|
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
You know exactly what he's getting at by saying it and I hope the mods take care of him accordingly.
I remember seeing that number, but dont know where the source came from. If the 11 to 1 includes pre-orders of titles, it wouldnt surprise me though. |
Originally Posted by RockStrongo
Im assuming he was referring to the 11 to 1 number that was thrown around alot. Is that it??
I remember seeing that number, but dont know where the source came from. If the 11 to 1 includes pre-orders of titles, it wouldnt surprise me though. I could be wrong. There also could be a lot of factors at work here but it is what it is. It would fit in well with where I am, that's for sure. |
I think the 11:1 figure is total since launch. The 3:1 figure is August. I don't believe Videoscan numbers take online venders into account.
|
Videoscan does not include online retailers - only B&M. The difference between the 11:1 and the 3:1 is that the latter was confirmed by HD DVD Promo Group, and the other was posted in a web forum.
|
either way i think 3:1 is still a very impressive ratio for HD.
|
Without online retailers, that number would be a joke.
Ive only bought a couple titles in a store versus online. I own 31 titles and have 15 on preorder. EDIT: I went back and looked at my receipts/order history.... I bought 26 online and 5 from BB (one using the toshiba coupon). All 15 of my preorders are from amazon or dvdplanet. |
I'd love to see the numbers with online sales, which is where I've also bought most of mine. Isn't every single HD DVD outselling BD on Amazon? That would raise the ratio a bit.
|
Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema
I'd love to see the numbers with online sales, which is where I've also bought most of mine. Isn't every single HD DVD outselling BD on Amazon? That would raise the ratio a bit.
It's typically about 30 HD DVD's ranked higher than the #1 BD. |
Originally Posted by RoboDad
Well, technically, there is no upconversion involved, only deinterlacing. So, unless the TV uses a poor grade of deinterlacer, then there will be zero visible difference between a 1080i and 1080p signal.
Still, I can understand your desire to eliminate any unnecessary steps in the video path. And we anxiously await your review of the XA2! |
Well, if we're announcing stuff we bought....I'm just about on my way to pick up another LDp and a bunch of titles from a local guy looking to dump them. This'll bump my LD collection quite a bit, and give me some nice DTS 1.5Mb capability. Hey, that's just the same as BD/HDDVD can manage right now. :)
|
High-def hobbles holiday expectations
Sales projections for formats scaled back from earlier estimates By Susanne Ault 10/13/2006 OCT. 13 | New Blu-ray Disc players are now shipping to retailers for holiday sales, but even with the influx, earlier expectations for both the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats are being scaled back. Warner Home Video recently halved its 2006 sales projections for high-definition DVD hardware and software, based on unforeseen limitations on hardware availability. During the Oct. 6 High Def 101 conference in Los Angeles, Warner’s senior VP of market management, Steve Nickerson, said consumers spent $30 million on high-def hardware and software through September, down from about $60 million the studio originally expected would be spent in the period. Clipped quantities of Sony’s much anticipated PlayStation 3 videogame console and Blu-ray movie player, as well as limited quantities of other players, will likely continue to hobble early high-def revenue, said Nickerson. For the fourth quarter, Warner estimates about $750 million will be spent on high-def hardware, down from its initial projections of $1.5 billion to $1.9 billion. About $150 million will be spent on software, according to Warner’s revised forecast, down from earlier $225 million to $500 million projections. Blu-ray hardware manufacturers, in particular, have been conservative in launching products. While HD DVD leader Toshiba is readying its second generation version of its HD-A1 model in time for the holidays, most Blu-ray manufacturers are still trying to get their first products out by year-end. Panasonic’s Blu-ray player started shipping mid-October to mostly specialty electronics stores. High-def supplier sources estimate that Panasonic is initially shipping about half the number of machines that Samsung—the first company to put a Blu-ray player on the market—initially shipped to retail. To date, Samsung has shipped 10,000 units of its player to retailers. Certain retailers, including Tweeter, are not expecting the Sony Blu-ray player until mid-November. Last week, BestBuy.com was listing a Nov. 13-20 availability date for the player. Previously, Sony had been circling an Oct. 25 bow. Sony did not comment at deadline. Philips is set to street its player at the end of October, confirmed company VP Marty Gordon. He didn’t comment on shipment size, but high-def sources indicate quantities will be similar to Panasonic’s somewhat narrow launch. “All the [Blu-ray] manufacturers are being fairly careful about putting something together that works,” said Frank Roshinski, Tweeter VP and general merchandising manager for video. “They are dealing with more advanced discs coming, involving Java technology. It’s a little bit frustrating—I want to get