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Best Buy publicly snuffs HD-DVD

12 February 2008 12:43 by Dave "Davedough" Horvath | 61 comments

The largest electronics chain the U.S. has announced that it will begin focusing its recommendations to customers toward Sony's Blu-ray technology, according to an article by Reuters.

"Because we believe that Blu-ray is fast emerging as that single format, we have decided to focus on Blu-ray products," Brian Dunn, Best Buy's president and chief operating officer, said in a statement Monday.

It's not an exclusive arrangement since Best Buy says it will still continue to offer HD DVD. But having Best Buy's valuable endorsement in the form of Sunday circulars, front-and-center store kiosks, and staff recommendation seems to be the icing on the cake for a Blu-ray victory in the format war, and potentially the death rattle for HD DVD.

The HD DVD Promotional Group responded with a statement "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."

Permalink to this article | Topics: Blu-ray HD DVD Home Theater

Toshiba confirms dropping of HD DVD (19 February 2008)

Toshiba denies it is dropping HD DVD (18 February 2008)

Anonymous Toshiba source confirms HD DVD's demise (16 February 2008)

Next-gen format war is officially over (16 February 2008)

Disney Blu-ray titles have $10 USD rebate (15 February 2008)

Game over HD DVD (15 February 2008)

Michael Bay speaks out about Blu-ray, again (14 February 2008)

HD DVD sales rebound but still trail Blu-ray (12 February 2008)

Netflix to drop HD DVD but concerned about Blu-ray prices (11 February 2008)

Microsoft drops price of Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on (6 February 2008)

Circuit City is not dropping HD DVD (3 February 2008)

National Geographic Presents goes Blu-ray exclusive (2 February 2008)

Sonic drops HD DVD authoring product (30 January 2008)

