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Video: HD DVD Super Bowl Commercial
Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 12:41 AM ETTags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Toshiba, Video Clips (all tags)
It didn't air nationally (nor was it new), but Toshiba's much-hyped Super Bowl ad did air in several markets, and we've got the video.
Following a full week's worth of anticipation, reaction to the ad among HD DVD fans in our forums area was somewhat muted; although it had been expected to run nationally, it appears Toshiba instead made a targeted spot buy, with those in some markets seeing the ad, while others did not.
Meanwhile, HD DVD fans who were lucky enough to see it were disappointed to see that it wasn't a new ad, but rather a re-badged version of the football-themed spot that Toshiba has been running all season long. Others defended the ad, arguing that it had met its goal of raising awareness for the format in general and for the new low price points of Toshiba's players.
To watch the ad, click the "play" button in the window below:
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Toshiba Plans HD DVD Super Bowl Spot (Jan 28, 2008)
Toshiba Plans HD DVD Super Bowl Spot
Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 01:00 PM ETTags: Toshiba, High-Def Disc Marketing (all tags)
Taking its message to the largest marketing platform on earth, Toshiba has plunked down a reported $2.7 million for a 30-second spot on this year's Super Bowl telecast.
Jodi Sally, VP of Marketing for Toshiba's Digital A/V Group confirmed the purchase to Home Media Magazine, saying "it has always been our strategy to reach HDTV owners, [and] using advertising on football games is just one vehicle."
Of course, the Super Bowl is more than just a football game; according to a research study conducted by trade group the Consumer Electronics Association and advocacy group Sports Video Group, more than 2.4 million HDTV sets will be sold due to Super Bowl XLII.
Sally said that Toshiba's 30-second Super Bowl spot would highlight the company's HD-A3, HD-A30 and HD-A35 HD DVD player, all of which saw significant price cuts a week after Warner's move to Blu-ray exclsuivity.
At press time, there were no plans for a Blu-ray counter-offensive during this year's Super Bowl, with BDA spokesman Andy Parsons telling Home Media Magazine that he didn't believe a Super Bowl ad would convince consumers that HD DVD will win the format war.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Toshiba to Air HD DVD Super Bowl Ad [Home Media Magazine]
- CEA: Super Bowl Boosts HD-Set Sales [Broadcasting & Cable]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Toshiba Slashes HD DVD Player Prices; Shifts Marketing Focus (Jan 14, 2008)
'Star Trek' HD DVD Phaser Remote Details Revealed
Wed Nov 21, 2007 at 11:00 AM ETTags: Toshiba, High-Def Disc Marketing, Paramount (all tags)
Months after it was originally announced, CBS and Toshiba have finally issued details on that 'Star Trek' HD DVD Phaser remote control.
As we first reported back in September, both companies have teamed up to offer the HD DVD remote control in unusual promotion designed to appeal to the show's rabid fanbase.
According to a joint press release issued Tuesday by CBS and Toshiba, the limited edition "Star Trek" Phaser remote will be offered for free by mail-in offer to consumers who purchase any Toshiba HD DVD and the HD DVD/DVD combo release of 'Star Trek: The Original Series - Season 1' between November 20, 2007 and February 29, 2008.
A $69.95 value, the 3 in 1 Universal Phaser remote has been preprogrammed to work with any Toshiba HD DVD player and features special sound and light effects from the series.
As we've previously reported, the remastered 'Star Trek: The Original Series' has emerged as a centerpeice of the HD DVD camp's Q4 marketing plans. With no accompanying stand-alone DVD being offered, the HD DVD/DVD combo release will the only way Trekkies can own the newly remastered version of the series. And while they'll still be able to watch the combo discs on a standard DVD player, it would seem that format-backers are hoping that the hours upon hours of supplements and interactive features exclusive to the high-def side of the disc will be enough to entice fans to make the leap to HD DVD.
Toshiba and CBS say they plan to promote the availability of the HD DVD Phaser remote via online banner advertisements and print ads.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- TOSHIBA and CBS Home Entertainment Stun Consumers With New 'Star Trek: The Original Series' Promotion [Press Release]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Star Trek: The Original Series - Season One (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Toshiba, CBS to Offer Limited Edition Star Trek "Phaser" HD DVD Remote Control (Sep 06, 2007)
Video: New 'Shrek'-Themed HD DVD Commercials
Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 11:00 AM ETTags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Toshiba, DreamWorks, Video Clips (all tags)
Toshiba and DreamWorks have unveiled a series of new commercials featuring characters from 'Shrek' extolling the virtues of HD DVD.
