Venturer's SHD7000 HD DVD player now at Wal-Mart for $200

Remember when all our hopes were lost after Fuh Yuan retracted a statement that got us worked up over a $299 HD DVD player at Wal-Mart? Ironically enough, an off-brand player is indeed finally available through the aforementioned retailer some seven months later, but frankly, we're underwhelmed. Sure, the 1080i SHD7000 -- which is being sold at $199.98, a full $50 lower than we'd heard previously -- isn't exactly a terrible deal, but considering that Toshiba's own HD-A2 can apparently be had for the same, what's to get all jovial about? Nevertheless, we're also hearing that Venturer is getting set to launch the SHD7001 -- which should boast minor cosmetic enhancements, if anything -- a month from today through the UK's QVC TV Home Shopping Channel. Regrettably, there's no word on how pricey that model will be, nor if it will be a UK exclusive, but considering the exchange rate right now, we've all ideas the Americans won't be keen on importing one no matter what.

[Via TVPredictions, thanks Andrew and Aaron]
Read - Wal-Mart's $199.98 SHD7000
Read - SHD7001 set for December launch

[js @ Nov 29th 2007 3:31PM]

I am beginning to think that HD-DVD is going to be the format of choice for movies while blu-ray is the format of choice for data storage.

Still, I prefer a unified format, but I guess that's not gonna happen soon....

[TrentD @ Nov 29th 2007 4:03PM]

The Key is that this player has an MSRP of $199, which means it could potentially street for less in some places. The Toshiba HD-A3 has an MSRP of $299, and occasionally (BF sales, for example) sold below the $200 price point.

[Kurtis @ Nov 29th 2007 8:24PM]

I just recently bough an HD-A3 from Amazon for $175, including the 7 free movies they are currently offering. If they offer the SHD7000 for 40% off at an Amazon or Wal Mart like retailer, I forsee HD-DVD picking up the masses due to its price point.

[chiefsoap @ Nov 29th 2007 3:41PM]

3...
2..
1....

[Dr.Awesome @ Nov 29th 2007 4:51PM]

You fail.

[seoultrain @ Nov 29th 2007 3:47PM]

still struggling to find any part of this post that is news, other than a no-name HD-DVD player that's more than Toshiba's offerings, and twice that of the A2 deal a few weeks ago.

[fistpittingnork @ Nov 29th 2007 4:14PM]

$5 tip of the day: Skip to the next entry if you're finding nothing of interest here.

[Sy @ Nov 29th 2007 3:47PM]

Well too Toshiba already has a $199 HD DVD player in the market WITH a 5 free movie deal. Who the hell would pick a two bit Chinese manufacturer over Toshiba(with 5 free movies) at the same price?

BTW, Blu-ray won the Black Friday week 73-27. So much for the new cheap players thats been sold.

[StrangeBum @ Nov 29th 2007 4:11PM]

I think most HD-DVD players you get offer that. A lot of BD players are doing the same now too.

[Marc Federico @ Nov 29th 2007 4:26PM]

that 73% thing was in europe on software sales. hardware sales are 750k HD DVD to 200k Blu-Ray STANDALONE, meaning not counting the PS3 in the US, after the 90k sales record for black friday. someone correct me if im wrong.

[Sy @ Nov 29th 2007 4:35PM]

"that 73% thing was in europe on software sales. hardware sales are 750k HD DVD to 200k Blu-Ray STANDALONE, meaning not counting the PS3 in the US, after the 90k sales record for black friday. someone correct me if im wrong."


Actually no, it was software sale for last week in the U.S.

