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[Kolgar]

Monster House is pretty good as well.

Mmm, depends. I didn't really like it. That was one of my first BD discs and, I don't know, it seemed like it WANTED to be a Pixar film, but just lacked the personality and charm of that studio.

The visuals underwhelmed for sure. Looked like B-grade videogame CGI compared to Pixar's best.

Still, that's only my opinion. I think my girlfriend liked it a little better than I.

 

[Isurus]

I have a nice 1080p DLP and the A2 looks smashing on it. Every bit as good as the 1080p PS3. I couldn't tell the diff if you put a gun to my head.

That said, nope, haven't seen these players at my WM's in Madison, WI. Though they only got around to putting in HD endcaps in the past couple days.

Thanks for saving me the hassle. I was just about to run into town and check as soon as I saw this thread. Hopefully the Madtown Wallys get them soon as I'd like to pick one up for that price.

 

[Arsenal]

Given how dramatically Toshiba has slashed prices on HD-DVD players over the last year, you have to wonder how long they can keep losing money.

it means that Toshiba is getting desperate... and is going even more deeply into the red with this format.

Its interesting to note that Toshiba's CE division is actually profitable this year (barely) and it was not profitable last year. I imagine they are selling their low end HD DVD players at a bit of a loss, but they seem to be managing their production and inventory in a pretty shrewd way given the kind of aggressive pricing we are seeing from them.

Its also interesting to note that Sony lost $870 million on the PS3 last quarter alone and with additional PS3 price cuts this quarter probably mean it will loose even more this holiday season.


BTW - can we get the people that are continuously bitching about this format war to shut up now. These prices are great! There is no way we would be seeing this kind of quality hardware on either side at anywhere near these prices without the competition.

 

[Jon_Danger]

Well, that is good news for HD-DVD

 

[Femmeworth]

I saw a guy bring in two cart loads of these today at my my Wal-Mart.

 

[maynerd]

I've lost my mind.

 

[gkryhewy]

If we don't get them tomorrow, I wouldn't worry too much. I believe $99 Toshibas will be available pretty frequently through the Christmas season, at more than one retailer.

I hope so - an Amazon deal would be perfect. I'd really like one of these for the upconversion (my 360 is connected with component).

 

[Kolgar]

Thanks for saving me the hassle. I was just about to run into town and check as soon as I saw this thread. Hopefully the Madtown Wallys get them soon as I'd like to pick one up for that price.

You know, I checked online last night and of the 14 (yes, FOURTEEN) Wallyworlds in the area, only ONE did not have the A2s--and that's because it's a new store that's not opened yet! :lol

Look at the stock-check thingy online, I think you'll find you're set.

edit: Ah, my friend just said he wants one. Race you there? EAST SIDE, baybee! Hehehehe.

 

[AlteredBeast]

For real, thanks to the competition, the formats have both received very quick (relatively) price cuts. The only thing I would really want to see to sweeten the deal would be to drop the old HD-DVDs/BDs to reasonable MSRPs. No DVD on the market sells for $20 after a year or so on the market and they usually drop even quicker. The Hi-Def formats shouldn't be selling at 29.99 or 34.99 a year later...

 

[Kolgar]

Its interesting to note that Toshiba's CE division is actually profitable this year (barely) and it was not profitable last year. I imagine they are selling their low end HD DVD players at a bit of a loss, but they seem to be managing their production and inventory in a pretty shrewd way given the kind of aggressive pricing we are seeing from them.

Well, compared to the 8 billion dollars or whatever Toshiba stands to gain by backing the prevailing format (is that number even in the right solar system? lol), I suppose it's worth it to lose a mere few hundred million at the end of 2007.

edit: I shit you not, I was lying in bed last night, utterly unable to sleep, and thought to myself, What will the BDA say to counter Toshiba's pricing? What's the spin? Then it hit me: AGAINST THE LAW! I didn't think "dumping," specifically, but damn if I didn't call it. :lol

 

[maynerd]

Knocked up on HD-DVD is 19.99 with free shipping at best buy right now

 

[plagiarize]

For real, thanks to the competition, the formats have both received very quick (relatively) price cuts. The only thing I would really want to see to sweeten the deal would be to drop the old HD-DVDs/BDs to reasonable MSRPs. No DVD on the market sells for $20 after a year or so on the market and they usually drop even quicker. The Hi-Def formats shouldn't be selling at 29.99 or 34.99 a year later...

eh, i've long said this, if HDMs have to priced the same as DVDs to move, the mainstream doesn't really want them.

now i don't believe that, so i'm happy to pay more knowing i'm getting something better for my money.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

Just got my friend into the HD game.

