I was listenign to the tv and couldn't believe it, but Walmart has FINALLY jumped behind HD DV it seems.The commercial mentions how reasonable the price of the HD DVDplayer is, and seems to be aimed towards the family.

Imo this is a definite plus for HD DVD.When Walmart hawks something, people usually listen.If the rumor of Kmart going HD DV exclusive is also true then Sears(Kmart owner)might also be shortly behind.With Walmart advertising HD DVD only,Kmart going HD DVD exclusive and possibly Sears eventually settling into the HD DVD camp,it'll be a pretty hard pill for the BRD commision to swallow.It might not do much inthe short run, but in the long run it has potential to do BRD some damage.These are big retailers folks and LOTS of people shop at them, likely including many potential new HD DVD adopters.

That's great news!

I think next step for HD-DVD camp is to make EVERY new title release in HD-DVD/DVD combo and sell at DVD price.

That is phenomenal news.

Next step, WB goes HD DVD exclusively!

While the BDA are consumed with PR reviews, HD DVD is winning the real war.

Someone should port the commercial over to Youtube so we can all see it.

Can anyone put this ad on You Tube for us to watch? Living in the UK I don't think I'll be able to see it, and yet it potentially affects us even here :)

That's great news!

I think next step for HD-DVD camp is to make EVERY new title release in HD-DVD/DVD combo and sell at DVD price.

That would *definitely* work for me. With the exception of The Jungle Book I have not bought a DVD in about 6 months. Partially because there was nothing worth owning (for me) for most of that time. But there is a reason I did not buy Transformers (on DVD, that is), and that is because it's likely one of those titles that I will eventually want in high-def. If they released it only on combo disc I would have most likely bought it.

That's great news!

I think next step for HD-DVD camp is to make EVERY new title release in HD-DVD/DVD combo and sell at DVD price.

You might have something there.:D

dang...do that for the high end titles like Transformers, Shrek 3, etc., and you'll make plenty of converts...

...and is it just me, or is anyone else kind of irked by the media seeming to push BR? Seems they forget Sony's track record with formats... :)

Press Release:
http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/5449.aspx

It says to go here tomorrow to see what the deals are:
http://www.walmart.com/secret

I browsed walmartfacs.com and walmartstores.com to see if I could find this ad. Back when I worked there, I remember being able to see the ads online, but couldn't find it this time around.

Edit: found the video player and the tv ads section, but it didnt' have this one in it.

What the poster neglected to say is that He/She was watching the "Young and the Restless" and saw the commercial. I's true. I saw it myself. And it's great to know that Walmart is definitely down with HD DVD now. Now! If only Warner could just swallow the red pill for their buddy Toshiba.

It looks like they're rolling out HD DVD/Blu-ray to more stores. I think every Wal-Mart in the metro area has them now. We finally have them in my local Wal-Mart, not just in one across town.

It looks like they're rolling out HD DVD/Blu-ray to more stores. I think every Wal-Mart in the metro area has them now. We finally have them in my local Wal-Mart, not just in one across town.

But the HD DVD players are $198. :p:D

Just saw the commercial. Go Wally!

Excellent. More exposure for HDDVD.

What the poster neglected to say is that He/She was watching the "Young and the Restless" and saw the commercial. I's true. I saw it myself. And it's great to know that Walmart is definitely down with HD DVD now. Now! If only Warner could just swallow the red pill for their buddy Toshiba.

A couple of questions for those that saw the commercial:

was this a Toshiba/HD DVD commercial that happens to mention that HD DVD players are now available at Walmart, or was it an actual Walmart commercial about HD DVD?

If it was a Walmart commercial, was it for HDM in general (both HD DVD and BD) or just for HD DVD?

IMO it would not be a big deal if it was a Toshiba commercial, but would be a much bigger deal if it was a Walmart commercial as that would mean Walmart is actively promoting (and not just selling) HD DVD, especially if the commercial was just for HD DVD and not HDM in general.

Thanks in advance for your responses

The one I saw was a Walmart commercial that talks about HD DVD. The woman is saying she was picking one up for a Christmas present. She talked about it being the best value, or something like that.

C'mon guys, where's the YouTube link? :D

Excellent, i like :)

Not a huge surprise---WM has been pushing to become a major player in the HDTV market for a while now, and obviously HD DVD is more price-friendly for their typical shopper than BD is. Still, glad they're getting behind it. It was starting to look for a while like they were going to sit the whole HDM battle out.

