Following landmark Black Friday promotions through major retail chains, the North American HD DVD Promotional Group announced that sales of dedicated HD DVD players exceeded the 750,000 mark. The data is based on retailer reports and other point of sale data, and includes standalone set-top players as well as the Xbox 360 HD DVD player.

"HD DVD continues to gain momentum and market share with consumers,"said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment, and co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group. "With more than four weeks left for holiday shopping, HD DVD is turning out to be a perfect consumer electronics gift."

Market takeup success will depend on price of hardware as Blu-ray and HD DVD are 'equal' in quality and performance, says new consumer watchdog report.

The latest edition of Consumer Reports in the US gave identical ratings to the best from both sides. Both the Toshiba HD-AX2 and Pioneer DBP-94HD earned 91% ratings for picture quality, the highest scores among six Blu-ray and three HD DVD players tested.

Overall, the Blu-ray players averaged a score of 87%, while the HD DVD players averaged a score of 81%. Both of the top-rated players were deemed “excellent” for picture and upconverting DVD.

Story filed 03.12.07