As far as comparing overall sales goes, it`s right to say that compared to ten years ago consumers are spoilt for choice with regards to how they obtain and view the content they want. However, the fact we have all these choices contributes to my belief that HD media sales figures really aren`t all that bad in the grand scheme of things.

I don`t disagree that there`s every chance sales figures could flip after the fourth quarter. Again, this is really why even maintaining the 2:1 ratio in sales come January would be considered bad for Blu-ray since given their momentum and all their boasting, they ought have little excuse not to pass Christmas with at least a 4:1 advantage. Whether they will or not only time will tell. Both formats face an uphill struggle this winter, it`s just that one is slightly further up the hill at the moment. The Blu group got lazy and let their guard down before and suffered the consequences last year. They`d best not make the same mistakes again.


I think HD DVD have set themselves up pretty well for the 4th quarter. Exclusives like Shrek, Bourne Ultimatum and Transformers will be big, and then there are dual format biggies like the Harry Potter titles. They announced at CEDIA they will be extending their five free movie offer yet again, this time to February, so I certainly think they`ve got a very attractive product thanks to the hardware prices and the free disc offers. In addition Toshiba also said Bourne Identity and 300 will be packed in the box with all their 3rd gen players this autumn/winter, so the buyer is effectively getting seven movies for nothing. Great strategy and it will unquestionably shift a lot of players. If Toshiba would introduce a region free hack for standard DVD playback on their European models I really wouldn't think twice about getting one.