Jamers

I'm sorry but this confuses me. The naming convention is too similar.

HD-A2 (1080i) $2xx
HD-A20 (1080p) $3xx
HD-XA2 (1080p) $5xx

Also, I find it baffling that Toshiba still doesn't support DVD+R. Especially since Sony DVD players support Toshiba's DVD-R format.

applesandrice

Seriously? Each model offers different features at a different price point.

To the best of my knowledge I've never had a problem playing a DVD+R in my HD-A1.

Th0r S1mpson

If you find this confusing, try shopping for a digital camera.

Giles

really the question should be: why are there only Toshiba HD-DVD players out in the market at the moment?

Hammer99

You got that right.

The Bus

There's the RCA player...

My HD-A1 plays DVD?Rs. I put in a ? because I don't remember what kind it was. It was whatever dfnyc sent me the trailers on.

The HD-A2 and the HD-A20 will work best for 90% of people. If you like high-end HT stuff, then the HD-XA2 might have features you like.

But Giles does bring up a very good question.

gimmepilotwings

Because there is no other manufacturer (besides the 360 addon) who could even come close to selling them at $249.

Supermallet

I myself have authored HD content on DVD-R that worked perfectly and in HD on my HD-A1.

Paul Arnette

And this is the double-edged sword of low pricing, consumers don't have a choice and it gives the appearance of no support.

Josh Z

Most consumers don't care about the appearance of "support". They care about how much they have to pay to get what they want. The only people who care about the appearance of support are those who spend too much time in discussion forums like this.

Paul Arnette

But before they can arrive at 'what they want', you're telling me that someone who is trying to determine which format to invest in for the long-term is going to ignore 'support' whether it is actual or perceived? I doubt it.

speedyray

Yes, normal people go into a store and buy stuff without doing a great deal of research like the people in this forum. If they see an ad saying cheap HD DVD player plus free HD DVD they are going to consider buying it (if it is something that interest them). They are not going to go, huh, I wonder who else makes players. If they notice BD they may ask the difference, but when they hear the price they will probably be turned off because it is so much higher than HD DVD. Most of us are well educated in the CE and Studio and still have purchased plenty of HD DVD. I don't think having one main manufacturer has been a big setback. Especially since they are giving a full product line (entry, middle of the road and upper end). There are 3 current HD DVD players to choose from and only really about 6 BD players to choose from and all of them are about the same cost wise except for the PS3.

The Bus

Not to hijack, but what did you use to author it?

RocShemp

Now that's a question worth asking? :nod:

There's not such thing.

SterlingBen

I hear that

Qui Gon Jim

Speedway is dead on here. HD DVD is much close to the "impulse" purchase than any flavor of BD is.

Paul Arnette

It may be closer, but I doubt either next-gen home video format is an 'impulse' buy for the average consumer.

Qui Gon Jim

Same could have been said of DVD right before it exploded.

$300 is the sweet spot for an impulse buy.

Music

What does this mean?

Spiky

And it was accurate back then, just as it is now. I think you mean $300 is the maximum for an impulse buy. Sweet spot is around $20.

Qui Gon Jim

Point taken.

shumway

With this pricing, I am seriously considering a purchase, however, the actual price of the titles and the fact that there are two formats is still making me pause.

gimmepilotwings

With Google Checkout, I am buying my titles for around $10 a pop. I'm sure the resale value is more than that. This is the time for me. D2 will be in my hands tonight.

Mopower

I'm sure Netflix would satisfy you until prices go down. I only buy movies with high replay value. The rest I rent.

yellowlt4

I don't believe this at all. I know too many people who will not buy into either format, even at $250, because they are afraid of CE and/or studio support going away if one format "wins".