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 2012 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As part of a Q&A with GameDaily, Kim talked up the features of the outdated add-on, including a library of over 500 HD DVD movies (and growing not growing) available at clearance prices (because they're being cleared out).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[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[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[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[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[Sony, MS downplay high-def movie war]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/sony-ms-downplay-high-def-movie-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/sony-ms-downplay-high-def-movie-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/sony-ms-downplay-high-def-movie-war/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems Sony and Microsoft no longer have their hearts fully in the battle over high-definition movie disc formats -- if they ever had them there in the first place, that is. In an interview with Home Media Magazine, Microsoft Consumer Media Group Director Kevin Collins seemed uninterested in making the format a cornerstone of the Xbox 360 package. "Microsoft knew if we put in an HD DVD drive that we would have to raise costs and disenfranchise our customers (that are primarily gamers) as the unit would become too expensive," he said.

While Collins said he was proud of HD DVD's strong performance against Blu-Ray, his desire for a fight to the death between the formats left something to be desired. "The [Blu-ray] camp's claims about Microsoft's desire to have a format war are baseless," Collins said.

Sony CEO Howard Stringer, for his part, told the AP said he thought the high-def disc battle had reached a stalemate, mainly due to the lower costs of HD DVD players and the defection of Paramount to the HD DVD camp. That's OK though ... apparently the winner of the movie war doesn't matter all that much after all. "It doesn't mean as much as all that," Sony CEO Howard Stringer told the AP. Yeah ... and those grapes are probably sour, anyway.

Read - Microsoft / Home Media Magazine (via High-Def Digest)
Read - Sony / AP

JoystiqSony, MS downplay high-def movie war originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayDVDHDHD DVDHD-DVDHdDvdhigh-defmoviesPS3Xbox-360Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Meijer sells Blu-ray exclusively on site, cites 4:1 sales ratio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/meijer-sells-blu-ray-exclusively-on-site-cites-4-1-sales-ratio/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/meijer-sells-blu-ray-exclusively-on-site-cites-4-1-sales-ratio/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/meijer-sells-blu-ray-exclusively-on-site-cites-4-1-sales-ratio/#commentsFiled under:


Here's your daily format war news.

Meijer, a major retailer, has announced they will carry Blu-ray titles exclusively on its website. Dawn Bronkema, Meijer's director of e-commerce marketing, told Video Business that Blu-ray discs were outselling HD DVD discs by a huge 4-1 margin. As a result, the company is focusing on Sony's movie format.

There will be plans to expand to HD DVD in the future. However, "current sales prompted the company to expand its Blu-ray inventory rather than add HD DVD titles at this point."

[Thanks, Andy!]

JoystiqMeijer sells Blu-ray exclusively on site, cites 4:1 sales ratio originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayhd dvdHdDvdmeijerWed, 17 Oct 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: break time edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/this-week-in-hd-dvd-break-time-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/this-week-in-hd-dvd-break-time-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/this-week-in-hd-dvd-break-time-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

After an event filled, news busting, media overload of a week that has been E3 it's break time and no new HD DVD releases will be out this week. Sorry guys. And yes, it is true that E3 has absolutely nothing to do with HD DVD or its release schedule, but we had to make up some kind of excuse for the lack of movies this week. We humbly walk away now and leave you with nothing ... it's break time.
    HD DVD Movie Releases: July 17th
  • No HD DVD releases this week.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: break time edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: good deals edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/this-week-in-hd-dvd-good-deals-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/this-week-in-hd-dvd-good-deals-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/this-week-in-hd-dvd-good-deals-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tomorrow brings four new HD DVD releases none of which are super duper brand new releases, but they are for the most part pretty entertaining movies. We'll let you take a look at the new releases below ... okay, now we have other good news. This week Best Buy is offering a few HD DVDs for the gotta have 'em price of $14.99. The discounted movies include V For Vendetta, Troy, Goodfellas, Phantom of the Opera, and The Last Samurai. Good deals, so go buy, go buy now!

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: good deals edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 09 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Lair now bound for HD DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/dragons-lair-now-bound-for-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/dragons-lair-now-bound-for-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/dragons-lair-now-bound-for-hd-dvd/#commentsFiled under:

If you're like us, there was one primary factor in your choice of high-definition disc formats: the availability of Dragon's Lair. By that logic, we were siding with Blu-ray for awhile, but now we're just ambivalent.

