Press Release Source: North American HD DVD Promotional Group


HD DVD Continues to Deliver the Most Affordable Hardware Plus the Year's Biggest Box Office Hits

Wednesday September 5, 6:00 pm ET
Promotional Group Rolling Out 4th Quarter Marketing Campaign to Support More than 125 Movie Titles Representing $3 Billion in Box Office Revenue; HD DVD Announces Season-long Partnership with NBC Television Station Group for Sunday Night Football Broadcasts

DENVER, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the CEDIA EXPO 2007, the North American HD DVD Promotional Group showcased undeniable momentum for the high def format, announcing an aggressive fourth quarter marketing campaign to support a strong slate of more than 125 high definition movies, as well as expanded hardware offerings that take the consumer experience to new levels. Fueled by support from major Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros, Universal, and the recently exclusive Paramount and DreamWorks Animation; from leading hardware manufacturers including Toshiba and Onkyo; and from four of the top five PC Notebook manufacturers in the world; HD DVD continues to offer the best overall experience and the most affordable prices of all next generation formats.

In a clear show of marketing muscle leading into the holidays, Toshiba announced a season-long promotional campaign partnering with the NBC Television Station Group and its broadcasts of Sunday Night Football. This campaign includes 30 second HD DVD ads to air in key NBC television markets broadcasting Sunday Night Football, web sponsorships promoting the format, as well as special on-air HD DVD vignettes that will help educate consumers on how they can receive the ultimate high definition experience through their HDTV. The HD DVD vignettes will air in shows such as "Football Night in America" hosted by Bob Costas, Cris Collinsworth, Keith Olbermann, Tiki Barber and Jerome Bettis. This season-long campaign will communicate the many benefits of HD DVD to more than 72 million households through the holidays and into 2008.

"Today's announcements leave no doubt about the level of commitment driving this format -- HD DVD is the best choice for consumers and it's available today," said Ken Graffeo, co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group. "With a strong line up of hardware and software, as well as key promotional activities through Sunday Night Football, we're making HD DVD an easy choice for the holiday and a must for every home theater."

Universal, Paramount Studios and Warner Bros announced a broad slate of more than 125 titles for 4th quarter, featuring blockbuster new releases and catalog titles that delivered box office returns of more than $3 billion. Toshiba also reaffirmed in its press conference today that it continues to hold a majority lead in dedicated high definition players in the U.S.

HD DVD currently offers more than 300 titles available in the US, with player pricing starting at under $300 for dedicated CE players and $179 for the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive. HD DVD is also the only format with mandatory features on every machine such as a network connection to access web-enabled content and picture-in-picture capabilities to personalize the movie watching experience. To help future proof your home video collections, HD DVD also exclusively offers combo discs (DVD on one side and HD DVD on the other).

About HD DVD

The DVD Forum develops and defines DVD formats. Its more than 200 strong membership brings together leaders in movies and entertainment, computing, consumer electronics and software. In November 2003, the DVD Forum selected a single technology as the next-generation, post-DVD standard for high capacity, high definition optical discs -- HD DVD. HD DVD is fast becoming the primary visual medium for the age of high-definition TV. The North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc. is an organization established to promote the HD DVD format and educate consumers in North America. For more information and a complete listing of HD DVD launch titles please visit http://www.TheLookAndSoundOfPerfect.com.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070905/aqw155.html?.v=11




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Source: North American HD DVD Promotional Group

^^About time ...I've been waiting for thei marketing ads to expand ... and a better way to do it is Monday Night Football !!!

I wonder where they got the number 125 from?

I don't suppose anyone offered up a list did they?

125 HD DVD movies being released in just the 4th Qtr. would be great though, thats for sure.

And Sunday Night Football is exactly what J6P watches.

If the NFL tells them to buy HD DVD I would imagine a lot of them will.

So, no new studio defections to the RED side, no new CEMs jumping ship etcetera?? Just announcements of some more PR plans, which they frankly should have been implementing already?

Looks like a CEDIA letdown, right now.

What's this, promotion ad for promotion ad?

Hopefully there is more than this fluff.

So, no new studio defections to the RED side, no new CEMs jumping ship etcetera?? Just announcements of some more PR plans, which they frankly should have been implementing already?

Looks like a CEDIA letdown, right now.

It's only the first day of CEDIA, give it another ;)

It's only the first day of CEDIA, give it another ;)

I'd love to. But this is the press release of the HD DVD PRG, for crying out loud. I would expect that they would bring out all the big guns, if there ever were, in the PR. Seems like they were carrying a few empty holsters.

Stay tuned for spin from the other side; news at 7:00 :D

Its funny, everyone expecting PDW type news.

LOL

No mention of Weinstein in the news release?

I think they need a discussion with Dana White...that would also be huge. Imagine an HD DVD logo right in the middle of the octagon during UFC events...why not other sporting events.... HBO Boxing, etc.

Its funny, everyone expecting PDW type news.

LOL

Except for the expected surge in the promotional campaign, is there any sliver of importance in that release?

The Monday Night Football promotion is pretty darn big. As a bluray fan, Im a little jealous.

However, dont forget that ABC/ESPN is owned by Disney and they get all those college football games. This could be blurays counter. We shall see

The Monday Night Football promotion is pretty darn big. As a bluray fan, Im a little jealous.

However, dont forget that ABC/ESPN is owned by Disney and they get all those college football games. This could be blurays counter. We shall see

Sunday Night Football, on NBC, part of NBC Universal!:)

The college crowd wouldn't be able to afford the high price tag of BR players... HD DVD is in the college kids budget. he he.

The college crowd wouldn't be able to afford the high price tag of BR players... HD DVD is in the college kids budget. he he.

College football is watched by just as many, if not more, "non-college-kids" as do college kids. Some of those folks tend to have generous incomes to lavish on HDTVs and nice HD disc players to complement them. And Monday Night Football has more high profile matches and draws in more eyeballs than Sunday Night Football.

The college crowd wouldn't be able to afford the high price tag of BR players... HD DVD is in the college kids budget. he he.

