Sony & Blu-ray Lose Exclusive JB Hi-Fi Deal To HD DVD

Sony and Blu-ray have lost their exclusivity in JBHi-Fi stores with the announcement that effective from November, the major retailer will start selling HD DVD players and content. The big winner is Toshiba, with JB Hi-Fi Marketing Director Scott Browning conceding that it was the exclusive Paramount content deal with HD DVD that swung him over to the HD DVD format.

Back in February this year at the launch of the Blu-ray Disc Working Group, Browning said that JB Hi-Fi would only sell Blu-ray hardware and software because of the strength of the format.

But in an interview with SmartHouse today Browning said, "We have come to the conclusion that cutting the consumer out of a HD DVD opportunity was not right, as content is critical and the move by Paramount to support HD DVD exclusively influenced our decision...."

[Evil0Angel]

If this was the orginal title, the article will reach 1100 heat and NASIM will report this as the end of the world

[cuco33]

1st off I am console and format neutral. I weed out the BS and FUD, mostly by the bluboys and PS3 fanboys and see what the real truth is.

This is great news as it speaks volumes of the 'I think we made a decision too soon' and hope that others like Blockbuster follow.

Hopefully things will change for the better of the consumer. Both formats can strive and win together but BDA fears that as they need 100% market share in HDM.

EMBRACE BOTH! NEITHER SIDE CAN WIN ON IT'S OWN RIGHT NOW, BOTH DO THE SAME THING IN HDM BUT ONE SIDE MISLEADS THE CONSUMERS INTO THINKING IT IS THE 'SUPERIOR' FORMAT WITH AN UNFINISHED SPEC
;)

[andy001]

I don't see how you can claim to be impartial when you make that last statement.

At the end of the day the Blu Ray disc is technologically superior to the HD DVD (in terms of storage and in terms of using Java for its interactive features, although admittedly they are still being developed), it was developed by more manufacturers, it is supported by more content producers, it has more content available, and it is also included in the PS3 which allows game developers more storage.

Now you can go on and on as much as you like about the politics of the situation, but if you are impartial then you would be making your decision based on the above paragraph, wouldn't you?

[cuco33]

and without getting into full detail on it I care about MOVIES not about formats. The politics in HDM are all due to BD. Look at the history: HD DVD came out of an accepted format from the DVD forum, a forum everyone was (and still is) part of. But due to greed manufacturers and studios looked at what Sony and Pani had cooking by taking HD DVD's technology and pushing it out further to the surface which in terms boosted up the disc space. Only main reason why you initially saw everyone jumping ship to the BD side was due to the PS3 effect. Everyone knew that the Playstation brand would penetrate many homes faster than any HDM player out there and by including a BD drive in every PS3 it was thought to be an easy quick death blow. I myself thought HD DVD would die instantly solely because of that but it didn't. The majority of PS3 owners aren't buying BDs and it is proven in software sales and studies.

Now onto the politics but before I get into it, let me state fact: Transformers in HD DVD received perfect scores for audio and almost perfect scores for visual. I thought the BDA said this could not be done on HD DVD?! Just more useless FUD from their side.
BD has an unfinished spec. Everything they preach is misguided severely like the HD DVD is dead 5 times by now type of lines. That's not saying HD DVD doesn't do that, the worst I've seen them do is not include the PS3 in hardware sales (in a way I understand why, majority of PS3 owners don't even use their PS3s as an HDM player). Even before getting into BD 1.1 profile, let alone BD 2.0 profile, they have issues (see Fox titles not playing in Samsung and LG players). Then I ask THE question to any BD support... How is DRM and region coding GOOD for the consumer?!?!? In short, it's not. It's only good for the companies.

I then asked myself this question. If BD was in fact THE superior format, then why does the BDA constantly spew BS? Why the need to pay for Blockbuster, Best Buy, Target, etc to promote BD? Why did they convince studios to go neutral or to go BD exclusive? Simple really... Because it was needed. And I ask, if BD was so grand, then why are 2 BD exclusive manufacturers making dual format players? THAT alone boggles my mind.

