Toshiba’s decision to discontinue the manufacture of HD DVD players on Feb. 19 left about 1 million consumers in North America out in the cold. But if you’re one of the unlucky consumers who sided with the losing format only to be cast down into the inferno of obsolete technology, don’t despair. The Technician has your back with this list of alternative uses for your HD DVD player.
Keep the changeNow that Sharper Image declared bankruptcy, you’ve probably been wondering where you might find a shiny, hi-tech change holder that will cost you a few hundred bucks. Luckily, your doomed HD DVD player will make a ready stand-in.
Measure out a few inches of duct tape, cover the hole in the disc tray and throw your change on in. For seamless integration into your entertainment center, hit the eject button to close the tray, storing your change in your player’s worthless innards.
Steady your beverageSometimes the coffee table and coasters just aren’t good enough. Supplement your snacking by adding an HD-DVD player to your side table. Eject the disc tray and slide your beverage right in.
If it doesn’t fit, use a tool to modify the tray until it does.
Channel your artistic sideCommunication Professor Robert Schrag suggests you express your frustrations over picking the losing side of the format war with art, not violence.
Well, maybe a little violence.
Use a hammer to break apart those obsolete HD DVDs and use the mirrored plastic shards to make a mosaic.
It’s way more constructive than sobbing as you watch your recently purchased copy of Transformers.
Prop the doorAn open-door policy is always a good one, especially if you haven’t seen that roommate for quite a while.
Put the mass of your players anachronistic circuitry to work by leaning it against your room door when you’re just hanging around. Your social life will thank you.
Put it on the shelfAll jokes aside, Schrag suggests you relegate your old DVD player to a shelf in your house. That way, you can continue to use your already purchased copies of HD DVDs anytime you want.
He compared the device to a bookshelf in his house filled with leather-bound books. He said he hasn’t even looked at it in years.
“But if I ever want to read Shakespeare, he’s on the shelf,” Schrag said.