Let’s Talk Marketing Strategy
This week I bought a Blue-Ray player. I wanted a new DVD player, and thought it was time to go hi def rather than grab the old technology cheap. So, why did I buy Blue-Ray rather than the equally good HD-DVD format? Two very simple reasons: there ‘appeared’ to be more Blue-Ray titles available, and I could get 5 free titles out of the store, and 5 more free by mail (which isn’t as good as it sounds as the titles are very limited by mail).
It was really nice to see just a few days later that Warner Brothers announced they would be shifting to Blue-Ray, resulting in a significant shift toward the format. But that point aside, it was the marketing that did it - I could leave the store with player and discs in hand - 30 minutes later (long walk) I was watching a Blue-Ray disc in all its hi def brilliance without spending an extra cent. So, what was the HD-DVD option? A player slightly more expensive and 5 free discs by mail.
Oh, also, did I mention I could have gotten a PS3 for the same price as the player, with Blue-Ray capability? One of the hottest gaming systems can handle the format.
The cost of the 5 free discs I walked away with from the store was about $150, but it guaranties that whenever possible I will be buying a Blue-Ray title going forward - and since most consumers skip a generation on technology (e.g. most people replaced LPs with CDs rather than LP-cassette-CD) I will replace my few remaining with VHS tapes with Blue-Ray (for example, I will be getting the excellent Rattle and Hum from U2 on Blue-Ray).
Sorry folks, Blue-Ray more than likely has it, and it was the product marketing, and a bit of a gamble that did it. Sony just had enough reach between consumer DVD electronics and gaming systems to tip it, and frankly that’s fine - there was no discernible difference between Blue-Ray and HD-DVD, we just need to get to one format anyway.