Best Buy had one A2 left and confirmed that they were $99 right now, so we were out the door (with the two freebies, to boot). Suck it Wal-Mart!

 

[Luckyman]

Supplies are limited, of course, and the offer is apparently not valid in some parts of the country that have state anti-dumping laws.

:lol :lol

I lolled.

 

[maynerd]

Just got my friend into the HD game.

Best Buy had one A2 left and confirmed that they were $99 right now, so we were out the door (with the two freebies, to boot). Suck it Wal-Mart!

That's pretty hot.

2 free hd-dvds and 5 via mail in plus stand alone player $99.

Man I want to buy a few of these for christmas presents and get the freebies for myself!

How did you get the confirmation at the store?

 

[MaX_PL]

Knocked up on HD-DVD is 19.99 with free shipping at best buy right now

is that the price at the store as well?

is it possible to do instore pickup if you purchase online?

 

[maynerd]

is that the price at the store as well?

is it possible to do instore pickup if you purchase online?

You can buy it online and do the pick up at store option.

 

[purnoman3000]

Its interesting to note that Toshiba's CE division is actually profitable this year (barely) and it was not profitable last year. I imagine they are selling their low end HD DVD players at a bit of a loss, but they seem to be managing their production and inventory in a pretty shrewd way given the kind of aggressive pricing we are seeing from them.

Its also interesting to note that Sony lost $870 million on the PS3 last quarter alone and with additional PS3 price cuts this quarter probably mean it will loose even more this holiday season.


BTW - can we get the people that are continuously bitching about this format war to shut up now. These prices are great! There is no way we would be seeing this kind of quality hardware on either side at anywhere near these prices without the competition.

I believe the reason Toshiba's CE division is profitable this year over last year has more to do with their restructuring in televisions than anything involving HD-DVD, which is most likely in the red. They have focused entirely on LCD's, cutting out their plasma's and RP televisions (which were terrible), and have derived benefit from this move (just stay away from the HL167 model and its terrible green push). What is interesting to me is that in Canada, the new HDA3 and HDA30 models are already out and the older A2 and A20 are harder to find. Inventory clearing in the states is one facet that most likely went into the price cut decision.

 

[Mrbob]

You may have heard by now that Toshiba has made pre-Black Friday arrangements with Wal-Mart to effectively dump its HD-A2 HD-DVD player starting this Friday (this weekend only) for just $98.87. You may also have heard that Best Buy has followed suit. Supplies are limited, of course, and the offer is apparently not valid in some parts of the country that have state anti-dumping laws.

Such as where I live, Wisconsin.

I wonder what the A2 will be priced at here. I'll check it out tommorrow.

 

[gkryhewy]

They have focused entirely on LCD's, cutting out their plasma's and RP televisions (which were terrible)

Don't shit on my Toshiba DLP, which is lovely.

 

[purnoman3000]

Don't shit on my Toshiba DLP, which is lovely.

Sorry, I meant primarily their plasma which had lots of problems and their select DLP's that also had their fair share of problems, primarily with the light engine. Shouldn't have used a blanket statement.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

How did you get the confirmation at the store?

It was marked $179 on the shelf, so I asked if they'd check in their system what the price was, and sure enough, it came up at $99.

One guy told me the sale price was ending on Saturday, the other said the system showed it was the new, permenant price. I'm awfully skeptical of the latter, naturally.

 

[Mrbob]

The Digital Bits is right on the money.

Whatever you think of this format war, slashing out existing inventory at 99 dollars is a last ditch desperation move by Toshiba to attempt and drudge up more support. If this doesn't work there is nothing more left for them to do. They are putting it all on the line this holiday season.