An HD-DVD version of Dragon's Lair is coming August 15 for $29.99, the same price as the Blu-ray incarnation. O, what are we to do? We can't decide, so we'll just stick to our DS version, thank you very much.

JoystiqDragon's Lair now bound for HD DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayBluRaydragons lairDragonsLairhd dvdHdDvdWed, 04 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: the forgotten edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-forgotten-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-forgotten-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-forgotten-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're sorry, we apologize, and we ask for your forgiveness. This Week in HD DVD is a day late in reporting your HD DVD releases this week due to unforeseen circumstances. Well, mostly because yesterday was a tad hectic and we forgot, but still that was unforeseen. But the good news is that you won't have to wait to pick up your HD DVD fix this week, because all the movies listed below are available today! Go ahead friends, check out what this week has to offer and make your purchase today.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: the forgotten edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdTue, 03 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Consoles make up bulk of high-def movie player sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/consoles-make-up-bulk-of-high-def-movie-player-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/consoles-make-up-bulk-of-high-def-movie-player-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/consoles-make-up-bulk-of-high-def-movie-player-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There are more game systems that can play high-definition movies than standalone players that can do the same, according to sales numbers culled from recent media reports.

In the HD DVD realm, a Microsoft representative told CNet UK that the company had sold 155,000 units of the Xbox 360's HD DVD player in the States, making it the best-selling add-on in the system's short history. Compare that to the 100,000 standalone players that the HD DVD Promotional Group said had sold through April and you can see that it's primarily gamers driving adoption of the format.

The results are similar in the Blu-Ray realm, where the million-plus PS3s sold in North America dwarfs the "less than 100,000" standalone players sold according to a Business Week article. It's unclear exactly how many PS3 owners are actually using their systems to play the high-def movie format, but strong Blu-ray disc sales would seem to indicate that at least some of them are taking advantage of the feature.

What's more, the sales of high-def discs seem to finally be making a dent in the traditional DVD market. Sales of standard-definition DVDs were down eight percent in the first quarter of this year and analysts predict they'll begin to level off as more high-def game systems are sold.

Read - HD DVD Posse: "There's Room for Both Formats" (CNet UK) [Via Xbox360Fanboy]
Read - In DVD war, body blows for Toshiba (BusinessWeek)

JoystiqConsoles make up bulk of high-def movie player sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onblu-raydiscDVDHD DVDHdDvdhigh-defmoviesPS3Xbox-360Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[HD DVD peripheral outselling standalone boxes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/hd-dvd-peripheral-outselling-standalone-boxes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/hd-dvd-peripheral-outselling-standalone-boxes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/hd-dvd-peripheral-outselling-standalone-boxes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apparently, the HD DVD drive add-on for the Xbox 360 has been selling like hot cakes. The HD DVD Group announced back in April that it sold over 100,000 standalone players in the U.S. in its first year of being on the market. These numbers did not include HD DVD PC drives or the Xbox 360's peripheral. More recently, however an MS representative stated that the HD DVD add-on has sold over 155,000 units in the U.S., over 50% more sales than the standalone sets. Perhaps the $200 price tag, or less, has really helped push units. Do you have an HD DVD drive for your 360?

JoystiqHD DVD peripheral outselling standalone boxes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HD DVDHD-DVDHdDvdXbox 360Xbox360Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City offers up all kinds of deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/circuit-city-offers-up-all-kinds-of-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/circuit-city-offers-up-all-kinds-of-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/circuit-city-offers-up-all-kinds-of-deals/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week Circuit City is offering all kinds of deals, some we've seen before while others are new. But be sure to note that most (if not all) are in-store only deals, so let's get to it. This week they brought back two deals including the two free HD DVD offer with the purchase of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player and the 4' tall Master Chief wall graphic with a Halo 3 preorder. For new deals we have a free tshirt with the purchase of Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia and an offer for our PC fanboys. This week you can get Halo 2 Vista for $39.99 and with the purchase you'll get Shadowrun Vista for free! Two PC games for $40, not too shabby at all. So, that's it and be sure to remember that most of these deals aren't available online. Happy spending!

JoystiqCircuit City offers up all kinds of deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsdiscountshalo 3Halo3hd dvdhd dvd playerHdDvdHdDvdPlayermonster madnessMonsterMadnessshadowrunMon, 18 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: we're rotting edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/this-week-in-hd-dvd-were-rotting-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/this-week-in-hd-dvd-were-rotting-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/this-week-in-hd-dvd-were-rotting-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

We warned you last week that June 19th wouldn't bring any happiness and it looks like we were spot on. There are no HD DVDs coming out this week, because movie studios have a thing for clustering their releases on the same day. Oh well, next week we promise there will be new HD DVD material, so that's always good. And you could always be thankful that your HD format of choice isn't rotting away. See, you have to be positive, even if it is at the expense of other's HD format.
    HD DVD Movie Releases: June 19th
  • No HD DVD releases this week.
[Thanks, Tarl]

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: we're rotting edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releaseshd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdReleasesthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 18 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[360 HD-DVD player sold for $60]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/360-hd-dvd-player-sold-for-60/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/360-hd-dvd-player-sold-for-60/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/360-hd-dvd-player-sold-for-60/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've seen our share of great deals here at Xbox 360 Fanboy, but this one absolutely takes the cake. It seems a Wal-Mart in Metairie, Louisiana has discounted the $199 peripheral by a staggering $139, reducing the price to $60. A shopper has posted photos of both the price in question and a receipt as proof. Before you speed to the nearest location, endangering countless civilians, you should know that Wal-Mart.com still lists the device at $199.82 (a whole 17 cents off MSRP!). Still, if you live in Metairie (or know someone who does) you'd better act fast. There's no telling when someone at the corporate office will get word of this chicanery.

Joystiq360 HD-DVD player sold for $60 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainsdealsdeals and bargainsDealsAndBargainshd dvdhd dvd playerhd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdPlayerWed, 13 Jun 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: cornucopia edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/this-week-in-hd-dvd-cornucopia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/this-week-in-hd-dvd-cornucopia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/this-week-in-hd-dvd-cornucopia-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Now this is how a HD DVD release week should be! This week's offerings are numerous including some old, some new, some bad and some good movies. But it's not really about which ones we like or dislike, it's about the quantity and variety that this week brings. So, celebrate the bountiful HD DVD cornucopia of movie happiness by picking up a few flicks tomorrow, because next week just might be a little depressing.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: cornucopia edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 11 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free movies with 360 HD DVD player purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/10/free-movies-with-360-hd-dvd-player-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/10/free-movies-with-360-hd-dvd-player-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/10/free-movies-with-360-hd-dvd-player-purchase/#commentsFiled under:

If you're in the market for the Xbox 360 HD DVD player and want to jump start your movie library, then this week may be the time to make the purchase. At both Best Buy and Circuit City you'll get two HD DVDs for free with a 360 HD DVD player purchase. Which leaves you with a total of three free movies, because the King Kong HD DVD is included with the player. Now only if they offered a free 50" 1080p HD television as part of the deal, then we'd probably pick up two.

Read - Best Buy offer
Read - Circuit City offer

JoystiqFree movies with 360 HD DVD player purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsdiscountshd dvdhd dvd playerHdDvdHdDvdPlayerxbox 360 hd dvdXbox360HdDvdSun, 10 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Blu-ray player drops to $500, now cheaper than PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/sony-blu-ray-player-drops-to-500-now-cheaper-than-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/sony-blu-ray-player-drops-to-500-now-cheaper-than-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/sony-blu-ray-player-drops-to-500-now-cheaper-than-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray player has been dropped $100 in price to $499, putting it below the price of the PlayStation 3.

Sony, who once touted the PS3 as the cheapest Blu-ray player on the market, has appeared to have crossed off its own talking point. But if priced the same, the BDP-S300 would be a tough sale against the game console, whose only apparent benefit is quieter hardware.

We don't want to suggest the PS3, now with only one model in North America, may drop below the $600 threshold, but the Blu-ray player's reduced price may indicate that the manufacturing costs for Blu-ray components have lowered, making the console less of a loss leader for Sony.

The High Definition disc format is still competing against the Toshiba-backed HD-DVD for market share. The cheapest standalone HD-DVD player still costs $100 ($200 this Father's Day) less than the BDP-S300.

[Via Engadget; thanks, Jonah]

JoystiqSony Blu-ray player drops to $500, now cheaper than PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdp s300BdpS300blu rayBluRaybusinesshard wareHardWarehd dvdHdDvdPS3sonytoshibaTue, 05 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: the Murphy edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-murphy-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-murphy-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-murphy-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week's HD DVD lineup is pretty much dedicated to one comedic funny man who goes by the name of Eddie Murphy. Yup, we have a few of his movies landing on HD DVD this week including a few oldies like Coming to America and Trading Places, even his latest film Norbit too. It's like a HD DVD buffet full of Eddie Murphy entrees sprinkled with a couple old cowboy movie side dishes. So, enjoy your new Murphy HD DVDs this week and be sure to pass the salt when you are done.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: the Murphy edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releaseshd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdReleasesthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 04 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney going HD neutral? IMDB says yes, we say no [UPDATE]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/disney-going-hd-neutral-imdb-says-yes-we-say-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/disney-going-hd-neutral-imdb-says-yes-we-say-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/disney-going-hd-neutral-imdb-says-yes-we-say-no/#commentsFiled under:



Those of you desperate for a HD DVD copy of Badder Santa: The Unrated Version are likely in for a bit of a disappointment. Though IMBD clearly states that the film, published by Disney, will be released on Blu-Ray, HD DVD and DVD, those of us with our eyes on the HD format war know that Disney remains a staunch exclusive Blu-Ray supporter.

We sound pretty certain that this isn't the start of Disney defecting over to the Dark-Red Side (HD DVD, in case you need it spelling out), don't we? How can we be so sure? Well the Sony Protection Group said it well enough themselves, but we'll paraphrase.

Two weeks ago the head of Disney extolled the virtues of the Blu-Ray disc. He gave reasons why it will win the format war and so why Disney will be supporting it with its huge archive of film content and upcoming releases. It would seem strange, then, that so soon after saying all of this the company would suddenly change their release philosophy - and especially without sending out some sort of press release stating this fact. If this was the case, however, it is safe to assume that a revelation such as this would warrant more than just one line in a news blurb, without any elaboration. Stranger still, most other sites have this release pegged for Blu-Ray only. Because of all this we can safely say that we firmly believe this to be an error on IMDB's behalf.

To be honest, though, we'd rather this particular film wasn't coming to either format. It's not exactly on our top 100 most anticipated High Definition releases.

[Via PS3Forums]

[UPDATE] It looks like we got our wish. Badder Santa will not be released on either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD according to HiDef Digest. Disney have also reaffirmed that they have no plans to support the HD-DVD format. We told you so.

JoystiqDisney going HD neutral? IMDB says yes, we say no [UPDATE] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayBluRaydisneyhd dvdHdDvdThu, 31 May 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: midnight dragon river edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/this-week-in-hd-dvd-midnight-dragon-river-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/this-week-in-hd-dvd-midnight-dragon-river-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/this-week-in-hd-dvd-midnight-dragon-river-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

After coming off a highly marketed Matrix HD DVD week, we're cooling down just a bit, but not too much. This week there aren't any new releases, but a few oldies are making their way onto HD DVD. Dragons, dancers, frighteners, runners, swimmers and translators will all enjoy this week's six movie offerings. So, with a strong and confident voice we present to you this week's new HD DVDs.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: midnight dragon river edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 28 May 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: The Matrix lives edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-matrix-lives-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-matrix-lives-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/this-week-in-hd-dvd-the-matrix-lives-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tis' the most anticipated week in HD DVD release history! Not only are there multiple HD DVDs hitting store shelves this week, but one special trilogy is coming out Tuesday exclusively to the HD DVD format. Yup, you guessed it, The Matrix is making its HD debut with two boxed sets featuring hours upon hours of bonus footage. Indeed, it's a great day to be a HD DVD enthusiast. We're almost certain the suspense is killing you or at the very least making you a little jittery, so we won't stall any longer. Here is this week's star studded HD DVD release lineup ...

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: The Matrix lives edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releaseshd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdReleasesthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 21 May 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Special XBLM offer in the Matrix Collection [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/20/special-xblm-offer-in-the-matrix-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/20/special-xblm-offer-in-the-matrix-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/20/special-xblm-offer-in-the-matrix-collection/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're going to be purchasing the the Matrix trilogy on HD DVD this week, you'll be happy to know that there will be a neat little surprise inside. The HD DVD version of the Complete Matrix Trilogy (and presumably the Ultimate Matrix Collection) will include a code in the box for you to download the entire Animatrix series for free off of the XBLM. Sweet deal huh? Also, be sure to head to the Matrix section on the Marketplace to download daily HD clips from the Matrix trilogy, themes, and other goodies. So guys, what will you be choosing ... the red pill or the blue pill?

Update 1: The free download will not be in the Ultimate Matrix Collection, because the Animatrix is already included in the set. Makes sense to us.

JoystiqSpecial XBLM offer in the Matrix Collection [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animatrixhd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdmarketplacematrixxblmxbox live marketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceSun, 20 May 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HD DVD player add-on gets an update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/hd-dvd-player-add-on-gets-an-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/hd-dvd-player-add-on-gets-an-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/hd-dvd-player-add-on-gets-an-update/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over on the AVS forums, Microsoft's own HD DVD insider Amirm confirmed that an update will be released sometime today for the Xbox 360 HD DVD player add-on. The auto update is rumored to fix various sound output problems, include a night mode fix, and patch up a few overall HD DVD compatibility issues. And to get the new update simply pop in any HD DVD into your fancy player and you'll be prompted to download the update. Simple, yet effective.

[Via TeamXbox]

JoystiqHD DVD player add-on gets an update originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd playerhd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdPlayerperipheralxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 15 May 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: mad Mel edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/this-week-in-hd-dvd-mad-mel-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/this-week-in-hd-dvd-mad-mel-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/this-week-in-hd-dvd-mad-mel-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

This lovely Spring week brings a few older movies and one new release to HD DVD, all coming from Warner studios. Hugh Jackman's The Fountain will be out tomorrow as well as crazy Mel Gibson's The Road Warrior (also known as Mad Max). And if these movies don't tickle your fancy, just wait until next week when a certain trilogy will be released. Yeah, it's that one.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: mad Mel edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releaseshd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdReleasesthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 14 May 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray dominates on Amazon, not Google]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/blu-ray-dominates-on-amazon-not-google/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/blu-ray-dominates-on-amazon-not-google/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/blu-ray-dominates-on-amazon-not-google/#commentsFiled under:

It's the weekend, everyone. You know what that means! A dearth of news, a plethora of entertainment -- this is true for both the website and for real life. You work and work every day of the week, then comes the weekend and you can play and be entertained. How do you go about having fun, you ask? Watching your favorite movie in a high-definition format is an excellent start. Speaking of HD movies, let's give you an update on how the two rivals are faring.

According to eProductWars, a site measuring data gathered from Amazon.com, our own Blu-ray format is beating out HD DVD in the following categories:
  • Everything
There is one chart that seems to indicate HD DVD is in a lead position. The last chart is for Google searches and HD DVD is much more sought after by the search engine elite. So, kudos for that one. We've noticed a few trends as well for both formats, including one good one just for HD DVD:
  • Average price is increasing for both
  • Number of DVD's available for purchase and shipping have leveled out
  • Blu-ray is losing steam in the top 100 product sales rank
It's amazing how Blu-ray continues to pull ahead, even if some of the charts indicate a closing gap between formats for a brief time. If the rumor that Universal is switching to a neutral position to support both formats turns out to be truth (it has been dismissed as "totally false" by the President of Universal Studios himself, Craig Kornblau), this meaningless war won't end, but it will shift in a new direction. Also, word on the street is Microsoft is considering a Blu-ray add-on to the 360 around the holiday season...

JoystiqBlu-ray dominates on Amazon, not Google originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayformat warFormatWarHD DVDHdDvdPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonySat, 12 May 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RUMOR: Universal decides to go Blu-ray [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/rumor-universal-decides-to-go-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/rumor-universal-decides-to-go-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/rumor-universal-decides-to-go-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under: ,

[Update: The President of Universal Studios, Craig Kornblau, has dismissed the following rumor as "totally false". Read on for fun, though!]

Now here is a piece of news worth getting excited about. Wait, wait ... it's just a rumor, so let's not all get up in arms yet. The news is this: apparently, at a press conference, Pioneer spoke to some individuals about Universal's exclusive ties to HD DVD and how they might just be breaking. Universal, they said, is going to go neutral and distribute on both formats. That would mean we get to see our lovely Children of Men on Blu-ray after all.

This statement hasn't been confirmed by Universal themselves, but if they've not yet issued a statement that points in the exact oppposite direction, it's fairly clear that they're just stalling with silence until the exclusive ties actually do break and they come out of the closet, so to speak. If the rumors of compensation for staying an HD DVD exclusive company were true, this means they see more benefit in passing on that "free money" and selling their movies on Blu-ray. That's a kick in the pants if you're the one paying off Universal. But that's just a rumor, too. We'll keep you posted on this event as it may dictate the end of this meaningless war.

JoystiqRUMOR: Universal decides to go Blu-ray [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayHD DVDHdDvdrumorUniversalWed, 09 May 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Blu-ray, and therefore PS3, will win]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/analyst-blu-ray-and-therefore-ps3-will-win/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/analyst-blu-ray-and-therefore-ps3-will-win/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/analyst-blu-ray-and-therefore-ps3-will-win/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter has drawn a parallel between the success of a high-definition format and its related game console, believing that Sony will gain an "insurmountable advantage" over Microsoft if movie studios embrace Blu-ray, and vice-versa for Microsoft to "maintain its first mover advantage."

"Notwithstanding the efforts of the three console manufacturers to deliver compelling exclusive content, we expect the ultimate outcome of the console wars to be decided by the motion picture studios," he said.

Pachter ultimately predicts a close, three-way tie in the market share for this generation of consoles: Sony at 36%, Nintendo at 34% and Microsoft at 30%. In Japan, he said, Ninendo will have a 51% share through 2011 (is Pachter also a time traveler?), Sony with 44% and Microsoft presumably with the remaining 5%.

Remember, for every conclusion you may draw from Pachter's report, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other analysts with contradictory conclusions. Should either high-definition format come out on top, it still has to contend with its big brother, DVD, for some time now, and therefore its impact on the console wars is minimal at best compared to the system's relative price and software.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqAnalyst: Blu-ray, and therefore PS3, will win originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystblu rayBluRayhd dvdHdDvdmichael pachterMichaelPachterpachterPS3WiiXbox-360Tue, 08 May 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: just waiting edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/this-week-in-hd-dvd-just-waiting-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/this-week-in-hd-dvd-just-waiting-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/this-week-in-hd-dvd-just-waiting-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Okay, do you want the good news or the bad news? Bad news you say ... well there are no HD DVD releases this week. But wait, we said there was good news, remember? Well, the good news is that two weeks from now there will be a HD DVD release blowout with numerous movies and a little thing we call the Ultimate Matrix Collection. So, be patient as true HD DVD bliss is only days away. Now we can go back to crying in the corner ...
    HD DVD Movie Releases: May 8th
  • No HD DVD releases this week.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: just waiting edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releaseshd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdReleasesthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 07 May 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: so new edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/this-week-in-hd-dvd-so-new-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/this-week-in-hd-dvd-so-new-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/this-week-in-hd-dvd-so-new-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

It has been a while, but this week there are three new releases on HD DVD that are also new releases on DVD as well. Yup, brand spanking new HD DVD content that is so new that the discs will still be warm when you open up the case for the first time. So, without further adieu, we present to you three oh so new movie releases on HD DVD. Enjoy.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: so new edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 30 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: our role edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/this-week-in-hd-dvd-our-role-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/this-week-in-hd-dvd-our-role-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/this-week-in-hd-dvd-our-role-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Continuing our weekly HD DVD release streak, we have a few good movies for your viewing pleasure. There are movies featuring Jim Carrey in a not so comedic role, Eddie Murphy in a very comedic role, and Earth playing a leading role. And by now you should know your role, the consumer's role and purchase HD DVD content. Ahem, this week's HD DVD releases are ...

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: our role edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releaseshd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdReleasesthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 23 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a mini paper Xbox 360 with a HD DVD drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/its-a-mini-paper-xbox-360-with-a-hd-dvd-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/its-a-mini-paper-xbox-360-with-a-hd-dvd-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/its-a-mini-paper-xbox-360-with-a-hd-dvd-drive/#commentsFiled under:


Over at Paper Art Gadgets Junyang posted a sexy miniature paper model of an Xbox 360 with HD DVD drive. Junyang creates 3D paper models of various electronics, completing each from the design process through folding the creation with his own hands. The Xbox 360 paper model comes complete with a Premium box and a DVD tray that pops out. He also created the HD DVD player add-on which measures only 1.5" long and also features a disc tray. And for those of you who want to create a paper 360 for your own, you'll have to be semi-resourceful, because Paper Art Gadgets doesn't supply all their print outs or instructions. But you may be able to create something with this.

Two mini Xbox 360 masterpieces made out of paper. We're so in love. Though, we'd like to see a paper power brick included, so we could fire this bad boy up. Paper power brick ... that's just funny.

[Thanks, laserboyjc]

JoystiqIt's a mini paper Xbox 360 with a HD DVD drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd hvd playerHdDvdHdHvdPlayermodelpaperpaper modelPaperModelxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: mach 2 edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/this-week-in-hd-dvd-mach-2-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/this-week-in-hd-dvd-mach-2-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/this-week-in-hd-dvd-mach-2-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Five movies this week as we ramp up the HD DVD releases to somewhere around mach 2. We've got a few good ones this week including a classic comedy The Jerk, a Billy Bob original School for Scoundrels, and the very colorful Smokin' Aces. Good times all around. Also, for those worried about HD DVD, there's some good news on the HD format war front that you may want to look at. See, everything isn't so bad now is it? Open your wallets or whip out the plastic, because it's time to buy some HD DVDs this week.
[Thanks, SeNiLe911]

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: mach 2 edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd-dvdHdDvdthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 16 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[360 HD DVD doesn't play by AACS's rules]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/360-hd-dvd-doesnt-play-by-aacss-rules/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/360-hd-dvd-doesnt-play-by-aacss-rules/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/360-hd-dvd-doesnt-play-by-aacss-rules/#commentsFiled under: ,

The DRM enforcing AACS has officially gone into a tizzy. The hacking communities of Xboxhacker and Doom9 came together and found a way to view Volume IDs for any HD DVD played in the Xbox 360 HD DVD player add on. This of course allows any disc to be played, bypassing any AACS authentication and even playing Volume IDs that the AACS previously revoked. Ultimately, the 360's HD DVD player is pretty much the easiest way to bypass DRM and is an integral part of "backing up" your HD DVDs. It'll be interesting to see how the AACS combats this new hack (which makes last week's effort a wash), will they revoke the entire lot of Xbox 360 HD DVD players or will they force a simple firmware update? Be afraid HD fans, this is when DRM enforcement gets scary.

[Via Engadget]

Joystiq360 HD DVD doesn't play by AACS's rules originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd playerHdDvdHdDvdPlayerperipheralxbox 360xbox 360 hd dvd playerXbox360Xbox360HdDvdPlayerThu, 12 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HD-DVD buys out Europe, Blu-ray foolishly shrugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/hd-dvd-buys-out-europe-blu-ray-foolishly-shrugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/hd-dvd-buys-out-europe-blu-ray-foolishly-shrugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/hd-dvd-buys-out-europe-blu-ray-foolishly-shrugs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now, now, don't get all up in arms yet. The title is made to spin you guys into our web and listen to what we've got to say. First off, the "format war" has been debatably won by Blu-ray in the US and Japan (of course, "won" is sort of a poor term, but it's the preferred purchase by consumers with an HD set and next-gen format players), so everyone would think that Blu-ray would come to be accepted by consumers and movie studios alike in Europe, seeing as how they've been able to witness the superior format pull ahead in the tiny market available to it.

Not so. In Europe, it appears that over 35 movie studios, many of which are independent or small, have decided to join the HD DVD ranks and primarily distribute via that format. Blu-ray has about ten studios (which weren't named in the Next-Gen article). But, why?

Studio Canal's Chief Marketing Officer Rodolphe Buet said this: "I have met much more commitment from partners involved with HD DVD than Blu-Ray. I met Sony in mid-2006 but the support was far below what was offered by the HD DVD partners." Yeah, we're going to assume that "commitment" and "support" really mean "kick-backs". HD DVD may have abandoned the US and Japan, but they'll spend what they need to so they can get Europe.

Yeah, it's a blatantly fanboy viewpoint, but it's one that fanboys will probably take. It's just going to prolong the "war" and keep consumers indecisive and standoffish from adopting either format. DVD wins because these two just won't kiss and get married... so to speak.

JoystiqHD-DVD buys out Europe, Blu-ray foolishly shrugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayEuropeHD DVDHdDvdPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTue, 10 Apr 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: a darkly edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/this-week-in-hd-dvd-a-darkly-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/this-week-in-hd-dvd-a-darkly-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/this-week-in-hd-dvd-a-darkly-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

We have a trio of HD DVD releases this week featuring our friends Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino and that oh so lovely man Mel Gibson. This week, we think HD DVD fans should find A Scanner Darkly an interesting HD experience with its very unique rotoscoping look. It'd be interesting to see how that effect looks in HD, as we're betting it's beautiful. Also, we want to let you know that we don't see a HD DVD release drought in the foreseeable future. So, no more stashing those canned goods, the bags of beef jerky, or bottled water ... we're letting the HD DVD releases flow!

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: a darkly edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releasesHdDvdHdDvdReleasesthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 09 Apr 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam's Club selling HD DVD player for $130]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/sams-club-selling-hd-dvd-player-for-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/sams-club-selling-hd-dvd-player-for-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/sams-club-selling-hd-dvd-player-for-130/#commentsFiled under: ,

TechBargains reports that select Sam's Club stores are selling the Xbox 360 HD DVD player for $130.99. Other Sam's Club locations are selling the players for $149.99. Either way, you could potentially save a hefty chunk of the usual price of $199.99. Keep in mind that these prices are before tax and that you must have a membership at Sam's Club in order to make use of this offer. Also, the offer is available in-store only.

Anyone find any other good 360 deals lately?

[Thanks, David Dobish]

JoystiqSam's Club selling HD DVD player for $130 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainsdealsdeals and bargainsDealsAndBargainshd dvdhd dvd playerhd-dvdhd-dvd playerHd-dvdPlayerHdDvdHdDvdPlayerTue, 03 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: that's one good edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/this-week-in-hd-dvd-thats-one-good-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/this-week-in-hd-dvd-thats-one-good-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/this-week-in-hd-dvd-thats-one-good-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spring has sprung and what better way to entertain yourself than by sitting down on the couch and throwing in a new HD DVD? Yes, we said one HD DVD, because multiple releases this week would prevent you from going outside and enjoying what mother nature has to offer. See what we did there? We are the masters of spin! This week that Matt Damon and Robert De Niro flick The Good Shepherd comes out on HD DVD. Also, from hence forth, we'll be conveniently linking each new release to its respective IMDB page. Now, it'll be even easier to research what each movie is about and be an educated HD DVD consumer ... thank us later.

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: that's one good edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releaseshd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdReleasesMon, 02 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in HD DVD: penguins attack edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/this-week-in-hd-dvd-penguins-attack-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/this-week-in-hd-dvd-penguins-attack-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/this-week-in-hd-dvd-penguins-attack-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Scream it from the rooftops, yell it from your cubicle or the nearest window ... we have new HD DVD releases this week! Tomorrow you'll be able to pickup a few new movies including the penguin themed Happy Feet and that heart warming documentary March of the Penguins. Hopefully we'll be seeing a steady stream of releases in the coming weeks, so cross your fingers. Below is a list of new movies you can get this week on HD DVD. Enjoy.

Oh yeah, we almost forgot. There is bonus HD DVD news this week for Matrix fans ... can you say the ultimate Matrix Trilogy? May 22nd cannot come quick enough.
    HD DVD Movie Releases: March 27th
  • Children of Men
  • Happy Feet
  • March of the Penguins
  • National Geographic: Relentless Enemies

JoystiqThis Week in HD DVD: penguins attack edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd dvdhd dvd releasesHdDvdHdDvdReleasesmatrixthis week in hd dvdThisWeekInHdDvdMon, 26 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST