Toshiba prolonging adoption of high-def for DVD sales...

[sphdle1]

I posted this in another thread, but thought it deserved it's own thread.

Toshiba must know by now that they can't win the high-def war, and all signs are indicating so...so why are they going all out to keep HD-DVD alive at a loss?

Here's why: Toshiba owns the rights to regular DVD. By using firesale & studio buyout tactics to keep consumers guessing, they are creating confusion in the majority of consumers, thus keeping Blu-ray, and high-def in general, from being adopted and making any real ground on regular DVD. What's $150 million to Paramount + millions lost in HD-DVD player sales, when they are making twice or more that with DVD sales, which is the big market right now.

HD-DVD supporters are being used as pawns right now, so Toshiba can hold off Blu-ray, and keep selling more regular DVD's. Those who are true high-def fans, should be pissed at this, especially if you invested in HD-DVD. They are stringing them along knowing they are not going to win, and thus they are unknowingly helping Toshiba make a lot off DVD sales, while everyone loses, with no Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc., available in any high-def format, as a result. Thanks Toshiba!

____________________________________

What can we do? All the more reason to force Warner to Blu exclusive with the HP titles this season. Remember, HDUD's are going to concentrate on those very important titles that Warner are watching closely, because the HP titles and a few others are all they have that are any good to buy this holiday season. I fear there are so many good Blu titles, that if we don't make the HP titles a priority & all of us concentrate on them, we will lose some ground on Warner titles this season... thus prolonging high-def.

We must band together and show our firepower (that we have), or else HDDUDs could prevent us from much of a sales increase in HP/Warner titles...if you think about it, there aren't that many good titles for HDUDs this quarter except for HP titles and Transformers & Shrek. So all their money will be concentrated on those, especially HP ones now! Whereas, Blu has so many good ones to choose from that are out now or coming soon, besides the HP titles, that if we all don't at least get the HP ones, HDUDs may come close to Blu on those ones and Warner will not consider going Exclusively Blu!

[glenn22]

I gotta disagree with you there, it's not THAT huge a number that they pull such tactics, and besides, DVD sales will still be massive for years.

[Bullseye]

Originally Posted by glenn22

I gotta disagree with you there, it's not THAT huge a number that they pull such tactics, and besides, DVD sales will still be massive for years.

DVD sales maybe big but its got to the stage that there is no real money to be made on DVD hardware.

[rmslives]

Originally Posted by Bullseye

DVD sales maybe big but its got to the stage that there is no real money to be made on DVD hardware.

But Toshiba has got to the stage where they have no chance of making money on HD DVD players, either. Toshiba cannot be banking on the hardware side of things to bring them a profit.

I agree with half of what the OP says: I don't see much of a chance of HD DVD winning this, so all Toshiba is doing now is prolonging things. I don't think it is to save DVD, though - wouldn't Toshiba stand to make lots of money due to royalties for HD DVD?!?

Either way, the war has gone on too long.

[olarmy96]

Toshiba gets a royalty for each DVD disc sold (players too). They don't care about players. This is why I won't buy anymore DVDs. I don't want to be a pawn in the game.

Here's what the rates were in 2005 at least:

http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2005_03/pr0101.htm

Originally Posted by Bullseye

DVD sales maybe big but its got to the stage that there is no real money to be made on DVD hardware.

[olarmy96]

This thread isn't off topic.

[cleric]

Originally Posted by olarmy96

This thread isn't off topic.

Its just dumb.