Please post YouTube link :)

That's great news!

I think next step for HD-DVD camp is to make EVERY new title release in HD-DVD/DVD combo and sell at DVD price.
So the studios will create a new product, with better quality, cost higher to produce, need more time for extras and web enhancements and sell it for the same price as DVD? I don't think so, but I can see releasing combos or twins only for few bucks more, that will cover the cost and make them more profit.

Will Walmart continue to sell both flavours of HDM software?

For everyone wanting to see the ads, read this:

The advertising campaign accompanying the new tagline includes 30-second TV spots “illustrating how saving money on the little things adds up and helps families live better.” The company said each ad will include a tag directing consumers to http://www.SaveMoneyLiveBetter.com (SaveMoneyLiveBetter.com), which features the new ads and customer testimonials on how they’ve saved by shopping at Wal-Mart and more.

One example of the strategy is a forthcoming TV spot that showcases a Toshiba HD DVD player, which a fictitious wife bought for her husband at “an incredible price, even for Wal-Mart.” Another ad notes that “Wal-Mart saves the average family $2,500 a year.” It then asks, “What will you do with your savings?”

So I assume tomorrow the site goes live, and we can all enjoy the new ads:D

Please post YouTube link :)

+1:)

Looks like Walmart is having a mini-black Friday sale according to that website. I assume thats why the HD-A2s for $198 have been held back until 11/2.

That is great news!

Looks like Walmart is having a mini-black Friday sale according to that website. I assume thats why the HD-A2s for $198 have been held back until 11/2.

Yeppers.

Is this sale only on Friday or for Saturday and Sunday as well?

Rob

Anyone know which networks were showing the ads? During which programs?

Someone, please post this.. I'd love to see it! :)

Wal-Mart HDA2 this Friday for $99.00......atleast thats what my Local Wal-Mart has told me!!!!!++++ a HP Laptop with HDDVD for $348.00 :)

What I want to know is, now that most Wal-Marts are 24 hour, are these deals starting at midnight on Thurs(well, Friday, technically), or will they be starting at some later time in the morning?

What I want to know is, now that most Wal-Marts are 24 hour, are these deals starting at midnight on Thurs(well, Friday, technically), or will they be starting at some later time in the morning?

Usually for stores open 24 hours what they will do is close for a couple hours during the night to get everything set up and then reopen and the sale begins. That's been my experience anyway.

Wal-Mart HDA2 this Friday for $99.00......atleast thats what my Local Wal-Mart has told me!!!!!++++ a HP Laptop with HDDVD for $348.00 :)
i think its an 'acer' laptop for $348.

What I want to know is, now that most Wal-Marts are 24 hour, are these deals starting at midnight on Thurs(well, Friday, technically), or will they be starting at some later time in the morning?

7AM on the 2nd.

"You know why I love Wal-Mart, because I am getting to do the impossible, I'm getting my husband a HD DVD player, a Toshiba. I mean movies look unbelievable on this thing and the price was incredable, even for Wal-Mart I was surprised. All I know is that christmas is going to be a very, very good day"

This is the commercial that was just shown during NBC's show "Phenomenom".
to my surprise, the Wal-Mart commercial was exclusively intended to bring attention to the player :eek:

Wal-Mart HDA2 this Friday for $99.00......atleast thats what my Local Wal-Mart has told me!!!!!++++ a HP Laptop with HDDVD for $348.00 :)

Absolutely no way in hell we see a laptop with a built in hd dvd drive for <$400 considering the cheapest ones out is $899.

What I want to know is, now that most Wal-Marts are 24 hour, are these deals starting at midnight on Thurs(well, Friday, technically), or will they be starting at some later time in the morning?

According to the walmart.com/secret page, it starts at 8 am. also the 348 laptop is mentioned on that page.

so lemme just ask the question.... which HD-DVD movie rebates would apply with this deal?

I'd guess the 5 Free Offer would apply, there's no real stipulation on the price.

According to the walmart.com/secret page, it starts at 8 am. also the 348 laptop is mentioned on that page.

You got a link for that secret page from walmart?

I tried www.walmart.com/secretpage , didn't work.

Thanks in advance!