Designed as tie-in with the upcoming HD DVD launch of 'Shrek the Third,' the new spots feature two two of the movie's characters -- Gingy and Donkey -- commenting on how they look in high-def to a frazzled DreamWorks executive.
The two commercials began airing Thursday, and are expected to run nationally through mid-November. The spots were produced by Austin-based ad agency GSD&M's Idea City, who have also apparently produced a matching print campaign.
As we've previously reported, 'Shrek the Third' is due to hit HD DVD day-and-date with the standard DVD on November 13 in a feature-packed next-gen edition brimming with exclusive content.
To watch the new commercials, press play in the video windows below:
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Shrek the Third (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- DreamWorks Sets Date for 'Shrek the Third' HD DVD (Sep 18, 2007)
'Star Trek' HD DVD to be Screened in Theaters
Wed Oct 10, 2007 at 11:00 AM ETTags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Star Trek, Paramount (all tags)
Mark your calendars, Trekkies! An episode from the upcoming HD DVD/DVD release of 'Star Trek: The Original Series' is headed to a theater near you.
As we've previously reported, 'Star Trek: The Original Series' will make its next-gen debut November 20 in a gargantuan HD DVD/DVD box set, featuring newly remastered picture and sound, all-new re-tooled special effects and tons of extras.
Now, as part of unique promotional campaign for the box set, Paramount Home Entertainment has announced plans to screen a classic episode from the HD DVD in select theaters nationwide on November 13, a full week before its scheduled release.
Nearly 300 theaters across the country are scheduled to take part, presenting the complete two-part episode "Menagerie," in full high-definition picture and sound. Each showing will also include a new taped introduction by Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry (son of the late 'Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry) and a 30-minute featurette that takes a behind the scenes look at the disc's remastering.
Alas, this big screen preview won't come free; tickets are being sold online at $12.50 a pop. For a full list of theater box offices and ordering information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- "Star Trek: The Original Series" Episode "The Menagerie" to be Presented in Special Big Screen Theatrical Event [Press Release]
- Participating Theaters and Ticket Information [Fathom Events]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Star Trek: The Original Series - Season One (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Paramount Unveils 'Star Trek: The Original Series' HD DVD Details (Jul 26, 2007)
New HD DVD Demo Disc Bundled With Toshiba Laptop
Tue Oct 09, 2007 at 11:00 AM ETTags: Toshiba, High-Def Disc Marketing (all tags)
Toshiba is bundling a new HD DVD demo disc with new models of its A205 laptop, and it's one that's sure to find its way to eBay in the weeks and months ahead.
The new HD DVD disc, designed to show off the wonders of high-definition to consumers who purchase HD DVD-enabled models of the laptop, features some nice (if not entirely unique) high-def eye candy.
Included on the disc is a full 1080p version of the "take the red pill" HD DVD branding trailer (now showing on the lookandsoundofperfect.com website), as well as a series of HD trailers for flicks that are either currently available or headed to HD DVD, including 'Blades of Glory,' 'Next,' 'Hot Rod,' 'The Bourne Ultimatum,' 'The Transformers,' 'Oceans 13' and 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.'
Also included are trailers for the not-yet-announced for HD DVD titles, 'Stardust' and 'The Kingdom' (the latter of which just hit theaters a week and a half ago).
Accompanying the disc is a seven-page color brochure, which carries over the cheeky tone of the HD DVD Promotions Group's advertising campaign as it describes the advantages of the high-def format to next-gen newbies. (Click here to view a collection of scans from the brochure.)
(Thanks to Mike for his help with this story!)
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Scans From HD DVD Brochure [High-Def Digest]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Blades of Glory (HD DVD)
- Next (HD DVD)
- Hot Rod (HD DVD)
- The Bourne Ultimatum (HD DVD)
- Transformers (2007) (HD DVD)
- Ocean's Thirteen (HD DVD)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Toshiba Plans HD DVD Laptop Counter-Offensive (Jun 05, 2007)
HD DVD Promo Group Launches $25,000 "High-Def Your Home" Sweepstakes
Wed Oct 03, 2007 at 07:55 AM ETTags: High-Def Disc Marketing (all tags)
As part of a unique promotion, the HD DVD Promotions Group has announced plans to give one lucky winner a $25,000 home theater makeover.
Dubbed the "High-Def Your Home" sweepstakes, the complete prize package includes an HDTV, HD DVD player with a selection of HD DVD titles, a 5.1 surround sound receiver and speaker rig, plus an interior design consultation.
The sweepstakes started September 27, 2007, and ends at Midnight EST, on October 31, 2007.
Full details and an online entry form can be found at www.highdefyourhome.com.
In additional to information on the sweepstakes, the just-launched microsite also includes a series of tips to help "create the ultimate home theater."
