Toshiba expected to announce death of HD DVD tomorrow, stop sales by March
by Ryan Block 
posted Feb 18th 2008 at 2:01PM
Despite Red's inability to make any real public statement, Japanese publication Nikkei has it that Toshiba president Atsutoshi Nishida will be announcing the final discontinuation of HD DVD tomorrow, as well as halted sales of hardware and media by March (as in days from now). Apparently Toshiba will pull its units from retail shelves, but has no intention to give burned early adopters any refunds (no kidding?); it sounds like the ceasefire will include the bare PC drives as well, so those hoping to keep using HD DVD as a personal data storage medium probably won't have much luck. Apparently the announcement will come alongside Toshiba's plans to build new semiconductor fabs, which we're sure they'll try to spin as an advancement that far overshadows the hill of beans (read: hundreds of millions) they've lost in the format war. [Warning: subscription required.]Update: Nikkei also has it that the press conference is scheduled for 5PM in Tokyo, which is Midnight PT, and 3am ET. We'll let you know what turns up. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Raptor007 @ Feb 18th 2008 2:15PM
These rumors about when they are going to announce it are becoming ridiculous. I bet this one will be wrong as well, though I don't doubt that Toshiba will eventually give up.
I'm sad to see HD-DVD lose, because Blu-ray has such terrible compatibility issues with all their ever-changing DRM. But with no market support left, HD-DVD is definitely going away.
I'm glad to have bought Samsung's combo player, despite its (temporary?) audio shortcomings. Excellent image quality all around, especially at SD-DVD upconversion, and I'll get some great HD-DVD closeout deals.
qo_op @ Feb 18th 2008 2:26PM
Well, they are on deathwatch ya know ......
corey smith @ Feb 18th 2008 11:23PM
i'm so tired of fools cryin about why don't want to shell out 300 or 400 bucks for a blu ray player... if you do not have the money to fully step into the HD market, then don't cry about it; just stick to watching SD programming. it wouldnt kill ya, you know?
Sam Winter @ Feb 19th 2008 1:45AM
You are an idiot. Blu-ray and HD-DVD DRM has not changed at all since the very beginning. What the hell are you talking about? As far as compatibility is concerned, even the very earliest players will play every movie, they just may miss out on those stupid extra features like picture-in-picture and online content. AFAIK Profile 2.0 just mandates network access, so if you pick(ed) up a profile 1.1 player with ethernet or WiFi, you should be good to go.
The BD+ drm isn't even being used, and like all DRM it will always be circumvented and thus a non-issue for those who wish to pirate content or eventually rip it to a network player. It really shouldn't be an issue.
In other words, Get over it!
Tony DiDino @ Feb 18th 2008 2:19PM
Bring out the champagne? I think we can look forward to full bluray support from Paramount and Universal shortly. It feels great not to wonder if certain titles will be available on bluray in the future. My collection can move forward in full force and with confidence.
Raptor007 @ Feb 18th 2008 2:20PM
I really hope the end of the format war brings Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones to high definition at last.
VP @ Feb 18th 2008 3:19PM
Thank god, so i can finally get my Bourne collection in Blu-ray. Thanks Toshibha.
pezman726 @ Feb 18th 2008 3:29PM
"I really hope the end of the format war brings Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones to high definition at last."
I said it before, and I'll say it again. The day Indiana Jones is released in High Def, is the day I buy a player (of whatever format it is on...which is looking like it'll be blu-ray...so I guess I'll be getting a PS3).
ogscorpion @ Feb 18th 2008 2:29PM
As I have posted on the other engadget site, why wait until tomorrow? There is got to be a reason why wait for Tuesday and not announce it now? Arent' they ready yet? Didn't they have the entire weekend to prep for this?
My champagne is in the fridge and my party hat is sweating. Toshiba, please end it officially, please!!!! It would be the best for all to end this war so we can all concentrate and move on with BD.