Ron

http://holiday.ri-walmart.com/?section=secret&utm_source=Walmartcom&utm_medium=POV1&utm_content=secret1&utm_campaign=holiday&povid=cat14503-env15844-module117144-lLink1

Ok. I want to see this advertisement! Anyone DVR it that can YouTube it?

That's great news!

I think next step for HD-DVD camp is to make EVERY new title release in HD-DVD/DVD combo and sell at DVD price.

I've been thinking about this, and the two main gripes against combo discs have been price and the issues with them. Well, if they released them at the normal price of DVDs or just a couple bucks higher...that would be it.

But, why haven't they done it yet? The issues with the discs. But as we've seen here, MS and probably Toshiba is trying to figure out exactly is going on with these discs (with the MS send back program), then fixing those issues to ensure a solid release.

Maybe, they will do this in the future (like with the Star Trek combo discs, the first test launch). The hardcore Blu fans should cry when this happens, or just buy a $200 HD DVD player. :)

You got a link for that secret page from walmart?

I tried www.walmart.com/secretpage , didn't work.

Thanks in advance!

Ron

I see the laptop there for $348 but where does it say that it comes with a HD-DVD drive?

Ok. I want to see this advertisement! Anyone DVR it that can YouTube it?

Someone with computer skills can pull it off the last minute of this clip. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/1807539489_50bf261d30.jpg?v=0

If the Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD Player is going to be on sale for $99.00 on Friday during the secret sale then I want it! If that Acer has an HD-DVD drive that would be great but I doubt it. Today more ads should appear, "Shrek The Third", HD-DVD ad and a K-Mart HD ad are said to be coming. I would like to see the Wal-Mart ad the OP mentioned I think that is great!

Someone with computer skills can pull it off the last minute of this clip. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/1807539489_50bf261d30.jpg?v=0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcfpJDcmq5M

Page is up... HD-A2 $98 & change!

HD-A2 $98 & change!:eek::eek::eek:

Im going be there!

:eek: Forget the rumored $99 Chinese players for Wal-mart. They're offering $99 Toshiba players! :eek:

wow.....seriously. if this doesn't make hd dvd win, then nothing will. thank you thank you thank you format war. because of you we want from 500 to 99 players in less than 2 years. sony your next! do a buy a can of corn get 5 blu-ray deal!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcfpJDcmq5M
Edit: Whoops. A little late. Someone beat me to it already.

What the poster neglected to say is that He/She was watching the "Young and the Restless" and saw the commercial. I's true. I saw it myself. And it's great to know that Walmart is definitely down with HD DVD now. Now! If only Warner could just swallow the red pill for their buddy Toshiba.

I wasn't actually watching tv per se.I had the tv on and was listening to it in the backround(Today Show was on i believe), but when i heard "Walmart and HD DVD" mentioned in the same sentence, i snapped to attention rather quick.About 5 seconds after the commercial finished running, i was in this forum sharing what i had seen with everyone here.:)

It's also now available for viewing on highdefdigest (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/Wal-Mart/HD_DVD_Takes_Centerstage_at_Wal-Mart/1131), which has a whole article on it.

This commercial was on last night during Phenomenom and when I switched channels to Fox it was also on Resturant Nightmares. Seems like it's getting pretty good play. I loved how they really focused on the player at the beginning.

If they are able to sell a TON of these, it will be interesting to see what impression it makes on WB. If WB wants to drop a format, this may help them decide which one. But if they do drop Blu, I think that will cause a chain reaction sooner than expected. Just MHO of course :)
On the other hand, 300 made A LOT of $$$$ on Blu as will several other up coming hits. Why would they walk away from that much money?

I'd like to see the factual news item or press release that stated 300 made "A LOT of $$$$" on Blu-ray. It sold quite a bit for HDM, but sales !=profit.

I'd like to see the factual news item or press release that stated 300 made "A LOT of $$$$" on Blu-ray. It sold quite a bit for HDM, but sales !=profit.

Can you define what you mean by "factual" news?
And how do you know when you see it that is IS factual? :confused:

i think its an 'acer' laptop for $348.
Although there are no details, it does say Celeron M, which makes it not that great of a deal, since CC and BB have been selling similar laptops lately for $350 to $400. And with the somewhat lower end Celeron, don't count on HD-DVD.

