Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft's Shane Kim: 'Still enjoyment to be had' from 360 HD DVD drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-shane-kim-still-enjoyment-to-be-had-from-360-hd-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-shane-kim-still-enjoyment-to-be-had-from-360-hd-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-shane-kim-still-enjoyment-to-be-had-from-360-hd-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Owners of the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on shouldn't go trading them in for $50 just yet. According to Microsoft Game Studios Corporate Vice President "there is still enjoyment to be had" from that defunct piece of entertainment technology.

As part of a Q&A with GameDaily, Kim talked up the features of the outdated add-on, including a library of over 500 HD DVD movies (and growing not growing) available at clearance prices (because they're being cleared out). The drive also lets you have a movie and a game disc in the system at the same time, meaning you can switch from Halo 3 directly to watching August Rush without having to get up! Finally, the HD DVD drive adds two extra USB ports to your 360, meaning you can charge your DualShock 3s that much more easily! Yes, the HD DVD drive is truly a bargain, even without new content. Get yours today!

JoystiqMicrosoft's Shane Kim: 'Still enjoyment to be had' from 360 HD DVD drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-ondriveHD DVDHdDvdmicrosoftmoviesshane-KimspinusefulXbox-360Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just for laughs: Xbox HD DVD player gets update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/just-for-laughs-xbox-hd-dvd-player-gets-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/just-for-laughs-xbox-hd-dvd-player-gets-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/just-for-laughs-xbox-hd-dvd-player-gets-update/#commentsFiled under: ,


Major Nelson has informed the populace that the next time one of the surviving members of the defeated HD DVD army watch a movie they'll be prompted with an auto update. No, the update will not magically convert the dead format into a Blu-ray player, sorry.

Instead, the update will add "compatibility improvements with certain titles" and "additional support for network features." Xbox 360 owners without Live can download the update through Xbox.com later this week.

JoystiqJust for laughs: Xbox HD DVD player gets update originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>failurehd-dvdhddvdsick-joketragedyXbox-360Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy giving $50 gift cards to HD DVD adopters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/best-buy-giving-50-gift-cards-to-hd-dvd-adopters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/best-buy-giving-50-gift-cards-to-hd-dvd-adopters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/best-buy-giving-50-gift-cards-to-hd-dvd-adopters/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mega-chain Best Buy is sending $50 gift cards to customers who bought HD DVD players or attachments from its US stores prior to Feb. 23 (coincidentally, for our readership, the date Microsoft declared the format dead to the company). CNN reports most customers won't have to do a thing to receive the card as they'll be identified through the Reward Zone program, service plans or online purchases. If you're a customer who won't be identified in this manner, just grab a receipt (you do keep those, right?) or provide your credit card info to the company for proof of purchase. Gift cards will be sent out by May 1.

Circuit City provided a similar deal earlier this month to recent HD DVD adopters by allowing them to return the product if it had been purchased within 90 days. Both Best Buy and Circuit City's online trade-in programs (run by the same company) will allow you to unload your player beginning March 21. Before anyone thinks they're being witty, only HD DVD players can be returned for store credit, you're not getting $50 per movie disc purchased. Although this format war was in no way these retailer's fault, it's very nice to see them taking care of customers left out in the cold.

JoystiqBest Buy giving $50 gift cards to HD DVD adopters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attachmentbest buyBestBuycircuit citycircuit-citycircuitcityhd dvdhddvdmicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba reportedly set to lose nearly $1 billion in wake of HD-DVD format death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/toshiba-reportedly-set-to-lose-nearly-1-billion-in-wake-of-hd-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/toshiba-reportedly-set-to-lose-nearly-1-billion-in-wake-of-hd-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/toshiba-reportedly-set-to-lose-nearly-1-billion-in-wake-of-hd-d/#commentsFiled under:

In order to truly enter a format war, one must possess a number of things. The first, of course, is a viable format, unique from all others currently on the market. The second is the persistence to constantly push your format on as many film companies and consumer electronics producers as you possibly can, to ensure your victory. Finally, should said victory never come, you must possess a strong stomach and a wide wallet -- as losing a format war is a costly and heartbreaking endeavor.

According to the Nikkea Business Daily, Toshiba is learning this lesson to the tune of a ¥100 billion loss in revenue this year (to grasp the magnitude of this loss, here it is in numeric form: ¥100,000,000,000) or roughly $986 million in U.S. cash. We usually leave the economic speculation to the experts, but we're pretty sure that's a large sum of money that Toshiba would rather not part with. But as they say, in order to make an omelet, you've got to break a few eggs; though sometimes, you have to break 100 billion eggs, only to find that nobody wants to eat your omelet. Okay, nobody says that.

JoystiqToshiba reportedly set to lose nearly $1 billion in wake of HD-DVD format death originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100billionblu-raydvdformatformatwarhd-dvdhddvdps3toshibaSun, 16 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: the final edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-final-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-final-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-final-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is the curtain call, there is no more to see. Wipe the tears from your cheek fellow fanboys, for this will be final installment of This Week in HD DVD.

