Sony attempts to get more Blu-ray enabled PS3s into the HD DVD vs Blu-ray war
By Sean P. Aune
Sony is trying a tactic similar to the one they are using in Australia to get more Playstation 3 units into the hands of consumers.
The other day we reported on how Sony was giving away Playstation 3 consoles in Australia with the purchase of one of their HDTV units. We speculated you might see a similar deal in the United States if it was successful. Well, we got a similar deal, but with a heck of a lot more hoops to jump through.
The deal in the land down under allowed you to purchase one of Sony’s HDTV units anywhere, and then redeem for the PS3. The American version of the deal requires you to apply for a Sony credit card, purchase the HDTV only through the Sony Style stores, and then you can get the free PS3. And you have to apply for the SonyCard, and purchase the TV, by December 31st.
There are 13 models of televisions that qualify for the deal, but is it really a deal to get this entry level Blu-ray player/game system? If you look up the 46″ Bravia XBR series KDL-46XBR4 on the Sony Style site, the price is listed at $3,299.99. The same model on Amazon.com currently has a price of $2178.70, a savings of $581.29, a savings that is more than the price of a Playstation 3, and you don’t get saddled with another credit card in your wallet.
If you’re looking to jump into the high definition war, the Sony deal would be a way to do it, but not a very wise one. You have to wonder why the Australian deal seems to be so much more consumer friendly than the American version.
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Stumble It!

December 29th, 2007
Toshiba…just grow a pair and slap m$ in their faces already….your hd-dvd format is wasting all of our time lol.
Like they say, The Future is BLU!
December 29th, 2007
Still to expensive for a T.V, someone needs to create a breakthrough in full HD 1080p at ridiculous cheap prices without losing any quality then I will by a PS3.
Or you can just import the darned thing, the games work anywhere in the world on any system and then import the games as well or buy cheap ones from closer to home, they will work, its the movies you have to watch out for.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-6vmj-71-bo-49-en-84-k.html
December 30th, 2007
my guess is the ps3 is not selling in australia that much…
December 30th, 2007
@ Jay
Your guess would be wrong. The PS3 is outselling the 360 in all PAL regions.