Can you define what you mean by "factual" news?
And how do you know when you see it that is IS factual? :confused:
Ok, point me to any news article that stated such and then we can try to determine its validity. I don't remember seeing anything from Warner stating they made a lot of money on Blu-ray 300.

Ok, point me to any news article that stated such and then we can try to determine its validity. I don't remember seeing anything from Warner stating they made a lot of money on Blu-ray 300.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/High-Def_Disc_Sales/Warner:_300_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD_Sales_Now_Top_400K_/1059

" with bluray outselling HDDVD 2:1" according to this article.

Like I said, sales !=profit. Revenue !=profit.

I'd like to see proof of their earnings on this title. I think all these claims of "Warner making a lot of money on Blu-ray 300" is just a bunch of 1+1=3 from people. If there is no proof available then it's a rather hollow claim.

Like I said, sales !=profit. Revenue !=profit.

I'd like to see proof of their earnings on this title. I think all these claims of "Warner making a lot of money on Blu-ray 300" is just a bunch of 1+1=3 from people. If there is no proof available then it's a rather hollow claim.

I was only looking at the total sold. I figured if Blu outsold HD 2:1, they made the bulk of their money on that format. Right logic?
I dont know what proof you need, or why! :confused:

I was only looking at the total sold. I figured if Blu outsold HD 2:1, they made the bulk of their money on that format. Right logic?
I dont know what proof you need, or why! :confused:

2 reasons that logic is flawed:

1. Warner has long claimed that they make "about the same amount" from each format. I've not seen them say that in a while, but I remember specifically that they said it right after the Departed came out and it sold on a similar ratio (favoring BD) to 300.

2. Warner made a MINIMUM of $5 MORE on each HD DVD of 300 than they did on the BDs of 300. The HD DVD was a Combo release, something that costs pennies more to produce than a regular HD DVD and then commands a retail price of $3 to $10 more than a regular HD DVD or BD.

That's why we need proof.

So, how many Wall-Marts are they in U.S.? If they sell 20-40 boxes per store how many would that make in total sales?
This is gonna be interesting :)

I have to say "Wow"...

If it's one of 5 special deals and they're doing tv advertising for it, they must have a good deal of inventory. I doubt they're only planning on selling a few units. This could be really huge! :D

So, how many Wall-Marts are they in U.S.? If they sell 20-40 boxes per store how many would that make in total sales?
This is gonna be interesting :)

Last number I saw was around 3900 counting regular Wal-Marts, supercenters, and Sams Clubs. So 40 per would get you 150k units. If they sell 40 units per store you can get they will get a bunch of A3s.

So, how many Wall-Marts are they in U.S.? If they sell 20-40 boxes per store how many would that make in total sales?
This is gonna be interesting :)

As of September 30, 2007, the Company had 1,016 Wal-Mart discount stores, 2,387 Supercenters, 586 Sam’s Clubs and 125 Neighborhood Markets in the United States, for a total of 4,114 units.

This is why the Transformers numbers were off and the numbers for 300 were off. Warner claimed 250,000 copies of 300 and NPD numbers said they sold 200,000. Paramount claimed 190,000 copies of Transformers and NPD said 115,000. Wal-Mart does not report to NPD so if they move 10 copies of a movie at each store that's over 40,000 units that were never reported.

I'm so excited about this sale because I know for fact it is going to bring two new HD DVD fans into my circle. One is a friend that does not even have an HDTV, but needs a new DVD player so he's going to Wally-World with me in the morning and we are both going to get one. After I nab the A2 I'll be giving my 360 AO to my brother-in-law, he has a 360 and has been eying the AO. Now he'll get one for free because that's how I roll.

This is how HD DVD is going to get an installed base of over 800,000 units by the end of 2007. I can't wait for 1Q 08; 800,000 players + Bee Movie + Beowulf + American Gangster = A Bunch of 17-year-old PS3 Blu-bois crying.

So, how many Wall-Marts are they in U.S.? If they sell 20-40 boxes per store how many would that make in total sales?
This is gonna be interesting :)

I do know that the number of Walmart's in the USA atm(and i say atm because new stores open almost every day)is supposed to be at 3400+ not including Sam's Club's.Even if only 75% of Walmart stores are going to have the HDA1's to sell, the number sold ought to be pretty impressive.I easily expect a sellout.

