HD DVD players may enter a much more affordable market towards the end of this year, with some manufacturers claiming that we could see sub-$500 units. Most of it is speculation, driven by lowered cost for components like chipsets as time goes on, and a reduction in units coming off the line dead. It isn't too far off, given that some players can now be had for $600, such as from Toshiba. Blu-ray is still a bit more expensive, which may gave HD DVD a boost, since cost is hugely important for most home consumers.