TFG @ Feb 18th 2008 2:41PM
Blu-Ray winning pretty much guarantees that Physical HD Media will remain niche for a lot longer. The best, most compatible player for all Blu discs is not only over $400, but it's also a video game console. My mother has a big HDTV in her home and would balk at this idea, settling in on the more affordable and simplistic upconverting DVD player.
I finally jumped on the HD DVD wagon during the holidays when I saw that I could get the A30 for $200 with 10 free movies. That's a consumer friendly deal.
Now it looks like HDM will be exclusively for gamers that need more use out of their PS3 or tech-hobbyist that have extra money to burn. Not for the average working-class guy that just financed a big screen HDTV from Best Buy.
trekkie604 @ Feb 18th 2008 2:42PM
It's a holiday in some parts of the world today.
ogscorpion @ Feb 18th 2008 2:49PM
To TFG: It may be a niche for lot longer but not that long. Just so let you know, there are already Blu Ray players that costs way less than 400 bucks now (including PS3s). You just have to look for them. If you have a Costco in your area, you can pick one up for around 300 bucks. I've seen Best Buy in my area yesterday selling the same Samsung BD player for around 300 bucks. If I were you, I would wait until at least summer as for sure there will be some price drops by then. Not to mention, if you can manage to wait a little longer is for the sales that will be happening during this year's holidays.
Mr. E @ Feb 18th 2008 2:58PM
Gawd, how many times to we have to debunk the niche "argument"? Blu-ray hardware pricing is right in line with where DVD hardware prices were at this point in DVD's introductory phase. Software sales are currently lagging behind DVD adoption, but that's EASILY explained by the format war sowing confusion and keeping consumers from buying in until they were sure their collections would not become obsolete.
In two years, if the cheapest BD players are not $100 or under, and most new release are not DVD/BD day-and-date, then I'll agree that BD is headed for niche status. Plus I'll eat my pants with a side of gravy.
mntwister @ Feb 18th 2008 3:06PM
HAHA tfg, that's a good one. You are so wrong. Gamers? Gee, I have 4 friends, plus myself, who own PS3's, I have a few games but bought it for the movies, and my other friends have no games but plenty of blu-rays. You guys never cease to amaze me with this gamers statement. Of course, I know you hd-dvd fanboys have little else to say anymore that has much substance with what's happening now. Sorry your format lost. Accept it and move on. The world isn't over, our country was not a war, your family and friends are still well, and you can still buy high def movies.
Player prices will be the same as hd-dvd was by the holidays.
Gus @ Feb 18th 2008 7:14PM
The point you blu idiots keep forgetting is DVD could, and still does, hook up to ANY TV and upscaled, does a damn fine job.
BR can never maintain pace with DVD because they hook up to HD TVs. BR pricing is going to remain high because HD TVs are still a small market and BR is carrying a massive debt that DVD never had.
(stealing someone else's quote)....By the time HD TVs are mass market and BR player prices are cheap enough BR will have missed the boat, downloads or the next big thing will be here.
J6 isn't going to pay $400 for a BR player for his 20' CRT in his trailer, he has 3 DVD players.
Gus @ Feb 18th 2008 7:18PM
When DVD was released, every house in the world had at least 1 TV, representing billions of sales.
How many HD TVs are in houses throughout the world today?? 5%, 10%, 20%??
Not enough which ever way you cut it, BR has no choice but to remain niche.
DEEZNUTZ @ Feb 18th 2008 11:19PM
@Gus et. al.
Sour grapes? Get over it already. HD DVD was destined for the same end based on your arguments so why would HD DVD have faired any differently?
If it remains a niche, then so be it. But you and your fellow HD DVD evangelists are the last folks to be predicting what will happen with BD in the coming years... after all, you folks backed HD DVD despite the clear writing on the wall.
HDTV's are growing in market, and guesss what retailers can pair up with those new HDTV purchases? Thats right, a BD player. So there's a better chance that BD will NOT be just a niche product.
