Micro$oft desperation? Price cut on 360 add-on...

[Jack Torrance]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158163


360 HD-DVD Add-On Prices Appear to be Dropping
Has HD-DVD already run out of steam?
By Philip Kollar, 03/21/2007

It seems like just last year Sony was hyping the new Blu-Ray disc format in PlayStation 3 while Microsoft announced their allegiance with the opposing HD-DVD format (resulting in optional drive for Xbox 360). Actually, what do you know? That was just last year. Nevertheless, we're already receiving the first signs of the finish line in this race.
Kotaku reports a rumor popping up around the net that prices for the 360 HD-DVD add-on are beginning to fall rather sharply. How much? Reports are saying that Wal-Mart is ignoring the regular retail price of $199.99 to sell the drive for a very cheap $130. This is after reports that Blu-ray movie sales are now surpassing HD-DVD, likely due to the PlayStation 3's release.

It's still far too early to announce Blu-ray as the winner and HD-DVD as dead and gone (though various analysts and studio heads have tried to do just that), but without some momentum in the opposite direction, Sony's choice may end up rolling over Microsoft's. Is the price drop part of a Microsoft effort to gain some momentum? Unlikely. These unconfirmed reports of lower prices are likely regional specials -- Wal-Mart currently lists the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player for $199.82.

Been able to snag an Xbox 360 HD-DVD player at Wal-Mart on the cheap? Send News Editor Luke Smith a scan of your receipt.

[oneaaron]

Originally Posted by Jack Torrance

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158163


360 HD-DVD Add-On Prices Appear to be Dropping
Has HD-DVD already run out of steam?
By Philip Kollar, 03/21/2007

It seems like just last year Sony was hyping the new Blu-Ray disc format in PlayStation 3 while Microsoft announced their allegiance with the opposing HD-DVD format (resulting in optional drive for Xbox 360). Actually, what do you know? That was just last year. Nevertheless, we're already receiving the first signs of the finish line in this race.
Kotaku reports a rumor popping up around the net that prices for the 360 HD-DVD add-on are beginning to fall rather sharply. How much? Reports are saying that Wal-Mart is ignoring the regular retail price of $199.99 to sell the drive for a very cheap $130. This is after reports that Blu-ray movie sales are now surpassing HD-DVD, likely due to the PlayStation 3's release.

It's still far too early to announce Blu-ray as the winner and HD-DVD as dead and gone (though various analysts and studio heads have tried to do just that), but without some momentum in the opposite direction, Sony's choice may end up rolling over Microsoft's. Is the price drop part of a Microsoft effort to gain some momentum? Unlikely. These unconfirmed reports of lower prices are likely regional specials -- Wal-Mart currently lists the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player for $199.82.

Been able to snag an Xbox 360 HD-DVD player at Wal-Mart on the cheap? Send News Editor Luke Smith a scan of your receipt.

Looks like walmart is still selling it for 199.00 online...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=5334336

[Maximus]

If the add on becomes low enough in price, it could pave the way for HD DVD based games, with the game coming as a bundle similar to Guitar Hero II. Interesting.

[icyred64]

Ok too clarify too you blu-ray lovers.... Which i am too.... but im not just a blu-ray lover.... im a HIGH DEF LOVER... i don't care if its blu-ray, HD-DVD, DVD HD, HD WMV, HD QUICKTIME..... but too let you guys that think that either blu-ray or hd-dvd is going down the whole.... here's some facts.... Blu-ray will become the ultamite in High Def Movies involving graphical scenes like sci-fi's and action movies.... but we ALL know the biggest money maker in movies are PORN... and PORN is going HD-DVD.... so that means that HD-DVD will stay VERY ALIVE and STAY HERE FOR GOOD... Yes, High def porn can be great or bad... you get more details that will get you harder and more excited faster lol.... but also show the bad stuff better too... like razor burns ect... but hey.... i can already see that in VHS pron lol so i dont think that will make a huge difference... lol. But too let you guys know... Blu-ray and HD-DVD is here too STAY lol so get used too it... reason Microsoft is bringing down the prices of HD-DVD players is same reason Sony is bringing down there too.... Blu ray players are going from 1200$ too 800$.... thats a huge drop.... and a ps3 500$ now.... like common....

[theknub]

icy, you have a lot of misinformation in your post. hd-dvd does have some companies for pron, BR has some, and some dual release companies. the discussion regarding pron has raged for some time on here and other forums. the fact of the matter is that pron isn't the end all like it was years ago due to the internet. if pron is your argument, it is readily refuted.

now, what is the reason companies bring down prices? it is hard to tell unless you are in the know. however, manufacturing costs, new products, and competition can reduce price.

[oneaaron]

Originally Posted by theknub

icy, you have a lot of misinformation in your post. hd-dvd does have some companies for pron, BR has some, and some dual release companies. the discussion regarding pron has raged for some time on here and other forums. the fact of the matter is that pron isn't the end all like it was years ago due to the internet. if pron is your argument, it is readily refuted.

now, what is the reason companies bring down prices? it is hard to tell unless you are in the know. however, manufacturing costs, new products, and competition can reduce price.