Note: BD-Java is in NO means superior to HDi. In fact HDi is far easier to write and use. Again, the ONLY advantage BD has over HD DVD is storage space and for a storage medium for PCs or gaming it's a plus. For movies, it's a whole different ball game.

For all these reasons (and MANY more) I end with how I am a MOVIE fan, not a format d*ckriding fanboy. I want the content on both and hence why I say EMBRACE BOTH!

[athlon770]

There you go with your double talk again...

"1st off I am console and format neutral. I weed out the BS and FUD, mostly by the bluboys and PS3 fanboys and see what the real truth is."

You say you are neutral yet use words like blueboys and fanboys. well if you are neutral, then wont you soon be purchasing that BD player yourself and joining the mass market?

and from your 2nd post...

"Look at the history: HD DVD came out of an accepted format from the DVD forum, a forum everyone was (and still is) part of. But due to greed manufacturers and studios looked at what Sony and Pani had cooking by taking HD DVD's technology and pushing it out further to the surface which in terms boosted up the disc space."

Again you are not sounding too neutral, but you do realize that the very forum you speak of is 2 to 1 in favor of the BD standard. As in there are 2 companies supporting BD for every 1 company supporting HD-DVD. For Blu-Ray: Warner Bros., Disney (Buena Vista), Fox, Lionsgate, Sony Picutues, and MGM. For HD-DVD: Warner Bros., Paramount, and Universal Studios. But I understand why you left that part out. And speaking of standards, there are truths to your words. BD is still finalizing there 1.1 standard but that will end at the end of this month 10/31/07, and the mandated format will go into force in November. Here is the quote...

taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

"Profile 1 (Final Standard Profile) (mandatory November 2007)-unofficially referred to as "Profile 1.1"- adds a secondary video decoder (typically used for picture in picture), secondary audio (typically used for interactive audio and commentary)"

Unlike some people around here, I am not afraid to list where I get my information. Even if it is a BD site regarding you next example...

"Even before getting into BD 1.1 profile, let alone BD 2.0 profile, they have issues (see Fox titles not playing in Samsung and LG players)."

taken from http://www.blu-ray.com/news...

" News

Samsung Issues BD+ Fix
Posted October 12, 2007 by Josh

Samsung will issue new firmware today to address BD+ issues with their BD-P1000 and BD-P1200 Blu-ray players. With Fox adding BD+ to their new releases, users with the above Samsung players were experiencing difficulty playing the titles. The LG player is currently experiencing similar problems, but a firmware update is expected for that player as well."

So just like the HD-DVD, the BD side can update their firmware to add new features and/or correct for software changes.

And just where did you get this bit of info?

"I thought the BDA said this could not be done on HD DVD?! Just more useless FUD from their side."

If it was from a fan on this site, well then why are you using it in your posting? You are just as guilty for spreading mis-information! Anyone with intelligence knows that BOTH HD-DV and Blu-Ray have the SAME codecs! Period! There are only two differences between the two, capacity, and the language the studios need to use on the menus. That is it, nothing else. But a person as "neutral" as you would know that wouldn't you?

Now to get back on topic, the reason for JB Hi-FI decided to sell HD-DVD equipment and software is simple, sales. This is a good thing. Like many people here have already stated, BD is still a bit on the pricy side following the cheapest HD-DVD by about $75.00. Giving the decision to the customer which format they want is a great decision. My problem with this whole "war" is the exclusives like Disney and Pixar on the BD side, and Paramount on the HD side. The only way out of this war is the dual format players which are over $800.00 yet. Just a bit out of my price range.

[cuco33]

I won't lie, I am very disappointed in the BDA and it's aggressive viral marketing tactics. That's not saying as a format, albeit unfinished and having it's own issues, I don't support it. I will, I am in the market for a PS3 and if I didn't buy 8 HD DVDs this week, some would have been BDs due to Circuit City's BOGO deal. I was VERY tempted too but there are just to many titles on HD DVD I decided to get first, you know... since I own an HD DVD stand alone player that can play them.

