HD-DVD with a big drop in sales!!!

[Adidas410s]

HD DVD Sales Tumble After Warners Defection
Wed Jan 23, 2008 11:27AM EST
See Comments (34)
The first HD DVD sales figures since Warner Brothers jumped ship to Blu-ray are starting to trickle in, and the news is bleak: both HD DVD disc and player sales have plummeted since Warners' surprise pre-CES announcement.

Engadget HD has the numbers from Nielsen VideoScan, which details disc sales for both Blu-ray and HD DVD. The latest word, for the week ending January 15: Blu-ray snagged a whopping 85 percent of disc sales, compared to just 15 percent for HD DVD, with no HD DVD titles at all in the top-10 list. Now, the numbers represent only one week's sales, and as Engadget HD points out, HD DVD didn't happen to have any big titles coming out that week; still, given that the historical Blu-ray/HD DVD split has been more like 60 to 40 percent, that's a sharp drop.

Meanwhile, NPD Group (via High-Def Digest) has sales numbers on the hardware side: for the week ending January 12, Blu-ray players represented an overwhelming 92 percent of all HD decks sold, compared to less than 8 percent for HD DVD. Compare that to the previous week, when Blu-ray and HD DVD player sales chalked up a 50-50 split. Ouch. That said, Toshiba announced an HD DVD player fire sale on January 13, so we'll have to see if that kicks up next week's sales a notch.

Again, we're just talking one week of figures here, but the numbers pretty much speak for themselves. Looks like the format war may be drawing to a close, rapidly.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/11874

[TMer25]

It's going to be interesting to see how long Paramount and Universal remain HD-DVD exclusive, or if they decide to release some of their big catalog titles to try to turn the tide a little.

[DDBooger]

sux, i have the hd-dvd attachment to the xbox360, looks like it may be obsolete before too long! i knew it, I BOUGHT THE BETA! lmao

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by TMer25
It's going to be interesting to see how long Paramount and Universal remain HD-DVD exclusive, or if they decide to release some of their big catalog titles to try to turn the tide a little.
Their price cuts on players the past few months hasn't made too much of a dent. They're getting killed on marketing. Sony has blu-ray commercials running all the time yet I can't recall ever seeing an HD-DVD commercial.

I'm just hoping this ends soon...I need Apple to put out a Blu-Ray iMac already! :mad:

[charlesrixey]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Their price cuts on players the past few months hasn't made too much of a dent. They're getting killed on marketing. Sony has blu-ray commercials running all the time yet I can't recall ever seeing an HD-DVD commercial.

I'm just hoping this ends soon...I need Apple to put out a Blu-Ray iMac already! :mad:

exactly

i've never seen an add for hd-dvd

[TMer25]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Adidas410s
Their price cuts on players the past few months hasn't made too much of a dent. They're getting killed on marketing. Sony has blu-ray commercials running all the time yet I can't recall ever seeing an HD-DVD commercial.

I'm just hoping this ends soon...I need Apple to put out a Blu-Ray iMac already! :mad: [/QUOTE

The PS3 is what was the back breaker as expected. HD DVD actually won the battle of stand alone player sales. I'm anxious to see if Toshiba starts pushing the Triple Layer HD DVD discs as they have now been confirmed to work with existing HD DVD players. Actually gives HD DVD a 51gb to 50gb storage lead as well.

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by TMer25

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Their price cuts on players the past few months hasn't made too much of a dent. They're getting killed on marketing. Sony has blu-ray commercials running all the time yet I can't recall ever seeing an HD-DVD commercial.

I'm just hoping this ends soon...I need Apple to put out a Blu-Ray iMac already! :mad:

The PS3 is what was the back breaker as expected. HD DVD actually won the battle of stand alone player sales. I'm anxious to see if Toshiba starts pushing the Triple Layer HD DVD discs as they have now been confirmed to work with existing HD DVD players. Actually gives HD DVD a 51gb to 50gb storage lead as well.
I think it's a bit late in the game for Toshiba to do too much about it. The sales figures for Blu-Ray are even better outside the US...so it's just a matter of how long Toshiba wants to put up a fight!