You and your other colleagues will own a BD player by year end. Enjoy!
Sam Winter @ Feb 19th 2008 1:53AM
@TFG
player prices will be dropping very quickly. But, apparently you were not around for the introduction of DVD players when they stayed above $500 for years. If you are too cheap to buy a $300 or $400 player then stick with DVDs until the price comes down. If people are in a financial situation where they cannot afford a $300 player, then they probably shouldn't be spending money on such frivolous items. If however, you are talking about the "working man" who just spent $2K on an HDTV, I don't think an extra $300 is going to break the bank.
All you HD-DVD people need to realize that the only reason you got a HD player for $100 or $150 is because Toshiba was losing their ass on them subsidizing the costs in order to win the format war.
The blue laser module itself probably costs close to that much. It's totally unsustainable for hardware manufacturer to sell a player at that price! Why do you think Toshiba was the ONLY manufacturer making HD-DVD players??
bottom line: Buy a BD player. PS3 is a great option, as it gives you a great network streaming video player as well. If you can't afford it or a $300 standalone, just wait a few months.
Sam Winter @ Feb 19th 2008 2:36AM
@Gus
Oh god, not you again. I get frustrated every time I read one of your comments because the vast majority of the time, they are absolute bullshit.
Anyways, to the topic at hand.
"HD TVs are still a small market "
Just this statement makes you a complete moron. Have you been living under a rock? Do you understand how popular HDTVs have been in the US? They are literally flying off the shelves! I don't know any official numbers other than total overall sales in the USA of HDTVs exceeded 60 Million units at the end of 2006. I'm sure the numbers are even better now that it's 2008. I bet HDTV penetration is close to 25% by now, and among upper middle class and affluent homes, I'm sure it's easily over 50% and probably closer to 75% or more.
"BR is carrying a massive debt that DVD never had."
What exactly would that be?
Felix @ Feb 18th 2008 2:29PM
hip hip hooray. the format I am backing since 2006 wins. Long live BD
Brian @ Feb 18th 2008 2:41PM
I just want to know when the Paramount announcement is coming along with a release schedule for their previously exclusive HD DVD titles.
Dinogrrl @ Feb 18th 2008 2:54PM
Word. I want my Transformers in Blu-ray, darn it. I'm tired of looking longingly at my HD edition which was rendered pointless after swapping out my HD player for a Blu.
ProfWho @ Feb 18th 2008 2:41PM
You just wait. Truth Teller says they have a big announcement that will lead to HD-DVD domination. Nfinity says that the sales and BOGOs are going to lead to a huge comeback. HD-DVD still has a lot of fight left in it.
Walmart dropping HD-DVD means nothing, because I have been told that brick and mortar stores mean nothing and it is all about Amazon and QVC.
:p
benny boy @ Feb 18th 2008 4:30PM
Although fair, these digs at Nfinity and TT are getting a bit boring now and are all the same.
Nfinity's already given in. Just leave it alone now. They were wrong.
Let's finally leave this "war" behind and start having comment pages that don't involve abuse and insults.
Sam Winter @ Feb 19th 2008 2:40AM
@benny boy
um... nah. Those two fuckwits laid themselves out to get beaten with their nonsensical, misleading, and generally insulting comments. They deserve all the virtual pounding they get. And whats this about 1/2 of dumb and dumber giving in? care to provide a link?
TFG @ Feb 18th 2008 2:42PM
Blu-Ray winning pretty much guarantees that Physical HD Media will remain niche for a lot longer. The best, most compatible player for all Blu discs is not only over $400, but it's also a video game console. My mother has a big HDTV in her home and would balk at this idea, settling in on the more affordable and simplistic upconverting DVD player.
I finally jumped on the HD DVD wagon during the holidays when I saw that I could get the A30 for $200 with 10 free movies. That's a consumer friendly deal.