this out and sell. But I also don’t want to take a lot of returns from people who are unhappy.” Early negative Blu-ray reviews could lead manufacturers to tread cautiously to shelves with players after Samsung took hits from consumers upset over operational problems. One high-def software source said he wishes manufacturers would go to market more assertively with their players, especially since restricted PS3 launch quantities will leave an unanticipated void at retail. “The consumer electronics business is such that normally when they see their competition falling down, they’ll try to take the most advantage,” the supplier said. “But nobody is doing that. It is concerning why they aren’t being more aggressive with quantities. With the PS3 [situation], why aren’t they changing strategies?” Nationwide Marketing Group, a buying group for 2,500 primarily indie electronics retailers, is willing to wait for perfected Blu-ray players but is hungry for accurate estimates about when players will arrive. “The problem is generally getting information in a timely way,” said Jeannette Howe, executive director of Nationwide’s specialty electronics division. “We always hear after the fact when something has been delayed.” Tweeter’s Roshinski said he is mostly pleased with the initial hardware performance of both formats. Across Tweeter’s 150-store chain, about 1,000 Toshiba players and about 660 Samsung Blu-ray players have been sold. Roshinski said Tweeter has already garnered 200 pre-sales on Toshiba’s next generation HD DVD players. But he knows that he could attract even more customers if additional players were available. “Having two to three players means not being able to do that great of a category presentation,” Roshinski said. “By Dec. 1, I should have on the floor four Blu-ray players, and two HD DVD players, and at that time, I can make a good floor presentation to customers. This Christmas, expectations are limited. But by next Christmas, we should really be able to do the business.” I dont understand companies that are upset at only 900,000,000. being spent on new hardware and software. I understand the projections, but I think they overestimated demand. With the exception of toshiba, prices are just to high for people. Let's face it, High-def is just a niche market right now, albeit a expensive one. Until prices start coming down and a winner has been crowned, only then will it start making the money that they expect. |
Once again, HD DVD is lumped in with the BD problems.
|
I'm at an odds with Best Buy. After talking with some of their employees tonight they refuse to put out this weeks HD-dvd releases, yes even Batman, out on the shelf. They said they could certainly run to the back to get them for me though.
I wonder why .... |
Now this little tidbit from AVS is interesting:
I work for Best Buy and I was blown away this week. Two weeks ago I sent this email to corporate: "I just wanted to send a heads up to corporate. There is a 'possible' cease-and-desist (lawsuit) in the works against Best Buy and Circuit City and other major retailers regarding the current advertising & promotion of the Blu-ray technology (both players and discs) as "Next Generation DVD". This is hear-say for now but it is better to notify someone in corporate than to let it sit and not be corrected. From what I am hearing and reading the C&D looks something like this: Blu-ray technology is not a "DVD" as a "DVD" is the trademark of the DVD FORUM. Just as all copy machines are not Xerox or all facial tissue is not Kleenex. Since Blu-ray walked out of the DVD FORUM they are not in any way allowed to use the term "DVD (Digital Versital Disc)" text. So the signage above the Blu-ray (Next Generation DVD) players and discs is a Tradmark/Copywrite violation, if anything it can called "Next Generation Video Disc" but Blu-ray cannot be advertised and/or promoted with the "DVD" name and/or associate with the "DVD" name. Only HD DVD players and discs can be associated, advertised and/or promoted with the "DVD" format as it is part of the DVD FORUM. I hope this is useful information whether it is hearsay or not it is valuable information to keep Best Buy out of any sort of trouble." Well this week I was at headquarters and was BLOWN away when I was told that my email had been seen by the VP of Sales as well as the Law Team and it was mentioned that because of my email all 800+ Best Buy stores are getting a signage change, Blu-Ray will receive a new sign that says, "Next Generation Video Disc" and the HD DVD will keep its "Next Generation DVD" Sign. SEE they DO care about the war (and staying neutral.. AND SPEAKING of WHICH!) Also it is nice to note that I spoke with the Cheif of our media department and he said that Best Buy as a company cannot take a stance on the war, they were approached by both companies and said that it is in Best Buys interest to stay VERY neutral because if we sell BR to the customer on our glowing recommendations that we can be sued and visa-versa. So as far as employees go, he did say that yes people have a preference whether or not coprorate likes how they approach it... He was very neutral in how he talked to me about it but he gave me his undivided attention, so that was amazing. I hope that stuff is a little eye-opening to some of you it is to me. My company listens and it was a very positive experience. Thanks for listening! |
Good Job Sups!