I assure you kids arent the only ones watching college football and ESPN when you consider how much money the programs get from boosters and such. Dont forget college kids do have a PS3. :-)

I assure you kids arent the only ones watching college football and ESPN when you consider how much money the programs get from boosters and such. Dont forget college kids do have a PS3. :-)

Eh, don't be giving those BDA guys no fresh ideas !! :mad:


:D

125 titles in Q4? COOL! There are currently only 51 Q4 titles announced including the Warner Bros non combo re-releases. so that is at least 74 more HD DVD titles to be anounced before the end of the year.

Whoppee!

College football is watched by just as many, if not more, "non-college-kids" as do college kids. Some of those folks tend to have generous incomes to lavish on HDTVs and nice HD disc players to complement them. And Monday Night Football has more high profile matches and draws in more eyeballs than Sunday Night Football.

Well, Monday Night Football is now broadcast on ESPN, which doesnt reach as many people as NBC's Sunday Night Football. Not to mention that the Monday Night Football is no longer considered the game of the week, while Sunday Night Football is. It almost always features a very good matchup.

Either way, having HD-DVD ads on NBC's SNF is big.

The college crowd wouldn't be able to afford the high price tag of BR players... HD DVD is in the college kids budget. he he.Are you kidding? Have you read the posts on various sections of AVS? There's a guy asking questions about putting his 50" Pio plasma in his dorm room!:eek:.

College kids always manage to get cool stuff. By the holidays there will be enough games out for PS3 that it will definitely be cool :cool:.

http://www.gspr.com/integra/images/in_logo_large.gif ;)

Are you kidding? Have you read the posts on various sections of AVS? There's a guy asking questions about putting his 50" Pio plasma in his dorm room!:eek:.

College kids always manage to get cool stuff. By the holidays there will be enough games out for PS3 that it will definitely be cool :cool:.

Yeah, Im a graduate student in biochemistry and I have a Samsung HPT5084 and a Samsung LNT4065F, a PS3, Xbox 360, HD cable and a Sony Surround system.

If I get into HD-DVD, I will get a standalone, not the 360 addon. I spoil myself.

I don't feel the Integra is a huge deal, it's great that there is going to be another hardware supporter out there, but based on the price I feel all HD DVD faithful that bag on BD for their insane prices look pretty foolish here. I doubt the the new Onkyo and Integra players will even tilt the war in any degree.

Sunday Night Football screams J6P. I hope the people here on AVS realize that they are not J6P and neither format is worried about us. It's all about mass market acceptance and what a great way to reach the masses with Sunday Night Football and cheap players. Don't be bitter. It's good news no matter how you spin it. Good job HD DVD!!!

"Universal, Paramount Studios and Warner Bros announced a broad slate of more than 125 titles for 4th quarter"

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

OMG!!!!!!!!!! How much of this has actually been announced :eek::eek::eek::eek:

"Universal, Paramount Studios and Warner Bros announced a broad slate of more than 125 titles for 4th quarter"

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

OMG!!!!!!!!!! How much of this has actually been announced :eek::eek::eek::eek:

51 Q4 titles announced including the Warner Bros non combo re-releases. so that is at least 74 more HD DVD titles to be anounced before the end of the year.

OK, so I can get either the Onkyo or the Integra and move the A2 upstairs. I now have 125 more movies to chose from. Damn these these guys! How can I save money with all this new stuff?

Press Release Source: Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.

Toshiba and CBS Announce 'Star Trek: The Original Series' HD DVD Promotion

Wednesday September 5, 7:00 pm ET
Landmark TV series comes exclusively to HD DVD with fantastic interactive capabilities

CEDIA, DENVER, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba"), announced today a joint promotion with CBS Home Entertainment for the launch of "Star Trek: The Original Series," Season 1 exclusively on HD DVD. Available on November 20th at retailers nationwide, this boxed 10-disc set offers "Star Trek" fans the opportunity to not only experience "Star Trek: The Original Series" in full high definition for the first time, but will also allow viewing of the same discs in standard DVD players. "Star Trek" Combo HD DVDs feature HD DVD on one side of the disc and standard DVD on the other.

To support this historic launch, Toshiba has teamed up with CBS Home Entertainment, with plans to offer purchasers of the boxed set and any Toshiba HD DVD player an exclusive, limited edition "Star Trek" Phaser remote control that will operate Toshiba's HD DVD players. This promotion is planned to coincide with the launch of the "Star Trek" HD DVD boxed set.

"To be part of bringing the pioneering episodes of the landmark 'Star Trek' franchise to fans is truly special," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Taking advantage of all HD DVD has to offer, 'Star Trek: The Original Series' will be presented with interactive capabilities and a level of visual and audio sophistication fans of the series have never experienced. With this offer fans can also get their hands on merchandise that will not be available any other way."

The leading-edge technology in Toshiba HD DVD players will enable "Star Trek" fans to access thrilling interactive capabilities such as picture-in-picture video commentaries, the ability to compare visual effects in the re-mastered episodes versus the originals and to take an interactive tour of the Starship Enterprise, for a detailed exploration of the ship.

"Part of the appeal of 'Star Trek' is the spirit of its characters to embrace and utilize cutting-edge technology," said Jeffrey Nemerovski, Vice President of Business Development for CBS Home Entertainment. "The technology, power and innovation of HD DVD has allowed us to present 'Star Trek: The Original Series' in an unprecedented way. With the choice of either watching in HD or SD, there truly is no risk in the disc. Enthusiasts can now explore the original episodes and become immersed in picture quality and disc features in a manner not previously possible without HD DVD."

Meticulously remastered from the original camera negative, each classic episode is presented in pristine condition with new state-of-the-art digital visual effects and a new 5.1 soundtrack. Both the DVD and HD DVD presentations include rare on-set home movie footage, an inside perspective on what it took to transport 'Trek' into the 21st century ... and much more. Showcasing graphics with a 3D look and feel, the interactive "Starfleet Access" menu interface will allow HD viewers to activate icons on seven episodes to provide such features as picture-in-picture video commentaries and an interactive tour of the Starship Enterprise.

