Onkyo to discontinue HD DVD players

"Enthusiast" support for format will end

22 February 2008 13:59 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Unsurprisingly, Onkyo has decided to discontinue the development and production of HD DVD players.

Revealing that the company has sold "approximately 2000" units of their HD DVD players in selected markets, a statement has been issued on the company's site, which reads as follows:

"Onkyo has reached its decision to discontinue the development and production of HD DVD players after thorough review of Toshiba’s public announcement 'Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses' on February 19, 2008."

"As Onkyo manufactures HD DVD players with core parts supplied by Toshiba, it will be difficult for Onkyo to continue its further development and production of HD DVD players."

"Despite this decision, Onkyo will continue to provide full product support and after-sales service for all owners of Onkyo HD DVD players."

"While Onkyo has been an enthusiastic supporter of the HD DVD format, it was not an exclusive relationship. Onkyo's research and development teams have maintained a parallel development program for the competing Blu-ray technology."