My comments on the bluboys and fanboys are related to the PS3 trolls who preach BD but don't even buy them. As in some like nassy and many others. If you own a PS3 for gaming then cool, for both gaming and BD extra cool, for BD even better (after all it is the best BD player out there) but you can easily tell by their postings that they preach the BD 'dominance' without even owning BD titles they purchased. Remember, I've said many times I am a MOVIE fanatic, not a format fanboy. I have not purchased an SD DVD since I entered HDM and rightfully so probably won't either unless I walk into Walmart and see something I like in the $5 bin.

The software sales lead is 1.5:1 and that is with 10times (and increasing) players. You don't just look at the software sales without the hardware as it speaks mountains on who is really buying HDM. To top it off, since it's already been quoted, BD costs the studio 30% more just to replicate so BD needs to sell more just to come out with the same profit. Most don't care for this but I, as an engineer, do. I look at the whole picture since if HDM competition weren't here BD discs would be $40+ and the players rightfully so would start at $1000. Competition is good though. You did forget a lot of studios that I won't get into. I don't care about what studio supports what format, I only care for the movie itself. If I want Transformers, for example, in HD the only way I can get it is on HD DVD. Likewise if I wanted Casino Royale in HD I need BD. Let the studio politics be just that, politics. They are the reason why there is a market split and why HDM has the very likelihood to fail as a whole. But everyone knows it, if ALL studios were neutral, BD would fail SIMPLY because of pricing alone.

See my whole gripe on BD and the standalones is WHY should I, as a consumer WAIT for the manufacturer to release a firmware upgrade just to play the movie I bought? I would say the same thing if it happened on HD DVD but it's clear since the spec is not final, this issue is more than likely to happen on BD. What's sad though is that come the BD1.1 deadline, no BD player cheap enough for the masses will be embraced (unless of course the PS3 does in fact become compliant). Most if not all 1st and 2nd gen BD stand alones will have issues due to lack of features in them so the initial adapters to BD who didn't get a PS3 is getting shafted. Not only was the player way more expensive than the game console, it will ultimately be obsolete playing only the movie itself. Some of us like the extra features though. I have no issues on firmware updates, I already updated my HD-A2 like I updated many of my products needing an update/upgrade. The problem I have is if it CAN'T be upgraded. Then you still have BD2.0 which needs an ethernet port which right NOW the PS3 in itself can't even do (lacks 1GB of ram unless of course they do it via HDD)

I don't have time, nor the patience to prove what I post. I don't post FUD. When I did attempt at proving my statements all the trolls came out the woodwork and stated that I was wrong and how HD DVD is dead and the like. Why bother? N4G is filled with children. Some of the adults though do still visit and post here. I just can't stand the kiddy high school talk 'supporting' a format they don't even support.

"Anyone with intelligence knows that BOTH HD-DV and Blu-Ray have the SAME codecs! Period!"
Funny you say this because when I proved it so with links and statements people still bashed me for preaching nonsense stating that BD has superior PQ, how so if the codec is the same?

I wish for all studios to go neutral. I'll still be getting a PS3 that can play BD and technically all Sony would really need is a firmware update since it's known that BD can play HD DVD but not the other way around. Sadly that is only a pipe dream.

EMBRACE BOTH! This 'war' is between HDM and SD DVD, not HD DVD and BD.

[athlon770]

Now that was a nice rebuttle. I hear ya when you say there are too many people on this site that dissagree with information even when you know you are correct and post the links to prove it. Just like my post in the Transformers audio posting where I had many dissagree that many HD-DVD movies are using the dual layer disc while most of the BD side fit on a single layer disc. I even posted the link to show my source and it was like...OMG this guy just said something neg towards the HD format, he is lying!

"My comments on the bluboys and fanboys are related to the PS3 trolls who preach BD but don't even..."

Oh that bugs me to no end. They dont even realise that they are doing more damage than good with their comments. If you sound like your foaming at the mouth, then anyone on the edge of purchasing one format over the other will probably be swayed to the other side from your comments. I did buy the PS3 mainly as a BD player, but I have purchased many games for it. I was forced to purchase a HDTV when my original SD 50" TV died after 12years. I was sad. :( The first time I played a SD-DVD on my new Lcos 56" I looked to my wife and said...that looks horrible! And the search for a HDM player (as you call them) was on. I lucked out, when they dropped the price of the PS3 and gave the 5 free movies, I was like sweet!