In addition to visually experiencing "Star Trek" in a new way through HD DVD, fans of "The Original Series" can enjoy the classic "Star Trek" musical score and sound effects in advanced audio, immersing fans in the complete HD experience

51 Q4 titles announced including the Warner Bros non combo re-releases. so that is at least 74 more HD DVD titles to be anounced before the end of the year.
HD DVD blitzkrieg confirmed. ;)

So, no new studio defections to the RED side, no new CEMs jumping ship etcetera?? Just announcements of some more PR plans, which they frankly should have been implementing already?

Looks like a CEDIA letdown, right now.

This better get better, so far I am not impressed.

51 Q4 titles announced including the Warner Bros non combo re-releases. so that is at least 74 more HD DVD titles to be anounced before the end of the year.

It sounds like Paramount and Universal are going to pour it on in the fourth quarter. Kind of like a football game, where the offense finally digs in and overpowers the other team's defense.

This better get better, so far I am not impressed.

CEDIA is about hardware and installers. It is NOT about studios. There have been new player announcements already for both camps.

Anyone expecting some kind of studio shuffle news . . .. IT AINT COMIN!

To be announced by the end of the year? So if they make an announcement on Xmas for an April release that would count? Thats garbage!

This better get better, so far I am not impressed.


Ditto... Talk about a snoozefest. Big whoop. Football advertising. I don't watch football, so I'll never see the ads. And OMG, a $1100 HD DVD player that no one other than a few richies will buy.

Come on HD DVD. You GOT to bring more to the game than this. Wheres the big announcement Robert at VE eluded to?

The SNF football could be a big opportunity for HD DVD (it's nice to hear they are actually marketing their product, finally.) i just saw the "red pill" trailer on HD DVDs official site and it was awesome. Hopefully this will spur sales (though it has to be a big portion of HD DVD group's ad money.) Is the demographic on NFL viewers the right target audience (sure they get viewers, but are these the type of people who have HDTVs or will be getting them soon)?

Now for some genreal thoughts on the trade show. Was this the HD DVD group's main press conference or just the warm-up? i was hoping they would have given more info on the third generation units and the Venturer. The next sentence is not an attempt at starting a rumor (i just picked a non-invested company at random.) Imagine if the HD DVD group would have said something like "the value Venturer player will be available mid October for $199.99 or less at Kmart/Sears stores" that could be huge (much bigger when the release is tied to a place people know.) Hopefully some of these movie announcements will trickle out soon. Essentially with HD DVD they should try to stress right price, right features, right now.

What i really want to know is the stand-alone unit sales (installed base since inception) for HD DVD (and if they are in striking distance of 1 million units sold in the US by the end of this year.)

To be announced by the end of the year? So if they make an announcement on Xmas for an April release that would count? Thats garbage!

Oh you mean like the Disney announcement that announced titles (2) for Q2 and Q3 2008!

Ditto... Talk about a snoozefest. Big whoop. Football advertising. I don't watch football, so I'll never see the ads. And OMG, a $1100 HD DVD player that no one other than a few richies will buy.

Come on HD DVD. You GOT to bring more to the game than this. Wheres the big announcement Robert at VE eluded to?

Its only 5:30 in Denver

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=75

Ditto... Talk about a snoozefest. Big whoop. Football advertising. I don't watch football, so I'll never see the ads. And OMG, a $1100 HD DVD player that no one other than a few richies will buy.

Come on HD DVD. You GOT to bring more to the game than this. Wheres the big announcement Robert at VE eluded to?

Hey - Sony just announced a $1300 BD player - S2000ES!

Didn't Monday Night Football have so few viewers that they had to take it off ABC?

Source: Toshiba Press Release (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070905/new135.html?.v=8)

Toshiba Delivers Its Third Generation HD DVD Players Taking the High Def Movie Experience to a Broader Consumer Base
Wednesday September 5, 7:00 pm ET
Unrivaled Features, Affordable Prices, and Exciting New Promotions Add Up to Unprecedented Benefits For HDTV Consumers This Fall


CEDIA, DENVER, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") revealed its third generation HD DVD players at the CEDIA show today rolling out its most advanced, affordable line of HD DVD players with outstanding functionalities and Web-enabled network capabilities of the HD DVD format. Gearing up for the new line to hit shelves this fall, Toshiba also announced new HD DVD marketing initiatives and consumer promotions, including a season-long promotional campaign with NBC Television Station Group for Sunday Night Football broadcasts, a free two movie bundle with third generation players and a new five free HD DVD movie promotion.
"We have raised the bar yet again with the unmatched interactive capabilities and state-of-the art video and audio performance of our third generation players," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Web-enabled network capabilities, available on HD DVD, illustrate how Toshiba is delivering on its commitment to provide consumers with the ultimate home entertainment experience in high definition. With this new line, a growing base of HDTV consumers can now look forward to an unrivaled home theater experience this fall."

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Players

Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models, Toshiba's HD-A30 and HD-A35, will output 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080p), the highest HD signal currently available. Both models are capable of outputting signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy movies in their native frame rate. The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models also feature "CE-Link" (HDMI(TM)-CEC), allowing two-way control between the HD DVD player and a TV through an HDMI connection.

With a new slim design, Toshiba's third generation players have a cabinet that is approximately 1/4-inch slimmer than second generation models. All of Toshiba's HD DVD models are backward compatible allowing users to enjoy their libraries of current DVDs and CDs while improving the picture quality of regular DVDs by upconverting them through an HDMI connection to near high definition quality.

New HD DVD Promotions

To further drive HD DVD sales this fall, Toshiba also announced today a number of exciting new marketing initiatives and promotions. To communicate the benefits of HD DVD to millions of HDTV owners, Toshiba announced a season- long promotional campaign with the NBC Television Station Group and its broadcasts of Sunday Night Football with Bob Costas and Tiki Barber. This includes 30 second HD DVD ads, web sponsorships promoting the format, as well as special on-air vignettes that will build awareness and educate consumers about HD DVD throughout the holidays and into 2008.