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
The PS3 is what was the back breaker as expected. HD DVD actually won the battle of stand alone player sales. I'm anxious to see if Toshiba starts pushing the Triple Layer HD DVD discs as they have now been confirmed to work with existing HD DVD players. Actually gives HD DVD a 51gb to 50gb storage lead as well.
I think it's a bit late in the game for Toshiba to do too much about it. The sales figures for Blu-Ray are even better outside the US...so it's just a matter of how long Toshiba wants to put up a fight! [/B][/QUOTE]


Possibly, but until the actual format is over, one thing could swing it either way

which one the Porn industry offically chooses will be the winner

[TMer25]

Blu Ray does have it won. Paramount has another year left on their HD DVD exclusivity agreement, but the rumor at CES was they could back out if Warner went Blu exclusively. They haven't backed out of it yet so that may not be the case. Universal isn't going to go Blu until they are the only studio left on the HD DVD side. Paramount, according to their product rep at CES is prepping Braveheart and Gladiator for release on HD DVD this year.

But it is pretty much game over. More copy protection and money won.

[TMer25]

Porn actually likes HD DVD due to the lower replication costs.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by TMer25
Possibly, but until the actual format is over, one thing could swing it either way

which one the Porn industry offically chooses will be the winner


Porn actually likes HD DVD due to the lower replication costs. [/B][/QUOTE]

yep, and if they offically 100% get behind it then HD-DVD is not going anywhere

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
yep, and if they offically 100% get behind it then HD-DVD is not going anywhere [/B]
Well if there aren't enough HD-DVD players in the market...then it forces them to move to Blu-Ray.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Well if there aren't enough HD-DVD players in the market...then it forces them to move to Blu-Ray.

Possibly, but it is not like there are no HD-DVD players

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
Possibly, but it is not like there are no HD-DVD players
Porn doesn't have the same influence on the market that it used to...largely because of the internet.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Porn doesn't have the same influence on the market that it used to...largely because of the internet.

It is still a force

US Sex Industry breakdown for 2006:
Video Sales and Rentals: 3.62 billion

[TMer25]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Porn doesn't have the same influence on the market that it used to...largely because of the internet.

You just kind of brought up the wild card in all of this. How long will Microsoft keep trumpeting HD DVD in hopes of prolonging this until downloading your HD movies becomes the norm.

[Phil C]

I have heard that we are going to have to buy only HD tvs because the stations are only going to televise in that and that all the other regular tvs will be useless as far as watching live tv is concerned. I am not trying to alarm anyone but this is what I heard. :(

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Phil C
I have heard that we are going to have to buy only HD tvs because the stations are only going to televise in that and that all the other regular tvs will be useless as far as watching live tv is concerned. I am not trying to alarm anyone but this is what I heard. :(
No an older TV can still work...it just has to be able to process digital (not necessarily HD) signals.

[TMer25]

Originally posted by Phil C
I have heard that we are going to have to buy only HD tvs because the stations are only going to televise in that and that all the other regular tvs will be useless as far as watching live tv is concerned. I am not trying to alarm anyone but this is what I heard. :(


You will be able to purchase a converter box that will take the digital signal and convert it to analog for standard definition tv's. The government is also offering a converter coupon program to help alleviate the costs for those who need it. As of now the analog shutoff date is Feb 17th, 2009.

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by TMer25
You just kind of brought up the wild card in all of this. How long will Microsoft keep trumpeting HD DVD in hopes of prolonging this until downloading your HD movies becomes the norm.
Apple, Amazon, and somebody else have tried getting into downloading movies...and nobody has had that much success. Apple is giving it another shot in hopes that the price cuts to Apple TV, combined with their loyal followers, will generate the sales. However, they only put out movies in 720p to reduce capacity issues (similar to companies broadcasting in 720 vs 1080) and I've read conflicting reports that the current Apple TV boxes can't process 1080p at this time.