I think it is also a smart move to target the commercial at women.
They are ususally less likely to be informed about the stance of the format war or that there is even something like that when men would probably have second thoughts... :D

You also have to remember what is termed 'sold' means it might still be sitting on the shelf at the retailer, but not bought by the consumer I believe.

2 reasons that logic is flawed:

1. Warner has long claimed that they make "about the same amount" from each format. I've not seen them say that in a while, but I remember specifically that they said it right after the Departed came out and it sold on a similar ratio (favoring BD) to 300.

2. Warner made a MINIMUM of $5 MORE on each HD DVD of 300 than they did on the BDs of 300. The HD DVD was a Combo release, something that costs pennies more to produce than a regular HD DVD and then commands a retail price of $3 to $10 more than a regular HD DVD or BD.

That's why we need proof.

Yours points are well taken.
But if WB is selling more blu then HD of any given title, isnt that insentive enough to contine support? What am I missing? :confused:

I think it is also a smart move to target the commercial at women.
They are ususally less likely to be informed about the stance of the format war or that there is even something like that when men would probably have second thoughts... :D

They are also less likely to run out and buy a player then a man! :cool:

Between 5 and 6am I have the tv on to the local news while I get ready for work. That commercial played twice during that hour, something I didn't expect to see.

I do know that the number of Walmart's in the USA atm(and i say atm because new stores open almost every day)is supposed to be at 3400+ not including Sam's Club's.Even if only 75% of Walmart stores are going to have the HDA1's to sell, the number sold ought to be pretty impressive.I easily expect a sellout.

As of Jan. 31, 2007, per their annual report,

http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/fetchFilingFrameset.aspx?dcn=0001193125-07-065603&Type=HTML

there were 1,075 Wal-Mart discount stores and 2,256 Supercenters. They add between 100 and 200 stores per year, so 3,400 is a pretty good estimate. If they each sold 30 HD DVD players, that's right around 100,000 gone in an hour or so. We'll see what the software attach rates are but this certainly a) moved a bunch of players and b) because it got a lot of press it greatly increased product awareness. The installed base just took a helluva a jump in the space of an hour.

As of Jan. 31, 2007, per their annual report,

http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/fetchFilingFrameset.aspx?dcn=0001193125-07-065603&Type=HTML

there were 1,075 Wal-Mart discount stores and 2,256 Supercenters. They add between 100 and 200 stores per year, so 3,400 is a pretty good estimate. If they each sold 30 HD DVD players, that's right around 100,000 gone in an hour or so. We'll see what the software attach rates are but this certainly a) moved a bunch of players and b) because it got a lot of press it greatly increased product awareness. The installed base just took a helluva a jump in the space of an hour.

I think 30 per store is overly optimistic. Many of those stores will only have 10 or fewer units and bring down the averages. We have a fairly big store here, in Kanata -- Kanata is a high-tech suburb of Ottawa -- and they only ever had one single high-def player -- the Philips. It's sitting in the back of the A/V enclosure, stuck in the farthest corner, discounted down to $500 (from the original $1K list price. They've sold a few PS3s, for sure, and I am not saying that this is indicative of the 3400 stores across the USA. That said, I think assuming that the installed base just grew by 100K or more is pie-in-the-sky.

As of 11/5, is the commercial still running or did it only air for the secret sale?

I think 30 per store is overly optimistic. Many of those stores will only have 10 or fewer units and bring down the averages. We have a fairly big store here, in Kanata -- Kanata is a high-tech suburb of Ottawa -- and they only ever had one single high-def player -- the Philips. It's sitting in the back of the A/V enclosure, stuck in the farthest corner, discounted down to $500 (from the original $1K list price. They've sold a few PS3s, for sure, and I am not saying that this is indicative of the 3400 stores across the USA. That said, I think assuming that the installed base just grew by 100K or more is pie-in-the-sky.

Actually this is incorrect. All the Wal-Marts here in Houston, Texas were supposed to get at least 40 units. Some stores in larger market areas got 50 to 60, and the SuperCenters all got 100 units. This was quite easily confirmed with a few phone calls that day, while trying to hunt a unit down.

Through the course of the day I only spoke to 1 Wal-Mart, waaay out on the edge of town, that had less than 40 units (it got 25).

Actually this is incorrect. All the Wal-Marts here in Houston, Texas were supposed to get at least 40 units. Some stores in larger market areas got 50 to 60, and the SuperCenters all got 100 units. This was quite easily confirmed with a few phone calls that day, while trying to hunt a unit down.