In addition, in order to allow consumers to enjoy the HD DVD experience right out of the box, Toshiba is offering consumers free movies with the purchase of their third generation players. With Toshiba's new bundle promotion, consumers will take home the highly acclaimed HD DVDs "300" from Warner Home Video and "The Bourne Identity" from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

"Warner is excited to offer consumers who purchase the new Toshiba HD DVD players the opportunity to own '300'," said Dorinda Marticorena, SVP Worldwide High Definition Media, Warner Home Video. "Not only is it the best selling HD DVD title to date, but it is also one of the most advanced titles with regard to new and innovative Hi Def features, both on the disc itself and through web connectivity. We believe that with the initial sales of "300", and this promotion, more than a half million consumers will own "300" on HD DVD by the end of this year."

"Now is an exciting time to buy an HD DVD player, with a blockbuster title like 'The Bourne Identity' in the box at retail," said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "Toshiba is leading the way in bringing high definition home, and at prices that will fit in any home theater. By offering The Bourne Identity, in addition to Toshiba's 'Five Free' offer, we're giving consumers an amazing deal."

In addition to its bundle promotion, Toshiba announced "The Perfect HD Offer," which will begin on October 1st 2007 and continue until February 28th 2008. As a result, with the purchase of any Toshiba HD DVD player, consumers will be able to select five HD DVD titles for free, from a selection of 15, via a mail-in offer. Full offer details will be available at http://www.toshibahddvd.com.
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Two more free HD DVDs, 300 and The Bourne Identity included in the box in addition to a new 5 free offer sounds good to me.

Hey - Sony just announced a $1300 BD player - S200ES!

Let's see a $1300 Sony player or a $1100 Integra player?...No brainer.

Didn't Monday Night Football have so few viewers that they had to take it off ABC?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monday_Night_Football#The_end_of_the_ABC_era

It still got high ratings, but despite that ABC was losing money. Also the NFL wanted Sunday to be the new night for its marquee game.

Did anyone catch this piece of bold?

"Warner is excited to offer consumers who purchase the new Toshiba HD DVD players the opportunity to own '300'," said Dorinda Marticorena, SVP Worldwide High Definition Media, Warner Home Video. "Not only is it the best selling HD DVD title to date, but it is also one of the most advanced titles with regard to new and innovative Hi Def features, both on the disc itself and through web connectivity. We believe that with the initial sales of "300", and this promotion, more than a half million consumers will own "300" on HD DVD by the end of this year."

Yeah, I think as much as we already put the "Warner HD DVD exclusive" rumors to rest, we can put the "Warner is going Blu" rumors to rest too. Looks like they still believe in the format.

Source: Toshiba Press Release (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070905/new135.html?.v=8)

Two more free HD DVDs in addition to a new 5 free offer sounds good to me.

PLUS 71 more HD DVD's to be announced for Q4 - PLUS the free Star Trek "phaser" remote when you buy the box set plus a HD DVD player.

PLUS Sony announced their 2 new players for Q4 - a $700 player and a $1300 player:D

I've been waiting for that cheap Blu Ray player so I could jump in...wait a minute 1300 isn't cheap
Guess I'll stick with HD DVD ;)

I've been waiting for that cheap Blu Ray player so I could jump in...wait a minute 1300 isn't cheap
Guess I'll stick with HD DVD ;)

Looks like Sony may use the S300 as their cheap BD player - profile 1.0, HDMI 1.2 and NO Ethernet Port. :confused:

Well at least they filled the hole (price wise) between the Pioneer and the Denon:D

To support this historic launch, Toshiba has teamed up with CBS Home Entertainment, with plans to offer purchasers of the boxed set and any Toshiba HD DVD player an exclusive, limited edition "Star Trek" Phaser remote control that will operate Toshiba's HD DVD players. This promotion is planned to coincide with the launch of the "Star Trek" HD DVD boxed set.

Now that, my friends, is what I call a promotion.

^^About time ...I've been waiting for thei marketing ads to expand ... and a better way to do it is Monday Night Football !!!


Actually it is Sunday night football. :)

Let the tournament (kick arse) begin! :D

Actually it is Sunday night football. :)

Which is why it is more powerful than Monday Night Football.

Why? Because Sunday night football is prime time as well, but it is on a network station that can be viewed for free by those without cable, and is the most watched Football game of the week.. :D

Try again.:D

Which is why it is more powerful than Monday Night Football.

Why? Because Sunday night football is prime time as well, but it is on a network station that can be viewed for free by those without cable, and is the most watched Football game of the week.. :D

Actually the most-watched game of the week when the NFL is in season is the Sunday afternoon NFC matches (depending on team/national clearance/rivalry) on Fox. Last year the Sunday afternoon games that started at 4PM consistently outranked Sunday Night Football in ratings/viewership. :o

This is the marketing campaign that Toshiba has been holding back on. If anyone has not heard of HD DVD yet, they most certainly will know of it in the next few months. I also think it is a brilliant move with the NBC Sunday Night football ads. If anyone could benefit from HD DVD, it is sports fan and especially football who probaly already own a high percentage of HDTV's out there.

I really want that phaser remote.

Yeah, Im a graduate student in biochemistry and I have a Samsung HPT5084 and a Samsung LNT4065F, a PS3, Xbox 360, HD cable and a Sony Surround system.

If I get into HD-DVD, I will get a standalone, not the 360 addon. I spoil myself.

You are not doing this on a TA stipend are you?:D

I really want that phaser remote.

Me too. The only question now is "is it set to 'stun' or 'kill' ?" ;)

Am I a total loser if I'm debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote?

(Because I am debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote.)

Am I a total loser if I'm debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote?

(Because I am debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote.)

Nerd!!!!!!!!!
Oh crap wait, I want one to!:p

Am I a total loser if I'm debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote?

(Because I am debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote.)

Sadly I was sitting here trying to figure out where I was going to put ANOTHER HD DVD player (maybe mount one in the car?) as sadly my debate had already been lost with my wallet...

The title of this thread said something about a really big box...there are no large boxes at all in this thread!

The title of this thread said something about a really big box...there are no large boxes at all in this thread!

http://www.ondmis.dk/billeder/forumpics/tryingtobefunny.jpg

Kitties are using big box now. Come back later.

http://www.uraxima.com/parts/06-09/cat-in-box.jpg

The title of this thread said something about a really big box...there are no large boxes at all in this thread!

