Format War: HD DVD to Surrender?
via IGN
Given recent marketplace advances made by rival Blu-ray in the format war, the word on the street is that Toshiba could be about to surrender and give up on HD DVD.
Reliable industry sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that it could happen in weeks.
Officially, Toshiba spokesperson Jodi Sally told the trade newspaper that they're still believers in the technology, but seemed to hint that a change is coming.
"Given the market developments in the past month," Sally said, "Toshiba will continue to study the market impact and the value proposition for consumers, particularly in light of our recent price reductions on all HD DVD players."
Sources tell THR that Toshiba's price cuts could be costing them some serious jack -- as much as several hundred dollars for each player sold. And unfortunately for the tech manufacturer, the sales jump they'd hoped for never materialized. That, coupled with the big-name retail defections of late, has reportedly convinced the company to prepare for defeat.
It seems like just a matter of time. We'll keep tracking the format war, and bring you news as it breaks!
