In a shock move Toshiba have slashed the price of many of their HD-DVD players in the US, effective immediately. They labelled the move a "strategic action". The reduction sees its entry level player priced at just $399USD and the newly released HD-A20 model coming to market at $499 USD.
The move comes just a few days after Microsoft announced its Xbox 360 Elite would not have an in-built HD-DVD drive, and at a time where Blu-Ray discs are outselling HD-DVD nearly 3 to 1. Supporters of the HD-DVD format, including Warner, Paramount and Eagle Rock have welcomed the move.
"The spring is ramping up well for HD-DVD, with an incredible list of movies and the best priced hardware on the market," commented Ken Graffeo, executive VP of marketing at Universal Studios Home Entertainment.