Toshiba and Microsoft no longer support the HD DVD format, so we'd feel guilty and a bit dirty to continue our own support of a format that deserves to simply rest in peace. You will be missed HD DVD. That's a fact. You were strong and wise, but you were unable to gather support by the masses and as a result, you passed at a young age. This is it, the final curtain call. Goodbye HD DVD and goodbye to This Week in HD DVD. We promised we wouldn't cry ...

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: the final edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hd-dvdMon, 25 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft unloading remaining HD DVD add-ons for $50]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/microsoft-unloading-remaining-hd-dvd-add-ons-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/microsoft-unloading-remaining-hd-dvd-add-ons-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/microsoft-unloading-remaining-hd-dvd-add-ons-for-50/#commentsFiled under: ,

Attention, people who collect obsolete technology -- here's the perfect chance to, um, add some obsolete technology to your collection! While Microsoft recently announced they're no longer producing HD DVD add-on drives for the Xbox 360, they are unloading their remaining supply at a bargain-basement price of $50, as a Microsoft spokesperson told Bloomberg.

Sure enough, online retailers from Circuit City to Best Buy to Buy.com are listing the defunct accessory for 25 percent of it's original price. At that price, the remaining stock could go fast. Then again, with the prospect of more HD-DVD discs looking less than good, maybe $50 is still too expensive to unload.

JoystiqMicrosoft unloading remaining HD DVD add-ons for $50 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onformat warsFormatWarshd dvdHD-DVDHdDvdmicrosoftperipheralxbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 360's HD DVD player to drop to $50]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rumor-360s-hd-dvd-player-to-drop-to-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rumor-360s-hd-dvd-player-to-drop-to-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rumor-360s-hd-dvd-player-to-drop-to-50/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to one of Ars Technica's insider moles, Microsoft will be either announcing or secretly informing retail stores that the Xbox 360 HD DVD player's new retail price is (drum roll) $50. Yup, $50. A drop of $80 from the recently announced price drop to $129. Ars Technica says that the new $50 price tag was to be revealed yesterday the 21st, but so far we haven't heard anything from Microsoft regarding any price cut. We also searched a few major online retailers for a magic $50 price tag, but were unsuccessful. We'll just have to wait and see what becomes of the 360's HD DVD player as we expect its price to drop significantly as it dies a slow, tortuous death. The same death that the entire HD DVD format has been experiencing. But on the brighter side of things, we hear the 360's HD DVD player makes a fantastic door stop, so be sure to keep that in mind.

[Thanks, jmurzzy911]

JoystiqRumor: 360's HD DVD player to drop to $50 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhd-dvd-playerhddvdrumorxbox-360Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: HD DVD has officially died an official death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/its-official-hd-dvd-has-officially-died-an-official-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/its-official-hd-dvd-has-officially-died-an-official-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/its-official-hd-dvd-has-officially-died-an-official-death/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We were pretty certain when we first heard the rumors, and we were even more certain when other sources said an official announcement was coming. Now that the official announcement from Toshiba has officially happened, we're officially 100% sure that HD DVD is officially dead. Official!

Well, maybe we should scale that back a little. Although lead company Toshiba has said they'll no longer make HD DVD players, they are reportedly stocking up on recordable HD DVD media for those who want to make their own discs (remember: BetaMax lasted for years as a professional recording format for broadcast outlets). And there's nothing preventing entertainment companies from continuing to put out HD DVDs if they want to. We don't know why they'd want to but hey. if people are still making Sega Genesis games, anything is possible.

JoystiqIt's official: HD DVD has officially died an official death originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayconsole warsConsoleWarsdeadformat warsFormatWarsHD DVDHdDvdPS3toshibaXbox-360Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: depressing edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/this-week-in-hd-dvd-depressing-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/this-week-in-hd-dvd-depressing-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/this-week-in-hd-dvd-depressing-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

We don't think you need anymore reminding that HD DVD is getting its bum whooped lately. Heck, just take a look at our HD DVD tag and you'll see a solid dozen stories reporting about its eventual downfall. So, we guess our general negative feelings and bummy attitude is warranted. We're depressed about this HD DVD stuff and depressed that our This Week in HD DVD column may be coming to an untimely end. That's it then. No golden foil from us. Here are your HD DVD releases for this week. If anyone still cares.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: depressing edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hd-dvdMon, 18 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft on HD DVD: No announcements right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/microsoft-on-hd-dvd-no-announcements-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/microsoft-on-hd-dvd-no-announcements-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/microsoft-on-hd-dvd-no-announcements-right-now/#commentsFiled under:


Just two days after Blu-ray apparently won the HD video battle, Microsoft has chimed in on the eulogizing. Unsurprisingly, the company doesn't view being on the losing side of the fight as particularly damaging to their platform, saying, "We do not believe the recent reports about HD DVD will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace. As we've long stated, we believe it is games that sell consoles and Xbox 360 continues to have the largest next-gen games library with the most exclusives and best selling games in the industry."

The statement was silent on any other plans for the console's external HD DVD player, saying "We will wait until we hear from Toshiba before announcing any specific plans." So no, they're not ruling out an external Blu-ray player at the moment ... but don't expect them to interrupt the funeral to talk about it.