"The high-definition format war tilted even more heavily in favor of Blu-ray Disc despite a rash of inexpensive HD DVD players sold through Wal-Mart and other discount retailers in recent weeks. Nielsen VideoScan data for the week shows 72.6% of high-definition discs purchased by consumers were Blu-ray and just 27.4% were HD DVD"

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/home_entertainment/video/e3i8d5ddf2904a0aae38936c0078ef4de4a

[sycks @ Nov 29th 2007 4:38PM]

Marc Federico:

that 73% thing was in europe on software sales. hardware sales are 750k HD DVD to 200k Blu-Ray STANDALONE, meaning not counting the PS3 in the US, after the 90k sales record for black friday. someone correct me if im wrong.

1) 73:27 was Europe. 72.6:27.4 was this weeks Nielsen numbers with no BD BOGO's.
2) 750K "Dedicated Players" which now includes the Xbox 360 add-on
3) It was reported by Toshiba that they were close to 500k "Standalones" AFTER the 90K HD-DVD players sold which did not include Xbox 360 add-ons.

[sycks @ Nov 29th 2007 4:41PM]

Let me add I'm format neutral since I bought an A2 during that Walmart sale. However I'm an Anti-FUD Fanboy.

[sycks @ Nov 29th 2007 3:55PM]

Because it seems people love to report "news" and leave out the interesting bits... The Venturer SHD7000 is a Toshiba A3 for $200 but with Venturer support, and no 5 Free Movies.

[TrentD @ Nov 29th 2007 4:02PM]

Link, please? The disc loading drawer isn't even on the same side.

[sycks @ Nov 29th 2007 4:15PM]

Try those two:

http://forums.highdefdigest.com/showthread.php?t=26971
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=945572

Here is the info from an HD-A3

Machine Code: HDA3TKU
Submicom Version: HDA3TU1000TD
Group ID: 0a
Model ID: 97
Package Version: 1300
NAND Version: 1101
NOR Version: 1300
WinCE Version: 1000
FWH Version 0511
Drive Version: 1150
Mac Address: xx
Scaler Version: ......

Here is the info from the Venturer

Machine Code: HDA3KAU
Submicom Version: HDA3TU1000TD
Group ID: 0a
Model ID: 97
Package Version: 1100
NAND Version: 0927
NOR Version: 1100
WinCE Version: 1000
FWH Version: 0511
Drive Version: 1150
Scaler Version: -----

[sycks @ Nov 29th 2007 4:18PM]

TrentD: How can you even say the Disc Loading drawer is not on the same side?

[Big Sam @ Nov 29th 2007 4:27PM]

Looks like AVS confirms that this is a rebadged A3 and comes with 2 free movies
Rumor Has It (Combo)
The Perfect Storm

[SHopkins @ Nov 29th 2007 4:00PM]

I don't think Wal-Mart has any illusions of selling many of these players at the $200 price point. I would look to see this on sale at the $100 price point near or after Christmas. If they can do it with the A2 it seems even easier to do it with an off brand manufactured in China specifically for Wal-Mart. If the $100 A2 deal never re-surfaces they'll likely sell a decent amount of these. If the A2 deal does come back then the Venturer will have to dip even further to sell well.

[Buck @ Nov 29th 2007 4:00PM]

I think this is the beginning of, what will be, a growing pattern of cheaper and cheaper HD-DVD players. Since price will be the determining factor in who wins this format war, this is a good sign for HD-DVD.

[GadGirl @ Nov 30th 2007 12:15PM]

While I am well aware of how Walmart does its low price pricing structure and how, over time, prices on technology fall due to R&D advancements, the one thing that I just won't sacrifice is safety this holiday season. After reading that Walmart was leaving recalled things on their shelves and had toys laced with some GHB ("dates rape drug") on them, I am extra cautious of any deal that is too good to be true. I have heard that Walmart is able to sell some of their tech items at such a low price because they have struck a deal (aka, forced a deal) with Chinese manufacturers to produce a "specially made for Walmart" version of their products. Given Walmart's track record in quality and safety, I don't know if this labeling is too appealing to me.

[Kyle @ Nov 29th 2007 4:06PM]

"Blu-ray won the Black Friday week 73-27. So much for the new cheap players thats been sold."

Stay on topic. You are referring to disk sales, not movie players. Blu-ray may have sold more movie disks, but HD-DVD sold more players. Given the popularity of the PS3, its a wonder people are finally catching on to the fact you can actually play movies on it.

Also, Engadget should get their facts straight. Wal-mart cleared out the HD-A2 unit after it bought them all up and sold them at $99!

The HD-A2 is a discontinued model, so coming by one is going to be difficult. That being said, I saw a large number of ad's marketing the HD-A3 for $200 (or less). If you bought from Best Buy, you got 10 movies instead of 5 (2 in box, 5 from promotion, and any 3 from the store).

[Richard Lai @ Nov 29th 2007 4:11PM]

I'll wait for a review about picture quality of the machine. No point in buying an HD system if the picture quality is no good.

[timatl @ Nov 29th 2007 4:14PM]

wtf!!!!!!!!!!!

this makes no sense. the only way this will sell is for $139.99 or less.

[Rob @ Nov 29th 2007 4:14PM]

No longer relevant. You can get any Toshiba player with movies in the box, store freebies, plus 5 more in the mail. What's the point in buying some generic piece of crap that gives you no incentives and has no brand reputation/recognition. A Sony or Toshiba product has a better chance of working well than a Coby or some CyberHome thingy.
Price is no longer an advantage for this generic player. Toshiba beat them to the punch. So this player is just another generic brand sitting on the shelves.

[VicD @ Nov 29th 2007 4:18PM]

At the risk of angering the HD-DVD fanboys, this machine looks like an early 1990s VCR. It'd look quite homely next to the new LCD/Plasma TV and receiver. Budget and aesthetics don't have to be mutually exclusive.

[Adrian Williams @ Nov 29th 2007 9:30PM]

All next gen players HD-DVD and Blu-Ray look that way to me

[Zak @ Nov 29th 2007 4:20PM]

I'm holding out for a Sorny or Panaphonic unit, myself.

[Chris @ Nov 29th 2007 4:21PM]

Waiting for the people to come in and say its 1080i, and since that is so drastically inferior to 1080p its not worth buying.

So, pre-emptively, you're an idiot.

[david @ Nov 29th 2007 4:29PM]

For those who may not know, Wal-Mart typically sells a product (for a short time) at or around its MSRP before it begins heavy discounting. As I understand it, this is either required Federally or locally (state) in order to validate the fact that indeed a "discount" or "sale" price is indeed a discount or sale price.

As such, I suspect that very shortly, you'll see Wal-Mart selling these units for $149, $139, $129, heck, who knows, maybe even $99. And those prices will persist.

Anyone who doesn't think that selling an inexpensive HD DVD player to "the masses" at Wal-Mart is significant hasn't been paying attention to the last 10 years or so of retailing or the last several years of Wal-Mart's entry into electronics retailing.

[stuckouteast @ Nov 29th 2007 4:48PM]

"If you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it as $199.98, I can do it. I've got spare time." - Chris Farley, 'Tommy Boy'

[Iridium @ Nov 29th 2007 5:52PM]

I hope it is just a HDA3 with a crappy plastic covering becuase Venturer products are complete garbage. They build products just for Wal-Mart all the time and the vast majority of them don't last longer than a few months.

Cyberhome however does actually make a good product. I remember reading the reviews that showed the $29 Cyberhome DVD player outperforming $150 players. I bought one of those and it is still working 3 years later. I also found a closeout Cyberhome upscaler for $29 with HDMI and component cables in the box. That was a sweet deal.

But back to this player. $199 is too expensive for a brand people buy as a throwaway, it will be $99 within a month or so if it doesn't sell. Rabid HD-DVD fans will probably go buy one as a third player just to pump HD-DVD numbers up. A lot of the $99 A-2s were bought as a second player for people who already had a HD-DVD player. That way they could have one for the bedroom.

[Mike @ Nov 29th 2007 6:04PM]

"Stay on topic. You are referring to disk sales, not movie players. Blu-ray may have sold more movie disks, but HD-DVD sold more players. Given the popularity of the PS3, its a wonder people are finally catching on to the fact you can actually play movies on it."

HD only sold more players when you don't count the PS3 as a player, which it is, AND the cheapest one at that.

[John T. Haller @ Nov 29th 2007 7:33PM]

While the $200 price point isn't that huge a deal news-wise anymore since you can routinely get a Toshiba HD-A2 or HD-A3 for $200 or less (it's currently $196 at Amazon sold by Datavision), as mentioned, it will be interesting to see how much Walmart discounts this form the MSRP as sales pick up.

And on the whole disc sales, percentages, etc... Yes, HD-DVD has hit 750,000 players in terms of stand-alones. Yes, it makes sense to include the XBox add-on for those numbers because it can ONLY be used to play movies and it's not bundled with an XBox that would primarily be used for games. No, including the PS3 in the total Blu-Ray player numbers sold doesn't make the same sense... it's kinda a unique thing... and including it overall means that Blu Ray's attach numbers are hovering around 0.5 discs purchased per player vs HD DVD's 4 discs purchased per player... most PS3 owners don't buy Blu Ray discs. And, finally, yes, Blu Ray media is currently outselling HD DVD media hovering between some relatively even weeks (depending on releases and the source you use) and 3:1 weeks.

[The Jeremy @ Nov 29th 2007 8:21PM]

There's another possibility that nobody seems to be bringing up considering the low(er) price of many HD DVD players. The lower the price, the higher the chance there is of consumers just buying them to replace their aging/failing cheap DVD players with no intention of buying actual HD DVD movie titles.

If Joe Consumer buys a cheap HD DVD player but then actually surveys the titles that are for sale for it - some of it unnecessarily retailing for $35 due to the inclusion of a DVD side - the format then runs the risk of never truly establishing itself and then it becomes a CD+G type of format.

Call me crazy but I doubt many HD DVD owners are going to purchase *Hot Rod* at a "discounted" $26 [at Fry's] price. Of course, to be fair, Sony also put out a few stinkers of their own on Blu-ray at the start, like *Stealth*.

So a word-to-the-wise of the HD DVD fanboys, buy some discs, because us alleged PS3-owners-who-supposedly-do-not-buy-Blu-ray-movies-to-run-on-our-machines are still cleaning your dedicated-movie-watching-players clocks each week. On second thought, don't so we can have this format war concluded.

[Adrian Williams @ Nov 29th 2007 9:30PM]

This will be cheaper than 200 cause Target also have it so it will be a Price war with Walmart
http://www.target.com/Venturer-HD-DVD-Player-SHD7000/dp/B000W7O43U/sr=1-1/qid=1196389666/ref=sr_1_1/602-6009683-3361440?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=1038598&rh=k%3AVenturer&page=1

[Xerious @ Nov 30th 2007 11:35AM]

HD DVD fanboys are hilarious... fanboys in general are out of control... i love the "price will decide this war"... yeah, that's why the uberexpensive ipod still beats owns cheaper (with more features) mp3 players... "or PS3 doesn't count because most PS3 owners don't buy bluray"... if they buy games, they buy bluray... STFU, you fail.

[rob @ Nov 30th 2007 12:55PM]

I'm just waiting for that first HDDVD player that will also play Divx, xvid, etc so I can replace my Philips DVP-642. I don't want to have to have 2 players. As soon as that's available, I'm in.

[SHopkins @ Nov 30th 2007 1:14PM]

I'm with you on that one... but I'd like to see some of the HD file formats (Divx HD and H.264 in the .mkv container) supported. With the HD/Blu combo PC drives available you can build an HTPC that supports everything you can throw at it for around $700. This may be my next step, retiring my A2 and BDP1000 to use elsewhere in the house.