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mattkind (Member) 13 February 2008 10:45
The real problem about HD DVD was that microsoft didnt include an HD DVD player internal . I mean if your a gamer you wont buy an addon simply because you dont like movies but if it was internal , there is a chance that you might buy an HD DVD titles. Alltough i like HD DVD better and even owns some titles i dont see how they can make it in 2009. Its nearly impossible. If Warner stayed than it would have been different and lots of people would be happy [ + quote]
OhCrap (Inactive) 13 February 2008 10:59
@Sazaziel Slysoft has already claimed to have cracked Blu-Ray and HDDVD months ago. People have been ripping their disks to their hard drives for months now. So what is your point? Why do we need "tech geeks" like you when we can just invest in a program like that? From the way you talk you've single-handedly conqured the universe. [ + quote]
hughjars (Inactive) 13 February 2008 11:27
*Originally posted by OhCrap:* Slysoft has already claimed to have cracked Blu-Ray and HDDVD months ago. - Only the AACS HD DVD & Blu-ray movies. Non-BD+ discs. There has not been a single one of the (growing number of) BD+ movies 'cracked'. *Originally posted by OhCrap:* People have been ripping their disks to their hard drives for months now. - That's not the same as ripping & copying a disc (and I'm sure you know that perfectly well). You can put the movie on your HDD and watch it from there, you can't copy it and you need the original disc to do that. Are you trying to misinform people deliberately with these tales or what? *Originally posted by OhCrap:* So what is your point? - The point is what it always was. You cannot rip & copy Blu-ray BD+ discs. *Originally posted by OhCrap:* Why do we need "tech geeks" like you when we can just invest in a program like that? - Er that program you think works a certain way doesn't. Slysoft have been claiming for months that they think they will be able to crack BD+ but so far have actually produced nothing. Then there's the whole issue of what happens when they change it and revamp the BD+ (which it is specifically designed for). There can be no blind confidence that BD+ can be cracked. (....and yes there are numerous examples of so-called security systems that have remained uncracked. Sky TV's digital service encryption being a prime example, 7 years and counting despite a 'market' of many millions who'd love to see their stuff for a fraction of their exorbitant charges.....as so many did when it was the old analogue service) *Originally posted by OhCrap:* From the way you talk you've single-handedly conqured the universe. - I managed to make out his meaning (that BD+ Blu-ray discs cannot be ripped & copied) perfectly well. What happened to you? [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 13 February 2008 11:29
Nephilim (Moderator) 13 February 2008 12:38
I'm seeing folks starting to act like children towards each other. The next person to say something even remotely derogatory or disrespectful to someone else will get the hammer dropped on them. I have NO sense of humor in these threads so be warned! My killer sig came courtesy of bb "El Jefe" mayo. The Forum Rules You Agreed To! http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/2487 "And there we saw the giants, and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight" - Numbers 13:33 [ + quote]
varnull (AfterDawn Addict) 13 February 2008 12:46
ooo.. PMT there Neph? I think this whole disk format nonsense has been done to death.. Who cares anyway? This market will remain tiny like audio dvd has, because very few can see any gain for themselves in the current situation. Not enough HD content from broadcasters means minimal sales of HD equipment to the select few.. The audio system has makes a valid comparison.. While a few people went to extremes with high end equipment (an expensive hobby if you like) the rest of the populace were happy with a �50 grinder. Free open source software = made by end users who want an application to work.... Commercial "pay for" software = made by software developers who want paying... see where I'm going with this? [ + quote]
glasssd (Inactive) 13 February 2008 13:11
Wow, looks like MSNBC says its over. Wonder why Universal and Paramont does not anounce " and on HD-DVD " on their movie trailers any more? [ + quote]
SProdigy (Member) 13 February 2008 14:29
*Originally posted by hughjars:* If HD DVD does go under then the rest of the market will stick with upscaled SD DVD & as HD TV numbers explode move on to HD TV services with a DVR ( = HD on your HD TV all the time......which sure as hell beats an occasional expensive Blu-ray disc in an overpriced player of God knows what spec & lifespan) & downloading. Precisely Hugh... I enjoyed watching "We Own The Night" upscaled in 1080i last night. Anything else I want to watch, I'll record it on my HD DVR (Punisher and Batman Begins are excellent "reruns" that come to mind this week.) [ + quote]
Dat1boi (Junior Member) 13 February 2008 16:04
I'm sure this is pointless to bring up on a site like AD, but seriously, besides Home entertainment systems-o-philes, how many people are clammering to start a brand new collection of Movies. I really wanted to see HD DVD get strong because I FREAKIN' hate sony shoving overpriced crap down our throats (not always but in general), but it's a shame so many movie studio's made a decisions to solely back Blu ray. I personally think that sony paid for many of those decicsions, but whatever gets the job done, maybe I'll get one next year after we come out of this recession, and after they screw over a few more early semi early adopters. [ + quote]
