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Nope, No Free Blu-ray Players in Vegas
June 26, 2008

In embracing consumer attendees for the first time, the Home Media Expo pushed free HD DVD players to Home Theater Forum conference-goers last year. So far, at this 2008 Vegas installment, I was wondering what would be the lure for HTF consumers? Apart from the usual parties, not much. 
This is probably just a function of the fact that there is no format war battling to court consumers to their side. It's just Blu-ray, and backers probably feel that the early adopting HTF members likely have already gone out and bought their players. 
In talking to some of the HTF guys this week, who are likely constantly blogging about their Vegas experiences, I get a sense they are a little underwhelmed, or even somewhat bored, with the presentations. I'll guess that some Home Media Expo electricity is absent because there is no format fight. Everyone will agree that having the one Blu-ray format is necessary to establish high-def home entertainment. But it does give you probably less juicy things to blog about.
I'll be curious if the HTF folks sign up to attend the Home Media Expo next year. The EMA organizers of the show might have to come up with a new angle to attract consumers to the show.  If it's held in Vegas again next year, how about some free poker chips? Kidding, kidding!  

Posted by Susanne Ault on June 26, 2008 | Comments (0)