Thats the funniest thing ever!!! I can't stop laughing. :D

Nerd!!!!!!!!!
Oh crap wait, I want one to!:p

Me too! :)

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/31EBT3TBD0L._AA280_.jpg

What's this, promotion ad for promotion ad?

This is ridiculous! When the BR folks announced their many forthcoming releases for 2007 (almost all missing in action--note Fox, especially:p), blu fans crowed that HD DVD had lost it, couldn't compete, should roll over and die (if not dead already).

Now: new players, huge PR push, 125 new titles (having Paramount and DW sure helps, eh), continued disc promotions (300/Bourne), etc.

Yeah...fluff!:D

This better get better, so far I am not impressed.

:confused::confused:

The SNF football could be a big opportunity for HD DVD (it's nice to hear they are actually marketing their product, finally.) i just saw the "red pill" trailer on HD DVDs official site and it was awesome. Hopefully this will spur sales (though it has to be a big portion of HD DVD group's ad money.) Is the demographic on NFL viewers the right target audience (sure they get viewers, but are these the type of people who have HDTVs or will be getting them soon)?

Now for some genreal thoughts on the trade show. Was this the HD DVD group's main press conference or just the warm-up? i was hoping they would have given more info on the third generation units and the Venturer. The next sentence is not an attempt at starting a rumor (i just picked a non-invested company at random.) Imagine if the HD DVD group would have said something like "the value Venturer player will be available mid October for $199.99 or less at Kmart/Sears stores" that could be huge (much bigger when the release is tied to a place people know.) Hopefully some of these movie announcements will trickle out soon. Essentially with HD DVD they should try to stress right price, right features, right now.

What i really want to know is the stand-alone unit sales (installed base since inception) for HD DVD (and if they are in striking distance of 1 million units sold in the US by the end of this year.)

Are you kidding? Football in HD! I know nothing about American soccer but I even watch their games because they are in HD!;) Sports fan are becoming HUGE HD fans!

Am I a total loser if I'm debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote?

(Because I am debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote.)

You're asking US?:D

College football is watched by just as many, if not more, "non-college-kids" as do college kids. Some of those folks tend to have generous incomes to lavish on HDTVs and nice HD disc players to complement them. And Monday Night Football has more high profile matches and draws in more eyeballs than Sunday Night Football.

The problem with college football is that most of the games are regional and even the prime time games on Saturday night could be different depending on what part of the country you live. The Sunday night game is going to attract more football fans because there are fewer teams, while the Saturday games will not attract as large an audience because the number of teams dilutes the audience.

I hope they change the selection of free titles this time.

I hope they change the selection of free titles this time.


They did.

Dr. Don wants us to use this thread as the CEDIA DAY ONE thread as he has directed us here so I will repost my post from the locked thread:

Darn right day one belongs to HD DVD. They are not only continuing the 5 free movies, but also including 2 great movies with the purchase of a Gen3 player. (one with IME/IF so the buyer gets to experience these new features right away)

You can laugh all you want about that ST Phaser remote but there are millions of ST fans and many will be in the "I got to HAVE it" mode. Talk about passion. These people make the rest of us look normal.

We filled out the low end with the Venturer, now we fill out the high end with the Onkyo and Interga. We are still dealing with the EA market.

Both the Samsung and LG DF players sound nice but the wording on the profiles is once agin very "muddy." They both reference BD-J. Neither references DS PIP for the BD side.

Sharp just announced a new BD player - $550 avail. September - Profile 1.0.

Advertising is great - it gets the product in front of the masses. Now all you need is an attractive price - and HD DVD has got it. So Sony will drop the price of the S300 to $399 - 1.0 and NO Ethernet Port. So what about the Disney films coming next year with the IME/IF's? NG on this player.

Robert from VE mentioned 2 other Chinese HD DVD players - one being Alpine and the other Shinco. Any word on these?

HD DVD is on a roll and nothing is going to stop it

[B]Robert from VE mentioned 2 other Chinese HD DVD players - one being Alpine and the other Shinco. Any word on these?

Shinco is a set top player.

Alpine is going to make mobile version of players(a la planes trains and automobiles)

from thebland:Yep..pricing always wins...iPod is the most expesive MP3 player by a lot and its sales are better than all other cheap chinese MP3 players combined. The public doesn't like garbage and will buy quality.

ipod was the first to come out and has continued to evolve their product... they can afford to make it expensive for that reason

these high def formats are starting off and in competition at the same time..... ipod was winning from the beginning...

still if we still have a competition, do you expect j6p to buy the most expensive one even though the lower priced one does the same things with just as good movies...

i have both ps3 and hd-dvd.... but it confuses me that a company like sony thinks that people will shed over 600 bucks for a player that is just as good as the toshiba... i have tried both and they are both the same

Can I also say that the Ipod was (maybe still is) a fashion accessory. how many people are carrying their HD media player of choice out on the town with them?

Ipods are NOT like DVD players.
I am sure $40 cheap Chinese DVD players sell 100x more than $300 Sony players.

The idea that HD media is like the Ipod is laughable.

So can I get the Phaser remote if I buy an Onkyo or Integra player or should I just go with the XA2 or A35?

And, um, its for a friend. Not me. I am not a nerd. No way.

Live long and prosper.

[B]

Darn right day one belongs to HD DVD.

HD DVD is on a roll and nothing is going to stop it
"
I've paid my dues -
Time after time -
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime -
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
But I've come through

We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world - "

http://img108.exs.cx/img108/1172/a4nvictory.gif

ipod was the first to come out ...

That could not more wrong.

"To support this historic launch, Toshiba has teamed up with CBS Home Entertainment, with plans to offer purchasers of the boxed set and any Toshiba HD DVD player an exclusive, limited edition "Star Trek" Phaser remote control that will operate Toshiba's HD DVD players. This promotion is planned to coincide with the launch of the "Star Trek" HD DVD boxed set"




If the Trekkies support HD DVD and carry around their little phaser remote to go with it....That could make it very uncool for any of the rest of us to have hd dvd.
This is bad. "So I like HD DVD....what? oh no, you're one of the Star Trek guys!"
LOL!