Hyasuma (Newbie) 13 February 2008 16:19
I dont know about Blue ray vs HD DVD....they are overrated expensive, even now I still only buy DVD. To me it cost wayyy too much money because you have to buy the "special" player and the "TV" that supports the "Hi Def". what is the point if your not so damn rich and really cares about the definition? I find it that the DVD still works well, still GREAT quality. Even now I believe DVD sales are wayyy more than BD or HDD. I find it stupid, unless they sale their so call "hi def" to the same cost as the original DVD, there is no freaking point of buying them unless you are really geeked about hi def quality. I find it pointless right now to even purchase one of these things. [ + quote]
Hyasuma (Newbie) 13 February 2008 16:23
*Originally posted by Hyasuma:* I dont know about Blue ray vs HD DVD....they are overrated expensive, even now I still only buy DVD. To me it cost wayyy too much money because you have to buy the "special" player and the "TV" that supports the "Hi Def". what is the point if your not so damn rich and really cares about the definition? I find it that the DVD still works well, still GREAT quality. Even now I believe DVD sales are wayyy more than BD or HDD. I find it stupid, unless they sale their so call "hi def" to the same cost as the original DVD, there is no freaking point of buying them unless you are really geeked about hi def quality. I find it pointless right now to even purchase one of these things. Base on the fact that I have bought alot of Sony products, and they last me longer than ever I could ask for, their quality of their products are insanely LONG, I actually prefer buying Sony products as long as is not too expensive to purchase. [ + quote]
NexGen76 (Member) 13 February 2008 17:10
Toshiba set to release a Blu-Ray player 1080living.com has learned through sources in the distribution and retail business that the buzz is Toshiba already has a Blu-Ray player in the works ready for production for a September 08 release but now this has been pushed up to a July 08 release with recent events in the industry. This would make sense as Toshiba is a major electronics giant and supporting Blu-Ray will only benefit the company in the long run. Toshiba is currently liquidating HD-DVD players for as little as $90.00 which many analyst consider to be under their cost but as demand dries up Toshiba is trying to cash in on last minute consumers that will be swayed by price alone. One source cited 2 players are in the works with a price target of $250 and $350.00 Looks like Toshiba ready to lay there cards on the table if this is true. http://www.n4g.com/industrynews/News-110548.aspx [ + quote]
goodswipe (Inactive) 13 February 2008 17:13
Yea, eatsushi pointed that out yesterday. Had to know this was comming. Does this mean they will drop support for any of the HD DVD models? Update: Toshiba has just released FW 2.0 for the following models: A3, D3, A30, and A35 The FW update has added 1080p/24 video capabilities to the A30 and A35. Ahh, that stupid playback error seems to have been fixed with this update as well. Anyone with a HD DVD player knows that I'm talking about. Electronista "look honey, it said goodswipe! oh wow, that's amazing." [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 13 February 2008 17:22
gnovak1 (Junior Member) 13 February 2008 17:15
*Originally posted by Hyasuma:* I dont know about Blue ray vs HD DVD....they are overrated expensive, even now I still only buy DVD. To me it cost wayyy too much money because you have to buy the "special" player and the "TV" that supports the "Hi Def". what is the point if your not so damn rich and really cares about the definition? I find it that the DVD still works well, still GREAT quality. Even now I believe DVD sales are wayyy more than BD or HDD. I find it stupid, unless they sale their so call "hi def" to the same cost as the original DVD, there is no freaking point of buying them unless you are really geeked about hi def quality. I find it pointless right now to even purchase one of these things. My feelings exactly. I bought an Oppo upconverter and my DVDs look better than ever. I'm in no rush to get either format. Especially until HD movie prices match regular DVD prices, which won't be for a long time!!! [ + quote]
hughjars (Inactive) 14 February 2008 10:35
*Originally posted by NexGen76:* Toshiba set to release a Blu-Ray player - Pure speculation & rumour Anyone can do that. Sony set to abandon Blu-ray http://digg.com/gaming_news/PS3_without_...itch_the_format I read it on the internet/in a newspaper so it must be true, eh? LMAO. *Originally posted by goodswipe:* The FW update has added 1080p/24 video capabilities to the A30 and A35. - That's weird, my HD A/EP 35 has always had excellent 1080p/24 playback (I bought it in Nov 2007). [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 14 February 2008 10:36
eatsushi (Senior Member) 14 February 2008 11:09
1080p/24 has been enabled since the 1.3 firmware for the A30 and A35. However, avs members are reporting problems with "jaggies" with the new 2.0 firmware when outputting 1080p/24. Some are even reverting back to the 1.3 firmware because of this problem. My XA2 also had this problem with 24fps "jaggies" on the 2.8 firmware so I reverted back to version 2.7. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=992822&page=4 post#109 [ + quote]
goodswipe (Inactive) 14 February 2008 11:21
