In an effort to boost sales against the competing Blu-ray format, at Comic-Con International today Microsoft announced a price drop from $199 to $179 for its Xbox 360 HD DVD Player. The price will become effective starting August 1.Furthermore, as added incentive Microsoft and Toshiba are extending Toshiba's "Perfect Offer," which grants purchasers of the HD DVD player five free HD DVD movies from a selection of 15 titles – this is done through a mail-in offer. The deal was previously only available for purchasers of standalone Toshiba HD DVD players.
In addition to the price drop, Microsoft made a couple announcements around the HD DVD launches of 300 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and Heroes: Season 1 from Universal Studios. Starting August 14, Microsoft will offer 300 on demand in HD on its video marketplace. The company is also working with Warner Bros. at Comic-Con on a Bringing It Home campaign featuring 300 and other Warner Bros. properties.
As for Heroes: Season 1, in advance of the HD DVD boxed set, Xbox Live members will be able to download the show's pilot episode (in HD) for free "for a limited time." Trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials highlighting Heroes: Season 1 on HD DVD will also be made available.
"With the price reduction to $179, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player continues to be the most affordable way to enjoy high definition," said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "From the beginning, we set out to offer Xbox 360 owners an unrivaled high-definition experience, with a choice of optical discs on the HD DVD format and digital downloads through Xbox Live Marketplace — both of which have a selection of the best content Hollywood has to offer. Today's announcements around 300 and Heroes: Season 1 are great examples of how we believe HD content can be offered to consumers."
It should be noted that the Microsoft/Toshiba offer of five free HD DVDs isn't unique. Sony has been promoting Blu-ray with an offer that entitles purchasers of a PS3 or standalone Blu-ray player to five free Blu-ray movies. The promotion started earlier this month and goes through September.
by James Brightman
source:gamedaily.com
