High-Def DVD Players Break Below $200 Price Point

Mon Oct 29, 2007 12:09PM EDT

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The high-definition DVD war continues in earnest. In fact, the ante has just been raised again, as Toshiba has now slashed the price on its HD-A2 HD DVD player from $299 to $198. (Circuit City has the new pricing already; Wal-Mart is expected to cut prices this coming weekend.)

HD DVD enthusiasts have previously been able to get HD DVD for under $200 only through the Xbox HD DVD player add-on drive or from no-name companies with names like Venturer. The Toshiba HD-A2 isn't the highest-end device you can buy (it doesn't have 1080p output, for example), but it's been generally well received by reviewers.

The question now is whether this will turn the tide in HD DVD's favor. Though Transformers was huge for HD DVD, it still hasn't turned momentum in its favor. Despite the HD DVD exclusive, Blu-ray still carried a 51% market share over HD DVD in the week of 10/21, and a 65% lead over HD DVD for the year to date. Since inception, Blu-ray still commands 61% of all discs sold vs. HD DVD's 39%.

But pricing is definitely in HD DVD's favor and getting better. Circuit City's cheapest Blu-ray player, by comparison, is $450, over twice the price of the bargain HD DVD player. (You can find cheaper deals elsewhere, but not much, and nowhere near $198.)

The market, of course, will ultimately be the judge. You make the call: Has HD DVD now entered into your holiday shopping equation? 

LINK: The sub-$200 HD DVD player arrives: multiple retailers slashing prices 

Comments on High-Def DVD Players Break Below $200 Price Point

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  • 6 Posted by andrew61377 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    ob1john99, it's you who are misinformed. the a3 is not 1080p. You get what you pay for. http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-A3-720p-1080i-Player/dp/B000U62N1S

  • 7 Posted by neowyndz on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    "But pricing is definitely in HD DVD's favor and getting better. Circuit City's cheapest Blu-ray player, by comparison, is $450, over twice the price of the bargain HD DVD player. (You can find cheaper deals elsewhere, but not much, and nowhere near $198.)" Hmmm Problem with this statement PS3 is at $399 price point. That is not bad for full 1080p output via HDMI for blu-ray movies as well as select games. Blu-Ray is the superior format, has full Hollywood support except paramount because they sold out to an exclusivity contract (look for Transformers on blu-ray coming 2008) and is more accessible to consumers with the fact I can buy a Sony blu-ray burner and blank blu-ray discs right now in any best buy across the country. HD DVD is dead Gates just doesn't like to admit defeat easily.

  • 8 Posted by scottwilkins on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    Blu-Ray is a lie. Search for "Blu-Ray's dirty little secret" on Yahoo or Google. Interesting reading... HD-DVD is technically and design wise far superior to Blu-Ray. Even though current media formats give Blu-Ray a slight advantage, all other aspects of the formats give HD-DVD the crown for victory. (HD-DVD HD movie space is 8.5 hour, Blu-Ray is 9. So much for bigger, eh?) * HD-DVD can play HD content on regular DVD discs, can't do that with Blu-Ray * HD-DVD is internet enabled by requirement, Blu-Ray is not. (8.5 hours not enough? No problem, get more via the internet...) * HD-DVD is cheaper to buy, own and maintain, Blu-Ray's disc design garuantees you'll be re-buying your movies in a few years when the discs self-destruct! * HD-DVD is future proof, gauranteeing backwards compatibility to all players. Blu-Ray is already changing their format and making older players obsolete. Don't buy into the Sony lie.

  • 9 Posted by kristerky on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    As we now all know, godsinventor was correct. It was only a matter of time. The fire sale that began on black friday should have been a hint. The porn industry once again made the decision on format.(remember Beta vs VHS) Now is the time to get the cheap on the HD-DVD players while you can get the hardware and software. I have both formats now, and I don't see a difference between them quality wise. Yes the Toshiba has the internet capabilities, but from what I have seen offered in content on the discs, I probably won't use that feature anyway.(weak) Wait and buy the next generation of Blu-ray players as they will have the bells and whistles.

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