*Originally posted by eatsushi:* 1080p/24 has been enabled since the 1.3 firmware for the A30 and A35. However, avs members are reporting problems with "jaggies" with the new 2.0 firmware when outputting 1080p/24. Some are even reverting back to the 1.3 firmware because of this problem. My XA2 also had this problem with 24fps "jaggies" on the 2.8 firmware so I reverted back to version 2.7. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=992822&page=4 post#109 Hmm, interesting. I don't think I will be flashing mine then. I've always been a bit cautious when it comes to this sort of thing. I wonder how well they really test the FW before they release it? "look honey, it said goodswipe! oh wow, that's amazing." [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 14 February 2008 11:24
eatsushi (Senior Member) 14 February 2008 14:32
*Originally posted by goodswipe:* Hmm, interesting. I don't think I will be flashing mine then. I've always been a bit cautious when it comes to this sort of thing. I wonder how well they really test the FW before they release it? If your HDTV doesn't support 1080p/24 then you shouldn't have any problem with the new firmware. You can set the output to 1080p/60 and you should be fine. Also the "jaggies" seem to be a problem only with AVC/MPEG4 encoded titles such as Transformers. If you still need to revert back then there's a way to do it. However, reverting to older firmware is very tricky and requires you to do some HEX editing on the firmware ISO. Basically you change the HEX value on the firmware to trick the machine into thinking that the older firmware is actually newer than the installed one. There's a guide on avsforums on how to do this. [ + quote]
OhCrap (Inactive) 14 February 2008 15:28
@ Hugejars Slysoft claims to have cracked BD+ back in Novemeber, where have you been? There are BD+ movies available on many bittorrent websites. And who wants to buy BD blank media now when it's still $10-$20 bucks a disc and the burners are still through the roof. In time when the prices are better it'll be a little more economical to do so. You're just upset because your team lost. Here is a link that might help you with your denial problems. Everywhere it says alcohol just subsitute the word HD-DVD. http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/info/a/aa981021.htm [ + quote]
vinny13 (Inactive) 14 February 2008 16:55
*Originally posted by OhCrap:* @ Hugejars Slysoft claims to have cracked BD+ back in Novemeber, where have you been? There are BD+ movies available on many bittorrent websites. And who wants to buy BD blank media now when it's still $10-$20 bucks a disc and the burners are still through the roof. In time when the prices are better it'll be a little more economical to do so. You're just upset because your team lost. Here is a link that might help you with your denial problems. Everywhere it says alcohol just subsitute the word HD-DVD. http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/info/a/aa981021.htm Lmao I think Step 3 is the toughest :P [ + quote]
Sazaziel (Junior Member) 14 February 2008 16:57
Hughjars...thank you for the co-sign, Nephilim please don't be pissed. If you've read any of my post towards this format war in the past you can understand why I try to school the kids if you know what I mean. Not trying to start childishness in the forum in any way. For anyone who understands the BD+ security on blu ray discs, you know what I'm getting at. If you are just the average consumer and not a programmer then do your research. BD+ has not been cracked. How could I explain it....they weren't dumb when this technology was created and thats why Sony of all companies stands strongly behind it. If we can compare it to HIV, anything that combats the blu ray system causes it to lets say mutate and correct itself when the flaw is exposed. Kind of like learning from the mistake and then correcting itself into something more immune for later discs when published. This link is to Slysoft's statement about cracking BD+. [url=http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=9453][/url] Now for myself and any of the other tech geeks out there.... EngadgetHD explains exactly what the problem is for us. Take note that this is poseted after the Slysoft claims in November 2007. [url=http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/09/bd-has-not-been-compromised-yet/][/url] The BD+ security can also be explained on Wikipedia if you doubt me. My whole statement is based on the fact that even though HD DVD was compromised, we still had the same freedom of backing up and added no region coding just as we had on standard DVD. Even Paramount and Universal knows this but they don't care. They're kinda more on the side of the people or value consumer. Even though not made public....this is the real reason why the studios started jumping ship. If you read the earlier post it states this fact. For those who enjoy having a collection of backups in the physical format...it just isn't going to happen (yet anyways)in the blu ray format. Just like I and others....Slysoft has its work cut out for them as well. Also I would ask any of you to read more into BD-Live which is profile 2.0 . There's a reason why there are compatibility issues with profile 1.1 . This is because the security has corrected itself to the exposed vulnerability that the manufacturers now know about. I guess you can thank Slysoft for that. Again not trying to cause any turbulence on the site but, know the facts before you start flaming in ignorance. Like I said before to you BD fans, you kind of sold your soul and didn't even know it. Vendors are backing blu ray because now they know they will definitely make a profit without piracy of the disc format. The technology of blu ray is actually genius but, until BD+ is fully cracked.....I'd chose freedom over this security anytime. [ + quote]