"To support this historic launch, Toshiba has teamed up with CBS Home Entertainment, with plans to offer purchasers of the boxed set and any Toshiba HD DVD player an exclusive, limited edition "Star Trek" Phaser remote control that will operate Toshiba's HD DVD players. This promotion is planned to coincide with the launch of the "Star Trek" HD DVD boxed set"




If the Trekkies support HD DVD and carry around their little phaser remote to go with it....That could make it very uncool for any of the rest of us to have hd dvd.
This is bad. "So I like HD DVD....what? oh no, you're one of the Star Trek guys!"
LOL!


ROFL!! That was funny.


Seriously though, if Toshiba was smart, they would start making deals to show HD DVD and this box set off at the major cities' Star Trek Conventions. The potential there is limitless to what they could sell.

That could be not more wrong.

FIXED for you...

regardless... the ipod was doing the same thing... mp3 was the only format... there was not blu-mp3 or hd-mp3... there was just mp3.....

So can I get the Phaser remote if I buy an Onkyo or Integra player or should I just go with the XA2 or A35?

And, um, its for a friend. Not me. I am not a nerd. No way.

Live long and prosper.

:D

ROFL!! That was funny.


Seriously though, if Toshiba was smart, they would start making deals to show HD DVD and this box set off at the major cities' Star Trek Conventions. The potential there is limitless to what they could sell.

I'm not a toy/collectible person, but many, many people are, and this is their "art". Some will see this as a major act of "were thinking of you" faith on Toshibas part. If you think this kind of thing means nothing, you spend no time on genre-specific boards.

I'd like to address a few things said in a previous, locked, thread.

thebland said:
Yep..pricing always wins...iPod is the most expesive MP3 player by a lot and its sales are better than all other cheap chinese MP3 players combined. The public doesn't like garbage and will buy quality.

For somebody who hates analogies, you sure pull a lot of them.

The iPod is quite different from a BD player. Why?

1. Apples main advantage is the ability to make the complex easy. This is done through complete standardization of the hardware and software, ensuring as few problems as possible in all aspects of their product line. Thus, the interface can be faster, easier, and much less complex since it is "dummied" down. This is shown in the ipod quite effectively. They essentially eliminate all features a true "power user" would want and trim it down.

2. Apple does a great job at making their items sexy, sleek, and very desirable, essentially a fashion accessory. This is true in every aspect of their product line, from the smallest mouse to their biggest widescreen LCD display.

3. Apple then markets the hell out of the product, creating an air of exclusivity that wraps the above to points into one single idea, perfection. Whether that is the truth or not, the above two points make it simple to swallow and many do. It's sheer brilliance in marketing since they can get anybody to buy what they sell for a massive premium. Look at the iPhone, way over priced, way under featured, crippled internet. Yet people bought it for $600 despite having the ability to purchase far superior phones.

To create an analogy like you did (which you hate analogies) and compare the BD to Apple products, is a poor comparison. Not only do they not have standardization, not only is it not a fashion accessory, not only have they failed to deliver a superior product, but to culiminate all of the above, they failed to deliver perfection in an item that people need *AND* want.

You can sit around and debate theoretical technical advantages all you want. Until people can see, feel, and experience a significant difference, they will not pay a price premium for it.

As far as your comment about analyzing every second of stock movements. Many people with Bloomberg terminals do that where I work and they make a lot of money doing it.

I'm not a toy/collectible person, but many, many people are, and this is their "art". Some will see this as a major act of "were thinking of you" faith on Toshibas part. If you think this kind of thing means nothing, you spend no time on genre-specific boards.

Believe me, in my younger years I went to these conventions. I know what it's like to be a collector.

This would be a HUGE success.

I'd like to address a few things said in a previous, locked, thread.

thebland said:


For somebody who hates analogies, you sure pull a lot of them.

The iPod is quite different from a BD player. Why?

1. Apples main advantage is the ability to make the complex easy. This is done through complete standardization of the hardware and software, ensuring as few problems as possible in all aspects of their product line. Thus, the interface can be faster, easier, and much less complex since it is "dummied" down. This is shown in the ipod quite effectively. They essentially eliminate all features a true "power user" would want and trim it down.

2. Apple does a great job at making their items sexy, sleek, and very desirable, essentially a fashion accessory. This is true in every aspect of their product line, from the smallest mouse to their biggest widescreen LCD display.

3. Apple then markets the hell out of the product, creating an air of exclusivity that wraps the above to points into one single idea, perfection. Whether that is the truth or not, the above two points make it simple to swallow and many do. It's sheer brilliance in marketing since they can get anybody to buy what they sell for a massive premium. Look at the iPhone, way over priced, way under featured, crippled internet. Yet people bought it for $600 despite having the ability to purchase far superior phones.

To create an analogy like you did (which you hate analogies) and compare the BD to Apple products, is a poor comparison. Not only do they not have standardization, not only is it not a fashion accessory, not only have they failed to deliver a superior product, but to culiminate all of the above, they failed to deliver perfection in an item that people need *AND* want.

You can sit around and debate theoretical technical advantages all you want. Until people can see, feel, and experience a significant difference, they will not pay a price premium for it.

As far as your comment about analyzing every second of stock movements. Many people with Bloomberg terminals do that where I work and they make a lot of money doing it.

And you guys are talking about MP3, right? The story of MP3 is about the public eagerly adopting an inferior audio spec for the sake of price and convenience. Is that the point thebland was trying to make?

And you guys are talking about MP3, right? The story of MP3 is about the public eagerly adopting an inferior audio spec for the sake of price and convenience. Is that the point thebland was trying to make?

no idea what he was trying to get at but he tried to make the analogy that people are willing to pay more money for the top product..


what he doesnt understand is that mp3 was one format with an electronic war..... this is a format war...

Are you kidding? Have you read the posts on various sections of AVS? There's a guy asking questions about putting his 50" Pio plasma in his dorm room!:eek:.

College kids always manage to get cool stuff. By the holidays there will be enough games out for PS3 that it will definitely be cool :cool:.