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
It is still a force

US Sex Industry breakdown for 2006:
Video Sales and Rentals: 3.62 billion
US DVD Sales and Rentals for 2006: $24.2 billion

15% is part of the market...but it's not a driving force.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
US DVD Sales and Rentals for 2006: $24.2 billion

15% is part of the market...but it's not a driving force.

if 15% alone goes to a format then no it is not a force

If 15% of one market added onto the % already picking a format then it can be the % that tips the format one way or another

[TMer25]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Apple, Amazon, and somebody else have tried getting into downloading movies...and nobody has had that much success. Apple is giving it another shot in hopes that the price cuts to Apple TV, combined with their loyal followers, will generate the sales. However, they only put out movies in 720p to reduce capacity issues (similar to companies broadcasting in 720 vs 1080) and I've read conflicting reports that the current Apple TV boxes can't process 1080p at this time.

Up to this point movies on Itunes have been at the resolution of 640x480, which is standard definition. You can only rent the HD versions at this time and only from AppleTv, not from ITunes on your computer. Apple TV's can't do 1080p, but it is firmware upgradeable to it.

Microsoft is going about it a little differently. You will be allowed to stream movies throughout your home, see something in the movie you like, pause the film and go to a website to possibly purchase the item. Not just the basic download a movie and watch it on one device.

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
if 15% alone goes to a format then no it is not a force

If 15% of one market added onto the % already picking a format then it can be the % that tips the format one way or another

Their 3.62 billion is PART of the 24.2 billion.

Even if it wasn't...add 15% into an 80/20 market and it becomes a 70/30 market. Still heavily in favor of Blu Ray....

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Their 3.62 billion is PART of the 24.2 billion.

Even if it wasn't...add 15% into an 80/20 market and it becomes a 70/30 market. Still heavily in favor of Blu Ray....

I did not mean in sales

The Format wars will not be won by who sales more as much as which format wins exclusiveness from studios..Right now Blue Ray is winning, and I think they will prob win

BUT if HD-DVD can get more % of studios then it will keep them in the fight, and losing a studio does not mean they cant get it back

basically I am saying I dont think it is over just yet..Each side has been given a death notice before, only to have something rally it

[Txbroadcaster]

Also add in this

the HD-DVD'Blue Ray makes up 10% of the DVD market

Without the PS3 HD-DVD is winning in sales OVERALL

If HD-DVD can survive to the point where more of the 90% converts it stands a better chance, because most wont make the move because of a gaming system

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
Also add in this

the HD-DVD'Blue Ray makes up 10% of the DVD market

Without the PS3 HD-DVD is winning in sales OVERALL

If HD-DVD can survive to the point where more of the 90% converts it stands a better chance, because most wont make the move because of a gaming system

:confused: :confused:

1. The ps3 exists.
2. The ps3 is an entertainment system that also plays games.

Other than that...I'm confused as to what you're trying to say...

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
I did not mean in sales

The Format wars will not be won by who sales more as much as which format wins exclusiveness from studios..Right now Blue Ray is winning, and I think they will prob win

BUT if HD-DVD can get more % of studios then it will keep them in the fight, and losing a studio does not mean they cant get it back

basically I am saying I dont think it is over just yet..Each side has been given a death notice before, only to have something rally it
Sales are a biproduct of what format studios are producing. Additionally, most companies won't move back and forth from one product to the other. It costs them too much $$ to move back and forth. One move is fine...but once you make that move you aren't going back.

I'm sorry you love your xBox and all of it's add-ons. It's great for games but wasn't designed to be an entertainment system.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
:confused: :confused:

1. The ps3 exists.
2. The ps3 is an entertainment system that also plays games.

Other than that...I'm confused as to what you're trying to say...

with only 10% of the market right now buying HD DVD/Blue Ray that means 90% of the rest of us are not

Out of that 90% how many will be also buying a PS3 which is the BIG reason if not the biggest reason Blue Ray is winning the format war at the moment.

Basically RIGHT NOW..Blue Ray is using a player and not the actual movies themselves to push their format.

they will not be able to continue to have the main reason they are making sales be a Video Game system. At some point IMO Blue Ray DVD will have to stand on it's own without the support of PS3 sales

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Adidas410s


I'm sorry you love your xBox and all of it's add-ons. It's great for games but wasn't designed to be an entertainment system.