I think your post has some misinformation... their is only one adult movie company that is supporting blu-ray... and if I'm wrong please tell me what other company's are doing so... Now I don't think porn is that important in winning the HD war but I'm just telling it as I see it...

[Nismobeach]

The impact of porn in this format war is minimal at best. The only reason porn played a role in the Betamax/VHS war was that people could watch porn in the privacy of their own home as oppsed to a sleezy public theater.

All of the adult industry comments about "PORN DECIDING THE FORMAT WAR BY PICKING HD-DVD!!!" was nothing more than them playing up their own egos.

[ZX-VETTE]

The porn industry originally backed HD-DVD because their production costs would be lower than if they chose the blu-ray route. It comes down to making money and if blu-ray ends up as the overwhelming platform, the porn industry will be in on it too.

[Blu-Light]

Originally Posted by icyred64

Ok too clarify too you blu-ray lovers.... Which i am too.... but im not just a blu-ray lover.... im a HIGH DEF LOVER... i don't care if its blu-ray, HD-DVD, DVD HD, HD WMV, HD QUICKTIME..... but too let you guys that think that either blu-ray or hd-dvd is going down the whole.... here's some facts.... Blu-ray will become the ultamite in High Def Movies involving graphical scenes like sci-fi's and action movies.... but we ALL know the biggest money maker in movies are PORN... and PORN is going HD-DVD.... so that means that HD-DVD will stay VERY ALIVE and STAY HERE FOR GOOD... Yes, High def porn can be great or bad... you get more details that will get you harder and more excited faster lol.... but also show the bad stuff better too... like razor burns ect... but hey.... i can already see that in VHS pron lol so i dont think that will make a huge difference... lol. But too let you guys know... Blu-ray and HD-DVD is here too STAY lol so get used too it... reason Microsoft is bringing down the prices of HD-DVD players is same reason Sony is bringing down there too.... Blu ray players are going from 1200$ too 800$.... thats a huge drop.... and a ps3 500$ now.... like common....

Nice try troll.

[DV92Camaro]

Originally Posted by icyred64

Ok too clarify too you blu-ray lovers.... Which i am too.... but im not just a blu-ray lover.... im a HIGH DEF LOVER... i don't care if its blu-ray, HD-DVD, DVD HD, HD WMV, HD QUICKTIME..... but too let you guys that think that either blu-ray or hd-dvd is going down the whole.... here's some facts.... Blu-ray will become the ultamite in High Def Movies involving graphical scenes like sci-fi's and action movies.... but we ALL know the biggest money maker in movies are PORN... and PORN is going HD-DVD.... so that means that HD-DVD will stay VERY ALIVE and STAY HERE FOR GOOD... Yes, High def porn can be great or bad... you get more details that will get you harder and more excited faster lol.... but also show the bad stuff better too... like razor burns ect... but hey.... i can already see that in VHS pron lol so i dont think that will make a huge difference... lol. But too let you guys know... Blu-ray and HD-DVD is here too STAY lol so get used too it... reason Microsoft is bringing down the prices of HD-DVD players is same reason Sony is bringing down there too.... Blu ray players are going from 1200$ too 800$.... thats a huge drop.... and a ps3 500$ now.... like common....

You know pron is on blu-ray too right? with current sales overselling HD-DVD, its going to make them think twice. Nice try though. I bet you didn't know certain blu-ray titles were made by Universal either. Welcome to the boards btw.

[BOSS10L]

Originally Posted by icyred64

Ok too clarify too you blu-ray lovers.... Which i am too.... but im not just a blu-ray lover.... im a HIGH DEF LOVER... i don't care if its blu-ray, HD-DVD, DVD HD, HD WMV, HD QUICKTIME..... but too let you guys that think that either blu-ray or hd-dvd is going down the whole.... here's some facts.... Blu-ray will become the ultamite in High Def Movies involving graphical scenes like sci-fi's and action movies.... but we ALL know the biggest money maker in movies are PORN... and PORN is going HD-DVD.... so that means that HD-DVD will stay VERY ALIVE and STAY HERE FOR GOOD... Yes, High def porn can be great or bad... you get more details that will get you harder and more excited faster lol.... but also show the bad stuff better too... like razor burns ect... but hey.... i can already see that in VHS pron lol so i dont think that will make a huge difference... lol. But too let you guys know... Blu-ray and HD-DVD is here too STAY lol so get used too it... reason Microsoft is bringing down the prices of HD-DVD players is same reason Sony is bringing down there too.... Blu ray players are going from 1200$ too 800$.... thats a huge drop.... and a ps3 500$ now.... like common....

Holy run-on Batman.

Grammar FTW!

[Maximus]

The latest one is that the HD DVD drive may be locked out completely as they have successfully used it to play HD DVDs without any sort of AACS authentication, so new discs will be pressed to not play on these drives!

Great news for HD DVD!