JoystiqMicrosoft on HD DVD: No announcements right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayhd-dvdhddvdmicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba responds to 'HD DVD is dead' rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/toshiba-responds-to-hd-dvd-is-dead-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/toshiba-responds-to-hd-dvd-is-dead-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/toshiba-responds-to-hd-dvd-is-dead-rumors/#commentsFiled under:

Let's be honest guys, it hasn't been the best week for team HD DVD. Retailers have been dropping support left and right, wild speculation has been running rampant across the internets and Engadget even put HD DVD on their "death watch" list. Ouch. Rumors have even been swirling that Toshiba will be announcing the death of HD DVD as early as sometime this week. But we're guessing Toshiba isn't ready to pull the plug yet as earlier this morning they put out a statement regarding that rumor saying that "the media reported that Toshiba will discontinue its HD DVD business" but "Toshiba has not made any announcement concerning this." They go on to say that "although Toshiba is currently assessing its business strategies, no decision has been made at this moment." Toshiba also confirmed that Toshiba likes to refer to itself in third person.

So, there you have it. Toshiba isn't throwing in the towel just yet or they simply aren't ready to announce that they will be throwing in the towel. Still no answers and all bad news for HD DVD ... humph.

JoystiqToshiba responds to 'HD DVD is dead' rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdtoshibaMon, 18 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wal-Mart goes 'exclusively' Blu-ray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under:


Wal-Mart declared today that it will "exclusively" back Blu-ray in the high-definition movie format war. We know there's a lot of emotions about this issue still out there, but when Netflix, Blockbuster, Best Buy, almost all of the major movie studios and WAL-MART go Blu-ray, can we finally say this is the end for HD DVD? Wal-Mart stated that "in less than 30 days" customers will see the alpha-dog of retailers go predominantly Blu-ray.

Wal-Mart's release to Joystiq also states that the company is moving "exclusively toward Blu-ray ... players." We've requested clarification as to whether this means they will no longer carry the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on player. We'll update when we get a response. What we can say is that the 10 Wal-Mart stores we did call either had no idea there was an HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 or said they haven't had them for a while.

JoystiqWal-Mart goes 'exclusively' Blu-ray originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhd-dvdhddvdsonywal-martwalmartFri, 15 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Toshiba gearing up to drop HD DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-toshiba-gearing-up-to-drop-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-toshiba-gearing-up-to-drop-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-toshiba-gearing-up-to-drop-hd-dvd/#commentsFiled under:


Our friends at Engadget stumbled upon information that seems to mark the final nail in the HD DVD coffin. Citing unnamed industry sources, The Hollywood Reporter says they've been told the dying format will be buried in the next coming weeks. Jodi Sally, vp of marketing for Toshiba America Consumer Products insists that nothing has been confirmed for the future of HD DVD saying, "based on its technological advancements, we continue to believe HD DVD is the best format for consumers, given the value and consistent quality inherent in our player offerings."

While nothing has been set in stone for the format Sally did offer a hint that Toshiba is considering the exodus of the HD format. "Given the market developments in the past month," she said, "Toshiba will continue to study the market impact and the value proposition for consumers, particularly in light of our recent price reductions on all HD DVD players."

After the recent announcements of studios, retailers and rental companies ditching the format is anyone really surprised that HD DVD will go the way of the Betamax?

[via Engadget]

JoystiqRumor: Toshiba gearing up to drop HD DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>format-warhd-dvdhddvdFri, 15 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick! 360 HD DVD player $90 with free King Kong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/quick-360-hd-dvd-player-90-with-free-king-kong/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/quick-360-hd-dvd-player-90-with-free-king-kong/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/quick-360-hd-dvd-player-90-with-free-king-kong/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, HD DVD might be knocking on Death's door, but that won't stop us from posting a good deal. 1saleaday.com (we haven't heard of them) is currently offering the Xbox 360 HD DVD player for $89.99. Not only that, but the deal includes a free HD DVD copy of King Kong as well. Unfortunately, that's about all we know. No where on the site does it mention if the item is in new condition, for example. Still, it's a hell of deal, especially when you throw in the 5 free HD DVDs deal on top of the $90 price. If you're interested, you've got about ten hours to make the purchase as of this posting.

[Thanks, william buckley]

JoystiqQuick! 360 HD DVD player $90 with free King Kong originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360-hd-dvd-playerhd-dvdhd-dvd-playerhddvdxbox-hd-dvd-playerWed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix, Best Buy boosting Blu-ray; HD DVD responds [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/netflix-best-buy-boosting-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/netflix-best-buy-boosting-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/netflix-best-buy-boosting-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Good evening internet faithful, Gossip Girl here, your only source into the scandalous lives of today's hottest format war. Top story on my home page? Turns out Reuter's saw Netflix proposing to Blu-ray today. Too bad for HD DVD, which was also on Netflix's play-list until today when it sent out an email explaining that the two were splitsville from here on in. Not only that, but Netflix cooed that by the end of the year all HD DVDs "will be changed to standard definition DVDs" on subscriber's queues. Meaning Netflix isn't just kicking HD DVD out, but burning all the memories in the bathtub too.