Now it looks like HDM will be exclusively for gamers that need more use out of their PS3 or tech-hobbyist that have extra money to burn. Not for the average working-class guy that just financed a big screen HDTV from Best Buy.
ProfWho @ Feb 18th 2008 2:45PM
Yep, Blu-ray = niche market.
Haven't heard that before...
Is there any evidence for this?
Nah, just sipping some hateraid...bitter loser.
Belloq @ Feb 18th 2008 2:52PM
I am SOOOO tired of the "Blu-Ray is higher priced so it will never gain mass-acceptance but will be relegated to a niche format" garbage.
DVD Players were also high priced when first released but eventually became cheaper to make, parts were cheaper, larger factorys were created to pump them out and the price comes down.
TFG acts like the player prices will be $400 2 years from now. Just look at what Blu-ray players were selling for a year ago to today... and think by christmas we won't be seeing sub-$200 players?
As the format gains more dominance, and as more CE companies begin making blu-ray players, prices will drop. It is a standard business model. As more companies make the same product, competition drives the prices down whilst providing better quality products with more features.
Welcome to a world soon to be dominated by Blu-Ray.
HD-DVD is YOUR niche market now.
TFG @ Feb 18th 2008 2:56PM
Dude, we're talking middle America during a recession...$400 HDM hardware for the average family is not what I'd call priority. Like I said, I'm talking about those people, families or couples that are not interested in gaming (me and most of my friends)...
Seems niche to me...
Most people I know want a standard simple player where they can pop in a disc and grab a remote (Not a game controller). And they don't wanna spend Over $350 to do it...When I can see Sony or other manufacturers dropping priced to the $200 range, I may consider getting in with Bluray.
Belloq @ Feb 18th 2008 2:58PM
Seriously...just wait a few months.
There will be a boat-load of new players coming out...
and the sub-$200 players will appear.
Mr. E @ Feb 18th 2008 3:01PM
TFG, magic 8 ball says you'll get your wish by this Christmas. Take it to the bank.
ProfWho @ Feb 18th 2008 3:03PM
@TFG
Dude, you don't need to post the same response multiple times on the site.
Besides, it is just a matter of time before everyone and their mother starts making Blu-ray players. That means prices will drop.
1stGreg @ Feb 18th 2008 2:43PM
Coming from a pulication as prestigious as the Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shimbun - 4th largest Newspaper in the world with about 4.6 million units/day, and Japanese equivalent of the WSJ), it's got to be more than rumors.
Tomorrow (In Japan, a matter of hours) will tell, but frankly, at this point, it just makes total sense from an industry point of view to end it fast (hence the market reaction).
Cue Para and Uni, probably by the end of the week, more likely on the same day, to anounce their Blu Ray exclusivity.
1stGreg @ Feb 18th 2008 2:51PM
"Blu-Ray winning pretty much guarantees that Physical HD Media will remain niche for a lot longer. The best, most compatible player for all Blu discs is not only over $400, but it's also a video game console."
Funny, I didn't know that $399.99 was over $400...
"My mother has a big HDTV in her home and would balk at this idea, settling in on the more affordable and simplistic upconverting DVD player."
Her loss then? This being said, within a few months we'll have plenty of players available for various prices.
Already you can find the very good Sharp BD20U for under $349 ($316 on amazon).
"I finally jumped on the HD DVD wagon during the holidays when I saw that I could get the A30 for $200 with 10 free movies. That's a consumer friendly deal."
No. That's a desperate "buy our format, even if we lose $300 per player and $400 for the movies" call. Should have given you a hint...
"Now it looks like HDM will be exclusively for gamers that need more use out of their PS3 or tech-hobbyist that have extra money to burn.
Not for the average working-class guy that just financed a big screen HDTV from Best Buy."
I'm not a console gamer, and about to buy a PS3 anyway because it's obviously a seal all those features and an excellent evolutive BR player for $399 imho.