 

[mrklaw]

The Digital Bits is right on the money.

Whatever you think of this format war, slashing out existing inventory at 99 dollars is a last ditch desperation move by Toshiba to attempt and drudge up more support. If this doesn't work there is nothing more left for them to do. They are putting it all on the line this holiday season.

agree completely.

what Toshiba are doing with this move is effectively telling all other CE manufacturers: Don't bother producing HDDVD players, there is zero profit margin to be made.

So IMO we're facing HDDVD becoming a one company platform.

All the talk of Sony worrying about PS3 dominating bluray sales is nothing compared to the scorched earth policy Toshiba seems to have.

They can't possibly have enough IP in HDDVD to make this financially viable for them, can they?

 

[djkimothy]

The Digital Bits is right on the money.

Whatever you think of this format war, slashing out existing inventory at 99 dollars is a last ditch desperation move by Toshiba to attempt and drudge up more support. If this doesn't work there is nothing more left for them to do. They are putting it all on the line this holiday season.

Well, they could give away free movies... Oh wait.

 

[Kolgar]

Such as where I live, Wisconsin.

I wonder what the A2 will be priced at here. I'll check it out tommorrow.

I just called my nearest Wal-Mart (Madison, east side) and they said "it's $198." I asked about the $98 advertised price that was on THEIR WEBSITE and ALL OVER THE WEB, and he just said, "It's $198."

So, I dunno what the deal is in Wisconsin tomorrow. Call your local store to see if you get more information.

He DID say they have "a lot" of them.

edit: Screw that guy. I waited 10 minutes and got disconnected once, and he wasn't even IN electronics. He just said in his monotone: "I can help you. I can help you." Bah.

edit2: I called Watts Rd. on west side and they said WI state law does prohibit the $98 price. They may not even have the players out for sale until later in the day. Price may range from $180-200. YMMV.

 

[Arsenal]

Inventory clearing in the states is one facet that most likely went into the price cut decision.

Yeah, I am curious to see how many A2s are really out there now. Rumors of 2 million going to Walmart are kind of strange because that certainly is not "inventory clearing". Isn't that roughly equal to their current install base? No way "one day" sales move that much hardware and Toshiba isn't stupid enough to over-manufacture that many players. I don't really believe that number to be true, but if it were, this "sale" would essentially extend the rest of the holiday season.

 

[mabuza]

all the BDA have to do is have their own sale, plus they have the advantage of the ps3 which will sell way more than these cheap toshiba players this holiday. oh and whatever they do dont let warner slip away. warner has some huge blockbusters coming in 2008 that you simply cant survive without them.

 

[Mrbob]

I just called my nearest Wal-Mart (Madison, east side) and they said "it's $198." I asked about the $98 advertised price that was on THEIR WEBSITE and ALL OVER THE WEB, and he just said, "It's $198."

So, I dunno what the deal is in Wisconsin tomorrow. Call your local store to see if you get more information.

He DID say they have "a lot" of them.

edit: Screw that guy. I waited 10 minutes and got disconnected once, and he wasn't even IN electronics. He just said in his monotone: "I can help you. I can help you." Bah.

Yeah I hate the anti dumping law in wisconsin. If Wal Mart wants to take a loss on their product, so be it. It is a free market. I know this law went into place to protect the ma and pa stores but there really aren't many of those left around. The law is outdated.

Black Friday sales are always disappointing here. The ads leak online to what most of the nation pays for their product, but ours is always more due to this old law which should be abolished.

Don't be surprised if the price stays $198. :/

 

[polyh3dron]

The BDA needs to let all of these cheapskates know about all of the movies they'll be missing if they go HD DVD.

 

[MaX_PL]

You can buy it online and do the pick up at store option.

thanks alot i just ordered it. gonna pick up italian job at walmar t tomorrow along with another movie.

 

[Arsenal]

The Digital Bits is right on the money.

Whatever you think of this format war, slashing out existing inventory at 99 dollars is a last ditch desperation move by Toshiba to attempt and drudge up more support. If this doesn't work there is nothing more left for them to do. They are putting it all on the line this holiday season.

You do realize that them clearing out the A2 inventory is necessary because they are launching the new A3 model right? This happens almost every time a new model is launched and is a pretty regular occurrence.