See the "he he?" Yes ...that's sarcasm. :rolleyes:

And you guys are talking about MP3, right? The story of MP3 is about the public eagerly adopting an inferior audio spec for the sake of price and convenience. Is that the point thebland was trying to make?

thebland was responding to somebody who mentioned the price/performance advantage that HD DVD has. His counter was that not everybody will buy a cheaper player, look at iPod. The problem is that iPods deliver some things that BD never will.

mp3s:
Inferior to what? Lugging around CD's and switching them? Not using FLACC or other codecs? What are you talking about here that's inferior?

Personally, if I am walking down a busy street, or in the subway, or on an airplane, I am not concerned about whether I am getting the *perfect* sound quality because it just doesn't matter if that jackhammer, clickity-clack subway car, or jet engine is making noise. I care about whether I have what music I want available, don't have to worry about switching CD's, nor worry about other CODECs.

Any advantage that BD has is theoretical and nobody has yet to prove that those theoretical advantages make one lick of difference in the real world. They have completely f'd up every practical and visceral advantage they could have had and have failed to deliver a cohesive and value-added player.

I know there are people who buy $1000 3' cables and such, but those are marginal people, they set the price for marginal products. This is not a war of marginal people or products, the sooner people realize this, the better.

Actually it is Sunday night football. :)

HA HA ...sorry didn't catch that.. Sunday Night Football !!! :D

thebland was responding to somebody who mentioned the price/performance advantage that HD DVD has. His counter was that not everybody will buy a cheaper player, look at iPod. The problem is that iPods deliver some things that BD never will.

mp3s:
Inferior to what? Lugging around CD's and switching them? Not using FLACC or other codecs? What are you talking about here that's inferior?

Personally, if I am walking down a busy street, or in the subway, or on an airplane, I am not concerned about whether I am getting the *perfect* sound quality because it just doesn't matter if that jackhammer, clickity-clack subway car, or jet engine is making noise. I care about whether I have what music I want available, don't have to worry about switching CD's, nor worry about other CODECs.

Any advantage that BD has is theoretical and nobody has yet to prove that those theoretical advantages make one lick of difference in the real world. They have completely f'd up every practical and visceral advantage they could have had and have failed to deliver a cohesive and value-added player.

I know there are people who buy $1000 3' cables and such, but those are marginal people, they set the price for marginal products. This is not a war of marginal people or products, the sooner people realize this, the better.

I think you are missing my tongue in my cheek here. I was just finding it amusing that someone who was railing that the consumer will always buy "quality" over price would choose as an example... an MP3 player? iPod and MP3 are perhaps that greatest example in CE history of the public eagerly lapping up an "inferior" (i.e. compressed, lossy) format because of price and convenience.

MP3 is a standard and SACD and DVD-A are niche to non-existent because the consumer found it was "good enough." And the lesson is that, if the price is right, "good enough" is, in fact, good enough for most consumers.

The question is whether SD DVD is "good enough" once the new HD DVDs price points hit. And, if it is, then both formats are screwed.

if sony and other blu ray players are expensive, then blu ray is toast

He he he . . . .

Sorry about the thread title. I like to just copy/paste the title of the article as opposed to giving it some sensationalistic spin. Unfortunately it didn't fit.:o

So as promised . . . . here is a picture of the first one comming off the line:D

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/Box.jpg

Next are they going to have an HD-DVD pace car for NASCAR? That would catch some eyes.

To support this historic launch, Toshiba has teamed up with CBS Home Entertainment, with plans to offer purchasers of the boxed set and any Toshiba HD DVD player an exclusive, limited edition "Star Trek" Phaser remote control that will operate Toshiba's HD DVD players. This promotion is planned to coincide with the launch of the "Star Trek" HD DVD boxed set.


This is their PR strategy? Hilarious! 'Cause we all know J6P can't wait to fork over $198.99 for a box set just to get the Phaser remote-control.

This is their PR strategy? Hilarious! 'Cause we all know J6P can't wait to fork over $198.99 for a box set just to get the Phaser remote-control.

Uh.. I don't think Star Trek has ever been aimed at Joe Six Pack. The movies are somewhat mainstream, but the TV series are pretty much purchased by the diehard fans - especially the original series.

This is their PR strategy? Hilarious! 'Cause we all know J6P can't wait to fork over $198.99 for a box set just to get the Phaser remote-control.

If Trekkies wanted to they could swing a presidential election to Patrick Stewart

Next are they going to have an HD-DVD pace car for NASCAR? That would catch some eyes.

As long as it was in front of Dale Jr. - Sony's new spokesman - great idea!:D

Am I a total loser if I'm debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote?

(Because I am debating getting a Toshiba player for a phaser remote.)

I want a phaser AND SO's Reon processor for upconversion. Does the A35 include an SO HQV chip?

PS, I'm format neutral - No HD-DVD, no BD & no HDTV.
But, I also want to be a fanboy. So, I'll be a DVD fanboy. (Let me know when HDM is <$10.)

PSS, how can I get on one of those tiers?

PS, I'm format neutral - No HD-DVD, no BD & no HDTV.
But, I also want to be a fanboy. So, I'll be a DVD fanboy. (Let me know when HDM is <$10.)

PSS, how can I get on one of those tiers?

First things first, get an HDTV. After that the rest will come naturally.

This is their PR strategy? Hilarious! 'Cause we all know J6P can't wait to fork over $198.99 for a box set just to get the Phaser remote-control.

That is just one aspect of their PR strategy. (Other ad campaigns and free movie promotions have been mentioned.)

And if you find this "hilarious", I think you are seriously underestimating the number of Star Trek fans out there. Remember: The HD DVD and standard DVD sets for this are one and the same. EVERY SINGLE TREKKER who buys the new Season 1 is buying an HD DVD set. And Tosh is telling those folks -- if you go ahead and fork over the extra $200 for a player to actually watch this in HD, we'll give you this cool, "limited edition", "collectible", "authentic" Phaser remote.

If you think that isn't going to be tempting to A LOT of Star Trek fans... you haven't spent much time with Star Trek fans.


