Why is Toshiba still reluctant?

[crazy25000]

We snagged a second with Wolfgang Schlichting, IDC's research director for removable storage, to ask what the picture looks like for HD DVD. His thoughts? HD DVD isn't dead yet. Toshiba will probably produce dual format players (Blu-ray and HD DVD) and differentiate with HD DVD-only on the low-end. The key is for them to stay strong through the next year. One of the most insightful predictions we've heard about the format war since the Warner defection

http://gizmodo.com/341371/prediction...mat-hd-players

[dialog_gvf]

Many expect Toshiba to put out dual-format players. They sort of need to as a face saving measure.

But, it would be pretty silly of Universal and Paramount to not start thinking of switching (and switching back). The cost of neutrality is too high, and neither can allow themselves to be marginalized in home video.

Gary

[crazy25000]

I agree and what Paramount did in terms of suddenly stop producing Blu Ray movies and cancelling pre orders, it just makes me want to boycott them for a while, but I love their movies and want to show Blu Ray support so its kinda hard.

[vladittude0583]

Ever since news broke out about WB's decision to back BD, I have continuously searched several news sites for any other important updates regarding this format war and it seems that I still read that Toshiba is still supporting HD-DVD and firmly believes they still have "sales" and such. Why is that?

I just find it hard to believe they think they still can pull out of this war when its clear that all their options/capabilities have all gone down the drain. I do not know much about Japanese Corporations and their management, but I do know that shareholders do not mess around when it comes to profit because they also have major power regarding what a company can and can't do. Toshiba's profits lately have been in the red due to their recent fire sales, etc.

It boggles my mind as to why they still try to fight. What is your opinion?

[buckshot]

denial. or mental illness. that would explain the reaction by tosh and every hd supporter who still believes there's a secret weapon or some such crap up hd's sleeve.

[Canada]

Easy Greed and or stupidity one of the two, who knows maybe both.

[PLASMA-1080P-FULLHD]

They try to save their own face. Prob the way how Japanese are, never accept defeat.

[Canada]

Even if HD DVD sold 5 million players tommorow what the hell would the consumer watch.

[Winn]

They were never going to fold up shop over night. I still think they do so in fairly short order, though.

[bkbluray]

It'll be very interesting to see the events that happen over the next few weeks. I don't think Toshiba will put the white flag up outright, but as soon as Universal goes Blu (and possibly Paramount) then it's game over.

[nhaase]

Right now they've been silent since WB's announcement. They only quickly mentioned HD DVD at their press conference, and it was just boiler-plate. The only direct response was what they said the same day as the switch, and the HD DVD group said they have to re-assess their strategy.

Right now they're stymied, and I have not seen anything yet as Toshiba clarfying their position in the new landscape.

[LynxFX]

That's what happens when you have no plan B, always have a plan B.

James Bond taught us that...of course those films are BD exclusive.

[GasCat]

They don't want to see the returns. Wait a few more months after they have cleared some of their inventory.