The Blu-Ray side does have its shortcommings as you mentioned. The lack of a standard did cause me to stutter for almost 6months then the first price drop of the 60gig PS3 happened and I jumped abord. Both my 360 and the PS3 look great, and unfortunatly I do not own a latest and greatest 7.1 but do own a very nice 5.1 DTS system and the sound is phenominal. I will never purchase the HD drive add on for the 360 as the 360 does not support DD+. As a system, the 360 is just limited by its audio out and I plan on upgrading my component audion to a 7.1 surround after Christmas. The PS3 will get a update to bring it up to the 1.1 standard, but I am concerned about the 2.0 coming out later. Lets both hope that the upgrades both sides are doing will not force us early adopters grief.

[Demon1980]

whoopity doo, will not have any affect whatsoever.

[Omegasyde]

After careful researching, I have found out that of a discovery of JB. My results show that Job Hi-Fi, is only in Australia and New Zealand and are actually equivalent of a mixture of K-mart and the 99cent store.

They also sell used clothing to go with the HD-dvd players.

[Zhuk]

JB Hi-Fi is the fastest growing electronics and music store chain in Australia, they have the best prices too so this is a big move for the Australian market at least

[Cosmo]

It's really weird considering when you walk in there, all you can find it blu-ray content. But still at $60 compared to $15 for a DVD, its a tuff sell.

[Omegasyde]

Zhuk

Blu ray still has a bigger Australian counterpart than JB. It is a international company that sells way more than JB's. These stores are also found in North America and are 2nd in department stores right behind Wal-Mart.

You may of heard of it, it is called "Target".

[NoUseMerc]

Oh well...I have never even heard of JBHi-Fi. Not that big. Sony still has Disney (Pixar), Liongate, Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Fox, etc. These are the only ones I am worried about.

[boodybandit]

Seriously.
I'm not being sarcastic.

Edit: I read the article.
A chain of stores. Guess it's not that big a chain since I never heard of them and I am a huge fan of electronics.

[HarryEtTubMan]

LOL

[bootsielon]

And? It's not like Blu-ray lost it, and it's not like HD-DVD suddenly got major exclusive support of a movie studio.

HD-DVD will never win. Sony would rather keep releasing movies on blu-ray and release more expensive (but more versatile) dual disc readers than ever release an HD-DVD. There's no studio that would do that for HD-DVD, since they have no interest in it. Even Warner, which would have been the last one to support blu-ray, supports it. Universal only stayed with HD-DVD for the same reason as Paramount. Talk about screwing the consumer...

[unlimited]

stupid decision..just goin to extend the war between blue ray and hddvd..never mind blue ray will wipe out hddvd by 2009..well people who support hddvd good luck..lol..

[Boink]

I thought sony said it was already over?

are you saying it's not?

if this battle is not settled before 2009 then they are both HUGE losers...

[mikeslemonade]

This doesn't mean the death of blu-ray just like how xbox fanboys claim that losing 2 first party developers and losing one exclusive developer to a multiplatform publisher isn't going to kill the 360. It's the same s**t, so be quiet.

[wageslave]

"that losing 2 first party developers and losing one exclusive developer"

What?

Bungie and MS decided to seperate, both say it was mutually beneficial.
Pandemic was always multi-plat.
BioWare was always multi-plat. But their game, ME is exclusive.

Your inventing drama.

[Rooftrellen]

Developers against not being sold in stores? How do they compare at all?

If its no different, I hope both bluray and the 360 dies, then, because I dislike bluray comming in trying to make more money when it was already decided HD DVD would follow DVD, and we all know MS is just trying to get a monopoly on the video game industry.

May they both perish.

[vilmer]

I agree unlimited. Why postpone the inevitable?

