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[quote name='dallow']Microtransactions coming to HD-DVD? Kinda.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...rst_Web-Enabled_Transaction_Opportunities/793[/QUOTE]

I read up on that today, the setup for transactions like this doesn't bother me really, but the thought that it could possibly someday lead to actual microtansactions gives me some pause. I can't think of anyone who would want to be nickeled and dimed all the time for buying somehting like featurettes, interactive games/features, or IME commentaries, etc (stuff that should basically be on the disc anyhow IMO). I don't wanna see barebone discs with the ability to add things become norm, if they ever do microtansactions with movies they'll have to really make if worthwhile.
 
FORMAT WAR IS OVER:

The high definition format war took an unexpected twist Sunday morning, when a group of thieves broke into a video store. What they took -- every Blu-ray movie in stock -- isn't as interesting as what they left behind. The gang ignored the HD DVD selection entirely, apparently deciding that only the BDA's baby was worth a five finger discount. Blockbuster choosing Blu-ray for its nationwide rollout is one thing, but being ignored when the price of acquisition is the low low price of free is a reality check for any fledgling standard. We suppose such early morning escapades are one way to build your library after getting the now lower-priced PS3, but it's not recommended. No word yet on if HD DVD fans are planning a coordinated group theft to reestablish the popularity of their chosen format.
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http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/25/thieves-choose-blu-ray-over-hd-dvd-in-mass-disc-heist/
 
I can't wait to see who uses that in a press release first. :lol:

FWIW, my replacement copy of "Fifth Element" came today. They sent me a brand new BR case and everything (so now I have a wayward BR case to use for something). The movie transfer itself looks phenomenal; loads better than the original. Sony deserves kudos for making good on a poor movie transfer, and rather quickly, too.
 
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/25/ap3952696.html

Target to Promote Blu-Ray DVD Format

By GARY GENTILE 07.25.07, 5:31 PM E

LOS ANGELES - Target Corp., the nation's second-largest retailer, will start selling a Sony Blu-ray high-definition DVD player during the critical holiday shopping period and feature the player along with Blu-ray discs in store displays, dealing a potential blow to the rival HD DVD format.

The move, which the companies will formally announce Thursday, is another step in resolving a format war that has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.

Target (nyse: TGT - news - people ) said it will sell the Sony (nyse: SNE - news - people ) BDP-S300 for $499 in October and display it along with Blu-ray DVDs from three studios, including Sony Corp. and The Walt Disney Co. (nyse: DIS - news - people ), at the ends of store aisles.

The Target announcement comes five weeks after a decision by video rental chain Blockbuster Inc. (nyse: BBI - news - people ) to offer only Blu-ray titles when it expands its high-def offerings this fall.

Blu-ray is backed by Sony, which developed it. Most Hollywood studios are releasing films either exclusively in Blu-ray or together with the rival HD DVD format, which is backed by its developer, Toshiba Corp. (other-otc: TOSBF.PK - news - people )

Only Universal Studios, a unit of General Electric (nyse: GE - news - people ) Corp., is releasing films exclusively in HD DVD.

Both formats offer a high-definition picture that is crisper and brighter than standard DVDs, as well as more storage that allows interactive features and games to be packaged with movies.

Consumers have been slow to embrace either format, worried they might get stuck with a losing technology.

Target does not sell high-def DVD players in its stores, although it does sell a Toshiba HD DVD player for $299 on its Web site.

Target stores do sell an HD DVD add-on for the Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) Xbox 360. They also sell Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3, which comes with a Blu-ray player built in.

Target would not say why it decided to sell only Blu-ray players in stores. Sony is paying a fee to have its products featured in the end-of-aisle display, called an endcap, although Sony executives said the retailer contacted them about the decision.

"We are not proclaiming one format vs. the other as the preferred consumer technology, and software will continue to be available to our guests in both the Blu-ray and HD DVD format," Target spokeswoman Brie Heath said.

Target will track customer feedback and adjust offerings as necessary, Heath said.

