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

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#1 ·
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
 
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#28 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelHDDVD /forum/post/11532915


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




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

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.
 
#30 ·
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
 
#33 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Stewart /forum/post/11532983


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.
 
#36 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by PRO-630HD /forum/post/11533116


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?
 
#37 ·
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.)
 
#39 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by kkozma /forum/post/11533167


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
 
#40 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by kkozma /forum/post/11533167


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!
 
#42 ·
Source: Toshiba Press Release

Quote:
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 .

.

.

.

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.
 
#45 ·
Did anyone catch this piece of bold?

Quote:
"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.
 
#46 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by GMan4911 /forum/post/11533265


Source: Toshiba Press Release


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
 
#48 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by bpsmith14 /forum/post/11533723


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.



Well at least they filled the hole (price wise) between the Pioneer and the Denon
 
#49 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Stewart /forum/post/11533067


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.
 
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