This has nothing to do with MY Xbox..Yes I do love my 360..But as far as the DVD war, I tend to lean to Blue-Ray, but honestly dont really care which way it goes, as long as it ends soon. Because I wont buy one or other until the Format war is over


Basically I have NO side in this, I was simply pointing out that each time one side of the format is supposed to be dead/dying something happens that changes it that, and until one comes out and says we are no longer going to continue, then it is not over

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
This has nothing to do with MY Xbox..Yes I do love my 360..But as far as the DVD war, I tend to lean to Blue-Ray, but honestly dont really care which way it goes, as long as it ends soon. Because I wont buy one or other until the Format war is over


Basically I have NO side in this, I was simply pointing out that each time one side of the format is supposed to be dead/dying something happens that changes it that, and until one comes out and says we are no longer going to continue, then it is not over

It must have been very early on...but when was Blu-Ray "dying?"

[TMer25]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
It must have been very early on...but when was Blu-Ray "dying?"


Blu Ray's initial slate of titles looked horrible. Sony was blaming Samsung saying it was the player, Samsung was blaming Sony saying it was the video transfers. HD DVD just didn't have the financial backing at that time to truly jump on that opportunity and take advantage of it.

[big daddy russ]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
This has nothing to do with MY Xbox..Yes I do love my 360..But as far as the DVD war, I tend to lean to Blue-Ray, but honestly dont really care which way it goes, as long as it ends soon. Because I wont buy one or other until the Format war is over


Basically I have NO side in this, I was simply pointing out that each time one side of the format is supposed to be dead/dying something happens that changes it that, and until one comes out and says we are no longer going to continue, then it is not over
As long as the PS3 still has some wiggle room in the price, Blu-Ray will continue to win the battle. Right now, you can find them for $399. Next year at this time, they may be $299. Two years from now, $199, much like the PS2.

Realistically, Blu-Ray's running away with it and there's no end in sight. They already have most of the market and if Paramount sees a benefit in skipping over to Blu-Ray next year, it'll be near-impossible for HD-DVD to recover. Microsoft's chances of making it, outside of sinking an ungodly amount of money into it--even more than Sony did--appear dim right now. Sure, it isn't the end, but it looks like it's getting closer.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by big daddy russ
As long as the PS3 still has some wiggle room in the price, Blu-Ray will continue to win the battle. Right now, you can find them for $399. Next year at this time, they may be $299. Two years from now, $199, much like the PS2.

Realistically, Blu-Ray's running away with it and there's no end in sight. They already have most of the market and if Paramount sees a benefit in skipping over to Blu-Ray next year, it'll be near-impossible for HD-DVD to recover. Microsoft's chances of making it, outside of sinking an ungodly amount of money into it--even more than Sony did--appear dim right now. Sure, it isn't the end, but it looks like it's getting closer.


and I dont disagree, I was just pointing out until one side bows out, the format war continues

[Phil C]

Gee I hope this doesn't affect my ability to watch the Tour de France. :(

[Adidas410s]

I would be interested to see the production costs on a Blu Ray movie vs an HD DVD movie. If Sony REALLY wanted to finish off HD DVD...they could lower the price of new release DVD's to $15-20 instead of $25-30. The price of the hardware is reasonable...many people were willing to pay $200-300 for a DVD player when they hit the market. Once the price of the software content gets under $20...then you will see more people transfer to HD content.

[TMer25]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
I would be interested to see the production costs on a Blu Ray movie vs an HD DVD movie. If Sony REALLY wanted to finish off HD DVD...they could lower the price of new release DVD's to $15-20 instead of $25-30. The price of the hardware is reasonable...many people were willing to pay $200-300 for a DVD player when they hit the market. Once the price of the software content gets under $20...then you will see more people transfer to HD content.

The main reason HD DVD is cheaper to replicate is that you can use regular DVD replication machines. No one has to buy new equipment to produce discs. Most say the cost of to studios for blu ray falls in the $5 to $10 range and $3 to $5 for a HD DVD.