The HD DVD camp was not fazed by the Target decision, pointing out that HD DVD players continue to outsell Blu-ray players, which cost at least twice as much. They also point out that HD DVD players and DVDs are featured in endcap displays in Circuit City Stores Inc. (nyse: CC - news - people ) and Best Buy Co. (nyse: BBY - news - people ) locations.

HD DVD promoters also contend that consumers are more influenced by price than product selection.

"HD DVD players are the most affordable," said Ken Graffeo, co-president of the North American HD DVD Promotional Group. "It's one thing to have a player featured, but it's another if it doesn't sell."

While more titles are available in the Blu-ray format, this fall should provide a head-to-head contest between the two formats.

Two blockbuster films - "Spider-Man 3" from Sony and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" from Disney - will be available exclusively on Blu-ray.

The HD DVD camp will be counting on sales of the blockbuster film "300" from Warner Bros., which will be released in both formats, and the first season of the popular sci-fi TV show "Heroes," which will be available exclusively on HD DVD.


AP Business Writer Joshua Freed in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
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http://www.thedigitalbits.com/doogansviews/072507.html

Anyway, after all of this Bill asked me to finally post the opinion I have on the two formats; the opinion I've been prattling on about behind the scenes. Well, here it goes: Blu-ray is going to win. Using science, market trend and consumer insight, it's very easy to make that leap. But you have to look at the whole thing. HD-DVD is, right at this moment, the more interactively robust format. When you see 300 on HD-DVD, you will be tempted to choose right there because the coolest thing that HD-DVD does that Blu-ray doesn't right now is picture-in-picture viewing. Watching 300 with a video feed of the original bluescreen video is quite frankly a badass experience. But early next year Blu-ray will be able to do the same thing - but it will do so with a hi-def feed. Something HD-DVD can't and won't do. All around, next year, Blu-ray will be better, stronger and faster than HD-DVD is; but HD-DVD got into the market with more features first, so you'll see a lot of ads and reports and web stories luring you in. Don't be fooled. Please.

More than anything I'm a consumer advocate. I have no stake in either format. Contrary to what's been said, The Bits isn't in anyone's pocket. We have simply looked at things the way they are, the way that they've moved in the past, and I'm saying that jumping into the fray at this point for you is a waste. Trust me: stay away from hi-def DVD for about a year. Both formats will be ready to impress you come Summer of 2008. Then you'll have piles of discs available to choose from, fully interactive experiences on both sides and audio/video to die for. I've been fully immersed in the glory of BOTH formats over the last week and I can tell you, it'll be worth the wait. Eventually.
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[quote name='mykevermin']Target's Target, but it ain't Wal-Mart. That's the place to get your marketshare.[/quote]

Still the 2nd most popular retailer, and Target is probaly shopped by the more upper-class people who have hi-def t'vs and the what not. we shall see, I don't think it's news till Target goes Blu-ray exclusive.
 
[quote name='H.Cornerstone']Still the 2nd most popular retailer, and Target is probaly shopped by the more upper-class people who have hi-def t'vs and the what not. we shall see, I don't think it's news till Target goes Blu-ray exclusive.[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure what your Target looks like, but mine (both) have about 9-12 BRD and 9-12 HD titles. My Walmart has no next-gen movies at all.

I'll wait for these retailers to actually offer a selection before I wonder what it will do for market share.

Also, Target is in the process of trying to figure out a directional radius that is more opposite than 180 degrees from what Wal-mart does.
 
So Target sells the HD DVD drive for XBOX360 for $199.99 and a Blu-Ray player for $499 and carries both HD DVD's and Blu-Rays...how does this exactly translate to them favoring Blu-Ray??? All it means is that Sony made them an offer they couldn't refuse to sell the Blu-Ray player. With HD DVD players selling at a little over $200, its just a matter of time before you find them everywhere.

Oh and on another note....Funimation joined up with Blu-Ray:
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...tion_Jumps_Into_Blu-ray_with_Dragonball_Z/806
As far as I can tell, they don't state exclusivity but for now looks like DragonBall Z movie double feature will be coming out on BR soon. And here I thought Anime couldn't get any more expensive :roll:
 
Favoring them only because they don't sell HD DVD standalones.
(only gamers consider the HD DVD a viable player)

But yes, I'm sure the cheaper Toshiba players will start showing up in many places.

