Wal-Mart Orders 2 million $299 HD DVD players

[zekrahminator]

At this point, it seems like the HD DVD vs. Blu-ray high-definition media war looks a lot like a game of chess. And right now, that game of chess is locked in a stalemate. In an effort to break the stalemate in favor of HD DVD, Wal-Mart has made a cunning move. They are attempting to make HD DVD the first affordable HD medium. They have placed an order for 2 million $299 USD HD DVD players. While a noble effort on Wal-Mart's part, we won't be seeing any of these players until at least late 2008. By then, Blu-ray may have come down in price enough to win the HD media war.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[wazzledoozle]

$300 is still way too much for a movie player.

 

[a111087]

blu-ray players are even more expensive

 

[kwchang007]

2008? hmmmm looks like blu ray has some catching up to do. myself, i wouldn't trust those players unless they are a name brand (i really don't like off brand stuff from wal mart)

 

[S^line]

I don't think I would like to buy my first HDDVD player from walmart. I mean it's walmart.

 

[erocker]

I am thinking and hoping that the PS3 will come down in price so that a broke bum like me will be able to pounce upon it, hogtie it with my HDMI cable and bring 'er home. Yeeehaawww! Seriously though, with PS3's chips moving to 65nm and other parts prices going down, and the fact that the public isn't neccessarily opening thier wallets to get one now, I can see PS3's prices being cut almost in half by this time next year. Then again prices for HD-DVD and Blue-Ray standalone players may be around 100 bucks by Christmas, then what? Well, by then hopefully the picture will be clearer (no pun intended) between the formats and an easier choice can hopefully be made. All in all though, all I really want is something to play high-def movies when I get my 108" ultrasuper LCD TV when I hit the lottery sometime this year. (fingers crossed)

 

[kakazza]

Might aswell just get a x360 HD-DVD drive ;p

 

[Wile E]

Might aswell just get a x360 HD-DVD drive ;p

But then you have to either buy a $300-$400 XBox 360, or a $"who knows how much" computer, just to use it.



I personally just scored a Samsung Blu-Ray player on FleaBay for $300. I think the prices are gonna start falling pretty rapidly this year.

 

[WarEagleAU]

Thats not a bad price and a smart move by Walmart. I have a PS3, but I Wouldnt mind an HD-DVD player either.

 

[ryboto]

was I imagining this, or didn't I already see HD DVD players for around $300?

 

[kakazza]

But then you have to either buy a $300-$400 XBox 360, or a $"who knows how much" computer, just to use it.

Yeah, will be hard for most people in here. I mean... we are all just sitting in Internet Cafes without really owning a PC, right?

But yes, would be a pita for some people. Either they don't have a silent PC, or no chance to connect their PC to a TV.

 

[Completely Bonkers]

I have to commend Walmart. It's a bold move. A 2 million units X $299 = $600 million dollar commitment. It's a lot of money to position strategically, and they deserve some credit. Bring this to Europe at EUR 200 and they'll have a lot of buyers. Great price. Let's hope the build quality is also up to scratch.

 

[D007]

lol dont buy a blue ray.. buy a ps3.. u get a great game counsel and a blue ray in one. a blue ray by it's self costs as much or more than a ps3 easily.. in all honesty that taken into consideration the ps3 is severly underpriced.. price cuts on the ps3? lol I don't think so..

 

[Wile E]

lol dont buy a blue ray.. buy a ps3.. u get a great game counsel and a blue ray in one. a blue ray by it's self costs as much or more than a ps3 easily.. in all honesty that taken into consideration the ps3 is severly underpriced.. price cuts on the ps3? lol I don't think so..

Don't know if you were referring to me, but I got the Blu-Ray for half the price of a PS3 on Ebay.

 

[Jimmy 2004]

Btw, Walmart is now denying these claims. The translation was always a little cloudy IMO.