[aceitman]

more money paid out Microsoft doesn't like losing and i'm sure there has been money and deals made for it to happen for some one to say there going blueray because its a stronger format and now change there mind on oh i don't think its right for the consumer to miss out .. bull shi@#@## i think its bad for companies to stretch out this war because the consumer is going to lose if it keeps on going my gosh they didn't have enough room to fit lossless pcm sound on the transformer movie how freakin lame is that and they still want to go and sell limited hd dvds. give up and get on your knees for blueray Microsoft and admit to blue raytory.

[jaja1434]

Um I don't really care who comes on top of this, but are you really so stupid to think that MS just goes around and pays off every person in the world who favors HDDVD? Because thats exactly what your saying...

[Anything but Cute]

Where is this at anyway?

[aceitman]

i think its the uk

[Premonition]

Ya I have a feeling the more better Blu ray does, the more businesses will slowly turn their backs on it because money is going under the table to try and make Blu ray lose one way or another. They just need to let things be, if one loses so what.

[Ri0tSquad]

war over.

[xplosneer]

SOMEONE GIVE UP ALREADY I WANT ALL MY MOVIES ON ONE FORMAT OR ANOTHER. So who cares if I want Blu Ray to win. I don't care after it's all said and done cause I bought a $500 PS3 I can afford a $200 HDDVD player or Xbox 360 if I want it.

[YoMeViet]

A store chain from Down Under, should only affect Australia's Blu-Ray and HD-DVD sales. Anyone know which one is winning in AU and what's the ratio?

[Bathyj]

BR is up about 6:1 I think last I heard, both hardware and software. This is just gonna drag things out even more.

FKN transformers, wasn't even that good.

[Rooftrellen]

Because HD DVD lacks region coding, it can actually help HD DVD. Movies that are on one format one place aren't always on that format all over the world. Someone in America might be able to get a bluray exclusive from America on an HD DVD disc in Australia.

Of course, it would be easier for them to download it, and they probably would, but, of course, there is the legal and internet speed problems some people may have.

[Madgunner]

is gaining more momentum at this point... this isint much of a hit if u ask moi

[Bathyj]

Thats a misleading title.

They make it sound like Sony and JB had a deal to be exclusive. Not so. JB has been exclusive out of there own choice because they believed (correctly) that HDDVD has no future in Australia. Its only because of bloody paramount and no doubt they didn't want to mis out on Transformers revenue that they have flip flopped.

Oh well, just another company that will learn their short term gain, costs them in the long term.

[IntelligentAj]

I'm sorry. I looked around and on the website and found out that this company is only in Australia and(if wikipedia was right which I doubt) only had sales of 1.8 billion Australian $ which makes it at best a small to medium company in one country. I don't understand how big of a deal this would be to Blu-Ray and Sony since it's only 1 country, not worldwide.

[Bigmac573]

this will single handedly turn the tide of the foooormat wooors!!!!

....

[The_Firestarter]

This format war will never end! It's ridiculous!

I don't care who wins, but it needs to end. :(

[hokis4ever]

The article states "Sony & Blu-ray Lose Exclusive JB Hi-Fi Deal To HD DVD" and then the Browning gentlemnes goes on to say ""We have come to the conclusion that cutting the consumer out of a HD DVD opportunity was not right".

So, has he switched to HD-DVD and dropped Blu-Ray? or now selling both formats. if he dropped BD then he is probably the biggest hipocrites i have seen to date because the amount of exclusive content lost with BD is probably just as much if not more than what paramount offers...

If anyone can clear this up i'd appreciate it.

[gtgcoolkid]

I got that they were Blu Ray only (thier own decision) and now have decided to HD-DVD also in addition to the Blu Ray.

[paracardium]

No matter what that HD DVD does it will not make a come back.Blueray is the winner clearly by sales and titles releasing every week.

[BIadestarX]

Interesting... It seems as bad news are raining down on Sony like crazy.... it seems are some big companies (i.e. Paramount) are starting to see that the PS3 is not influencing the format war as much as Sony made it out to be. who was going to say that almost 1 year after the PS3 release... HD DVD is still standing when predictions were... months... and standalone HD DVD drive are still outselling blu-ray drives...

