Microsoft Drops HD DVD for Xbox 360

February 25th, 2008, 19:25 Posted By: wraggster

Following the recent yielding of Toshiba's Hd DVD format to Sony's Blu-ray, Microsoft announced that it would be discontinuing production of the HD DVD-format games for its console, the Xbox 360.

The announcement also revealed that the company will be slashing the price of existing stocks in half.

"From tomorrow, we will cut the prices to $49 and will not make any more of the HD DVD players," said Grace Chou, spokesman of the Taipei branch of Microsoft, based on Redmond, Washington.

According to Bloomberg, Microsoft, whose console normally ran on DVD format, only recently released hardware that allowed players to play games on HD DVD format. Before cutting the player's price in half, it cost users $119.

Additionally, the company announced that the warranties availed by those who own the console would still be available.

"HD DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers," said Blair Westlake, VP of the media and entertainment group, "and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room, along with playback of the DVD movies they already own."

CNet News reported that Microsoft, in making the announcement, joined a line of companies that have publicly dropped the HD DVD format, opting instead for the Blu-ray. Other companies included Intel, NEC, and HD DVD's backer Toshiba.

Several stores, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and major movie retail stores have also opted to replace HD DVD format movies with Blu-ray. Many have started clearance sales for their stocks of the HD DVD, as well as the format's players.

There is still no word on whether or not, like its rival Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft would produce Xbox 360 consoles that would be supporting the Blu-ray format.

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010137015

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