Funimation going BD is old news but nice to see they actually announce a title now.
 
[quote name='CocheseUGA']I'm not sure what your Target looks like, but mine (both) have about 9-12 BRD and 9-12 HD titles. My Walmart has no next-gen movies at all.

I'll wait for these retailers to actually offer a selection before I wonder what it will do for market share.

Also, Target is in the process of trying to figure out a directional radius that is more opposite than 180 degrees from what Wal-mart does.[/quote]
This is true, but with the endcap they might have more blu-ray titles. Anyways, if they go exclusive, all that hd-dvd slots will be filled with Blu-ray, so they then have 24 blu-ray movies instead of 12. Like I said, not really news till they go exclusive.

BTW, my Target has 15 of each.
 
Funny thing about Wal-Mart. Even though they have no BR's/HDDVD's for sale, I see signs in stores saying 'ask about our Next-Gen DVD collection'. I'm like huh?

My Target has an even batch for each number wise (10-15). Best Buy definitely has the best selection by a mile.
 
Target is not that big of a deal.

Sony is PAYING Target for an endcap display. Target did not choose Blu-Ray, that got paid to display it...much like Microsoft with the Zune or any other product. A $500 player is not going to sell very well at Target...sorry guys. Hell, remember when Wal-Mart carried the $500 A1 player and HD DVD was killing Blu-Ray in sales? Remember how well THOSE sold? Not very well. My Wal-Mart STILL has 3 out of 4 of those players on the 'clearance' rack for $298.xx. I don't see this as a big deal by any means.
 
[quote name='H.Cornerstone']This is true, but with the endcap they might have more blu-ray titles. Anyways, if they go exclusive, all that hd-dvd slots will be filled with Blu-ray, so they then have 24 blu-ray movies instead of 12. Like I said, not really news till they go exclusive.

BTW, my Target has 15 of each.[/QUOTE]

Once of my Targets has Blu-Rays in 4 places. 1 in the normal 'Blu-Ray/HD DVD' section, one on the opposite side by CDs (overflow). a cardboard display box by the PS3, and THEN in the PS3 case.
 
[quote name='rodeojones903']http://gear.ign.com/articles/807/807976p1.html

Some good info on Samsungs new Hybrid and stand alone blu-ray players.[/QUOTE]

An AWESOME player...but not for $1049. Pass.
Who would really choose that over a $500 PS3 and a $300 A2? You would be paying $350 more (at the current time, I expect both players to drop $100 each by October), loosing out on 10 free movie (5 offered by each format), and yes, even a 'game' console. Pass Samsung, Pass. :cry: I REALLY wanted this....for under $700.
 
[quote name='dallow']Favoring them only because they don't sell HD DVD standalones.[/QUOTE]

Oh, that just makes no sense at all! :lol:

For the moment, it looks as if Target is favoring BR over HD DVD. By the time the holidays come around, they need to add a single, easily identifiable, BR/HD movie section as well - having a player for sale isn't very helpful if the only movie on shelves an employee can find is a dusty copy of "Music and Lyrics" buried underneath 45 video games.

Let's also be quite clear about something: yes, the 360 add-on is cheap, but it's also selling like shit. It's not exactly competition, right. Rarely (if ever) in gaming history have add-on devices been successful. I don't expect that to change with the HD DVD player.

Then again, the scrambling and cognitive dissonance exercises by those people who favor HD is absolutely fascinating. BR is, little by little, conquering the market. Blockbuster exclusivity here, Target selling only BR standalones there. Market share moving towards a consistent, month-after-month-after-month 70/30 split favoring BR. The cumulative effect of incremental shifts favoring BR is BR conquering the market. Sum up the little things, and they begin to matter. But, let's not pay any attention to that. HD A2 shields up!

The only thing HD DVD aficionados can bray about is the HD-A2, and how that is somehow going to change everything.

"Hey, Blockbuster is going BR exclusive!"
"Butbutbut...HD A2!"

"Hey, I hear that BR has more BR exclusive studios than HD DVD, who only has 1."
"HD-A2!"