Netflix isn't the only company amorous about Blu-ray today. Best Buy also sent hugs and kisses in the form of an announcement that it would "recommend" Blu-ray from now on. Although the retail chain isn't choosing a definitive side just yet, Best Buy will "prominently feature Blu-ray hardware and software beginning in March."

There's nothing Gossip Girl likes more than a good cat fight, but sadly this one is looking almost done. With HD DVD taking hit after hit, not to mention the recent clearance price-drop of the Xbox HD DVD player, it's getting tough to imagine dear sweet HD DVD can stage a comeback. Blu-ray is working its magic and those with the power to decide the format war are following.

Update: Peep this sorry response from the HD DVD camp: "We have long held the belief that HD DVD is the best format for consumers based on quality and value, and with more than 1 million HD DVD players on the market, it's unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward. While the Best Buy announcement says they will recommend Blu-ray, at least they will continue to carry HD DVD and offer consumers a choice at retail." [Via Engadget]

Read: Netflix chooses Blu-ray.
Read: Best Buy to recommend Blu-ray.

[Thanks to all who sent us their Netflix letters!]

JoystiqNetflix, Best Buy boosting Blu-ray; HD DVD responds [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhd-dvdhddvdnetflixPS3Xbox-360Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[HD DVD drive $119.99, movies up to 50% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/hd-dvd-drive-119-99-movies-up-to-50-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/hd-dvd-drive-119-99-movies-up-to-50-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/hd-dvd-drive-119-99-movies-up-to-50-off/#commentsFiled under:


As if the HD DVD news couldn't get happier today! After Microsoft slashed the price of the HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 only days ago, Amazon has undercut the MSRP by a cool $10, offering the player for $119.99. The savings don't end there mind you as a slew of HD DVDs have been discounted to up to 50% off the regular retail price. Is this another sign that the high-def format war is winding to a close and Amazon is letting go of its inventory or are they trying to make room for that Blu-Ray add-on that we've heard Microsoft talk about?

JoystiqHD DVD drive $119.99, movies up to 50% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon-saleblu-raycheap-hd-dvd-drivecheap-hd-dvdshd-dvdhddvdMon, 11 Feb 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: amateurs gone wild edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/this-week-in-hd-dvd-amateurs-gone-wild-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/this-week-in-hd-dvd-amateurs-gone-wild-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/this-week-in-hd-dvd-amateurs-gone-wild-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

With news that Netflix will dropping the HD DVD format later this year, we've been bit bummed over at camp HD DVD today. So, in an effort to raise our spirits, we invited any upcoming HD DVD to join our new release party, laugh a bit, share a few stories and drink our sorrows away. But our plan backfired. Only two new HD DVDs RSVP'ed for this week's party leaving us to question where our HD DVD supporters have gone. Then we noticed that one of this week's new releases is none other than the girls from Girls Gone Wild and in full HD. But we soon realized that they were a yawn fest and had zero substance (we aren't that shallow), so now our plan is to go into hibernation until next week. Maybe then we'll be treated to a surprise HD DVD release party with some 30 attendees. A man can dream.
    HD DVD Movie Releases: February 12th
  • The Amateurs
  • Girls Gone Wild: Baby Bash - Live And Uncensored

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: amateurs gone wild edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hd-dvdMon, 11 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 HD DVD player price dropped to $130]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-price-dropped-to-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-price-dropped-to-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-price-dropped-to-130/#commentsFiled under: ,


Effective immediately, the Xbox 360 HD DVD player add-on is now priced at $130 in the US and Canada. Even better, early birds managed to nab the player for a steal this morning on Amazon (though the $80 offer is now sold out). Depending on your perspective, today's price-drop either signals that HD DVD isn't about to go down easy or that it's grasping at building a user base amidst major setbacks.

For the last half year Blu-ray has had some high-profile victories. Now, we're not choosing sides, just saying that those who haven't pledged their allegiance to an HD movie format may want to wait a little longer (but Blu-ray is totally the winner, right?).

JoystiqXbox 360 HD DVD player price dropped to $130 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-raybluraybreakingnewsHD-DVDhddvdXbox-360Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[360 HD DVD player dropped to $129.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/360-hd-dvd-player-dropped-to-129-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/360-hd-dvd-player-dropped-to-129-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/360-hd-dvd-player-dropped-to-129-99/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Well folks, the time is now. If you're planning on picking up an Xbox 360 HD DVD player, it's not going to get much better than this. Major Nelson just announced that the 360 HD DVD player's price has been officially reduced to $129.99. Combine that with the 5 free HD DVDs offer, and Microsoft is essentially giving away the player for free. In fact, Best Buy is already selling them for $119.99, making the deal even sweeter. Keep your eyes peeled fanboys, because there are likely to be similar price cuts and deals elsewhere. If you find any, let us know.