Through the course of the day I only spoke to 1 Wal-Mart, waaay out on the edge of town, that had less than 40 units (it got 25).

Like I mentioned, my experience is limited to a single WalMart -- in Canada, no less. If the 100K players is a solid estimate, then we should be seeing some movement in disc sales -- I know that if *I* got a $90 player, especially if there were $15/movie specials in store, then I would definitely grab 3-4 movies at the same time. Unfortunately we all know that WalMart numbers are, at best, estimated by Nielsen. That said, if I had bought a $90 player, I would probably also look for specials on Amazon.com. I have not seen this effect reflected in Amazon.com's rankings.

I'm also guessing that a few of those $99 players will end up on eBay in the next few days, so the effect on disc sales will probably be felt in the next two weeks.

Like I mentioned, my experience is limited to a single WalMart -- in Canada, no less. If the 100K players is a solid estimate, then we should be seeing some movement in disc sales -- I know that if *I* got a $90 player, especially if there were $15/movie specials in store, then I would definitely grab 3-4 movies at the same time. Unfortunately we all know that WalMart numbers are, at best, estimated by Nielsen. That said, if I had bought a $90 player, I would probably also look for specials on Amazon.com. I have not seen this effect reflected in Amazon.com's rankings.

I'm also guessing that a few of those $99 players will end up on eBay in the next few days, so the effect on disc sales will probably be felt in the next two weeks.

Was the sale available in Canada? I'm not sure your anecdote about only seeing 10 in your Canada Wal-Mart is even relevant considering other people who actually went to or called the Wal-Marts the day of the sale have said there were more (there were 60 at the store I went to). Furthermore, citing your experience with 10 units and then taking that number to the conclusion that 100K is pie-in-the-sky is quite a stretch, no?

Your reasoning that we should be seeing an increase in software sales if there were 100K is also flawed. Looking at ebay, I only see roughly 770 A2s being offered. Some of the units sold may be for additional bedrooms in the homes of early adopters and they woudn't be making additional software purcases the same day. Also, a lot of these units may be Christmas gifts. That being the case, I wouldn't expect to see a rise in software sales until Q1 2008 after they've been opened.

I think 30 per store is overly optimistic. Many of those stores will only have 10 or fewer units and bring down the averages. We have a fairly big store here, in Kanata -- Kanata is a high-tech suburb of Ottawa -- and they only ever had one single high-def player -- the Philips. It's sitting in the back of the A/V enclosure, stuck in the farthest corner, discounted down to $500 (from the original $1K list price. They've sold a few PS3s, for sure, and I am not saying that this is indicative of the 3400 stores across the USA. That said, I think assuming that the installed base just grew by 100K or more is pie-in-the-sky.

Virtually every piece of outstanding A2 stock in North America that was at a brick and mortar retail store just sold over the weekend due not only to the Wal Mart sale price but price matches and other sale prices at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.

Even my local Costco dropped the price down to $169 and was down to a handful of units when I was there on Sunday.

So, Wal Mart might have sold far under 100K units, but the total units sold at all retail stores over the weekend very well could have been pushing into 100K territory.

That's great news!

I think next step for HD-DVD camp is to make EVERY new title release in HD-DVD/DVD combo and sell at DVD price.
I can only agree (for I know it's wise!) if they re-release the titles in a short while (ala "The Departed," "Iwo Jima," etc.) as non-combo HD-DVDs. I personally do not want combos but I can see the importance to the format and the desirability for many people.

Can you define what you mean by "factual" news?
And how do you know when you see it that is IS factual? :confused:

...would that be factual as in the Dan Rather National Guard letter? (snicker) :rolleyes:

I have to say "Wow"...

If it's one of 5 special deals and they're doing tv advertising for it, they must have a good deal of inventory. I doubt they're only planning on selling a few units. This could be really huge! :D
I am visiting friends in a Florida suburban town with a small, non-super Wal Mart. I told my friend about Friday's "happening." He said that surely few here had bitten and if the local store had had any that they would probably still be there. We stopped by. The department manager said (standing by the new HD-DVD cardboard center-aisle display with a decent selection of films!) that they had had 30 units and had sold them in two hours on Friday morning. Around the corner in a small counter-display were a handful of Blu-Ray discs.
There were no machines of either format in the store-- the Blu-Rays had never been there and the HD-DVDs were gone!