I do agree that a lot is on the line this holiday season though. We are seeing very aggressive pricing from both Toshiba and Sony and the format war is truly starting in earnest now.

 

[MaX_PL]

all the BDA have to do is have their own sale, plus they have the advantage of the ps3 which will sell way more than these cheap toshiba players this holiday. oh and whatever they do dont let warner slip away. warner has some huge blockbusters coming in 2008 that you simply cant survive without them.

yeh PS3 will sell, I wonder how many people people will use it for BluRay though.

You do realize that them clearing out the A2 inventory is necessary because they are launching the new A3 model right? This happens almost every time a new model is launched and is a pretty regular occurrence.


I do agree that a lot is on the line this holiday season though. We are seeing very aggressive pricing from both Toshiba and Sony and the format war is truly starting in earnest now.

yeh i love how they all think this is a last ditch effort or some clearance sale. like you said, theyre getting rid of first gen players to make room for new product.

 

[captive]

yeh i love how they all think this is a last ditch effort or some clearance sale. like you said, theyre getting rid of first gen players to make room for new product.

We are just now getting to the point of discussing this? And are you denying that there are several HD DVD posters in here in no uncertain terms calling this a large savior for HD DVD without actually saying it?

I already said this exact same thing four pages ago in response to this:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8450601&postcount=18005

especially considering that these cuts are retailer-driven, not manufacturer driven.

to which i replied
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8450666&postcount=18007

Which would tell most normal rational people that retailers want to get rid of excess stock to make room for a new line or get rid of a discontinued product.

 

[OokieSpookie]

yeh PS3 will sell, I wonder how many people people will use it for BluRay though.

Judging by the week after week sales of BD media, as well as the fact that the 399 PS3 comes with Spider Man 3 so people can get a good look at what the format can do I would say that it would be most of them.

Edit:
Seriously people make me dizzy.

PS3 doesn't count in hd sales.
PS3 is the only reason that BD is winning.
People won't use PS3 for Blu Ray

Which is it?

 

[Cold-Steel]

Well, Christmas cheer should be in the air but intead we have FUD all around.

HD-DVD: Really great deals on hardware.
Blu-ray: Really great exclusive movie releases.

Christmas decides everything.

 

[captive]

Well, Christmas cheer should be in the air but intead we have FUD all around.

Wtf? We just had halloween, have the retail stores gotten to you or something? Can we at least get to Thanksgiving before we start talking about "christmas cheer." Good grief.

 

[MaX_PL]

Judging by the week after week sales of BD media, as well as the fact that the 399 PS3 comes with Spider Man 3 so people can get a good look at what the format can do I would say that it would be most of them.

Edit:
Seriously people make me dizzy.

PS3 doesn't count in hd sales.
PS3 is the only reason that BD is winning.
People won't use PS3 for Blu Ray

Which is it?

strange considering the two people I know who recently purchased PS3s do not own and have no intention to own HDTVs. let me reititerate, not every PS3 buyer is gonna use it for BluRay.

 

[OokieSpookie]

Well, Christmas cheer should be in the air but intead we have FUD all around.

HD-DVD: Really great deals on hardware.
Blu-ray: Really great exclusive movie releases.

Christmas decides everything.

I agree with you.
It is a hell of a season on all sides.
For some reason this board has turned into a series of personal attacks, name calling, smug smart assed posts, and random other bullshit.
It is possible to support your side without being a prick.

 

[Cold-Steel]

strange considering the two people I know who recently purchased PS3s do not own and have no intention to own HDTVs. let me reititerate, not every PS3 buyer is gonna use it for BluRay.

Well...you are posting on a gaming forum.

 

[gkryhewy]

If anyone wants to take a shot, you can still order the HD-A2 from bestbuy.com for $99 through the google cache link. Shows up as backordered, but estimated delivery in the next 2 weeks:

http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/b...767&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a

Shows as $299, but add to your cart for $99. Sorry for the FW link - that's where I found it. I don't think anyone is getting a referral bonus. Worst that happens is you'll get an apology coupon from Best Buy.