Now we need to report the guys who keep saying that Bluray hasn't launched yet! :D |
Originally Posted by DthRdrX
I'm at an odds with Best Buy. After talking with some of their employees tonight they refuse to put out this weeks HD-dvd releases, yes even Batman, out on the shelf. They said they could certainly run to the back to get them for me though.
I wonder why .... |
The only thing I can think of is that they're getting returns from consumers who think they will play in their DVD players. They figure that the people that are buying these are in the know and will ask for them.
If that's the case, it may explain why Fast Times is out, since it's a combo. |
Originally Posted by Drexl
The only thing I can think of is that they're getting returns from consumers who think they will play in their DVD players. They figure that the people that are buying these are in the know and will ask for them.
If that's the case, it may explain why Fast Times is out, since it's a combo. They have had Waist Deep and Army of Darkness on the shelf for the past two weeks. They have not put out Fast Times. |
Originally Posted by DthRdrX
True, but it wouldn't explain why Click was put on the shelf on Tuesday ....
|
Don't all the HD DVDs have a sticker on the case saying "plays only on HD DVD players"?
I still don't know why these places don't just set up two demo areas with their best HDTVs running BD or HD DVD demos. I think consumers need to see all three work together: HDTV, the BD/HD DVD player, and the software. Maybe a banner that says "High Def discs have arrived!" But :shrug: retailers just like doing the minimum I guess. |
Originally Posted by The Bus
Don't all the HD DVDs have a sticker on the case saying "plays only on HD DVD players"?
I still don't know why these places don't just set up two demo areas with their best HDTVs running BD or HD DVD demos. I think consumers need to see all three work together: HDTV, the BD/HD DVD player, and the software. Maybe a banner that says "High Def discs have arrived!" But :shrug: retailers just like doing the minimum I guess. |
I'm adding the HD DVD petition to my signature as a show of support... I recommend that anyone who wants to help do the same.
|
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
I'm guessing that the retailer just presumes that their customers can't read.
|
:rimshot:
|
Toshiba may seek damages from Sony over Brand
"TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp. (6502.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) said on Monday that it may seek compensation from Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) for possible damage to its brand image and a loss of potential sales due to a recall of Sony-made batteries used in its laptops. Toshiba has joined other computer makers such as Dell Inc. (DELL.O: Quote, Profile, Research), Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research), Lenovo (0992.HK: Quote, Profile, Research), IBM (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Sharp Corp. (6753.T: Quote, NEWS, Research), Fujitsu Ltd. (6702.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) and Hitachi Ltd. (6501.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) in recalling Sony batteries, which Sony has said can on rare occasions overheat and catch fire. Sony has said that it would pay for the recall costs. A Toshiba spokesman said the company may also look to seek damages for its brand and sales." |
Not surprising.
