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[dankir]

I can't see MS offering a Bluray add on. Wouldn't they have to pay Sony royalties for everyone they made?

They said they would if the market goes in that direction, but Sony also said they wouldn't create multiple SKUS for the PS3. So who knows.

 

[Madman]

Of course they do, btu they shouldn't. This would be a bigger deal if Warner announced it was making really good games for PS3, no? As it is, this is one more collection of reasons for PS3 owners to buy fewer games.

I would like to see the logic behind this negatively affecting software sales. That would be like saying the growth in popularity of DVDs hurt the software sales of the PS2.

 

[Choke on the Magic]

But what is going to convice the average family that doesn't own a PS3 but own a DVD player to jump ship?

when they stop making dvd movies. Just like when they stopped making VHS.

 

[Xisiqomelir]

I would like to see how the logic behind this negatively affecting software sales.

"PS3 is a great Blu-Ray player, shame about the console lol"

It's like you don't know GAF's autoresponses.

 

[frankthurk]

Of course they do, btu they shouldn't. This would be a bigger deal if Warner announced it was making really good games for PS3, no? As it is, this is one more collection of reasons for PS3 owners to buy fewer games.

But it's also a reason for more non PS3-owners to become PS3-owners, and might as well buy some games while we're at it. I'm pretty sure this is quite relevant to a gaming forum.

 

[gkryhewy]

when they stop making dvd movies. Just like when they stopped making VHS.

Wow, that'll be a long time coming. Probably a much larger gap between then and now than between then and the complete cessation of disc based media. I wouldn't be surprised to see DVD outlast BRD.

I really don't see this as much of a boon to PS3, although its BRD functionality remains very attractive. Standalones are already cheaper, and the mainstream format adopters will want still cheaper standalones.

 

[Ajax]

So gamers don't really care?

Unfortunately gamers care about sales and these news are directly linked to the success of PS3 so I bet they care. And I find a bit hypocritical from some members who are in every weekly Media Create and monthly NPD thread to whine that this one is on the Gaming Forum.

 

[BeeDog]

But what is going to convice the average family that doesn't own a PS3 but own a DVD player to jump ship?

I think you underestimate just how much picture and sound quality can turn around customers. At least here in Sweden the adoption rate for HDTV's has been rocketing the last 2 years or so, and I honestly believe that sampling what HD movies have to offer compared to (upscaled) DVD's is enough to warrant an upgrade.

 

[ZeroTolerance]

TOKYO, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba is quite surprised by Warner Bros.' decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning the support of HD DVD. As central members of the DVD Forum, we have long maintained a close partnership with Warner Bros. We worked closely together to help standardize the first-generation DVD format as well as to define and shape HD DVD as its next-generation successor.

We were particularly disappointed that this decision was made in spite of the significant momentum HD DVD has gained in the US market as well as other regions in 2007. HD DVD players and PCs have outsold Blu-ray in the US market in 2007.

We will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps. We remain firm in our belief that HD DVD is the format best suited to the wants and needs of the consumer.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,250140.shtml

 

[Innotech]

I bought 7 DVDs this winter. Ill buy more in the future until they arent around anymore.

 

[steve]

Wow, that'll be a long time coming. Probably a much larger gap between then and now than between then and the complete cessation of disc based media. I wouldn't be surprised to see DVD outlast BRD.

You're nuts. The real telling sign is seeing DVDs that routinely used to sell for 20 bucks, now sell for 5 bucks. They've become a bargain bin item, which is why for the first time ever, last year saw a decrease in overall DVD sales.

Make no mistake, high-def is here to stay, DVD is a dying format. It's not going to happen overnight, but it is happening.

 

[asclepio_gtr]

1. According to the other thread, this war has already been won for a year.
2. The PS3 is no longer the cheapest Blu Ray player and will be one of the most expensive ones by Xmas 2008.
3. It still is and always will be about the games.
4. Profit.

Aren't you guys independent now? Don't need this damage control anymore, right?

Spoiler

j/k

 

[DeadGzuz]

I agree, they wont want any negative goodwill, I guess they will cease production right away and start work on a blu ray drive to try to negate some of the benefit of having a ps3.

MS sold a HD-DVD add-on to make a stalemate in the format war, they have little incentive to reinforce Sony's inclusion of the BD drive. They will probably pretend the war has no winner and continue on selling the HD-DVD add-on, maybe with a lower price (it should be $99 already).

 

[rollingstart]

I would like to see the logic behind this negatively affecting software sales. That would be like saying the growth in popularity of DVDs hurt the software sales of the PS2.