Joystiq360 HD DVD player dropped to $129.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360-hd-dvd-player360-hddvd-playerhd-dvdhd-dvd-playerhddvdxbox-360-hd-dvd-playerxbox-360-hddvd-playerWed, 06 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: millionaire edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/this-week-in-hd-dvd-millionaire-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/this-week-in-hd-dvd-millionaire-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/this-week-in-hd-dvd-millionaire-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bringing an end to January's HD DVD releases are three new discs that aren't blockbusters, but are dandy in their own right. Nothing overly special really. Fear not though, because in the weeks to come we promise bigger blockbusters, more excitement and an HD DVD dunking tank as well. So, while we wait for the blockbusters to appear and the dunk tank to arrive we can all huddle around the television this Super Bowl Sunday to watch a 2.7 million dollar HD DVD commercial. It has a strong possibility of actually being entertaining and is guaranteed to put a hole in Toshiba's wallet. Either way, it's a win-win for everyone. Here are this week's HD DVD releases.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: millionaire edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hd-dvdMon, 28 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: our method edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/this-week-in-hd-dvd-our-method-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/this-week-in-hd-dvd-our-method-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/this-week-in-hd-dvd-our-method-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's HD DVD Monday and that means we're dishing out this week's new HD DVD releases all of which are now available in both low fat and sugar free versions. Though, we only have two new HD DVD releases available for consumption; Channels and Method Man: Live from the Sunset Strip. And if by chance those two titles don't get your salivators salivating, we have open bar and complimentary mini sausage hor'dourves from 7-9:00PM. Our research tells us that an intoxicated consumer is an HD DVD purchasing consumer. So, we're sure we'll be seeing you later on this evening and remember to bring your wallet.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: our method edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hd-dvdMon, 21 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: the ten edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-ten-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-ten-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-ten-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week we've got some rather bad news and other news that's either good or bad depending on how you want to take it. And first up, the bad news. We're sad to report that there's only one new release this week and, as you can see below, it's the movie The Ten. Yawn, yawn, yawn ... Moving right along, we also thought we'd share with you the good / bad news (depending on how you want to take it) that most HD DVD related goods are seeing a discount. In light of the recent pro Blu-ray news as of late, Toshiba has slashed the prices on their HD DVD players and discounted HD DVD movie titles. While we don't believe this discounting to be official, it's quite widespread and is happening all over.

Good or bad, that's the latest HD DVD news and this week's new movie release. Enjoy, be happy and eat some deliciously moist cheesecake. Because cheesecake rocks and makes us smile.
    HD DVD Movie Releases: January 15th
  • The Ten

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: the ten edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hd-dvdMon, 14 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't even trip, Financial Times -- Paramount is sticking with HD-DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/dont-even-trip-financial-times-paramount-is-sticking-with-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/dont-even-trip-financial-times-paramount-is-sticking-with-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/dont-even-trip-financial-times-paramount-is-sticking-with-h/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you just bought an HD-DVD player attachment for your Xbox 360, don't feel completely discouraged about the recent movements in the home entertainment industry. While it definitely seems as though Blu-ray has soundly won the format war, Viacom Inc. owned Paramount Studios recently issued a statement saying they would continue producing HD-DVD movies.

The statement was a correction to a recent Financial Times article saying that the company was following in the footsteps of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., and adopting Blu-ray as their sole HD format. Following a brief plunge in the stocks of Toshiba (the company most invested in HD-DVD technology), Paramount issued a statement pledging their allegiance to the format less blue. Looks like it's time to hunker down for the long haul, people -- it might be a while before the clear victor for the Battle of the Formats is decided.

JoystiqDon't even trip, Financial Times -- Paramount is sticking with HD-DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayformatHDhd-dvdhddvdtoshibaSun, 13 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Paramount to jump the HD DVD ship too? [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/rumor-paramount-to-jump-the-hd-dvd-ship-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/rumor-paramount-to-jump-the-hd-dvd-ship-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/rumor-paramount-to-jump-the-hd-dvd-ship-too/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update: Paramount released a statement today saying that their "current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format". Good news we say, although the the whole "current plan" wording doesn't put us at complete ease.

HD DVD is getting its metaphorical bum whipped lately and things do not look to be getting any brighter.

The Financial Times has cooked up the latest HD DVD versus Blu-ray rumor and are claiming that Paramount may be close to announcing that they're going Blu-ray exclusive and abandon their multi-million dollar partnership with the HD DVD camp. The rumor is based on sources close to Paramount's deal with Toshiba saying that there is a clause in the contract that allows Paramount to back Blu-ray in the event Warner Bros. goes blu. And wouldn't you know, last week Warner did just that. If Paramount were to jump to Blu-ray then Sony would have a massive choke hold on the HD format war further pushing their movie studio support higher than their current 70% rate. The other question mark in the equation is Dreamworks who are best buds with Paramount and are said to have a similar contract with Toshiba. Oh well, there's always Universal. They got HD DVD's back ... don't they?

