Toshiba: Kmart to Carry HD DVD Exclusively
The Sears-owned retailer says the price is right.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2007) -- Toshiba says discount retailer Kmart has decided to exclusively carry Toshiba HD DVD players.
That's according to an article by Home Media Magazine.
Toshiba spokeswoman Jody Sally tells the publication that Kmart has decided to carry HD DVD instead of Blu-ray because of the lower price.
The Toshiba entry-level HD DVD player retails for $299, but is now available for $198 at several stores including Circuit City and Wal-Mart.
The lowest-price Blu-ray player retails for $499, although Sony will launch a $399 Play Station 3 next month; the PS3 has a Blu-ray player inside.
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DIRECTV Adds NHL Network HD
The satcaster says it now offers more than 75 HD channels.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2007) -- DIRECTV today added NHL Network HD to its high-def lineup.
The new channel, a simulcast of the standard-definition feed, will air 50 NHL regular season games in high-def as well as news and information programs about the league.
DIRECTV also added the standard-definition version of NHL Network today. Both the HD and SD versions are available on channel 215.
On Friday night, DIRECTV aired the NHL Network HD's broadcast of the Buffalo Sabres-Florida Panthers game as a sneak preview on channel 215.
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Disney Prez Blasts HD DVD Backers
Blu-ray supporter says rival format is prolonging the war.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2007) -- Bob Chapek, president of Disney Studios Home Entertainment, said yesterday that Blu-ray's victory in the high-def disc format war is "inevitable."
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Chapek blames supporters of Blu-ray's rival, HD DVD, for prolonging the format war. Disney is an exclusive backer of Blu-ray.
"Blu-ray's competition's attempts to sell less than the best will inevitably be trumped by what we stated from the very beginning: That the Blu-ray technology is not a half-step format that will sell consumers short, but rather it is a revolutionary technology that will change the way we view movies for the long term," Chapek said at a Blu-ray promotional event.
Chapek's remarks reflect the growing tension between the two sides as they enter what could be a critical holiday shopping season.
While Blu-ray discs have outsold HD DVD by a 2-1 margin this year, neither format has yet to generate significant sales of discs or players. Consumers have been turned off by the format war and high player prices.
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Will Warner Bros. Endorse Blu-ray?
Studio executive hints that dual-format policy may be changing.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2007) -- Warner Bros. has been neutral in the Blu-ray-HD DVD format war, releasing movies in both formats.
However, that policy may be changing, says a top Warner executive.
Dan Silverberg, Warner's vice president of High-Definition media, hinted Monday at a Blu-ray briefing for the media that the studio might soon endorse Blu-ray.
Warner is now the only major studio that releases movies in both format; two support HD DVD exclusively while four have endorsed Blu-ray.
But Home Media Magazine reports that Silverberg believes that Blu-ray may be winning the format war and, consequently, it may be time for the studio to pick one over the another.
“One thing that may be changing is our strategy,” he said. “When both formats launched and hardware prices were high, we made a decision to support both formats and let the consumer decide. But now that hardware pricing is affordable for both Blu-ray and HD DVD, it appears consumers no longer want to decide — so the notion of staying in two formats for the duration is something we are re-evaluating now that we are in the fourth quarter.”
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Blu-ray: The Price of Promotion
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 29, 2007) -- Do you do Blu?
Well, you might if the price was lower.
Several CE companies and studios that back Blu-ray yesterday launched a marketing campaign to increase awareness of the high-def disc format.
Using the tagline, "I do Blu," the campaign began last night with a commercial during the final game of baseball's World Series.
Featuring scenes from Spider-man and Harry Potter, the commercial shows a high-def set holding hands with a Blu-ray player via an electrical cord.
“Some people believe you can plug a DVD player into a high-def TV and that’s the best you can get,” Dan Silverberg, vice president of Warner Home Video, which supports Blu-ray and HD DVD. He said the campaign will "marry the concept of Blu-ray discs and TV.”
While I agree that Blu-ray supporters -- and backers of its rival, HD DVD -- need to improve their educational efforts, this promotion will fall on deaf ears unless Blu-ray manufacturers reduce the price of their players.
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Jupiter: Blu-ray-HD DVD War Is 'Futile'
The research group says most people will be loyal to the standard-def DVD.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 29, 2007) -- Jupiter Research says most Americans may not embrace either Blu-ray or HD DVD in the high-def disc format war.
However, despite what some analysts are saying, Jupiter says the war itself is not the overwhelming obstacle, Consumers may be content to use 'upconverting' DVD players to make their standard-def DVDs look better.
"The real competitor that both these formats face is not each other, but rather low cost DVD players with up-scaling capabilities that pass the ‘good enough’ test for most consumers," says Michael Gartenberg, Jupiter's vice president and the lead author of a new report on high-def discs.