Hesitating between that and a sharp or Panasonic BD30 actually.
I don't have "extra money to burn", but with my HDTV at $1500 (fairly low for a average size HDTV I might add, I wish I could blow $2500+), $300ish doesn't sound extravagant. Maybe you should have included a Blu Ray player in your financing if it's such a big problem? Or you can wait a few weeks/months for cheaper BR players?
Oh, sorry, you're just bitter.
TFG @ Feb 18th 2008 2:57PM
Dude, we're talking middle America during a recession...$400 HDM hardware for the average family is not what I'd call priority. Like I said, I'm talking about those people, families or couples that are not interested in gaming (me and most of my friends)...
Seems niche to me...
Most people I know want a standard simple player where they can pop in a disc and grab a remote (Not a game controller). And they don't wanna spend Over $350 to do it...When I can see Sony or other manufacturers dropping priced to the $200 range, I may consider getting in with Bluray.
qo_op @ Feb 18th 2008 2:54PM
You guys are idiots, if the studios want people to buy more HD movies then they will just stop making as many DVD copies. Its that simple.
HDpurist @ Feb 18th 2008 3:33PM
Universal and Paramount will cease HD-DVD support by March as well.
Tony DiDino @ Feb 18th 2008 4:07PM
I'm fairly certain that Paramount and Universal are going to play this smart. Paramount will have the advantage to wait until Toshiba announces dropping the HD DVD format officially. Paramount's contract with Toshiba will become null and void and free of any financial penalties. Although there was a supposed "out" written into the contract depending on Warner's decision. I assume if Toshiba breaks their end of the agreement, any funds paid to Paramount for exclusivity would not be returned. Anyone have an opinion on that? I think Universal's commitments to Toshiba is expired at this time (at least according to the Engadget blog a few weeks ago).
kcmurphy88 @ Feb 18th 2008 11:00PM
People who talked to Universal and Paramount were told that there was no "out." They both said: "It's Toshiba's call."
Which is coming right up.
Now, there has obviously been communications between Toshiba and the studios, and the date of HD DVD's demise was set and planned for. Probably some time in April or May. Now it's rushed. What it probably means is that the two studios will still be a month or so in getting Blu-ray versions of things.
Alex @ Feb 18th 2008 3:44PM
What happened to Truth Teller and Nfinity? Are they gone?
FAT A$$ LADY @ Feb 18th 2008 4:34PM
no, they are not gone. they are on other threads trying to convince people that dolby digital is as good as the next generation of audio True HD. Idiots. i guess if you follow jim jones into hell with his hallelujah cocktail (hddvd), you don't mind drinking another company's kool-aide (dolby digital). hahaha
Alex @ Feb 18th 2008 6:12PM
Ouch.
I might as well drink the Blu-Aid and get a PS3 soon, unless MS bites the bullet and releases a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360...
ReaggieP @ Feb 18th 2008 3:49PM
I enjoy daily collecting BR files on my PC...
jayman @ Feb 18th 2008 4:51PM
I think one thing people need to consider before they start the parade for BD success, they need to realize that DVDs is a big obstacle in the way. Until that happens, BD is a niche. HDM sales in all formats is still nothing compared with DVD sales, and still has miles to go before they over take DVD sales.
Another thing a lot of people fail to recognize is that BD success is directly tied to HDTV success. Once HDTV penetration is more prevalent, then, and only then does BD have a chance of taking knocking DVD off and become more than a niche. Currently HDTV penetration is around 25%-40% depending on who you ask. And HDTVs have been around for quite sometime now. If people are this slow to come around to HDTVs, what makes you think that they will jump right on with BD players so quickly? A key difference with DVD and BD (or any other HDM) is that when DVD players came out, all you needed was a TV (ANY TV!) to use it. But that is not the case is BD (or HDM).