It reminds me of that Robot Chicken sketch where Ted Turner turns into Captain Planet, showing no bit of common sense, but running around screaming "CAPTAIN PLANET!" :lol:
 
[quote name='GizmoGC']Target is not that big of a deal.

Sony is PAYING Target for an endcap display. Target did not choose Blu-Ray, that got paid to display it...much like Microsoft with the Zune or any other product. A $500 player is not going to sell very well at Target...sorry guys. Hell, remember when Wal-Mart carried the $500 A1 player and HD DVD was killing Blu-Ray in sales? Remember how well THOSE sold? Not very well. My Wal-Mart STILL has 3 out of 4 of those players on the 'clearance' rack for $298.xx. I don't see this as a big deal by any means.[/quote]

Target would not say why it decided to sell only Blu-ray players in stores. Sony is paying a fee to have its products featured in the end-of-aisle display, called an endcap, although Sony executives said the retailer contacted them about the decision.
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I suppose we can also choose not to believe that.

[quote name='myke'] Oh, that just makes no sense at all! :lol:[/QUOTE]Wait what? Haha, I should clarify. Hmm.
 
[quote name='dallow']

I suppose we can also choose not to believe that.

Wait what? Haha, I should clarify. Hmm.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, its a press release, I figured they would say they contacted them first. I find it hard to believe Target would contact Sony about a $500 Blu-Ray player when the $500 PS3 is barley moving at stores as-is. Lets not forget, Target has 4% of the CE marketshare...right behind RadioShack.
 
[quote name='Gentlegamer']Am I the only one who cringed at this term?[/QUOTE]

I think so. More the fact I have no idea what you are getting at.
 
This is :hot:

HD DVD Player add-on drops to $179.99 + 5 free HD DVD's (+ King Kong & Remote)

[quote name='zewone']http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2007/jul07/07-26ComicConXboxHDDVDPR.mspx?rss_fdn=Press%20Releases
Starting Aug. 1st

5 free movie offer is valid until Sept. 30th

I think you still get King Kong and the remote too.

The choices for the five free movies are pretty shitty, but hey, you could sell them and offset the cost of the player to be cheaper.

Apollo 13
Casablanca
Four Brothers
The Rundown
U-571
Seabiscuit
Constantine
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Blazing Saddles
The Perfect Storm
The Chronicles of Riddick
Dukes of Hazard
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
U2: Rattle and Hum
We Were Soldiers[/quote]
 
[quote name='GizmoGC']Yes because of decent ps3 sales makes the other 9 months non existant.[/QUOTE]

It's only been $500 for a couple weeks.

[quote name='GizmoGC']Target has 4% of the CE marketshare...right behind RadioShack.[/QUOTE]

Link?
 
[quote name='dpatel']It's only been $500 for a couple weeks.[/quote]
its not a price cut, like theyve already repeated many times. they're going to stop selling the 60GB so its more of a fire sale than a price cut. same price as launch if you consider the 20GB model. and the fact that the actual cost difference to sony between the 20GB and 60GB was a couple dollars. the 80GB will probably be cheaper for them to make than the 20GB.

i think their strategy is relying on ppl virally marketing it like its a hot commodity and "only while supplies last". the same limited freedom principle stores rely on to sell clearance items. its smart by sony to sell more, but i think $100 more for 20GB and less functionality is completely asinine when you think about it. MSes price for their 120GB was hard to swallow but this is just ridiculous.

i hope MS is right and they get it to a more sane $400 by the holdiay sales. they should get moving and release bundles w/ rumble controllers already too. im also curious how cheap the 360 will go w/ the PS3 $400. the 65nm 360 was supposed to be out the 1st 1/4 of this year then they decided to do both the CPU & GPU at the same time and it got pushed back to around halo 3.
 