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Note: DIRECTV has just added NBA TV HD on channel 601. More details later.
News
DIRECTV 'Sneaks' NHL Network HD
The satcaster says the channel is coming soon.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 29, 2007) -- DIRECTV on Friday aired a 'sneak peek' at the NHL Network HD, alerting subscribers that the channel is "coming soon."
The new channel, a simulcast of a standard-definition feed, will air 50 NHL regular season games in high-def as well as news and information programs about the league.
On Friday night, DIRECTV showed the NHL Network HD's broadcast of the Buffalo Sabres-Florida Panthers game on channel 215.
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Circuit City Sells $197 HD DVD Player
The retailer follows a similar price cut by Wal-Mart.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 28, 2007) -- CircuitCity, one of the nation's leading electronics retailers, is now selling the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player for $197.99.
The price cut follows a similar decision by Wal-Mart to offer the HD DVD player for $198 at selected stores.
The high-def DVD player normally retails for $299, although it can be found for as low as $227 at e-commerce sites.
HD DVD supporters are hopeful that the lower price will generate more sales as HD DVD battles the Blu-ray format in the high-def disc war.
Circuit City's decision to offer the Toshiba player for under $200 increases the pressure on Blu-ray manufacturers to lower their prices.
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Wal-Mart Sells $198 HD DVD Player
The retailer cuts the price this week.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 26, 2007) -- Wal-Mart has begun selling a Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player for $198 at selected stores.
That's according to Fortune Magazine's web site.
The high-def DVD player normally retails for $299, although it can be found for as low as $227 at e-commerce sites.
HD DVD supporters are hopeful that the lower price will generate more sales as HD DVD battles the Blu-ray format in the high-def disc war. The lowest price Blu-ray player (Sony) retails for $499, although most stores and web sites are carrying it for around $449 or less.
The web site reports that Wal-Mart says it believes that both HD DVD and Blu-ray players will be popular items this holiday season.
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HD DVD Can't 'Transform' Into Winner
Despite the HD DVD release of Transformers, Blu-ray still holds lead in overall disc sales.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 26, 2007) -- Blu-ray last week maintained its sales lead over HD DVD despite the HD DVD release of the box office smash Transformers.
That's according to a study from Home Media Magazine.
The publication's research arm found that Blu-ray disc sales held a 51-49 advantage over HD DVD for the week ending October 21.
Paramount announced earlier this week that Transformers sold 190,000 HD DVDs in the first week, giving the format's supporters hope that they would finally pass Blu-ray in overall sales for one week at least.
Blu-ray has enjoyed a near 2-1 advantage in sales for the first nine months of the year.
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DIRECTV Rolls Out Video on Demand
But the service does not include High-Definition programming at launch.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 26, 2007) -- DIRECTV has begun offering Broadband-based Video On Demand service to customers in Mountain Time Zones.
The service, which includes roughly 2,000 shows and movies from networks such as Discovery and CNN, will be available to all customers with HR20-700 HD DVRs by the end of the month, according to DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer.
However, Mercer told TVPredictions.com on Thursday night that the initial launch does not include any programming in High-Definition.
"There is no HD content yet but we're working on it and hope to roll it out soon," he said.
Called DIRECTV On Demand, the VOD service requires the HR20-700 HD DVR to be connected to a Broadband Internet line either through a home plug, a powerline device, wireless network or Category 5 cabling.
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Comcast: We Are the HDTV Leader
The cable operator says DIRECTV is just talking more about high-def.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 25, 2007) -- DIRECTV and EchoStar now have twice as many HDTV channels as Comcast, but the cable operator said today that it's the HD leader.
In a conference call today with financial analysts, Comcast President Steve Burke said more people get high-def service from Comcast than EchoStar and DIRECTV combined.
Burke did not offer statistics to support that claim. Comcast now has more than 24 million subscribers overall (HD and non-HD) while DIRECTV has more than 16 million customers and EchoStar has more than 13 million.
DIRECTV and EchoStar also say they now have more than 70 HD channels, compared to approximately 30 for Comcast. But Burke said that doesn't tell the whole story.
""We are clearly the high-def leader," Burke said. "If you look at our current product assortment there may be people who have more channels than we do, but no one has more high-def options."
Burke was referring to Comcast's HD On Demand lineup which offers nearly 200 hours of high-def programming.
"If you look at our high-def VOD on a given night you might have 200 movies if you are a subscriber to Comcast -- versus ten if you are a customer of a competitor. I think it is very important that we keep that high-def lead," he said.
Brian Roberts, Comcast's CEO, echoed Burke remarks, suggesting that DIRECTV is getting more attention for its high-def service because it's talking more about it.
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Samsung: Dual-Format HDTV Player In Dec.