My friend had no comment!

...would that be factual as in the Dan Rather National Guard letter? (snicker) :rolleyes:

I tend to believe Dan and the letter is more truthful than the subject of the letter.

I think 30 per store is overly optimistic. Many of those stores will only have 10 or fewer units and bring down the averages.The Secret page listed a minimum of 10 A2s per store for those stores that had them. ("Minimum of 10 per store where available")

The Secret page listed a minimum of 10 A2s per store for those stores that had them. ("Minimum of 10 per store where available")


There was also a thread that indicated that a lot of the stores had employees buying a number of the units. Who knows how many stores that "didn't get any" simply sold their allotment to the employees that put them aside the night before the sale.

There was also a thread that indicated that a lot of the stores had employees buying a number of the units. Who knows how many stores that "didn't get any" simply sold their allotment to the employees that put them aside the night before the sale.


I was told it is Wal-Mart Nation Wide Policy if an employee is caught doing this they will be fired....

So the employee has to be off the clock, to even shop at the store.

--David

1. No, the sale was definitely not available in Canada. It sucks being the 51st state, but with higher income and sales taxes, higher prices (despite a stronger dollar) and lack of BIG sales. But (as Peter Griffith would say) I digest.

2. The store had a single player. One, no zero. And out of 3,400 some stores, don't you think there will be some similar to the situation I described? It would be awfully cocky of you to think that every store in the U.S. was locked-and-loaded for this sale.

3. Even if I was buying a player as a Christmas present, I would still buy some movies to go along with it. At the very least, Transformers. I don't believe that that was one of the titles available at WalMart for $15, so perhaps we will, after all, see some of the pull-through sales reflected in the Nielsen numbers.

And, of course, yes, there will be even more of an effect in Q1'08.

P.S. And now some more anectdotal evidence from the Kanata WalMart. Last week they set up a high-def display outside of the A/V enclosure. It was a four-sided display with monitors on two sides. Three of the sides were Blu Ray and the other HD-DVD. The HD-DVD was facing toward the tire section, away from where most of the traffic would be. Well, this week that's changed -- HD-DVD is now facing the traffic coming from the main store entrance. It's still 3:1 in terms of shelf space, but at least HD-DVD is seen by the majority of the people. Also, they've got brochures to take home, and they are all HD-DVD (they even have some on the Blu Ray sides).

Was the sale available in Canada? I'm not sure your anecdote about only seeing 10 in your Canada Wal-Mart is even relevant considering other people who actually went to or called the Wal-Marts the day of the sale have said there were more (there were 60 at the store I went to). Furthermore, citing your experience with 10 units and then taking that number to the conclusion that 100K is pie-in-the-sky is quite a stretch, no?

Your reasoning that we should be seeing an increase in software sales if there were 100K is also flawed. Looking at ebay, I only see roughly 770 A2s being offered. Some of the units sold may be for additional bedrooms in the homes of early adopters and they woudn't be making additional software purcases the same day. Also, a lot of these units may be Christmas gifts. That being the case, I wouldn't expect to see a rise in software sales until Q1 2008 after they've been opened.

Yours points are well taken.
But if WB is selling more blu then HD of any given title, isnt that insentive enough to contine support? What am I missing? :confused:

As a percentage of their sales/profit from DVD sales, both are bordering on insignificance. When numbers are that low you have to look at trends. So, even if they are selling more on Blu Ray they have to look at all of the other numbers: increases in sales, hardware sales and, yes, attach rates. They are not looking nearly as much at exclusive releases as they are at the other figures. Release schedules can, and will be very fickle from week to week, month to month, quarter to quarter.

I think I agree with the majority when I say that it's too early for WB to make a decision. Q4 is *the* quarter where the majority of home entertainment money is made.

They are also less likely to run out and buy a player then a man! :cool:

I disagree...who do you think is going to be doing the majority of the christmas shopping this year? I think it's a very good move.

Wonder how many of those who has seen the ad actually are fetching an HD DVD player?

They are also less likely to run out and buy a player then a man! :cool:

Well, I'm not likely to buy a man myself. A woman, on the other hand, would be a different question. :p

Well, I'm not likely to buy a man myself. A woman, on the other hand, would be a different question. :p

LOL!! :D :D :D

I set myself up for that one :eek: