It's a Wrap, HD DVD Shutting Down

This is on engadgethd.com...

Quote:
Along with an English translation of the NHK's article (Thanks sfditty!) comes additional confirmation from Reuters sources, it's a wrap. Toshiba is shutting down its DVD manufacturing facilities in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, while official word is expected "soon".

about time

Where is the official press release from Toshiba?

Everyone is all giddy and happy but haven't we been bitching and moaning that without a press release nothing is official?

My guess for official word will be early next week, perhaps even Monday. Toshiba has to make some sort of an announcement now.

Even if Toshiba says it's over, it's not officially over until the Nielson stats we see published every week drop HD DVD entirely and only compare Blu-ray versus standard DVD

I'm with Funkmaster... I'd like to see a press release before I call anything official.

I'm glad that after years of bickering one format finally emerged as the clear winner, and I'm also glad that this is the format I originally bought into.
Now that we one format for high-def, it's time to start educating current DVD owners (the general public) about the benefits of high definition content and about Blu-ray in general.

Quote:
Now that we one format for high-def, it's time to start educating current DVD owners (the general public) about the benefits of high definition content and about Blu-ray in general.

And so it begins, Sony will now try push out (eliminate) DVD to maximize it's return on investment. Personally I hope that doesn't happen.

Quote:
And so it begins, Sony will now try push out (eliminate) DVD to maximize it's return on investment. Personally I hope that doesn't happen.

Even if that happens, it'll be years before Blu-ray really starts to realistically compete against DVD. There is still a lot of money to be made from DVD sales in the foreseeable future, but as more and more people start owning larger sized HDTV's, the clear advantage of a 1080p image will be undeniable. Sony is not about to shoot itself in the foot by immediately phasing out it's DVD business.

One of the most important things to concentrate on for BDA member companies going forward will be to drive down production costs for both players and software which in turn will translate into lower prices for both in the retail world. That will help fuel mass adoption.

Quote:
NHK says Toshiba plans to continue selling HD DVD players in stores for the time being, but will not manufacture new players.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/toshiba021608.htm

Quote:
One of the most important things to concentrate on for BDA member companies going forward will be to drive down production costs for both players and software which in turn will translate into lower prices for both in the retail world. That will help fuel mass adoption.

I agree 100%.

Tony, if they're not making any new players but still selling them are they not just clearing inventory then?