As time goes by it's becoming aparent that both formats may survive at least for a long time and some sort hardware manufacturers will probably have to settle for players that support both formats... if they want people to dive into HD content.. or be hurt by the existance of a divided industry...

Sony will obviously not give up... since they invested everything on blu-ray including the fate of the PS3... (sadly)... HD DVD camp have no reason to give up... since it's backed by some big corporation with big pockets that will do everything it takes to stop Sony from taking their bread and butter... you people make all about microsoft... but let's not forget that Sony is digging into the PC side.. by trying to burry companies like Intel... the PS3 with the Cell will hurt Intel and many hardware makers.. specially PC... if blu-ray is not stopped.. and kill.. it will also affect PC makers like Dell, HP... other entertaintment companies... like TV Cable...

Sony's goal it was to control.. everything.. make a box that will replace Home PC, Companies Servers, Control entertainment by controlling the player you watch movies and the formats movies are made on...

You speak of Microsoft monopoly... but Sony wants to control everything... the games you play, the movies you watch, the computer you use at home, at work, the servers that run your companies, the tv you watch, the MP3 player you listen, the camera you take pictures with, the video you capture video, the printer you print paper on, the cell phone you make phone calls... every single device.. Sony wants to control.. and have a presense... no monopoly?

Sadly.... Sony believe that all those companies will sit around and let it do it. That companies like Intel, Dell, Microsoft, timewarner,... etc.. will not try everything they can't to stop sony from taking their bread and butter... plus all those companies that will wakeup....

Sony is playing the same game Hitler played during WW2... he figured he can take everying at all front... making too many enemies too quick... and we are not talking about weak enemies... enemies with big pockets.. that have no choice but to invest all their resources or they will be history....

I'm sure that Microsoft is not the only company pointing all their arsenal towards Sony camp... Everytime we hear stories about companies using and replacing their existing servers with PS3.. I'm sure some companies are raising their eyebrowns.. and preparing their guns...

This time around.. Sony will win it all and all companies affected will crumble down to the stone age... or Sony will lose it... the war sony is getting into goes beyong the format war... exciting days we live in... sit and watch... entertain your wildest dreams... let's have some corporate blood should we?

[xplosneer]

Except, it's also Microsoft's goal, and Toshiba's, and Dell's(which BTW isn't that a Blu Ray backer?)

How can Sony bury Intel considering they are pretty much the only guys who make really good chips, Blu Ray winning wouldn't really affect Intel in the least. How will it affect PC makers? Considering most of them(Apple, Dell, HP, etc) support Blu Ray in some way. And it wouldn't really affect PS3 owners except for that they would eventually want to buy a HDDVD player. It still plays games you know?

Everything else I agree with, even though you seem to be aiming things toward Sony.

Also bubble for Bonsai's reasoning.

Even though you're kinda biased(we all are in some way), at least you're not a troll, unlike some people I could mention. :)

[Bonsai1214]

honestly, they did it because of the paramount exclusivity deal? its a good idea from their point of view, but from the side of the fanboys, who see that deal coming apart with all the pressure on paramount, it'll be Armageddon for them..

gotta disagree with you bladestar. while standalone players might be selling more for hd-dvd, a lot of people actually buy a ps3 because it is the cheapest blu-ray player. (of course, chances are they'll buy at least a (1) game with it) and bad new isn't "raining" down, thats sort of an exaggeration and you know it :-p

and i fail to see how blu-ray will kill PC companies. its just another storage medium, like dvds and such. i remember reading about a notebook that had a bd-dvd drive in it, and apple has plans to put bd-dvd drives in their next wave of mac pros.

i'll bubble you because i enjoy arguing with you :-) cause you know, you're actually bearable when it comes to these things

[PopEmUp]

First is Paramount and now is JB-Hifi from Australia, this company are making bad move here, cause why would you want to sell format that is loosing to the other format by ratio of at lease 3:1 world wide that is stupid

[JokesOnYou]

"why would you want to sell format that is loosing to the other format by ratio of at lease 3:1 world wide that is stupid"

uhm, because they can make a profit off both format sales= lmfao, OK I'll say it slowly they will make money of bluray and hd dvd sales

ha ha by your logic why would retailers continue selling ps3?=

JOY

[solidt12]

Looks like somebody is still writing checks to companies.

[Gahigiddy]

It's as dead as 360 in Europe/Japan

[PS3n360]

its as dead as PS3 worldwide as well.

[YoMeViet]

lol you cracked me up, did you just say "worldwide"? lol
be serious now worldwide? go check out the charts for europe, japan and asia, and australia.

[demolitionX]

poor HD DVD campaign!!! Clumsy news for HD DVD, that's all i can say.

[Primetimebt]

Is this really a big deal? I mean blu ray players and software sales out number HD DVD 6-1 down under so adding it to there store catalog isn't really hurting blu ray. It may be a small win for HD DVD but if there sales can't keep up with blu ray in the next year you might see stores starting to drop support to make way for more blu ray titles.

[Funky Town_TX]

Retailers should stock what is getting money for them. If it's BR then cool. I just can't wait until it is over. I may never spend a dime on one BR or HD-DVD movie until this is over.

[level 360]

The main reason being Sony's PS3 console is just not making a mark here in Australia. Really hard for JB to flog-off of this dinosaur to the buying public.
Which JB hi-fi is also selling as well as many countless Blu-Ray dvd players quite possibly collecting dust due to their very expensive prices.

Sony ( on the PS3 ) is just not listening over here in Australia.

[Agent VX]

This has got to cut hard on Sony Fanboys. They realize that the faster BluRay trumps HD-DVD, the better for the PS3, as it is really Sony's last chance at saving the flopping PS3.

Everytime they hear neg news about BluRay, it just kicks them in the groin that much harder. In a sick way, it's pretty damn funny!!!

[level 360]

This is how Sony sells their 40GB PS3 console over here in Australia:

>> AU$699.00 = US$625.00

This is how they price it overseas:

>> US$399.00 = AU$446.00

{ That's a US$226.00 or AU$253.00 difference }
Shame on you Sony!

[shysun]

What?.................

[shysun]

Thx Paramount! :(

[Megaton]

Am I the only one still satisfied with regular DVD's? Sure seems like it...

[Loopy]

What is to get upset about????

The store used to sell BR EXCLUSIVELY.

Now they sell BR AND HDDVD.

They don't sell HD-DVD exclusively.

Can you kids READ?????????????????

[cdzie1]

My guess is the local HD DVD group informed them of some upcoming developments and that influenced their decision:
-----------
Said Browning [JB Hi Fi Marketing Director]: "The fact that movie houses like Paramount are behind the HD DVD format along with the like of DreamWorks is key. I believe that more content providers will get behind the format and that the likes of Microsoft who are big supporters of the HD DVD format will bring out an Xbox with a built in HD DVD player. This is a given he said".

http://www.smarthouse.com.a...

[mastershake100]

wtf is jb hi fi?

[Pain]

Money talks plain and simple.

ps... and yes wtf is this store and in what country?

[Skerj]

Yet Paramount going exclusive to HDDVD cuts those out with BluRay players who don't feel the need to own two HD video devices.

[SSCOOLCHEA]

Then why would you care . I have never heard of them . I dont care who wins the format war. All I know is that neither sony or microsoft is going anywhere. If you idiots think that sony will just drop the blu ray thing than your just speaking from your azzzzzzzzzz. Did you forget that sony probably got the movie thing lock . I think they own almost everything .sony picture , columbia , etc....

[SSCOOLCHEA]

there movies i have seen only plays in 1080i...Go get a bravia lcd 40 inch and a ps3 you will never go back to anything else . all the movies i have are all 1080p. HDTV is great to esp... football .

[-SIXAXIS-]

JB Hi-Fi? WTF? I never heard of them. If Microsoft an Toshiba want HDDVD to sell they gotta buy out the big companies like Dreamworks, Disney, and comapnies like that. Too bad they already prefer Blu-Ray. Oh well M$, there's always next gen with SHDHDDVD (Super Higher Definition High Definition DVD) for the XBOX 720. Good luck next time. :)