Why buy Uncharted when you can watch Indiana Jones? Why buy Halo when you can watch Aliens? Why buy NFS Pro Street when you can watch Fast and the Furious?

 

[Tobor]

I don't know, this HDM stuff is still really niche, win or not. And DVD isn't even slowing down in the least. Doesn't anyone get a Laserdisc vibe here?

 

[RavenFox]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,250140.shtml

lol I waited to long to post this. You beat me to it

Poor HD-DVD

 

[JB1981]

I don't know, this HDM stuff is still really niche, win or not. And DVD isn't even slowing down in the least. Doesn't anyone get a Laserdisc vibe here?

read the op.

 

[Choke on the Magic]

Wow, that'll be a long time coming. Probably a much larger gap between then and now than between then and the complete cessation of disc based media. I wouldn't be surprised to see DVD outlast BRD.

A very long time coming. With HD becoming standard in 2010 I think BRD will last just as long as DVD. I really can't imagine them ever getting rid of DVDs though. I mean almost everone has DVD player and or burner. Although I'm sure people said the same about VHS long ago.

 

[Dante]

I don't know, this HDM stuff is still really niche, win or not. And DVD isn't even slowing down in the least. Doesn't anyone get a Laserdisc vibe here?

:lol yeah nothing beat getting up and flipping to side 2 mid movie.

 

[steve]

I don't know, this HDM stuff is still really niche, win or not. And DVD isn't even slowing down in the least. Doesn't anyone get a Laserdisc vibe here?

DVD witnessed its first ever decline in sales during 2007. That's not because people stopped watching movies. It's because they are spending their cash on HD.

 

[TTP]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,250140.shtml

Did HD-DVD players really sell more than BD ones in 2007?

 

[Tobor]

read the op.

Aha. We'll see I guess. I don't really buy movies anymore, so the iTunes rental announcement at Macworld is more interesting to me anyway.

DVD witnessed its first ever decline in sales during 2007. That's not because people stopped watching movies. It's because they are spending their cash on HD.

Or rented via Netflix and DD. But carry on with the parade.

 

[Dante]

Did HD-DVD players really sell more than BD ones in 2007?

I'd venture to guess they were talking stand alone units.

 

[GenericPseudonym]

DVD witnessed its first ever decline in sales during 2007. That's not because people stopped watching movies. It's because they are spending their cash on HD.

You know its even more likely that much of these losses could be attributed to piracy, increases in renting, digital distribution and HD. They're all factors.

 

[BruceWayneIII]

Soul Creator: it's not really the same. A movie is filmed on a specific media and then gets transferred to a multiple of mediums. They don't have to have DVD or Blu-ray in mind when making the movie. Same can not be said about creating software (games): CPU is specific, GPU is specific, bus might be specific, RAM etc. etc.

 

[blindrocket]

They said they would if the market goes in that direction, but Sony also said they wouldn't create multiple SKUS for the PS3. So who knows.

I thought Kutaragi envisioned all kinds of variety of PS3.

 

[gofreak]

Did HD-DVD players really sell more than BD ones in 2007?

Standalone players, perhaps. Toshiba likes to ignore PS3 sales.

I find it surprising that they said they'd be taking counsel on next steps, acknowledging the significance of this. Hopefully their partners tell them it's over.

 

[dankir]

Did HD-DVD players really sell more than BD ones in 2007?

If you didn't count the PS3 as a Blu Ray disc player.

 

[mysticstylez]

I think you underestimate just how much picture and sound quality can turn around customers. At least here in Sweden the adoption rate for HDTV's has been rocketing the last 2 years or so, and I honestly believe that sampling what HD movies have to offer compared to (upscaled) DVD's is enough to warrant an upgrade.

It won't be happening anytime soon. Hell, Pirates of The Caribbean:At Worlds End, sold 7.3 million DVD's in its first week compared to only 160,000 for Blu Ray in the same time frame.


No time soon will better video/sound quality make those numbers come close together.

 

[Tobor]

:lol yeah nothing beat getting up and flipping to side 2 mid movie.

Dude, that was awesome at the time! I remember watching Return of the Jedi on Laserdisc at my Uncle's house. Mind blowing at the time. :lol

 

[Chiggs]

I'd venture to guess they were talking stand alone units.

Except Toshiba considered the 360 unit a standalone. The HD-DVD group was really good at spinning things. And by good, I mean pathetic.