|
http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...ryid=1009&cs=1
Despite its many uses, industryites agree that the PS3 will sell primarily on its core vidgaming capabilities. "PS3 is first and foremost about games," states Hirai. "That really is the entry point for the majority of people. Oh, and by the way, they'll get a great Blu-ray player. It's an excellent by-product." That "Trojan horse" strategy is what persuaded many studios to jump aboard Blu-ray, figuring that PS3 sales would put Blu-ray in tens of millions of homes where someone loves to play vidgames. While some of those studios are taking a wait-and-see approach on the impact of PS3, others are already starting to feel burned by the delays and pricing concerns. "PS3 was a huge deal in our coming aboard Blu-ray," confirms one top home entertainment exec. "I'm not sure we would have signed on if we had known then what we know now." Such comments are undoubtedly bringing a smile to the backers of HD DVD, including former Warner home entertainment topper Warren Lieberfarb, who serves as Toshiba's high-profile U.S. consultant. As many of their predictions about delays and high prices for Blu-ray have proven true in the past year, the HD DVD side has gained momentum after seeming like an also-ran in late 2005. |
Great article, thanks! Variety tends to be more accurate (and influential) than some random blog.
|
RUMOR ALERT:
Sony will be going VC-1 shortly. This wasn't mentioned or even hinted at during our meeting with Amir...and I seriously doubt it. |
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
Sony will be going VC-1 shortly.
Are they prepping for HD DVD transfers? |
Originally Posted by awmurray
Hmmm...
Are they prepping for HD DVD transfers? It's interesting considering it was Sony that didn't want VC-1 at all in the first place. Apparently one of the guys says it is about to be confirmed. Whatever. It will only benefit them. |
Mark Rubin (long time mod over at AVS) has said the announcement would come shortly.
I'm already beginning to plan the Welcome Party for Universal. So kind of chips does everyone want? |
This message is hidden because joshd2012 is on your ignore list. It's like pavlov's dog. Didn't take long.</s> MOD NOTE: Pot. Kettle. Black. And now, this is borderline harassment. -namja[/i] |
Originally Posted by joshd2012
Mark Rubin (long time mod over at AVS) has said the announcement would come shortly.
I'm already beginning to plan the Welcome Party for Universal. So kind of chips does everyone want? |
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
<s>Christ.
It's like pavlov's dog. Didn't take long.</s> |
Originally Posted by DamingR
And your post really adds to the discussion as well. Your personal attacks aren't even thinly veiled. You know, I generally agree with your posts, but at this point both of you guys are taking the format war just a little too personally, don't you think?
As I stated, I probably own less HD DVD's than most of the people on this board. I just find the news interesting. ;) And can you blame me? I read his post quoted. Somehow he changes Sony going from VC-1 to Universal switching. Delusional, at best. |
Originally Posted by joshd2012
I'm already beginning to plan the Welcome Party for Universal. So kind of chips does everyone want?
I mean, all the momentum is in HD DVDs favor at this point (has been since launch, as a matter of fact). Why would Universal switch over to a format that has bumbled and stumbled along and doesn't sell as well as HD DVD by at least a factor of 3? Even the momentum as far as studio support is going in HD DVDs favor at this point with LG expected to switch to neutral as well as rumors of Disney doing the same. What exactly has Sony done right that would persuade Universal to do the same? Did I miss something and Universal is going neutral as well? EDIT: Oh, I see what you mean now... You think that BD finally equaling the PQ of HD DVD finishes the war and Universal will cave. I see. |
I'm sure Universal would be thrilled to go to a "welcoming party" thrown by someone who can't even play their discs... ;)
|
Originally Posted by awmurray
Kind of premature don't you think?
Originally Posted by awmurray
I mean, all the momentum is in HD DVDs favor at this point (has been since launch, as a matter of fact).
Originally Posted by awmurray
Why would Universal switch over to a format that has bumbled and stumbled along and doesn't sell as well as HD DVD by at least a factor of 3?
Originally Posted by awmurray
Even the momentum as far as studio support is going in HD DVDs favor at this point with LG expected to switch to neutral as well as rumors of Disney doing the same.
Originally Posted by awmurray
What exactly has Sony done right that would persuade Universal to do the same?
|
so does this mean the train is finally on the right set of tracks? ;)
|
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:12 PM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.