those screen grabs/pics are stunning, I have not been that keen on getting any animation, but after viewing those pictures I've done a complete revaluation!
WRT the tier lists I haven't recieved my Casino Royal yet, but I did go ahead and order Black Hawk Down, I haven't actually seen the film at all yet, and by the looks of it, I'm in for a treat.
P.S. It now seems apparent that I need to join a rental system, Amazon looks good for BD. the temptation to spend money all over again is too great.
Sounds like you're catching the HD bug.... just becareful with your spending and buy for the contents, not just for the eye candy.
I'd be looking forward to hearing your comments on the BD, since you just turned yourself into an enthusiasts from a fanboy on my list. LOL.... Maybe at a later time, you might be interested in taking the red pill..........
Midway, Sony to sell PS3 game, film on one Blu-ray disc
http://news.punchjump.com/article.php?id=4200
Fairly interesting, but what I found interesting is what I bolded. I thought Weinstein was HD DVD exclusive, despite some information in some internet articles to the contrary. Although what was bolded doesn't specify what format the standalone release will be on, but considering the context in which it is found, it makes it appear that it will be on Blu-ray. If Weinstein has gone format neutral officially,...well, that will be just more good news for Blu-ray.
Here's a wake up call.....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/17/bu...hp&oref=slogin
Sony Expects Recovery After Big Quarterly Loss
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By MARTIN FACKLER
Published: May 17, 2007
TOKYO, May 16 ? Sony posted its worst quarterly loss in four years today, but said strong television sales and hit movies like ?Spider-Man 3? will put it back on course by fiscal year-end, when it expects a record profit.
The Japanese electronics conglomerate said it lost 67.6 billion yen ($583 million) in the three months ending March 31, as a weak start for its new PlayStation 3 video game masked a turnaround in other divisions like consumer electronics and movies.
For the entire fiscal year ending in March, Sony?s net profit rose just 2.2 percent to 126.3 billion yen ($1.1 billion), the company said.
However, Sony sounded a rosier note in its forecast for the current fiscal year, when it expects to narrow its video game losses and bring its bread-and-butter TV division to profitability. The company said it expects a record 320 billion yen ($2.8 billion) profit for the year through March 2008.
Here's a wake up call.....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/17/bu...hp&oref=slogin
Wake up call, Blu-ray != Sony.
I don't know how many times we need to repeat it, but obviously, more than once. Besides, I am realistic, yes I realize Sony is taking losses due to the PS3, but this is to be expected, and actually planned on their part. Moreover, the link you provided wasn't all that negative, in that they plan on having quite a good year and had their net profit rise for the year ending in March.
http://www.upcomingdiscs.com/dvd_rev...type=disc_type
As was the case for Curse of the Black Pearl, Disney has blessed Dead Man?s Chest with a 50GB Blu-ray disc (BD50) and glorious AVC transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio and the average bit rate ranges from 35 to 38 Mbps. In short ladies and gentleman Dead Man?s Chest movie gives us the new benchmark in picture quality for HD optical. While on par with Curse of the Black Pearl, this disc surpasses the video quality found on other reference discs such as Crank on Blu-ray and King Kong on HD DVD. At no point in viewing Pirates did I experience any macro blocking or any noise of any type. I could not believe this considering the amount of both bright and dark scenes and also the amount action sequences. Also the film was extremely sharp and clear and free of any film debris and I mean zero debris whatsoever. There was also little to no film grain noticeable. I have not experienced this as of yet on HD optical until the viewing the Pirates discs. Colors (and this is a very colorful film) were extremely vibrant and flesh tones were spot-on. This disc is truly an AMAZING benchmark in picture quality.
For this transfer Disney went with 50GB Blu-ray disc (BD50) and glorious AVC transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio and the average bit rate ranges from 35 to 38 Mbps. In short ladies and gentleman this Pirates movie gives us the new benchmark in picture quality for HD optical. Up until this point, both Crank on Blu-ray and King Kong on HD DVD were the films to beat in HD optical picture quality. I was fortunate enough to watch the new Matrix Collection HD DVD box set yesterday, and not even it rivals this Curse of the Black Pearl disc. At no point in viewing Pirates did I experience any macro blocking or any noise of any type. I could not believe this considering the amount of both bright and dark scenes and also the amount action sequences. Also the film was extremely sharp and clear and free of any film debris and I mean zero debris whatsoever. I have not experienced this as of yet on HD optical until the viewing of this disc. This disc also contained little to no film grain. Colors (and this is a very colorful film) were extremely vibrant and flesh tones were spot-on. This disc is truly an AMAZING benchmark in picture quality.
Audio is another area where this disc excels. I watched using the PCM 5.1 option. For this option Disney went with a 48kHz/24-Bit encode and all I can say is WOW! Curse of the Black Pearl (along with Dead Man's Chest) is the most encompassing and powerful film I have ever heard on HD optical.Until this point there have been several films on both formats which have really excelled in terms of audio quality and I have seen them all, however again Curse of the Black Pearl sets the new benchmark for audio quality. During the film, dialog is very well channeled through the center channel and the surrounds are used extensively throughout the film. This film also set a new standard for use of the LFE channel. By the end of viewing my subwoofer was exhausted. Again Disney has done an AMAZING job in setting the new standard in audio quality.
