NPD: Sky Isn't Falling for HD-DVD, Blu-ray Isn't Champ Yet
01/24/08
Sales data for HD-DVD and Blu-ray players and movies has been misconstrued lately by various outlets, with reports implying that HD-DVD sales have fallen at an amazing pace while Blu-ray sales have blasted through the roof.
Not so fast, says the NPD Group.
While select articles have implied that HD-DVD as a format is doomed and the sky is falling for the format's supporters, the NPD Group this afternoon reinforced that sales results from a single week do not necessarily indicate a trend, and that the week in question had several intriguing variables that have gone unreported.
The NPD Group attempted to quiet the storm of online scuttlebutt with the following statement:
"As you may have seen, there are attempts being made to portray NPD's weekly sales tracking figures for next generation DVD as a trend. We want to remind you and make clear that it is not accurate to make long term assumptions based on one week of sales -- a cautionary point that NPD has made as well.
"The facts are that during the week that is being singled out, both Blu-ray disc players and software were being given away for free with the purchase of 1080p TVs. It is also important to note that the instant rebate promotions that had previously netted Toshiba's players' MSRPs to $199 and $249 had actually ended on Jan. 5th -- causing an increase in HD DVD's MSRP back to $299 and $399 during that same week. Since Toshiba's retail price move on Jan. 13th to $149 / $199 -- Toshiba is seeing very positive sales trends at retail. This reinforces the fact that price is a significant driver of sales.
"Toshiba's HD DVD players represent a significant value to the consumer and the marketing campaign that just began is proving effective."
Send News to N4G |
| Slashdot It!
Most Recent Features
Battlefield eschews its traditional multiplayer-only focus for a single-player story too, and we couldn't be happier.
The tennis series makes a decidedly sim-like change, stumbling through a difficulty double fault along the way.
E3 may have ended, but developers still have plenty of work ahead -- especially on these games.
The format has changed, but so has publishers' and editors' excitement. Many believe the end is near.
As he gears up for E3 2008, our local curmudgeon muses about the lines he'd like to see crossed and the announcements he'd like to hear.
DailyGame's PlayStation Homepage
Even with the change to team-based gameplay, the new-look Quake is still best for franchise fans.
Battlefield eschews its traditional multiplayer-only focus for a single-player story too, and we couldn't be happier.
The tennis series makes a decidedly sim-like change, stumbling through a difficulty double fault along the way.
E3 may have ended, but developers still have plenty of work ahead -- especially on these games.
The Xbox 360 has a huge install base, and Microsoft has lofty goals. But can the company actually achieve them?
DailyGame's Xbox 360 Homepage
E3 may have ended, but developers still have plenty of work ahead -- especially on these games.
The format has changed, but so has publishers' and editors' excitement. Many believe the end is near.
As he gears up for E3 2008, our local curmudgeon muses about the lines he'd like to see crossed and the announcements he'd like to hear.
The game's an average platformer, but the license is well used, and the characters are fun.
Phil uses two different importing sites and comes back with some advice.
DailyGame's Nintendo Homepage
With Batman fever gripping the nation, this outstanding Blu-ray Disc couldn't be better timed.
The original 1960s phenom makes a good Blu-ray debut, but some aspects should return to the Bat Cave.
Scorsese's 2002 epic is a great film, but its Blu-ray appearance doesn't match that quality.
Clint Eastwood's classic cop goes HD, and it makes us feel lucky.
This is still a great film, and its Blu-ray presentation thrives on excluive features and functionality.
DailyGame's Blu-ray Homepage
Getting a wired connection through your home's electrical wiring couldn't be easier or more secure.
This could be a blogger's best friend, at least for basic functions.
You may think Star Tours-like seating is not for home, but it's closer than you think.
The name may be brutal, but if you're into bass, this is one refined headset.
Nicolas Cage rocks Mount Rushmore, and the movie itself is rockin' too.
DailyGame's Home Electronics Homepage