So with the majority of people still without HDTVs, I can't say that BD or HDM will be more than a niche for now. Of course eventually, HDTVs will take over, but before that happens, BD or HDM cannot win anything and is a niche. Even TV networks haven't gone completely HD yet, and most calbe companies aren't even in HD yet!
One thing I do know for sure is that if Sony or BDA think that BD market is going to be as big as the DVD market is/was, they will be sorely mistaken and disappointed. Consumers now have more choices and want more choices. HD-DVD being knocked out and gaining all studio support definitely is a big step in the right direction, but the battle is still not over. With more competition(Apple TV, Cable companies HD VOD, HD VMD, IPTV, XBOX Live DL, Netflix and Blockbuster Online eroding media sales not to mention most networks have HD streaming of their a good portion of their TV shows on their own websites) on the horizon, BD has a long way to go. The market is not quite as simple as it once was. I for one think all this competition will keep BD honest and bring player prices down faster and the media prices down faster too. I don't really care one way or another I just want some affordable players and prices, but it will be an interesting year to come.
Paul Fernandez @ Feb 18th 2008 5:17PM
I agree with Raptor007 at the very top: what is behind these announcements and semi-announcements of the imminent death of HD DVD every few hours or so? Everyone gets it by now, and all this "investing in the wrong format" rhetoric is getting older than Methuselah. Most people who "invested" in HD DVD, like me, only spent anywhere between $300 and $1,000 tops for the player and the movies. Big whoop; I'm a working man, and I'll see that again---just like I'll see the $500+ I forked over for a PS3 and a handful Blu-ray games and movies. Oh wait, my tax return paid for that...partially!
I also suspect many people chose to rent HD DVDs and standard DVDs in addition to their free 5, 7, or 10 movies, which I'm sure affected overall sales in the same way a lack of content and non-aggressive release dates from the studios did. While others rejoice alongside supporters of camp Blu-ray, I'm sitting here not giving a damn and smiling, having watched "3:10 to Yuma" and "We Own The Night" on my PS3 and the final cut of "Blade Runner" on my A20. Oh yeah, getting "Bruce Almighty" and "12 Monkeys" on HD DVD in the mail today widened my smile a little more. Last time I checked, each of these films was a high-profile, theatrical release with A-List stars and studios behind them. Unless my players suddenly break down inexplicably, I'm enjoying myself.
Do you see my point? No one with a life wants to hear this crap anymore, especially those of us who can afford to enjoy movies on both formats no matter what is going on with each. So those of you jumping up and down for Blu-ray, please have a seat; you're only showing your lack of maturity and embarrassing yourselves in the process. Better yet clowns, keep doing that while I charge my PSP with my PS3, watch "Kung Fu Hustle" in all of its high-def glory, and get "Casino Royale" online for a whopping $12. Say no to jerks.
Sam Winter @ Feb 19th 2008 2:48AM
hmmm.. for someone who claims not to care much, that sure was a long post, and one filled with bitterness and defensiveness. As you basically said yourself, take it easy.. not that big of deal.
h4ldol @ Feb 18th 2008 6:01PM
Farewell, HD DUD, farewell... and good f***ing riddance!
kcmurphy88 @ Feb 18th 2008 11:02PM
Um, in the same vein of tact: "Bite me." A pain when the war was on, and a pain when the war is over.
RC @ Feb 18th 2008 6:04PM
We get the picture that HD DVD is fail.
Now, please do not make another post unless it's the official word from Toshiba. These rumors are pointless.
Paul Fernandez @ Feb 18th 2008 6:36PM
@h4idol
I've never responded to you on this blog, negatively or otherwise. Are you deliberately trying to be an a$$hole with your post, or are you, say, 15 years old? No matter, guys like you prove my point every time. No matter what has happened in the last week, month, or year, a stupid post with no substance won't affect HD DVD owners like it won't affect UMD onwers or Nintendo GameCube owners.
Whoever you are, get a life.