Chi Mei tosses in an Xbox 360 with its LCD HDTVs

Enticing consumers to pick up a new HDTV by throwing in a fairly attractive bonus is quite an antiquated (but still incredibly effective) trick, and it seems as if Chi Mei is resorting to such tactics to move its 42- and 50-inch 1080p LCD HDTVs. Reportedly, the group is bundling the aforementioned sets with Xbox 360s during the 2008 Taipei Game Show, but we've no idea if it plans on keeping the promotion alive after January 28th comes and goes. Now, if only there were an HD DVD add-on thrown in, we might consider ourselves sold.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 27th 2008 3:10PM]

This may be OT, but since "HD DVD" was thrown into the mix, I think it's fair game. Since EngadgetHD isn't reporting it yet, and since /. bungled it so bad:

"The facts are that during the week that is being singled out, both Blu-ray disc players and software were being given away for free with the purchase of 1080p TVs. It is also important to note that the instant rebate promotions that had previously netted Toshiba's players' MSRPs to $199 and $249 had actually ended on Jan. 5th -- causing an increase in HD DVD's MSRP back to $299 and $399 during that same week. Since Toshiba's retail price move on Jan. 13th to $149 / $199 -- Toshiba is seeing very positive sales trends at retail. This reinforces the fact that price is a significant driver of sales."

This is allegedly from NPD Group, the same source used to "prove," among other things, that sales have tanked and that it's time for Toshiba to just give up already.

http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/007137.php

I'd like for there to be just one format as bad as the next guy, but the "it's dead already" jabs are getting goofy.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 27th 2008 7:22PM]

This speaks to how much China values the Xbox 360. Giving it away for free w/a TV, if I were MS, would be an insult. It's a good enough machine to stand on its own. However, Japan has not been nice to the 360 so any help in Asia would be more than welcome.

[wyldtek Posted Jan 28th 2008 2:10AM]

Sony gave away PS3s with purchases of its TVs. What does that say to how much the US values the PS3?