HD-DVD Wars, Case Study Example

The decline of HD-DVDs coincided with the development of the Blu-Ray technology, and supported a number of important benefits, as well as disadvantages, for users. For instance, 1) Blu-Ray discs provided additional layers of protection against copyright infringements that were not available with HD-DVDs; 2)Blu-Ray discs could hold a higher level of data; 3) Production capabilities required additional enhancements to manage Blu-Rays; 4) Neither format could be played on a traditional DVD player; and 5) Blu-Ray disc retail prices were higher than those of traditional DVDs. Each of these issues was instrumental in the ongoing transition from HD-DVDs and traditional DVDs to Blu-Ray discs, and companies who produced these players sought to overcome a variety of challenges related to the technology by large-scale film studios. These studios sought a greater level of quality at an affordable cost. With the decline and eventual collapse of the HD-DVD format, Toshiba experienced tremendous setbacks that were difficult to overcome. The existing core competency of Toshiba was null and void, and required an overhaul to regain a competitive advantage. While Toshiba suffered, Sony rose to the occasion and became a driving force in advancing Blu-Ray technology and production. The experiences that Toshiba faced in this process are a learning tool in maintaining an advanced approach to emerging technology in order to keep up with consumer demand. At the same time, Toshiba’s failure to jump on the Blu-Ray bandwagon led to inevitable losses that were difficult to overcome. In the future, companies facing delicate circumstances such as Toshiba must determine how to overcome technological deficiencies in order to become forward-thinkers with a flexible strategic approach to expanding knowledge and growth within the industry as a whole, rather than succumb to these weaknesses.