Special Features
This Curse of the Black Pearl disc is stocked with some great extras?
Games And Activities ? Scoundrels of the Sea (Build your own view of pirate history).
Movie Showcase ? Instant access to select movie scenes that showcase the ultimate in High Definition picture and sound.
An Epic At Sea ? The making of Curse of the Black Pearl.
Featurette ? Fly on the set.
Blooper Reel
Final Thoughts
As I said previously in this review, we have the new benchmark for both picture quality and audio quality for HD optical. If there were ever a movie or movies you wanted to show your friends and family to show-off your home theater set-up, Curse of the Black Pearl is it. This disc is absolutely stunning in terms of picture quality and amazing in terms of audio quality. Having watched this film over 24 hours ago, the smile has still not left my face and I am anxious to watch it again with friends. In short, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the purchase of Curse of the Black Pearl, regardless if you are a fan or not of the movies, as they are pure eye and ear candy and will not let anyone down.
Hmm, gotta say I'm looking forward to seeing these in person...and just think it comes free with the Panasonic player...bonus!
Wake up call, Blu-ray != Sony.
I don't know how many times we need to repeat it, but obviously, more than once. Besides, I am realistic, yes I realize Sony is taking losses due to the PS3, but this is to be expected, and actually planned on their part. Moreover, the link you provided wasn't all that negative, in that they plan on having quite a good year and had their net profit rise for the year ending in March.
Well... considering Sony taking over 90% of BD player market, when Sony pulls the plug, so would the BD market.
Sony always have nice things to say even when they are going under. It's called PR spin..... and can possibly trigger a lawsuit in this case.
Well... considering Sony taking over 90% of BD player market, when Sony pulls the plug, so would the BD market.
Sony always have nice things to say even when they are going under. It's called PR spin..... and can possibly trigger a lawsuit in this case.
Good point...I see where you are coming from. However, despite the majority of players in the market, that high of a percentage will be accompanied with more and more of the BD supporters' players. The same can be said for Toshiba too, but I understand your point of view.
Marz, why is it that when HD-DVD players were bundles with titles it was called a sign of desperation, and when Blu-Ray players are bundled with titles it's called "a great start" to entering the BD marketplace?
AFAIK, Blu-ray players were never bundled with 5 titles and a $100 rebate. It's one thing to give consumers one starter title so they don't have a paperweight. When you start throwing in a whole lot of swag, that does signal at least some desperation. For instance, car dealers giving financing is one thing. But when they start giving multi-thousand dollar incentives on a model, you just know that model isn't selling well.
Good point...I see where you are coming from. However, despite the majority of players in the market, that high of a percentage will be accompanied with more and more of the BD supporters' players. The same can be said for Toshiba too, but I understand your point of view.
The HiDef Home Theater market consisting both BD and HD-DVD is fragile and vulnerable because it still hasn't passed the infancy stage of the growth. Only way to survive is by manufacturing standalone players at a J6P price range. The $299 will only open the door, but it needs to be $199 and lower($99) to lure J6P to purchase HiDef players over the cheaper SD players. Until then, it will remain as niche enthusiast market. Don't forget that PS3 can also play SACD, but it's not turning SACD into a HiDef Audio successor.
AFAIK, Blu-ray players were never bundled with 5 titles and a $100 rebate. It's one thing to give consumers one starter title so they don't have a paperweight. When you start throwing in a whole lot of swag, that does signal at least some desperation. For instance, car dealers giving financing is one thing. But when they start giving multi-thousand dollar incentives on a model, you just know that model isn't selling well.
Couldn't the same also be said for Toshibas big give-aways?
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ques...2007/index.php
Blu-ray has upticked another 2% this week, with last week's figures showing Blu-ray owning 62% of the market with HD DVD owning 38%. Year to Date (YTD) are Blu-ray 68% with HD DVD 32%.
IMO, this gap will widen significantly with the releas of Pirates on the 22nd. We'll see.
I also don't see the fascination with a lower player price. For video enthusiasts yes, but for the average consumer and their natural distrust of comprting formats no.
The other argument I have trouble with is that an universal player will be a panacea for the HD formats. Going back to the average conumer here's what I picture. He or she goes into the typical big box store with their "knowledgeable" sales staff and asks about a HD player and is pointed to an universal player that will play both formats. Both formats? What discs do I buy? It doesn't matter. Forget it.
I don't consider myself an average consumer. I bought into laserdiscs knowing it would never be more than a niche product. I would gladly step up to an HD format as I'm comfortable with the price point, but with competing formats and lack of an adequate library, both in terms of quality and quantity, forget it.
Nielsen/VideoScan Numbers for Week Ending May 13th
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ques...2007/index.php
Blu-ray has upticked another 2% this week, with last week's figures showing Blu-ray owning 62% of the market with HD DVD owning 38%. Year to Date (YTD) are Blu-ray 68% with HD DVD 32%.
IMO, this gap will widen significantly with the releas of Pirates on the 22nd. We'll see.
It'll be interesting to see how The Matrix Trilogy does next week versus POTC. I'll be buying TMT Ultimate.
Now... when can I get Back to the Future and Indian Jones collector's set in HD-DVD?
Or you could just go away.
Gosh, why didn't I think of that