Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player only $179.99 starting August 1st

YEAH, I know -- Some places like CostCo and Sam's Club have had it clearances at one point (for less than $100), or sell it always at a price very similiar anyway. And I've had mine since last November, so I could care less. BUT, here's the article/story, anyway:




HD DVD Player Gets a Price Cut
by Matt Gibbs

Today at Comic-Con International 2007, Microsoft announced it will lower the price of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player from $199 to $179 ERP starting August 1, 2007, and will add five free HD DVD movies for anyone purchasing an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player between August 1 and September 30. In addition, Microsoft further solidified the Xbox 360 as the ultimate high-definition (HD) entertainment platform, with key announcements around the HD DVD launches of 300 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and Heroes: Season 1 from Universal Studios.

To promote the HD DVD versions of 300 and Heroes: Season 1, Microsoft unveiled exclusive content for Xbox Live Marketplace. Xbox Live will offer 300 on demand in HD starting Aug. 14, and is working with Warner Bros. at Comic-Con on a Bringing It Home campaign featuring 300 and other Warner Bros. properties. In advance of the street date for the Heroes: Season 1 HD DVD boxed set, Xbox Live members will be able to download for free the show's pilot episode in high definition for a limited time. Members will also be able to download trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials highlighting the Heroes: Season 1 boxed set on HD DVD.

Already the most affordable high-definition player available, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is the best solution for movie lovers seeking HD content in the highest possible resolution. The player's price reduction to $179 (U.S. ERP) continues to set the bar for value, making the Xbox 360 platform the most affordable solution for consumers seeking the broadest, most compelling selection of next-generation gaming and HD video experiences.

"With the price reduction to $179, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player continues to be the most affordable way to enjoy high definition," said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "From the beginning, we set out to offer Xbox 360 owners an unrivaled high-definition experience, with a choice of optical discs on the HD DVD format and digital downloads through Xbox Live Marketplace -- both of which have a selection of the best content Hollywood has to offer. Today's announcements around 300 and Heroes: Season 1 are great examples of how we believe HD content can be offered to consumers."

In addition to the price drop, Microsoft is extending Toshiba's highly successful Perfect Offer of five free HD DVD discs to Xbox 360 consumers. Previously exclusive to Toshiba HD DVD Players, with the purchase of an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player at the new low price of $179 ERP, consumers can choose five HD DVD titles for free from a selection of 15 popular titles through a mail-in offer. With a retail value of over $140 (U.S.), this promotion makes the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player one of the most compelling offerings for consumers looking to make the leap into HD this holiday season.

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That's not always true. The few exceptions are Costco, Sam's Club, and Fry's.

But unfortunately for me, we don't have Costco or Fry's here.

And yeah, with the five free titles it's a steal. I forgot to mention that in the thread title. I wonder if the five free titles will be a mail-in thing that'll take forever? Then again, I don't really care since I've already got my HD-DVD drive.