- Related links:
- High Def Your Home [HD DVD Promotions Group]
Universal Launches New HD DVD Website
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 04:11 PM ETTags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Universal (all tags)
Further pushing the boundaries of HD DVD interactivity, Universal has launched a new consumer high-def promotional and support web site promising exclusive web-enabled content.
The studio-created site, dubbed Universal Studios Home Entertainment Hi Def, is designed to be an extensive consumer portal for all things Universal HD DVD. Among the site's offerings are a FAQ covering the format's current interactive features, extensive technical support (including connection issues and a breakdown of common software and hardware error codes) and previews of upcoming releases.
But most exciting are a number of site sections still under construction, which seem to suggest that the studio is planning to use the site as a launching pad for future web-enabled content. Labeled "Coming Soon" are several features, including something called "U-Shop," which apparently will allow consumers to buy exclusive products while they watch the movie; "Best Buddies," where fans will be able to send friends pointers to favorite clips on a given an HD DVD title via the studio's "MyScenes" feature; and a dedicated Download Center.
Universal is also promising that additional content will be made available only to registered users of the site, including trailers and other exclusive material.
We'll keep you posted as new features are launched on Universal Studios Home Entertainment in Hi Def, so stay tuned!
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Universal Studios Home Entertainment Hi Def [Official Site]
Columbia House Says it Will Add Blu-ray, HD DVD to Club Menu
Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 07:15 AM ETTags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Industry Trends (all tags)
In another step toward the mainstream acceptance of Blu-ray and HD DVD, Columbia House has indicated that it plans to begin carrying both high-def formats in 2007.
The oldest and largest music and video club in the world, Columbia House has thus far stayed outside of the next-gen fray, offering only standard-def DVD titles. However, according to a new statement that recently appeared on the club's official website, it seems the club is gearing up to offer high-def discs before the end of 2007.
In a new addition to the Q&A section of the company's membership FAQ (available only to registered members with a login ID and password), Columbia House has added a general primer on high-definition technology. that ends with the question, "Will Columbia House support both of these new formats?", followed by the answer, "We plan to begin carrying both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs in the fall of 2007."
We should emphasize that Columbia House has not yet released an official press release nor any other confirmation detailing exactly when and how they plan to begin carrying Blu-ray and HD DVD titles, but boasting an estimated 14 million members worldwide, the addition of high-def discs to the club's menu could provide a significant boost in consumer awareness of both high-def formats, if not a considerable impact in sales.
We'll certainly keep you posted on this story as it develops. Stay tuned!
(Special thanks to Tim G. for this tip!)
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Columbia House [Official Site]
'Matrix' HD DVD Teaser Trailer Now Online
Tue May 08, 2007 at 03:14 PM ETTags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Warner (all tags)
Warner Home Video is ramping up the promotion for its upcoming 'Matrix' trilogy box sets new 40-second teaser trailer now available online.
The clip first appeared earlier today on the official HD DVD Forum consumer website www.theLookandSoundofPerfect.com, which counts Warner among its promotional partners.
Touting the "over 35 hours of supplements" found on both 'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' and 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' box sets, the clip also promotes Toshiba HD DVD players and the HD DVD add-on drive for the Xbox 360.
Both 'Matrix' sets are currently due to street on May 22, and are expected to rank as the best-selling catalog releases ever on HD DVD when they hit stores.
Warner has not yet announced a Blu-ray release of 'The Matrix,' though the title is expected to hit the format later this year.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- 'Matrix' HD DVD Teaser Trailer [The Look and Sound of Perfect]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- The Ultimate Matrix Collection (HD DVD)
- The Complete Matrix Trilogy (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Warner Unveils 'Matrix' HD DVD Specs (Mar 23, 2007)
MORE HD DVD NEWS TAGGED "HIGH-DEF DISC MARKETING":
- Toshiba, 'Sopranos' Star Team Up for HD DVD Campaign May 04, 2007
- 'Jerk,' 'Nutty Professor' Latest Universal Combo Retoolings Apr 02, 2007
- Toshiba Sets New Low with $400 HD DVD Player Pricing Mar 22, 2007
- Microsoft, Comedy Central Team Up for 'South Park' Xbox 360 HD DVD Exclusive Mar 06, 2007
- 'Mission: Impossible III' Top-Selling High-Def Title of 2006 Dec 21, 2006
- Video: XBox 360 HD DVD TV Spot Oct 11, 2006
- Video: HD DVD Truck Stops by 'The Today Show' Oct 10, 2006
- Video: HD DVD Tagged in 'Tokyo Drift' TV Spot Sep 19, 2006
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