Microsoft hasn’t painted a complete picture about its upcoming external HD-DVD drive, but based on the details that are out, it looks like the highly anticipated player will be available for a steal.
Microsoft’s Albert Penello, director of global marketing, has been quoted as saying that while there’s no firm price yet for the drive, “it's going to be the cheapest HD-DVD player you can buy...without a doubt, when it comes out.”
This could bode very well for the 360 if the combined price for the drive and the console don’t top the upscale PlayStation 3 version’s $599 sticker price. Considering the drive won’t cost as much as a free standing HD-DVD player to make, it’s possible Microsoft will be able to keep it within range. The going price for non-360 HD-DVD players is more than $400.
In addition to possible bargain basement pricing, Microsoft’s external option could prove to be a lot wiser than Sony’s Blu-ray-included format that’s pumping up the prices of the console. The Blu-ray and HD-DVD race is still way too new to call and Microsoft isn’t forcing its 360 fans to buy into the HD-DVD dream. “We're not betting our whole console on an unproven media format," Penello said.
That’s one of Microsoft’s smartest moves to date.
While HD-DVD sales seem to be edging out the Blu-ray’s right now, what the future holds for either player is anyone’s guess. Consumers are most likely sitting back and waiting to see which format looks like it will win the race before they choose to dive in. The 360 gives this option; the PS3 doesn't.
Some big-name players have lined up on both sides of the fence, making the competition more than fierce and no doubt adding to jitters movie lovers might have in making a choice between one format or another.
With New Line Cinema, HBO, Paramount Home Entertainment and Universal coming in on the side of HD-DVD and Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, EA and Disney on the side of Blu-ray, the battle to see which format wins will be more than interesting. It’s even possible both players will go the way of the Laserdisc with good old fashion DVDs winning out. I’m not banking on it, but it could happen.
In the meantime, that Pioneer surround sound system is looking more and more appealing with what appears to be a more than affordable HD-DVD player to boot. You can’t beat New Line Cinema for a good horror flick.
The 360's HD-DVD drive is due out later this year.
Related:
PS3 Bundles Are Pricey
PS3 Release Date, Price Firmed Up
Interest In Blu-ray Low
How Blue-Ray sunk the moral ship
Next-gen DVD talks collapse
Xbox 360 designed to hypnotize you
Xbox 360 Surround Sound Rolled Out
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