[Via Gizmodo, Thanks DjDATZ]

JoystiqRumor: Paramount to jump the HD DVD ship too? [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydreamworkshd-dvdhddvdparamountsonywarnerTue, 08 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: it's the noise edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/this-week-in-hd-dvd-its-the-noise-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/this-week-in-hd-dvd-its-the-noise-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/this-week-in-hd-dvd-its-the-noise-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even though the HD DVD format was thrown a devastating blow this week (courtesy of our friends at Warner), we're moving forward with our head high and bringing you new HD DVD releases. No bad HD DVD news will stop us from publishing This Week in HD DVD. None! And it's a good thing too seeing that the director's cut of Zodiac and The Pianist release this week. Two movies we're sure most will enjoy. We do have one question though. Who thought it to be a good idea to make a sequel to White Noise? Really? We can smell a direct to HD DVD release from a mile away.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: it's the noise edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hd-dvdMon, 07 Jan 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[HD DVD group cancels pre-CES press conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/hd-dvd-group-cancels-pre-ces-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/hd-dvd-group-cancels-pre-ces-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/hd-dvd-group-cancels-pre-ces-press-conference/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the wake of the recent announcement of Warner Bros' new allegiance to the Blu-ray format (and, as result, sister company New Line Cinema's similarly adopted format loyalty), the HD DVD group has canceled their pre-Consumer Electronics Show press conference. We're not sure if the announcement will impact the HD DVD Promotion Group's booth at the show, though we imagine it will create an atmosphere for their visitors with a level of awkwardness similar to that of a nursing home.

In a mass email to CES attendees, a representative for the group said they are "currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps." If these "next steps" don't include lining the pockets of every remaining film publisher on the market to convince them your format's still viable, HD DVD could go the way of the Betamax with a quickness.

(Via PS3F)

JoystiqHD DVD group cancels pre-CES press conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayblurayCESHD DVDHdDvdWarnerBrosWBSat, 05 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner drops HD DVD, goes Blu-Ray only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/warner-drops-hd-dvd-goes-blu-ray-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/warner-drops-hd-dvd-goes-blu-ray-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/warner-drops-hd-dvd-goes-blu-ray-only/#commentsFiled under:


The question we find ourselves asking is "what does Michael Bay think?" Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced that the company will discontinue releasing its movies on HD DVD beginning in May of this year in favor of Blu-Ray exclusivity. The decision comes as Warner Bros. CEO Bary Meyer airs concerns that "The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger." In other words, if one format doesn't win out soon, a newer format could dominate them both. Digital downloads, perhaps? Maybe Michael Bay was right after all. Whatever your position in the format war (we're happy with our DVDs, thanks), this represents a big blow to HD DVD, and rumor has it that Warner Bros. received a hefty chunk of change in exchange for Blu-Ray exclusivity.

So, starting this summer, your 360 HD DVD player might be feeling a bit lonely (except for the fine films from Paramount and Dreamworks, of course). We're guessing you'll still be able to pick up Warner Bros. movies off of Video Marketplace though.

[Via EngadgetHD]

JoystiqWarner drops HD DVD, goes Blu-Ray only originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayhd-dvdhddvdwarner-broswarner-bros-entertainmentwarner-brotherswarner-brothers-entertainmentFri, 04 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gates to reveal HD DVD Xbox 360 at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/rumor-gates-to-reveal-hd-dvd-xbox-360-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/rumor-gates-to-reveal-hd-dvd-xbox-360-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/rumor-gates-to-reveal-hd-dvd-xbox-360-at-ces/#commentsFiled under: ,

This Sunday Bill Gates will walk across the CES 2008 stage one last time for his final keynote speech. And just like years before, Mr. Gates will be touching on hot technology topics, Windows news, Zune facts and possibly some Xbox 360 HD DVD details as well. Or so thinks the Seattle Times. They're speculating that Billy will go out with a bang at this year's CES revealing a partnership with Toshiba to release an "Ultimate" Xbox 360 that packs HD DVD and DVR functionality. Not only that, but they also think Microsoft will announce other 360 partnerships as well.

A new HD DVD enabled Xbox 360 would be pretty cool and would help defend against the Blu-ray takeover while at the same time proving that Michael Bay was correct all along. But our other half says we already have enough variety when it comes to Xbox 360 models and an Ultimate version would be kind of overkill. No matter what Billy talks about during the keynote all we really want is any Xbox 360 news that is more exciting than last year's IPTV functionality (of which hasn't come to fruition anyway). Can we at least get that much?

JoystiqRumor: Gates to reveal HD DVD Xbox 360 at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gatesceshddvdrumorxbox-360Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: time machine edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/31/this-week-in-hd-dvd-time-machine-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/31/this-week-in-hd-dvd-time-machine-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/31/this-week-in-hd-dvd-time-machine-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Funny thing happened last week with our whole "This Week in HD DVD" blog we do. Seriously, this is funny stuff. You see, we didn't actually do it. We forgot to because of all the holiday stuff and oopsy, it slipped our mind. A real gut buster isn't it? Anyway, this week there are absolutely zero HD DVD releases so what better way to right our wrong than to go back into our magical time machine and dig up last week's HD DVD releases. And wouldn't you know, we did just that. Below are last week's HD DVD releases from the 23rd and 28th. Funny, funny, ha, ha!

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: time machine edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hddvdMon, 31 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: We've Got Fury edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/this-week-in-hd-dvd-weve-got-fury-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/this-week-in-hd-dvd-weve-got-fury-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/this-week-in-hd-dvd-weve-got-fury-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just in time for the holidays is a handful of new HD DVD releases including super new releases Balls of Fury and Stardust. If you aren't into those then you could always plop down the big bucks on either Blade Runner Collector's Edition or even watch sunrises on Discovery Channel's American Sunrises. Still not sold on any new HD DVD purchases? Well, there is always R. Kelly live in concert and you can't tell us that you don't love the R. Kelly. Everyone loves the R. Kelly ... right?