juankerr (Member) 14 February 2008 17:39
*Originally posted by Sazaziel:* Also I would ask any of you to read more into BD-Live which is profile 2.0 . There's a reason why there are compatibility issues with profile 1.1 . This is because the security has corrected itself to the exposed vulnerability that the manufacturers now know about. I guess you can thank Slysoft for that. I's like to see your source on this if possible and would appreciate a more in depth explanation. If I understand BD+ correctly, it works even if you don't have the player connected to the internet. (Which makes sense since practically all standalones released so far have no ethernet port.) I'm also under the impression that the player profiles have nothing to do whatsoever with BD+ or any other security scheme. http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/bd-ha...ompromised-yet/ As I have posted in another thread, one of our senior members has done a field test with the first BD-Live 2.0 title available and the main movie played fine on his 1.0 player. [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 14 February 2008 17:41
Nephilim (Moderator) 14 February 2008 19:14
OhCrap just learned what a piss poor sense of humor I have in these threads and vinny13 got a two day vacation for his pointless post after OhCrap's blatant jab at hughjars. I'm not kidding folks. Keep it cool or you'll be shown the door. Sazaziel, you're fine. You've posted relevant facts whilst taking jabs at no one :) My killer sig came courtesy of bb "El Jefe" mayo. The Forum Rules You Agreed To! http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/2487 "And there we saw the giants, and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight" - Numbers 13:33 [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 14 February 2008 19:15
juankerr (Member) 14 February 2008 19:55
The end could be near. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/cont...7d0bfb0c25aa58d Toshiba to drop HD DVD, sources say *Quote:* The format war has turned into a format death watch. Toshiba is widely expected to pull the plug on its HD DVD format sometime in the coming weeks, reliable industry sources say, after a rash of retail defections that followed Warner Home Video's announcement in early January that it would support only the rival Blu-ray Disc format after May. Officially, no decision has been made, insists Jodi Sally, vp of marketing for Toshiba America Consumer Products. "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," she said. But she hinted that something's in the air. "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." The article also revealed the Nielsen Videscan numbers for the week ending February 10th: *Quote:* Blu-ray Disc titles also accounted for 81% of all high-def disc sales for the week, with HD DVD at just 19%. Finally: *Quote:* Toshiba had been pitching its discounted HD DVD players toward the standard DVD crowd as well as high-def enthusiasts, noting in its ad message that the new players would make DVDs look a lot better as well. And as a last-ditch effort, the company ran an ad during the Super Bowl -- a 30-second spot that reportedly cost $2.7 million. But in the end, sources say, the substantial loss Toshiba is incurring with each HD DVD player sold -- a figure sources say could be as high as several hundred dollars -- coupled with a series of high-profile retail defections has driven the company to at last concede defeat. [ + quote]
domie (Member) 14 February 2008 20:02
*Quote:* - Pure speculation & rumour Anyone can do that. Sony set to abandon Blu-ray http://digg.com/gaming_news/PS3_without_...itch_the_format I read it on the internet/in a newspaper so it must be true, eh? LMAO. actually you read it on an obscure forum site for tech geeks from a self promoting self styled "reporter" with "inside sources " from the sony camp ;) and way too much ego - not criticising anyone here - just reflecting on what the idiot posted on that site. [ + quote]
error5 (Senior Member) 14 February 2008 21:59
*Originally posted by juankerr:* The end could be near. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/cont...7d0bfb0c25aa58d Toshiba to drop HD DVD, sources say The story is being picked up by other sites. http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/14/toshi...to-drop-hd-dvd/ http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/T...rop_HD_DVD/1468 http://www.homemediamagazine.com/ http://formatwarcentral.com/index.php/20...to-drop-hd-dvd/ Added: Even the Washington Post has picked it up: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...8021403919.html *Quote:* Toshiba's HD-DVD going the way of Betamax ...and Reuters as well: http://uk.reuters.com/article/technology...451010520080215 [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 15 February 2008 0:44
borhan9 (AfterDawn Addict) 8 April 2008 21:36
I guess this is the way to go when everyone else is going onthe wat of the blu-ray then if your the last one left then u will loose out more than anything if you do not make the move sooner. The fact is blu-ray is the better choice in the features and quality however how its not the more cost effective in the long run consumers will not mind paying extra for a better product. [ + quote]