Wal-Mart Stocks Sub-$200 HD DVD Player

[Pirate]

It's official. After weeks of rumors, Wal-Mart has begun selling Toshiba's second-gen HD-A2 HD DVD player for $198, setting a new low-price record for a stand-alone next-gen player.

Although reports of a rollback for the HD-A2 first surfaced earlier this month, it wasn't until the middle of this week that consumers began spotting endcaps with that magic price cropping up at select Wal-Mart locations nationwide.

In an article first published by Fortune Magazine, Wal-Mart spokesperson Melissa O'Brien confirmed the price cut and denied rumors that each Wal-Mart store would stock only 18 units of the Toshiba player, saying "there are no limited quantities for stores or purchases."

The spokesperson would not comment on the retail giant's holiday plans for HD DVD and Blu-ray, other than to say "we know HD DVD and Blu-ray are going to be popular items this holiday season for some of our customers."

Toshiba's 1080i HD-A2 was originally released this past January at a retail price of $499, but is now available at various retailers at prices ranging from $230-280. The HD-A2's successor -- the third-generation HD-A3 -- is due to hit stores November 1 with a list price of $299.

Wal-Mart says the $198 price for the HD-A2 is being offered for in-store purchases only (their website still lists it at $274).

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/Wal-Mart/Wal-Mart_Stocks_Sub-$200_HD_DVD_Player/1110

[ganthc]

But the hd-a2 is discontinued, so this would a sale for all the remaining players left, right?

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by ganthc

But the hd-a2 is discontinued, so this would a sale for all the remaining players left, right?

Yes, but just like the 80gb PS3 & 60gb PS3 once the HD-A2s are all cleared out the HD-A3s will likely drop in price to near that of the HD-A2 - after all, the HD-A3 is cheaper to make than the HD-A2 due to even more refined innards.

In all honesty, from what I've read the difference between the HD-A2 and HD-A3 is not major. The A3 has somewhat better upscaling of SD-DVD and is a bit faster but thats about it. So jumping on an HD-A2 for $199 is not a bad idea.

[ganthc]

Originally Posted by Ruined

Yes, but just like the 80gb PS3 & 60gb PS3 once the HD-A2s are all cleared out the HD-A3s will likely drop in price to near that of the HD-A2 - after all, the HD-A3 is cheaper to make than the HD-A2 due to even more refined innards.

In all honesty, from what I've read the difference between the HD-A2 and HD-A3 is not major. The A3 has somewhat better upscaling of SD-DVD and is a bit faster but thats about it. So jumping on an HD-A2 for $199 is not a bad idea.

Oh it's definitely not. I think it will sell like hotcakes. As an owner of an hd-a2, I can say that it does its job admirably. If the hd-a3 does replace the hd-a2 when the supplies are gone, and at the same price, it would be a nice start to getting j6p to adopt the format.

[Sehnzeleid]

I imagine this is Wal Mart testing the waters.

[videoworx]

It's 1 penny cheaper at Circuit City:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/attac...cmCatID=SEARCH

[Sehnzeleid]

Originally Posted by videoworx

It's 1 penny cheaper at Circuit City:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/attac...cmCatID=SEARCH

Yes, but CC isn't one of the world's largest corporations.

[sub780lime]

Now give me 1080p at $199 and I am in.

[dugpa]

Originally Posted by Sehnzeleid

I imagine this is Wal Mart testing the waters.

Actually I think it's WalMart closing out last year's models.

[EM3]

Well my local Wal Mart now has a section for HD DVD and Blu Ray but still no players.

[Iguana Man]

Boy is this starting to get tempting for me. Maybe I could give my HDAO away as a Christmas present since selling it is pointless now with the 5-7 free movies you can get it for @ $178.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by sub780lime

Now give me 1080p at $199 and I am in.

What TV do you have?

[Jeff003]

Man that is a low price for an Hd dvd player.I'm glad to see their coming down.