Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Moves to $179
Xbox LIVE to promote HD DVD versions of “300” and “Heroes:
Season 1.”
SAN DIEGO — July 26, 2007 — Today at Comic-Con
International 2007, Microsoft Corp. announced it will lower the price of the
popular Xbox 360™ HD DVD Player from $199 to $179 ERP (United States only)
starting Aug. 1, 2007, and will add five free HD DVD movies for anyone
purchasing an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. In addition,
Microsoft further solidified the Xbox 360 as the ultimate high-definition (HD)
entertainment platform, with key announcements around the HD DVD launches of
“300” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and “Heroes: Season 1” from
Universal Studios.
To promote the HD DVD versions of “300” and “Heroes: Season
1,” Microsoft unveiled exclusive content for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace.
Xbox LIVE will offer “300” on demand in HD starting Aug. 14, and is working
with Warner Bros. at Comic-Con on a Bringing It Home campaign featuring “300”
and other Warner Bros. properties. In advance of the street date for the
“Heroes: Season 1” HD DVD boxed set, Xbox LIVE members will be able to download
for free the show’s pilot episode in high definition for a limited time. Members
will also be able to download trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional
materials highlighting the “Heroes: Season 1” boxed set on HD DVD.
Already the most affordable high-definition player
available, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is the best solution for movie lovers
seeking HD content in the highest possible resolution. The player’s price
reduction to $179 (U.S. ERP) continues to set the bar for value, making the
Xbox 360 platform the most affordable solution for consumers seeking the
broadest, most compelling selection of next-generation gaming and HD video
experiences.
“With the price reduction to $179, the Xbox 360 HD DVD
Player continues to be the most affordable way to enjoy high definition,” said
Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing, Interactive
Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “From
the beginning, we set out to offer Xbox 360 owners an unrivaled high-definition
experience, with a choice of optical discs on the HD DVD format and digital
downloads through Xbox LIVE Marketplace — both of which have a selection of the
best content Hollywood has to offer. Today’s announcements around ‘300’ and
‘Heroes: Season 1’ are great examples of how we believe HD content can be
offered to consumers.”
In addition to the price drop, Microsoft is extending
Toshiba’s highly successful “Perfect Offer” of five free HD DVD discs to Xbox
360 consumers. Previously exclusive to Toshiba HD DVD Players, with the
purchase of an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player at the new low price of $179 ERP,
consumers can choose five HD DVD titles for free from a selection of 15 popular
titles through a mail-in offer. With a retail value of over $140 (U.S.), this
promotion makes the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player one of the most compelling offerings
for consumers looking to make the leap into HD this holiday season.