Sony's strategy is that it is cheaper to make the 80gb version than the 60gb version, so they drop the price on the 60gb to get it off the shelves. Now once the 60gb is gone, chances are we'll see the 80gb drop to the $499 price or even maybe less. It's all about getting the price loss under control. I just love how it's not being told in mass media that the 80gb no longer has emotion and will be backward compatible using software. I personally would think this would also help sell the 60gb.
As for Target BR exclusive bs, it's obvious to us they're doing no such thing. But where it hurts is in marketing. Now average Joe Consumer sees on the news that Target "the second largest retail chain" is going BR, what is he more likely to buy? HD is getting it's a** handed to them in the marketing arena. First with BBR now Target, even if the are not truly BR exclusive the media is making it appear that way.
I also heard something a little funny I would like to share. I'm in BB and a salesman tells a guy the reason the HD player is cheaper than BR is because it's being phased out. Now this is the kind of thing that Joe Consumer takes with him to pass on to his friends and family.
 
I'm almost certain the 80GB will drop to $499 and lose the pack in game, after 60GB are gone.

They also repeated several times that the 60GB wouldn't drop, even days before it did.
 
I mean with all of the hd dvd prices drops and deals and such I think its safe to say blu-ray is the winner. mind you I'm not biased I own a 360 and no hd players yet.
 
[quote name='cyrix`']I mean with all of the hd dvd prices drops and deals and such I think its safe to say blu-ray is the winner. mind you I'm not biased I own a 360 and no hd players yet.[/QUOTE]

What deals? You mean the 5 free HD-DVDs deal? Like, the same exact one Blu-Ray has? I don't understand.
 
I am very discouraged with HD-DVD. I bought the 360 add-on and noticed that there were many movies only available for blu-ray only.

Many retail outlets have switched over to carrying only blu-ray movies. Also, 360 HD-DVD add on price drop (now at $150 @ BB.com) don't make me feel confident with the HD-DVD format.
 
When I bought 300 on Bluray yesterday, the man told me I made a good choice because HDdvd is dying. What he says is cannon.

IT'S OVA'!
 
Anyone else besides me think that 300 could ultimately decide the format war? If the Blu-ray version sells head and shoulders above the HD-DVD version, do you think Universal will realize all the money they are losing out on and jump ship?
 
[quote name='H.Cornerstone']Anyone else besides me think that 300 could ultimately decide the format war? If the Blu-ray version sells head and shoulders above the HD-DVD version, do you think Universal will realize all the money they are losing out on and jump ship?[/QUOTE]



Blu-ray, is crushing HD DVD right now. This holiday season will be the final deciding factor.
 
[quote name='H.Cornerstone']Anyone else besides me think that 300 could ultimately decide the format war? If the Blu-ray version sells head and shoulders above the HD-DVD version, do you think Universal will realize all the money they are losing out on and jump ship?[/quote]

I don't think so. The problem is that the BR version is just BR, the HD DVD version is a HD DVD/DVD combo. Its a very unfair comparison since the HD DVD/DVD version gets marked up $5-10 above standard HD DVD's.
 
[quote name='LinkinPrime']I don't think so. The problem is that the BR version is just BR, the HD DVD version is a HD DVD/DVD combo. Its a very unfair comparison since the HD DVD/DVD version gets marked up $5-10 above standard HD DVD's.[/quote]

Yeah, but I think the 300 fanatics will buy 300 on hi-def no matter what the price.
 
[quote name='H.Cornerstone']Anyone else besides me think that 300 could ultimately decide the format war?[/quote]No.

The "deciding factor" would be a title that drives people to actualy buy players. A "Player-Seller", so to speak.

Well, actually, I'd say the "deciding factor" is the PS3. But title-wise, it will be a title that's only available on one format.

I'm still praying that before any such title comes out, dual-format players are so cheap and common the war will be essentially a moot point, comparable to the SACD/DVD-audio "war" we have now (and that MS releases a dual-format add-on with true HD sound).
 
I don't know if you guys have heard, but 300 is going to be re-released on Blu-Ray with even more enchanced IME features that go beyond the HD DVD version.

Sales might be hurt by people like me who are going to wait on it.
 
[quote name='dallow']I don't know if you guys have heard, but 300 is going to be re-released on Blu-Ray with even more enchanced IME features that go beyond the HD DVD version.

Sales might be hurt by people like me who are going to wait on it.[/quote]
That hasn't been confirmed and is only a rumor, and plus who knows how long it will be till that version comes out.

BTW, is there an NPD for Movies? I would like to see how much each version of 300 sold.
 
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