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: We've Got Fury edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhd-dvd-releaseshddvdMon, 17 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Bourne Trilogy w/360 HD DVD player purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/free-bourne-trilogy-w-360-hd-dvd-player-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/free-bourne-trilogy-w-360-hd-dvd-player-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/free-bourne-trilogy-w-360-hd-dvd-player-purchase/#commentsFiled under:

Tomorrow, Amazon.com will be enticing Xbox 360 HD DVD player purchasers with Bourne ... Jason Bourne. In an email sent to customers about their "10 Days. Ten Deals" promotion, Amazon.com revealed that on December 18th they'll be giving away the entire Bourne Trilogy (a $49 value) with a 360 HD DVD player purchase. This offer stacks on top of the bundled King Kong HD DVD as well as The Perfect Offer giving you nine free HD DVDs with player purchase. Good deal, especially if you're all about the Damon, the Bourne or the HD DVD.

[Thanks, Dan Garcia]

JoystiqFree Bourne Trilogy w/360 HD DVD player purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealshd-dvdhddvdhddvd-playerxbox-360Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Add to your HD DVD library with BOGO offer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/add-to-your-hd-dvd-library-with-bogo-offer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/add-to-your-hd-dvd-library-with-bogo-offer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/add-to-your-hd-dvd-library-with-bogo-offer/#commentsFiled under:

The holidays are upon us and that means you need new HD entertainment for you, your friends and family. And what better way to add to your ever expanding HD DVD collection then with a buy one get one free offer? Right now, Amazon.com is offering an HD DVD offer where you can select two movies for the price of one. And with free shipping on orders over $25 too! The offer is limited to a select 52 HD DVD titles, but we're sure you can find two good ones out of the mix. Oh happy HD DVD purchasing day!

[Thanks, Bubs]

JoystiqAdd to your HD DVD library with BOGO offer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsdiscountshd-dvdhddvdThu, 13 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: Potter edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/this-week-in-hd-dvd-potter-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/this-week-in-hd-dvd-potter-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/this-week-in-hd-dvd-potter-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Harry Potter mania has made its way to the HD DVD format this week with the release of all five Harry Potter movies including a gift set in which they're bundled together. It's what we call Harry Potter heaven. Also releasing this week is the action fest The Bourne Ultimatum as well as some Led Zeppelin and Freedom: 3 anime. Your December 11th HD DVD releases are below ... Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter!

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: Potter edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hddvdMon, 10 Dec 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Bay says MS is fixing the format war]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/michael-bay-says-ms-is-fixing-the-format-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/michael-bay-says-ms-is-fixing-the-format-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/michael-bay-says-ms-is-fixing-the-format-war/#commentsFiled under:

Michael Bay is heated and is not happy about the HD format war that is going on. He has always been an in the closet supporter of the "far superior" Blu-ray and is furious that HD DVD even exists. But most interesting is Mr. Bay's conspiracy theory. You see, Bay blames Microsoft (yes, our Microsoft) for prolonging and aiding in the HD format war. Bay believes that Microsoft is financially backing the HD DVD camp not because they want to see the format win, but to continue fueling HD format confusion and make it so that both formats fail. Why would Microsoft do such a thing? Well, according to Bay "Microsoft wants both formats to fail so they can be heroes and make the world move to digital downloads". Nice! Michael Bay conspiracy theories are our new favorites. We'll just have to see what the HD format future holds and maybe Bay will be right ... "time will tell and you will see the truth".

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMichael Bay says MS is fixing the format war originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdmichael-baymicrosoftxbox-360Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[It's still a deal in our book, $149 360 HD DVD player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/its-still-a-deal-in-our-book-149-360-hd-dvd-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/its-still-a-deal-in-our-book-149-360-hd-dvd-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/its-still-a-deal-in-our-book-149-360-hd-dvd-player/#commentsFiled under:

A few days back, Amazon.com was quick to pull the plug on their super discounted $129 Xbox 360 HD DVD player and we know a lot of you missed out on the deal. But now today, Amazon.com miraculously "found" some additional stock, raised the price a bit and is offering the HD DVD player for $149 ($30 off of MSRP) as part of their gaming Deal of the Day. Yes, we know that this replacement deal won't fully fill the money savings void of the last offer, but it's still a deal in our book. And you can't be angry at the $30 savings either. Pick it up if you choose or wait a bit and continue playing the neverending Xbox 360 HD DVD player random price tag lottery!

