Talk about leaps of faith. We all know that Blockbuster has chosen to support Blu-ray over HD DVD, but how, exactly, is that affecting sales? Well, according to one guy who works at an “unnamed” retailer, Toshiba should throw in the towel now because HD DVD sales have all but died. Interesting theory. Apparently, this one guy who works at an “unnamed” retailer says that customers have been canceling their orders for HD DVD players ever since the Blockbuster announcement, specifically citing the rental chain’s decision to only support Blu-ray as the reason.
So one guy’s word translates to a “major impact” on HD DVD sales. Makes sense to me.
Now, I’m not saying that Blockbuster’s decision has not or will not affect HD DVD sales, but doesn’t it seem kinda strange to claim that the sky is falling because one guy who works at one “unnamed” retailer noticed a drop in sales? Maybe I’m naïve, I don’t know.
Blockbuster’s Blu-ray Endorsement Having Major Impact on HD DVD Player Sales [Gizmodo]
the whole thing is silly… all it means is that some PS3 fanboys also rent DVDs… PS3 has a built-in blueray player and blockbuster rents games… people who rent games at blockbuster prefer blueray.
doh!
interesting theory here that sony might have paid a promotional fee to get blockbuster to make this decision:
http://www.dvddossier.com/2007/06/blu_ray_blockbu.html
They found out which retailer it is this guy works for.
Sony Style… :-D
Perhaps Toshiba should pump a ton of promotional money to amazon and netflix for HD-DVD (and get Microsoft to kick in a little on the side as well).
Personally, if i owned a PS3, I would want Blue-Ray to win too. I would not be above making up rumours to put some fear-mongering out there to detract away from HD-DVD
This is a sony inspired rumor. I can not give it credit since it names no source and Amazon HD players sell are still strong. Sure a few might flinch at the news but it is really only a propaganda victory, no different from all of other “The War is over” Sony declarations.
What all the Sony fanboy orgasms over BBV fail to mention is BBV still supporting HD in the store that already have it and online. BBV didn’t feel confident enough to put BD in every store. they even admit they will add more hd as it is demanded .
Also several Canadian Rental stores including BBV, rent more HD than BD and criticize BBV America for a rash decision in market that has not decided.
HD BBV renters have complained for months of a lack of support. Waiting time of weeks and months and little stock on hand in the stores to exchange it with. Some were willing to put up with it until BBV got their act together, for some BBV announcement was the last straw and will switch to netflix. BBV may have made an error in judgment directly insulting 30% of their high def market.
Since other Rental places have different results either BBV screwed up their own bubble blind test (not unlikely given the HD renter complainants) or they have more gamers renting from them. Still it’s not even 2% rental market yet.
BLUE RAY DISC’S ARE SUFFERING FROM DISC ROT!!!
SEE the story below –
June 21st, 2007 by Robert
In Sections: Disk Media, High Definition
Now here is the bad news for Blu-ray, engadget is reporting about a potential problem with the disc media that is being described as disc rot.
Basically mould-like spots have formed and made several owner’s Blu-ray discs unplayable this could be a big problem for Sony’s Blu-ray format.
Many people are claiming they are discovering spots which can’t be rubbed off on Blu-ray discs, we are not sure how widespread this problem is but it leaves you wondering how much damage this could cause the Blu-ray name.