The phaser offer isn't intended for "J6P". It's intended for the millions of Trek fans out there, to help encourage the transition to HD DVD (which the combo set is already starting). For $330 (give or take), they get the Season 1 set, an HD DVD player, and a phaser. These are folks who pay $2000 for a 32" replica model:
http://masterreplicas.com//store/star_trek/star_trek/8643/

They'll pony up the $300+ for the player and disc set.

That is just one aspect of their PR strategy. (Other ad campaigns and free movie promotions have been mentioned.)

And if you find this "hilarious", I think you are seriously underestimating the number of Star Trek fans out there. Remember: The HD DVD and standard DVD sets for this are one and the same. EVERY SINGLE TREKKER who buys the new Season 1 is buying an HD DVD set. And Tosh is telling those folks -- if you go ahead and fork over the extra $200 for a player to actually watch this in HD, we'll give you this cool, "limited edition", "collectible", "authentic" Phaser remote.

If you think that isn't going to be tempting to A LOT of Star Trek fans... you haven't spent much time with Star Trek fans.


The phaser offer isn't intended for "J6P". It's intended for the millions of Trek fans out there, to help encourage the transition to HD DVD (which the combo set is already starting). For $330 (give or take), they get the Season 1 set, an HD DVD player, and a phaser. These are folks who pay $2000 for a 32" replica model:
http://masterreplicas.com//store/star_trek/star_trek/8643/

They'll pony up the $300+ for the player and disc set.

Imagine the shock on EVERYONES face... December 1st:

STAR TREK FANS PURCHASE 1,000,000 HD-DVD players -- Many given vouchers for Phaser remotes as supply has run out.

That would be hillarious. Star Trek win's the HDM war.

I know this is stupid, but man, I want that phaser remote!! I can't wait to see if (what) they will release for the Next Generation set. Good times! Pew!! Pew!!

I know this is stupid, but man, I want that phaser remote!! I can't wait to see if (what) they will release for the Next Generation set. Good times! Pew!! Pew!!

Oh Oh . . .

STTNG may not make it to HD. There is a problem. Though it was shot on 35mm film - it was edited on Beta-Cam - an NTSC format. Max resolution - 640x480. TOS was all 35mm film hence the HD release.

Oh Oh . . .

STTNG may not make it to HD. There is a problem. Though it was shot on 35mm film - it was edited on Beta-Cam - an NTSC format. Max resolution - 640x480. TOS was all 35mm film hence the HD release.

Could they go back to the original film and re-edit, or would that be crazy costly?

Could they go back to the original film and re-edit, or would that be crazy costly?

It would be crazy costly... but that doesn't mean they won't eventually do it. Once they run out of ways to repackage this show on standard def, you can bet they'll start investigating high def options.

Oh Oh . . .

STTNG may not make it to HD. There is a problem. Though it was shot on 35mm film - it was edited on Beta-Cam - an NTSC format. Max resolution - 640x480. TOS was all 35mm film hence the HD release.

Really? Booooo!! Heres hoping they can work some magic. I really enjoyed STTNG more than TOS.

And if you find this "hilarious", I think you are seriously underestimating the number of Star Trek fans out there. Remember: The HD DVD and standard DVD sets for this are one and the same. EVERY SINGLE TREKKER who buys the new Season 1 is buying an HD DVD set. And Tosh is telling those folks -- if you go ahead and fork over the extra $200 for a player to actually watch this in HD, we'll give you this cool, "limited edition", "collectible", "authentic" Phaser remote.

People are really under-estimating the power of this release. This is a "test" of using the exclusive combo format on select releases as a weapon to boost HD-DVD sales and adoption. If it proves successful, there will be more.. and more.. and more.

Star Trek was the smart choice. They know that regardless of the format, there is enough die hard fans willing to spend the money. It's less of a gamble for the studio when compared to "testing the waters" using a Blockbuster release such as Transformers. If it's successful, they will then go with the Blockbusters... thereby ending the war.

I would assume that ST fans are probably just as devoted if not more than House MD fans... House MD-S3 sold 176,002 copies last week.

Even if ST only sells 100,000 copies a week... that's a HUGE jump in HD-DVD popularity vs. BD -- especially with the current low sales volume. If 50% go on to buy a player, thats 50,000 more players sold a week.

Some may argue you can't compare House MD's DVD sales to ST HD-DVD sales.. but with the exclusivity of Combo... you can!

The only issue I see facing this whole "test" is that they really need to get this box set out with the DVDs. Consumers will not go to a HDM section looking for a SD-DVD. It needs to be WELL published that this is a DVD version too. If they don't do that... they might find it not very effective.

Do not . . .I repeat . . Do Not underestimate ST fans. They spend thousands of dollars to attend conventions and buy ST stuff. Some spend hundreds of dollars on costumes to get dressed up in. $350 to $400 can be a drop in the bucket to many of these fanatics . . .err I mean fans.:D

The phaser offer isn't intended for "J6P". It's intended for the millions of Trek fans out there, to help encourage the transition to HD DVD (which the combo set is already starting). For $330 (give or take), they get the Season 1 set, an HD DVD player, and a phaser. These are folks who pay $2000 for a 32" replica model:
http://masterreplicas.com//store/star_trek/star_trek/8643/

They'll pony up the $300+ for the player and disc set.

OMFG. SOLD OUT.

People are really under-estimating the power of this release. This is a "test" of using the exclusive combo format on select releases as a weapon to boost HD-DVD sales and adoption. If it proves successful, there will be more.. and more.. and more.

Well, though before we go jumping in the air with joy, two things have to happen for this to work:

1) Combos HAVE to replace SD DVD discs from here out. If Paramount does this, then that has to mean that Transformers should also be a combo.

2) PRICES HAVE TO COME DOWN. I love combos. I really do, and I've used them as intended. But if combos take over as I say in #1, they can't be $34.99. They have to come down to at least $24.99.

It's a fine line to walk.

If by affordable, you mean cheap, then I agree. My HD-A2 lacks a smooth FF function, no universal zoom, no 1080p, all audio in bitstream mode comes out as DTS through Optical out regardless the original codec. Shall I go on?