Is HD DVD Dead? Promotional Group Sure Doesn’t Think So

HD DVD sure can’t catch a break since Warner’s decision to cease production on the format. If that decision wasn’t enough to let people know that HD DVD was on the way out, the recent reports of the massive hardware sales decline sure helped. But, despite HD DVD going downhill, there is one huge benefit to consumers… the fact that the prices are better than ever.

According to VideoBusinesss.com, prices have dropped so much, so fast, that HD DVD sales are overpowering standard DVD players. And since HD DVD players can handle standard DVD playback, it makes the deal that much sweeter.

What confuses me is that HD DVD players have been inexpensive for a few months now, far less expensive than Blu-ray. Yet, Blu-ray still pulled out in front. I think Sony’s success has a lot more to do with straight marketing, because HD DVD, with its low prices, would no doubt look like the best choice in the eyes of an uneducated consumer.

But, personal confusion aside, it appears the HD DVD head doesn’t think the war is over – not much of a surprise. What is interesting though, is that he delves into some information regarding the reasons why the conference and meetings were canceled during CES. The reason given was the simple fact that Warner’s announcement happened far too close to the actual conference… so it would have been impossible to prepare in time given the changed circumstances. Fair enough.

As part of Toshiba’s new promotional plan, HD DVD hardware across the board dropped in price. Introduced on January 13, the price of the entry-model HD-A3 is $149.99, the HD-A30, with 1080p output, $199.99, and the high-end HD-A35, $299.99. Graffeo, along with the entire HD DVD Group, hopes that the entry-level HD-A3 will entice a whole new group of consumers.

Source: DailyTech