NPD: Sky Isn't Falling for HD-DVD, Blu-ray Isn't Champ Yet

[wraggster]

Sales data for HD-DVD and Blu-ray players and movies has been misconstrued lately by various outlets, with reports implying that HD-DVD sales have fallen at an amazing pace while Blu-ray sales have blasted through the roof.

The NPD Group attempted to quiet the storm of online scuttlebutt with the following statement:
"The facts are that during the week that is being singled out, both Blu-ray disc players and software were being given away for free with the purchase of 1080p TVs. It is also important to note that the instant rebate promotions that had previously netted Toshiba's players' MSRPs to $199 and $249 had actually ended on Jan. 5th -- causing an increase in HD DVD's MSRP back to $299 and $399 during that same week. Since Toshiba's retail price move on Jan. 13th to $149 / $199 -- Toshiba is seeing very positive sales trends at retail. This reinforces the fact that price is a significant driver of sales."
"Toshiba's HD DVD players represent a significant value to the consumer and the marketing campaign that just began is proving effective."

http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/007137.php

[DPyro]

The only reason the HD DVD drives are being sold now is because retailers are having a fire sale to get rid of their stock.

[Elven6]

The only reason the HD DVD drives are being sold now is because retailers are having a fire sale to get rid of their stock.

Their has also been a fire sale on blu ray titles aswell, when Warner announced their switch, they didn't drag the million or so players out with them. People who own players will buy movies for as long as they are sold.

[DPyro]

Their has also been a fire sale on blu ray titles aswell, when Warner announced their switch, they didn't drag the million or so players out with them. People who own players will buy movies for as long as they are sold.

I think your confused as to what a fire sale is. No company is selling blu-ray movies at lower than normal prices because they can't sell them, or want to get rid of them. Their just competing against HD-DVD.

[jamotto]

The only reason the HD DVD drives are being sold now is because retailers are having a fire sale to get rid of their stock.

Which retailers are having a fire sale?

None, that I looked at are.

[DPyro]

Amazon.com up to 53% off HD-DVDs

Also read here

[Eviltaco64]

This is what I'd like to call

VHS vs. Beta II': Hyper Fighting

[Napalm-Death]

This is what I'd like to call

VHS vs. Beta II': Hyper Fighting

Nice one. xD

[jamotto]

Amazon.com up to 53% off HD-DVDs

Also read here

Ah, ok thanks.

[robotdevil]

It really doesn't matter what the sales of the players show, both of those numbers are skewed by promotions and misrepresentation anyway. Nobody takes into account the game consoles that can play the movies too, a comparison of HD-DVD drives for the 360 and the number of PS3s would be nice. But in any event, HD DVD may not be gone, but it is definately in trouble. With only 2 major studios they cannot hope to support the format, the only thing going for HD DVD at this time is the lower production cost.

But far more interesting than that, this will be the first format war Sony has ever won despite having the more advanced technology each time. Kinda scary when you think about it.