The player will display Blu-ray and HD DVD.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 25, 2007) -- Samsung says it will launch its dual-format High-Definition disc player in mid-to-late December.
That's according to an article by Video Business.
The dual-format player, model BD-UP5000 will play both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, but is expected to cost more than $1,000.
The player is designed to appeal to high-def owners who are unsure about which format will win the Blu-ray-HD DVD war.
According to Video Business, Samsung said the dual-format player will be compliant with new Blu-ray hardware requirements, meaning it will offer the latest technologies such as picture-in-picture interactivity.
The first Blu-ray titles to offer the enhanced features are expected to be released next year and include National Treasure and The Chronicles of Narnia.
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Blu-ray Outselling HD DVD In Format War
But some analysts say Transformers could change the score.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 24, 2007) -- Blu-ray high-def DVDs outsold rival HD DVD by almost 2-1 in the first nine months of the year, according to Home Media Research.
The research arm of Home Media Magazine said 2.6 million Blu-ray discs were sold compared to 1.4 million HD DVDs.
Blu-ray, which is led by Sony, is thought to be enjoying a lead because of sales of the Play Station 3, which has a Blu-ray player inside.
But Reuters reports that some analysts believe last week's HD DVD release of the box office hit Transformers could transform the high-def disc format war. Paramount announced yesterday that 190,000 HD DVDs of the film were sold in the first week.
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Transformers' Bay: My Money Is On Blu-ray
Director overshadows Paramount's announcement that Transformers sold 100,000 HD DVD on the first day.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 23, 2007) -- Paramount says the new HD DVD of Transformers sold 100,000 copies on its first day and 190,000 in the first week.
The studio says that makes it the fastest selling HD DVD of of all time. (Transformers was released on October 16.)
Variety reports that Warner's 300 sold 250,000 copies in the first week, which will still make it the fastest selling high-disc of all time. (Warner releases films on both Blu-ray and HD DVD.)
However, the studio's announcement was somewhat overshadowed by another controversial statement from Transformers director Michael Bay regarding the format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray.
Bay said in August that he might not direct the Transformers sequel after hearing that Paramount would endorse HD DVD exclusively in the war. The director seemed to indicate that he favored Blu-ray.
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DIRECTV's New HD Channels: Better Picture?
Internet message boards are filled with claims that DIRECTV's new high-def lineup offers a better picture. But is that really true?
By Allison Moore
HD Diva
Washington, D.C. (October 22, 2007) -- DIRECTV recently added dozens of new High-Definitions channels, such as CNN HD, MGM HD and Smithsonian Channel HD.
Because the new channels are stored on a new satellite -- and delivered via the state-of-the-art MPEG 4 transmission system -- Internet message boards are overflowing with comments that the new channels offer a better picture than DIRECTV's old HD lineup, which consists of HBO, Showtime, HDNet and Discovery's HD Theater.
However, Phillip Swann, aka Swanni and president of TVPredictions.com, has just posted a video commentary saying that HD picture quality usually "lies in the eye of the beholder."
He adds that claims by cable and satellite operators that they offer the best high-def picture is "nonsense."
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How Verizon Is Blowing High-Definition TV
The telco defends its high-def lineup, but needs to look in the mirror.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 22, 2007) -- Verizon says its FiOS TV service will add a "significant amount" of High-Definition programming next spring.
That's according to an article in Multichannel News.
The telco has drawn fire recently from some subscribers for being tight-lipped about its upcoming HDTV plans -- and its decision not to add TBS HD for the 2007 Major League Baseball playoffs.
Verizon's FiOS now carries 19 national HDTV channels and the local high-def networks.
But Shawn Strickland, vice president of video solutions for Verizon, says the telco is moving to add a "significant amount of HD content" next spring.
However, Strickland was vague about whether that meant more high-def channels or perhaps VOD content in high-def.
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DIRECTV Raising Monthly Prices For HD
Customers will lose three channels until they pay $4.99 extra, says e-mail notice.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 18, 2007) -- DIRECTV has notified subscribers that they will lose three longtime HD channel favorites unless they pay an extra $4.99 a month starting December 15.
In an e-mail sent to customers this week, DIRECTV said HDNet, HDNet Movies and Universal HD will be moved to a new programming package called "DIRECTV HD Extra Pack."
The three channels have been available for years as part of the satcaster's basic $10 a month HD package,
However, on December 15, the HD Extra Pack, which will also include three recent channel additions (Smithsonian HD, MGM HD and MHD), will cost an extra $4.99 a month.
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HD DVD Players For Under $200?
Internet rumors fly after a Wal-Mart employee posts evidence of $199 player for the holidays.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 18, 2007) -- An HD DVD player could be available for the new low price of $199 this holiday season.
