Who wants to watch $$$$$$ in HD? I think the lower resolution and detail offered by DVD's is a good thing for most of the people in those movies.

I read this article today: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070423/tc_nm/bluray_dc_2

It says that 70% of HD discs sold in the first quarter were Blu-Ray with the lead growing to 75% in March. I still think it's too early to say who the eventual winner will be, but regardless, it's ridiculous that the greedy electonic companies and movie studios let it get to the point where two competing formats were released.

 

Are you comparing xbox sales last year versus current PS3 sales or something? using your information, that means the xbox GREW sales from last year showing increased adoption. PS3 isn't. And that isn't due to supply issues as Sony has plenty of unsold ones.

since the ps3 is still in its hardcore gamer early adoption phase this is significant as the xbox isn't and still outsold it.

You also have to consider that some sales figures are sales to stores vs sales to consumers. Only the latter matters. Sony seems to only say how many systems SHIPPED and won't say how many wound up in homes.

Here are first quarter sales figures from Bloomberg:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...JqM&refer=japan

"Among the newer machines, Microsoft sold 721,000 Xbox 360 players in the quarter, while Sony moved 501,000 PlayStation 3s, NPD said. "

Of course Sony says it is because of lowered shipments due to the euro launch, but who do they think they are kidding. It seems most US stores have more PS3s than they know what to do with.

 

no, it's not a bad thing. It's just that you could expect more discs sold per machine with a set top player, since some (who knows how many) did not buy the PS3 for Blu-Ray. The majority may buy some discs, but for most of them it won't be a common thing IMO.

Honesly, once dual format players are out, cheaper and more plentiful, the war is basically over. IMO, both formats will just coexist, much like DVD+R and DVD-R.

From a cost stanpoint, HD-DVD is a winner because you don't need to buy as many new machines, making discs much cheaper. Plus, the adult industry is backing HD-DVD...and they carry more weight than they get credit for.

It was porno that drove the adoption of VHS, as well as DVD. Getting to see boobies in 1080p will drive HD disc sales.

 

I haven't bought a single BR disk yet so your PS3 note is likely correct. We didn't buy them because of BR.

Dual format player is one answer but when will they be <$200? Two years? Three years? The short-wavelength LED assembly is not dropping in price as fast as expected (just ask Sony!).

 

I wonder how much cheaper the PS3 would have been if BR wasn't included...

 

iSupply figured $125 direct cost to Sony.

http://www.isuppli.com/news/default.asp?id=6919

 

Interesting discussion. I just bought a Panasonic 50" plasma and am debating between the two options. I was really leaning toward BR because I was thinking it would be good way to get a PS3. But, in the long run I want a stand alone player and the the new Toshiba keeps getting impressive reviews. I guess I will wait and see for now.

 

The toshiba looks good, but if it were me I'd either wait or buy a dual format player.

 

sounds right.

since the xbox HD drive is $200 retail and lacks the scaler, decoder, etc and is just the mechanicals (dirt cheap) along with the blue laser hardware. Thus, I'd say $125 may be in the right ball park.

 

Costco has the Toshiba HD player for 349. I am going to wait for the dual player coming at the end of the year!