14 DAY TRIAL // What do you know, Microsoft's HD-DVD add-on drive for the Xbox 360 has become more popular than standalone HD-DVD playing units. Or at least so says DailyTech.com, which reports that "a Microsoft representative told CNET UK that 155,000 Xbox 360 HD DVD add-ons have been sold in the U.S., making it the "biggest-selling accessory" ever sold for the console." I still have my fingers crossed for the Blu-ray.
But then again, it was obvious. Sony still hasn't dropped the price on their all-powerful PS3, while people are surely associating standalone Blu-ray players (which are also very pricey) to the console itself, so of course, both gamers and high-definition viewers will go for the Xbox 360 and HD-DVD add-on player.
"By "biggest-selling," Microsoft may be referring to the overall revenue, as it would seem unlikely that the HD DVD add-on would be more popular than extra controllers. Each HD DVD drive retails for around $200," the same site reports.
"Even with the combination of standalone HD DVD players and the Xbox 360 add-on, the overall number of HD DVD-capable players is less than the total number of Blu-ray playing machines. The difference between those two, however, is that every HD DVD player or drive is purchased with the intention of playing movies. On the other hand, not every Blu-ray machine is (with the majority of them being PlayStation 3 consoles) purchased for movies."
So, as I was saying, people will basically see the PS3 in their mind, whenever they see or hear Blu-ray. The site also reports that "even though there is more Blu-ray hardware in the hands of consumers, the HD DVD side averages more movies sold per machine," which again is accountable for great profits. "According to CNET, an average of one disc per Blu-ray machine is sold, compared to four discs per HD DVD machine." The interesting thing is that, overall, disc sales for this year are still in favor of Sony's Blu-ray. Who do you think will win?