Why just those two -- you seem to admit they have a point. It looks to me like Sony is really jacking up the licensing fees to get back all those subsidies. Blu-ray may be the better format technically, but it is also the more expensive one by far. Funny how Sony's PS3 is the only viable choice. Wonder how the other hardware companies feel now about backing Blu-ray.
There is a common misconception that Sony is like an evil puppet master pulling all the strings.
Regardless of what we think of Sony's strong arm tactics with DRM and root kits etc, this is not a situation where Sony is calling the shots. Sony does not "own Blu-ray. They do not control what LG or Panasonic can charge for their machines. They are not the sole patent owners (Panasonic shares in this along with 15 other CE companies). They also hare their position on the board of directors with most of the big Japanese and Korean CE companies as well as studios like Warner.
Sony is not causing this player to be 700 dollars. The price is purely Panasonic's decision and what an unfortunate decision it is. Because this player is WAY overpriced.
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The $699 price is absolutely ridiculous. Brace yourself for more "bluray is doomed. HD-DVD should have won" comments from Nfinity and Truth Teller.
In their defense though, Id actually agree with their complaints this time around have merit.
Why just those two -- you seem to admit they have a point. It looks to me like Sony is really jacking up the licensing fees to get back all those subsidies. Blu-ray may be the better format technically, but it is also the more expensive one by far. Funny how Sony's PS3 is the only viable choice. Wonder how the other hardware companies feel now about backing Blu-ray.
There is a common misconception that Sony is like an evil puppet master pulling all the strings.
Regardless of what we think of Sony's strong arm tactics with DRM and root kits etc, this is not a situation where Sony is calling the shots. Sony does not "own Blu-ray. They do not control what LG or Panasonic can charge for their machines. They are not the sole patent owners (Panasonic shares in this along with 15 other CE companies). They also hare their position on the board of directors with most of the big Japanese and Korean CE companies as well as studios like Warner.
Sony is not causing this player to be 700 dollars. The price is purely Panasonic's decision and what an unfortunate decision it is. Because this player is WAY overpriced.