 

[Christoff Yurievich]

Wtf? We just had halloween, have the retail stores gotten to you or something? Can we at least get to Thanksgiving before we start talking about "christmas cheer." Good grief.

sorry, mental images sometimes get the better of me.

 

[AlteredBeast]

Not only great hardware deals, but HD-DVD also has some of the biggest films of the year exclusive. It is pretty close as far as big exclusives go for the year, imo.

Shrek 3, Bourne Supremacy, Star Trek: TOS Season 1, and some great back catalog releases.

 

[The Main Event]

http://www.cnbc.com/id/21581845

Could it be a "black-and-blue" Friday for Blu-ray? Their are rumblings about a big announcement coming from Wal-Mart that could give a big boost to HD-DVD.

I'm hearing that the company will begin selling the Toshiba HD-A2 for $98 in a special one-day, in-store secret sale. The unit sells for $198 at Circuit City and Amazon, so this is a steep discount.

It points to the aggressive strategies shaping up in the format wars gripping next-generation DVDs. K-Mart has already decided not to sell Blu-ray players at all because of the affordability chasm between the two. The cheapest Blu-ray player at Wal-Mart runs $464. The Xbox 360's external HD-DVD drive is now available at $179, and that comes with five free movies. You can get even more free titles with your purchase at Best Buy, including the first season of the NBC hit series "Heroes." Nice deal.

I've already detailed in previous posts how HD-DVD is far-outselling Blu-ray on laptop computers and how Toshiba will make available a notebook with onboard HD-DVD for under $1,000 this holiday shopping season. Look for other big price breaks from the other major HD-DVD laptop makers, including Acer, Gateway, HP and Samsung.

The fact is, Blu-ray's top argument is its penetration in the marketplace thanks to its inclusion in Sony's Playstation. The numbers on their face seem impressive: Home Media Magazine says Blu-ray sold 2.6 million discs between January and September, compared to 1.4 million HD-DVD disks during that time. Blu-ray revenue is beating HD-DVD revenue by better than 2 to 1. But momentum is clearly swinging HD-DVD's way.

I got an email this morning from a PR firm representing key HD-DVD companies pointing me to a recent NPD survey showing that an astonishing 60% of Playstation3 owners weren't even aware the console had a Blu-ray player in it!

That same email points to how successful the movie "Transformers" has been on HD DVD, its exclusive platform release, selling a 100,000 copies its first day, 190,000 in its first week. "Shrek 3," all five "Harry Potter" films and "The Bourne Ultimatum" will be released by mid- December.

Chalk this up as yet another reason to watch Microsoft , one of the key backers of HD-DVD. And another rough issue for Sony, backing Blu-ray, which still has some key partners in Disney, 20th Century Fox and Lions Gate. HD-DVD enjoys Paramount, Dreamworks and Time Warner . This is about momentum, just as it is with Sony's Playstation. And once again, Microsoft and the HD-DVD folks have it. And Sony's looking for a way to re-capture it.

 

[Kabuki Quantum Lover]

You know, the slight suggestion of the PS3's BluRay capabilities through the bundling of a remote control with the 40GB could have done some good.

 

[OokieSpookie]

You know, the slight suggestion of the PS3's BluRay capabilities through the bundling of a remote control with the 40GB could have done some good.

I would say including Spiderman 3 like they did does a better job

 

[OokieSpookie]

http://www.cnbc.com/id/21581845

You do realize that what you posted is pretty much an overglorified blog full of one person's personal opinions right?

 

[Cold-Steel]

I would say including Spiderman 3 like they did does a better job

Spiderman 3 could actually make or break the format this holiday.

It's a good move, for sure.

 

[The Main Event]

Knocked up on HD-DVD is 19.99 with free shipping at best buy right now

As well as Evan Almighty.

There are other great prices for other titles as well.

 

[Cold-Steel]

Not only great hardware deals, but HD-DVD also has some of the biggest films of the year exclusive. It is pretty close as far as big exclusives go for the year, imo.

Shrek 3, Bourne Supremacy, Star Trek: TOS Season 1, and some great back catalog releases.

I certainly wouldn't put Star Trek into that category, but yes - Shrek 3 and Bourne Ultimatum for sure