Tech Shout!

Just last week, the world got to know the results of the War of the DVD formats. Toshiba, the maker of the HD DVD format lost to Sony’s Blu-ray format. Microsoft who adopts Toshiba’s format for its Xbox 360 gaming console is now pulling the plug on this particular format.

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console includes a standard DVD player. But, customers can also go all the way and buy a standalone HD DVD player for the cost of $119.99.

A while ago, Warner Bros. Entertainment pulled out of the HD DVD market and decided to side Sony’s Blu-ray format. And soon thereafter, Toshiba the makers of the HD DVD format realized their stance in the fight and drew back.

Looks like Microsoft finally realized that HD DVD was not the path to be taken because the company has announced its plans to stop making HD DVD players. Further, the company said that it will cut the price of existing supplies by more than half.

Grace Chou, a Taipei-based spokeswoman for Microsoft said, “From tomorrow, we will cut the price to $49. It will not have a big impact because we don’t sell HD DVD with the Xbox 360, rather only as an add-on.”

Microsoft had this to say regarding their actual plans regarding the HD DVD player, “As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw form HD DVD. Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD players in the market.”

Interestingly, there have been numerous speculations regarding Microsoft coming out with a Blu-ray player for the Xbox 360 game console.