HD DVD set-top player $99 sales moves units
Toshiba HD-A2 model sells 90,000 over weekend
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 11/6/2007
NOV. 6 | The HD DVD format significantly pumped its installed base over the weekend, as dueling store clearances sold an estimated 90,000 Toshiba players, according to sources close to retailers.
That tally covers Friday to Sunday sales of Toshibafs second-generation HD-A2 model, which Wal-Mart and Best Buy sold for about $99 on Nov. 2. Thatfs $200 less than Toshibafs $299 list price and $100 off widespread retail pricing of $199.
The $99 players made up most of the 90,000 units sold, a source said.
Within three days, Toshiba corralled nearly as many sales as the best-selling stand-alone Blu-ray Disc player has sold since its launch. Sonyfs dominant Blu-ray set-top, the $499 BDP-S300, has shipped about 100,000 since it bowed this summer.
In that weekend frame, the huge retail sales fattened Toshiba HD DVD penetration by at least 35%, as DisplaySearch estimates that 256,000 Toshiba set-top players have sold through July.
However, the Blu-ray format still retains the largest overall installation base, due largely to the millions of PlayStation 3 hardware sold.
In fact, the 90,000 figure for HD-A2 sales could be even higher, as it doesnft appear to include all retailer information. The figure does span consumer activity on HD-A2s at Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Circuit City, among others.
Best Buy also shaved $100 off Toshibafs $299 third-generation player, the HD-A3, Friday through Sunday. At deadline, a Best Buy spokesman did not provide updated sales on the HD-A3.
Toshiba and the HD DVD Promotional Group also declined comment.
Toshiba HD-A2 model sells 90,000 over weekend
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 11/6/2007
NOV. 6 | The HD DVD format significantly pumped its installed base over the weekend, as dueling store clearances sold an estimated 90,000 Toshiba players, according to sources close to retailers.
That tally covers Friday to Sunday sales of Toshibafs second-generation HD-A2 model, which Wal-Mart and Best Buy sold for about $99 on Nov. 2. Thatfs $200 less than Toshibafs $299 list price and $100 off widespread retail pricing of $199.
The $99 players made up most of the 90,000 units sold, a source said.
Within three days, Toshiba corralled nearly as many sales as the best-selling stand-alone Blu-ray Disc player has sold since its launch. Sonyfs dominant Blu-ray set-top, the $499 BDP-S300, has shipped about 100,000 since it bowed this summer.
In that weekend frame, the huge retail sales fattened Toshiba HD DVD penetration by at least 35%, as DisplaySearch estimates that 256,000 Toshiba set-top players have sold through July.
However, the Blu-ray format still retains the largest overall installation base, due largely to the millions of PlayStation 3 hardware sold.
In fact, the 90,000 figure for HD-A2 sales could be even higher, as it doesnft appear to include all retailer information. The figure does span consumer activity on HD-A2s at Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Circuit City, among others.
Best Buy also shaved $100 off Toshibafs $299 third-generation player, the HD-A3, Friday through Sunday. At deadline, a Best Buy spokesman did not provide updated sales on the HD-A3.
Toshiba and the HD DVD Promotional Group also declined comment.
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