Internet message boards are buzzing with the possibility after a Wal-Mart employee posted an upcoming store notice about a $199 Toshiba HD DVD player.
The price has not been confirmed by Wal-Mart or Toshiba, but the drop would not be surprising. Toshiba's entry-level player is now $299, but industry analysts have forecast that a sub-$200 player is likely for the holidays.
Additionally, Blu-ray manufacturers are expected to lower the price on its players. Sony's Blu-ray player is now the lowest with a suggested retail price of $499.
However, Sony announced today that it will launch a new Play Station 3 for $399 on November 2. The PS3 has a Blu-ray player inside.
Lower prices for both Blu-ray and HD DVD are expected as supporters of the two high-def disc formats battle it out during the holiday season.
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Sony today said it will launch a $399 Play Station which will include a Blu-ray player inside.
The $399 player will be launched on November 2, in time for the holiday shopping season.
At $399, the new 40GB PS3 will be the lowest price Blu-ray player on the market. Sony's lowest-price standalone Blu-ray player now has a suggested retail price of $499.
Sony is hoping the lower-cost PS3 will boost sales of the game console which have lagged behind rivals Microsoft's XBox 360 and Nintendo's Wii.
But the company also hopes that a $399 PS3 will generate more interest in the Blu-ray high-def disc format.
Sony is the leading booster of Blu-ray which is competing with the Toshiba-backed HD DVD for the new high-def disc audience.
The $399 PS3 will come with a free Blu-ray disc of Spider-man 3.
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Review: Comcast's HD On Demand
Cable operators say VOD can compete with DIRECTV's expanded high-def lineup, but Swanni says that's a challenge.
By Allison Moore
HD Diva
Washington, D.C. (October 16, 2007) -- DIRECTV and EchoStar have recently expanded their HD lineups, offering twice as many national high-def channels than most cable operators.
But the cable operators, such as Comcast, say their HD On Demand service provides more high-def entertainment than satellite.
So can cable's HD On Demand keep high-def owners from jumping ship and signing up with the satellite companies?
Phillip Swann, aka Swanni and president of TVPredictions.com, has just posted a video review of Comcast's HD On Demand service.
He says the feature is intriguing, but frustrating because of a limited amount of programming.
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DIRECTV: What's Next For HD?
The satcaster doesn't have many channels left to add.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 17, 2007) -- DIRECTV has dramatically expanded its High-Definition lineup in the last three weeks, going from nine to 47 national HD channels.
The satcaster says it now offers more than 70 HD channels, if you could include regional sports networks and PPV channels.
However, the explosion of channels has left many high-def viewers still wanting more. In Internet message boards, including the TV Predictions Readers Forum, DIRECTV viewers are busily speculating over what the satcaster might do next.
Well, the bottom line is that DIRECTV doesn't have much left to do. At least for now.
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DIRECTV HD: Not Everything Is HD
Some channels are stretching the definition of High-Definition, says Swanni.
By Allison Moore
HD Diva
Washington, D.C. (October 16, 2007) -- DIRECTV recently expanded its High-Definition lineup from nine to 47 national channels.
In addition, the satcaster says it now offers more than 70 high-def channels in total when you include regional sports channels and Pay Per View.
Phillip Swann, aka Swanni and president of TVPredictions.com, has just posted a video commentary on DIRECTV's new HD lineup.
He explains that although the DIRECTV high-def viewer has more to choose from, not everything that's called HD is actually HD.
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Comcast Raising Monthly Rates
The cable operator notifies several markets of rate increase; high-def services cited.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 16, 2007) -- Comcast apparently will soon raise its monthly programming rates, in part due to added High-Definition services, according to newspaper reports.
The cable operator last implemented a monthly rate increase in January.
However, newspapers today in the states of Washington, Pennsylvania and Virginia are reporting that Comcast subscribers have been told their monthly bills will go up in November.
The rate increase ranges from 4.2 percent in the state of Washington to 7.5 percent in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, according to reports by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Lancaster Intelligencer Journal.
In Seattle, a Comcast spokesman says the rate increase is necessary because the cable operator spent $200 million on a new network and facilities.
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Disney: 2 Blu-ray Movies For One
The offer comes as Paramount releases Transformers on HD DVD.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (October 16, 2007) -- Disney is now offering a 'Buy One Blu-ray Disc, Get One Free' offer at Amazon.com and some retailers.
At Amazon.com, the offer includes 39 movies including such hits as the first two Pirates of the Caribbean films, The Prestige, The Wild and Pearl Harbor.
The web site lists most films at the price of $24.45, meaning you can get two movies for that price. After choosing the first film, you then are given a choice of the 39 movies for your second film, which is free.
Amazon says the offer is for a limited time, but it surfaces as Paramount releases the much-anticipated HD DVD edition of Transformers.
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