Toshiba retaliates with HD DVD price slash, movies
updated 01:30 pm EDT, Wed May 16, 2007
Toshiba HD-A2 Rebate
Toshiba today stepped up its efforts in the HD video format conflict by announcing a new rebate for its entry-level HD-A2 and other HD DVD players. Beginning May 20th, those who pick up the basic player will receive an instant $100 discount that drops the price of the player to $300. The discount would make the device the most inexpensive complete movie player available until the price drop's end on June 9th, based on Toshiba's claims. Buyers of any other player will also see the momentary drop for a shorter period, earning the same price cut from June 10th until the 16th. Those who buy any of Toshiba's 42-inch or larger sets at the same time will see a $200 cut.
A separate promo is already in place that gives away five free HD DVD movies with each player, Toshiba added.
Although officially tagged as a Father's Day event, the discounts are already seen as attempts to shore up against recent moves by Panasonic, whose permanent price drop to $600 for the BD10A was accompanied by a similar five-movie giveaway.
