Too little, too late: HD DVD player breaks $100 barrier
Toshiba's suddenly affordable HD DVD player
(Credit: Circuit City)The HD DVD fire sales have begun.
Circuit City has the Toshiba HD-A3 for $99.99 shipped, plus seven free movies (two in the box, five by mail). If only this had happened six months ago, it might be Blu-ray hanging up its gloves.
So let's ask the obvious question: Is there any sense in buying an HD DVD player at any price--especially this model, which tops out at 1080i?
Well, maybe. There are already thousands hundreds of movies available on HD DVD, and countless more will likely filter into stores for the next couple months. So it's not like there's nothing to watch. Plus, it won't be long before prices plummet, so you'll be able to snap up some serious bargains.
In addition, the HD-A3 will "upconvert" standard-def DVDs, making them look a whole lot better on your HDTV. (Just how much better is a matter of opinion, but it's definitely an improvement.)
Convinced yet? Nah, me neither. But how long will we have to wait before Blu-ray players dip below the $100 mark? If you want super-cheap high-def movies right now, here's your chance.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
But...if you want an upconverter...this is a good deal, not to mention USED HD DVD disks are going to be a steal at FYE and EBAY. there is some logic in getting this unit if you are holding out for a while to make the FULL HD conversion.
I'll wait a long while..early adopters always pay a high price....
- by mobycat February 20, 2008 6:46 AM PST
- What are you talking about? "If this had happened 6 months ago." It DID happen. Wal-Mart had the HD-DVD player (the A2, IIRC) for $99 before Christmas. Before Warner went Blu-Ray. Didn't help it then, either.
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- by rickbroida February 20, 2008 9:52 AM PST
- It happened for a *very* brief window, and usually you had to stand in line, in the cold, at 4 a.m. to get the deal.
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