As
most of you already know, a lower-priced version of the PS3 is coming to the European market later this month. While this stripped down
version of the console sports a smaller hard drive and lacks many of the features found on higher priced models, it retains its Blu-ray
Disc drive, making it the cheapest Blu-ray player on the market. According to Pocket-link.co.uk, the European HD DVD Promotions Group has already commented on Sony's price cutting measures,
stating that it will have "minimal impact on the adoption of next generation HD formats" and that the winner will be determined by the
sales of standalone players.
Quick to respond to the PS3's European price-cut, the HD DVD Promotional Group has issued a
statement to say that they believe it will have "minimal impact" on the next-gen DVD market.
"The European PS3 price cut will
have a minimal impact on the adoption of next generation HD formats. The real battleground is in sales of standalone players and HD DVD
is out in front by a massive margin." said Ken Graffeo, co-chairman of the Group.
As well as giving Sony a much-needed sales
boost in the gaming market in the run up to Christmas, the new 40GB PS3, that will be £299 when it's available later this month, will
also be one of the cheapest Blu-ray players on the market.
In my opinion, the HD DVD Promotions Group should be
concerned. While they once dominated the high-def standalone player market, they've started to fall behind in recent months due to the
introduction of cheaper Blu-ray players. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here.