 

[JB1981]

Did HD-DVD players really sell more than BD ones in 2007?

standalones did, yes.

they were like $75 at one point - been cheaper for several months.

software sales - now that is what Warner Bros. is looking at. BD has like a 69:31 marketshare edge YTD.

and that's with players that have been nearly 2x more expensive for a long long time.

PS3 saved blu-ray, pretty much.

 

[DrXym]

Did HD-DVD players really sell more than BD ones in 2007?

I doubt it unless the HD DVD camp do their usual magic trick of pretending the PS3 doesn't exist except when it comes to discussing attach rates. When discussing attach rates, it's best to acknowlege the PS3 since the attach rates go lower by comparison to dedicated HD DVD devices,

 

[Chiggs]

software sales - now that is what Warner Bros. is looking at. BD has like a 69:31 marketshare edge YTD.

65-35 YTD if I'm not mistaken.

 

[TTP]

Ah cool. Got it. Thanks everyone.

 

[Amir0x]

Don't think it'll help PS3 at all, but I do think it's great positive step for HD movies... because, for fuck's sake, this format war is ridiculous.

 

[urk]

So does anyone really think there is a flood of people just waiting for Warner Bros. to go Blu-ray before buying a PS3?

This is a positive move for Blu-ray as a format, but I just don't see it sending a significant percentage of fence sitters jumping off their perch and running for a PS3. Consumers interested in High Definition Warner Brothers films will buy a Blu-ray player. Consumers interesting in PS3 gaming will but a PS3. Sure, they'll be some overlap, but we've already seen that that segment of the market is nowhere near the driving force we're pretending it to be.

Don't think it'll help PS3 at all, but I do think it's a positive step... because, for fuck's sake, this format war is ridiculous.

This.

 

[WickedCobra03]

Well I'm glad the format war is one step closer to being over. It wasn't good for consumers.

I read an interesting blog post that argued that Microsoft's support of HD-DVD exists only to confuse people as Microsoft plans to save the day with digital distribution and they couldn't care if they lose billions on the platform because they aim to own digital distribution channels around the World.

Yeah, I really do not care which one wins as long as one does...but I think HD-DVD is done...What do they have left? Like what is the split now between Blu-ray and HDDVD?

 

[Firewire]

Did HD-DVD players really sell more than BD ones in 2007?

HD-DVD against blu ray players stand alone players yes. But the HD-DVD group doesn't add the PS3 in those numbers. It's their (Toshiba/HD-DVD group) media spin, which has been scoffed at by industry analysts since late '06.

 

[Chiggs]

Yeah, I really do not care which one wins as long as one does...but I think HD-DVD is done...What do they have left? Like what is the split now between Blu-ray and HDDVD?

70/30 - Arguably higher.

 

[JB1981]

Don't think it'll help PS3 at all, but I do think it's great positive step for HD movies... because, for fuck's sake, this format war is ridiculous.

i think if people can only get high-def media on blu-ray for the better part of 2008, it will most certainly have a positive impact on ps3 sales. how could it not? it will help and could very well end up helping out in a major way.

i mean, my brother just bought a Toshiba 37" LCD HDTV for $599 at Circuit City the other day. HDTV is getting cheaper, ps3 is getting cheaper, the media will hopefully get cheaper. Christmas 2008 could be very big. But who knows.

 

[Riddick]

I think it'll help PS3 considerably since it remains one of the best and most upgradable BD players in the world.

 

[siamesedreamer]

Was DVD ever "owned" by a company the way BluRay is "owned" by Sony?

I just don't see how that can be a good thing.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

It won't be happening anytime soon. Hell, Pirates of The Caribbean:At Worlds End, sold 7.3 million DVD's in its first week compared to only 160,000 for Blu Ray in the same time frame.

Ah, there were are. I've been looking for a comparison like that.

 

[Firewire]

70/30 - Arguably higher.

It would be a bit higher considering most smaller distributors & publishers back blu ray, but they don't get counted in among the big boys. It might not be to far off to say 80%.

 

[JB1981]

Ah, there were are. I've been looking for a comparison like that.

oh god :lol

 

[TTP]

Was DVD ever "owned" by a company the way BluRay is "owned" by Sony?

I just don't see how that can be a good thing.

well someone has to invent this stuff after all. it doesnt rain from the sky.

 

[WickedCobra03]

70/30 - Arguably higher.

Yeah, I just saw this...

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

oh god :lol

What? I had been. You're not curious about what the sales figures ACTUALLY are between DVD and a Hi-Def Format?

That holds no relevance at all?

LOL?

Really?

 

[Dante]

Ah, there were are. I've been looking for a comparison like that.

Couldn't you basically make the same argument a year after DVD came out with VHS?