JoystiqIt's still a deal in our book, $149 360 HD DVD player originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondealshd-dvd-playerhddvdhddvd-playerThu, 06 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Bay talks HD DVD and Microsoft's 'dirty secret']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/michael-bay-talks-hd-dvd-and-microsofts-dirty-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/michael-bay-talks-hd-dvd-and-microsofts-dirty-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/michael-bay-talks-hd-dvd-and-microsofts-dirty-secret/#commentsFiled under: ,

michael bay
Michael Bay has been sipping the "Kool-Aid" again. Several months after the director's infamous night with a band of Blu-ray owners and a few glasses of alternate-reality drink (ending in a brief holdout with Transformers 2 on the line), Bay is back to blasting HD DVD. Despite a sobering HD DVD screening of 300 in late-August and newfound acceptance of Paramount's decision to partner with Microsoft, Bay has fallen off the wagon, stumbling onto a trail of deceit leading to a "dirty secret," a corporate plot to annihilate all forms of our beloved polycarbonate discs -- with explosions, lots of 'em.

Bay writes, "Microsoft wants both [HD DVD and Blu-ray] formats to fail so they can be heroes and make the world move to digital downloads. That is the dirty secret no one is talking about. That is why Microsoft is handing out $100 million dollar checks to studios just [to] embrace the HD DVD and not the leading, and superior Blu Ray [sic]. They want confusion in the market until they perfect the digital downloads. Time will tell and you will see the truth."

While we can't verify just how many $100 million checks have been cashed (we know of just the one we received to ensure the Sony bias keeps flowing), we do know what Bill Gates told us nearly a year ago: "HD DVD is great ... It's neat. But over time, eventually online is going to be more important." That don't sound like no secret to us. Sony was early to the HD movie market and Microsoft didn't want its competitor to run away with a new format before it could get the proper digital distribution network and hardware in place. HD DVD certainly can be viewed as a stalling tactic, and two formats with varying Hollywood support is definitely confusing to consumers, but let's not mistake reality for Michael Bay's vision of Armageddon.

JoystiqMichael Bay talks HD DVD and Microsoft's 'dirty secret' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhd-dvdhddvdmichael-bayMichaelBayPS3Xbox-360Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 HD DVD player now on sale for $129]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-now-on-sale-for-129/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-now-on-sale-for-129/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-now-on-sale-for-129/#commentsFiled under:

Holy cheap, cheap, cheap Xbox 360 HD DVD player Major Nelson! Late in the day yesterday, eagle-eyed consumers spotted the HD DVD player online for $129, which is $50 cheaper than the $179 MSRP. The $129 price tag was seen at Amazon.com, but the price has since jumped back to its $179 levels. Lame. Though, there is still some good news. Toys R Us is filling in where Amazon.com left off by offering the Xbox 360 HD DVD player for $129 and it's available (in-store) right now! And you get five free movies too! You should jump on this holiday deal ASAP before it goes away ... wait a moment. Is this really a holiday deal or is it simply a foreshadowing of an impending Microsoft okayed HD DVD player price drop that's coming down the pipes? Hmmm ...

[Via Engadget, Thanks Wes]

JoystiqXbox 360 HD DVD player now on sale for $129 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhd-dvd-playerhddvdxbox-360-hd-dvd-playerWed, 05 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: polar freeze edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/this-week-in-hd-dvd-polar-freeze-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/this-week-in-hd-dvd-polar-freeze-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/this-week-in-hd-dvd-polar-freeze-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week's HD DVD list is kinda minimal. It's also kinda lackluster, but that's not to say that some won't find the list below super exciting. Because we are keen to the fact that there are a lot of Queen, Battlestar Galactica and polar bear fans out there. But we were just hoping for some big blockbuster releases, you know ... like Superbad on HD DVD. But no, it's a Sony distributed movie which equals Blu-ray exclusive. Meh to that. Anyhoo, your HD DVD releases for this week are below and be sure to watch out for next week. It'll be jam packed full of releases and we've got two words for you ... Harry Potter.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: polar freeze edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hddvdMon, 03 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray sales dominate HD war in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/blu-ray-sales-dominate-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/blu-ray-sales-dominate-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/blu-ray-sales-dominate-europe/#commentsFiled under:

The PS3 may finally be getting around to being a good game console, but there's no denying it's been a great Blu-ray player since the beginning. Sony Europe released figures that 73% of high-def movie sales on the continent were Blu-ray. Sony says the "turning point" in Blu-ray movie sales, which they now say average two to five times the amount of HD-DVD sales weekly, was the release of the PS3.

Blu-ray has been having a pretty solid year in the US as well. It's certainly interesting to note how comparatively small the high-def movie market must be if the lowest selling console in the video game market makes such a massive impact.

JoystiqBlu-ray sales dominate HD war in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhddvdsonyWed, 28 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: Anchorman game plan edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/this-week-in-hd-dvd-anchorman-game-plan-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/this-week-in-hd-dvd-anchorman-game-plan-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/this-week-in-hd-dvd-anchorman-game-plan-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

New HD DVD movie content will be releasing in less than 24 hours and that means you'll need a game plan recruit. Your game plan should include things like your movie preferences, what snacks you require, how you'll watch said content and who you want to experience HD greatness with. Oh, we almost forgot. You'll also need to know which new HD DVD movies are releasing this week. Silly us. So here you go kids, cross off the very last bullet point on your HD DVD game plan, because this week HD DVD brings ...

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: Anchorman game plan edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd-dvdhddvdthis-week-in-hddvdMon, 26 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST