Paramount to follow Warner in Backing Blu-Ray?

[Grimmjow]

Financial Times are reporting.... (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ea637496-bd8d-11dc-b7e6-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1)

Paramount is poised to drop its support of HD-DVD following Warner Brothers' recent backing of Sony's Blu-ray technology, in a move that could sound the death knell of HD-DVD and bring the home entertainment format war to a definitive end.

Paramount and DreamWorks Animation, which makes the Shrek films, came out in support of HD-DVD last summer, joining General Electric's Universal Studios as the main backers of the Toshiba format.

However, Paramount, which is owned by Viacom, is understood to have a clause in its contract with the HD-DVD camp that would allow it to switch sides in the event of Warner backing Blu-ray, according to people familiar with the situation.

So... what you guys think?

Editor's Note - Paramount has issued a denial (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8555&Itemid=2) and says that they will continue to support the HD-DVD format

[Johan]

There's a hole in the bucket, dear Henry, dear Henry...

and no amount of Dutch boys can plug it! I hear taps and fat ladies all over the place.

[Limech]

Congratulations to Sony for winning the format war.

That said, I'm afraid it will be a while until I see a $100 BR player.
So, what's the next format?

BTW, people keep saying "downloadable content is the way of the future". Maybe, but the problem I have is each provider has its own format (DRM) and payment structure, which isn't as attractive.

Guess what, I can still play my VHS tapes. :)

[eth3rton]

Was just getting ready to post this.... Saw it over on Engadget.com. (http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/paramount-following-warner-out-the-hd-dvd-door/) Game over fellas.... So did HD-DVD see this coming and were all those $99 players a fire sell or were they honestly still in the game at that point....

[Crowe]

The Fat lady is warming up and almost ready to hit the stage.

[BlackPete]

Is there a registration-free link?

[Grimmjow]

Is there a registration-free link?

you don't have to register to view the article.

[GrinR]

Oh well. I guess I'll buy a PS3.




















In about 10 months.

[DarkDaY]

Oh well. I guess I'll buy a PS3.




















In about 10 months.

still waiting on mine, hopefully this week, I would not have gotten one for quite some time, but Im getting mine for 150, and just cant turn that down, I want hi def movies for the right price, and I am really interested in Drakes fortune,

I....Win....

[dbh1973]

So what is Universal doing?

[Fubl]

press release from paramount / dream works earlier today :http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/DreamWorks/Paramount/CES_2008/Paramount/DreamWorks:__Still_Supporting_HD_DVD_%5BUPDATED%5D/1345

thing alot of people dont understand about CES is that its a hardware oreinted show unless your soft ware is showing off something really cool on a peice of hardware its not really going to get much airplay.

[Atepsflame]

Absolutely surreal. I still can't believe this happened. I mean, it seemed that HD-DVD had it in the bag for all the rational reasons: a name people can understand (HD-DVD is pretty goddamn self-explainatory) and AFFORDABLE players, and then Warner goes the other way and the whole thing collapses. Absolutely dumbfounding. This, plus the results of the Caucus earlier last week, have me absolutely convinced that at the new year we slipped into some bizarro world where predictable, human thought and behavior have all been chucked out the window. Now all we need is for North Korea to launch a nuke at Japan, Israel to surrender the West Bank and Gaza to Palestine, the US to withdraw from Iraq and for Mexico to openly declare war on the United States. Seriously.

[Chainblast]

So what is Universal doing?

I'll be very surprised if they don't announce BD support in some fashion or another before the end of January. This "war" is over, I very much doubt management at Universal would be able to keep their jobs if they didn't act soon.

[Hatchetforce]

Full article:


"Paramount is poised to drop its support of HD DVD after Warner Brothers’ recent backing of Sony’s Blu-ray technology, in a move that will sound the death knell of HD DVD and bring the home entertainment format war to a definitive end.

Paramount and DreamWorks Animation, which makes the Shrek films, came out in support of HD DVD last summer, joining General Electric’s Universal Studios as the main backers of the Toshiba format.

However, Paramount, which is owned by Viacom, is understood to have a clause in its contract with the HD DVD camp that would allow it to switch sides in the event of Warner Bros backing Blu-ray, according to people familiar with the situation.

Paramount is set to have a bumper 2008 with several likely blockbusters, including the latest instalment in the Indiana Jones franchise.

Paramount joining the Blu-ray camp would leave HD DVD likely to suffer the same fate as Sony’s now obsolete Betamax video technology, which lost out to VHS in a similar format war in the 1980s.

Warners decision last week to throw its weight behind Blu-ray saw it join Walt Disney, 20th Century Fox and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as backers of the Sony format.

The Warners move gives Blu-ray about 70 per cent of Hollywood’s output, although the format’s grip on film content will increase further when Paramount comes aboard.

It is unclear whether DreamWorks Animation has the same get-out clause in its contract with the HD DVD camp.

However, Paramount and DreamWorks have a close relationship, with Paramount distributing DreamWorks Animation films. The two companies also signed their HD DVD contracts at the same time. Meanwhile, Universal has declined to comment on its next-generation DVD plans since the Warners move.

Sir Howard Stringer, chief executive of Sony, on Monday held out an olive branch, saying the company would be “open to dialogue” with the HD DVD camp to “grow the market”. The move came as new figures showed that Blu-ray had opened up a decisive lead over the rival home entertainment format.

Sir Howard said: “We are not going to push people around. We’ll talk to anyone ... we have a lot of work to do to grow the market. We’ll be systematic and open to dialogue at all times.”

He added that Sony still had “a lot of work” to do to get Blu-ray “widely accepted” among American consumers.

“With Warner’s support you saw billboards going up in different places and you saw television commercials getting more and more sophisticated and that’s what we’ll continue doing,” said Sir Howard."




Based on what we have been seeing, Paramount can't afford not to grab some of the Bluray market. The board will force this issue. Paramount issued this email today:


"Paramount's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format," Brenda Ciccone, a spokeswoman for Paramount, said in an e-mail today.



Notice it didn't say Paramount will continue it's exclusive deal. The investors won't go for it. I expect to see dual support from Paramount in a week or so. Then they will slowly drop the HD DVD line.

[TrackZero]

Absolutely surreal. I still can't believe this happened. I mean, it seemed that HD-DVD had it in the bag for all the rational reasons: a name people can understand (HD-DVD is pretty goddamn self-explainatory) and AFFORDABLE players, and then Warner goes the other way and the whole thing collapses. Absolutely dumbfounding. This, plus the results of the Caucus earlier last week, have me absolutely convinced that at the new year we slipped into some bizarro world where predictable, human thought and behavior have all been chucked out the window. Now all we need is for North Korea to launch a nuke at Japan, Israel to surrender the West Bank and Gaza to Palestine, the US to withdraw from Iraq and for Mexico to openly declare war on the United States. Seriously.

Sony paid off Warner. 'nuff said.

[GrinR]

I find this both depressing and in some ways a relief.

[Hatchetforce]

Sony paid off Warner. 'nuff said.

I disagree. You don't have the head of Warner publically announce there was no money given to Warner and then Warner has to explain to the IRS, the SEC, and everyone else where 500 million (That was the ridiculous rumor) came from that suddenly lined their coffers.

Warner had stated before Christmas that they would be making a decision after the holidays based on sales. Well, the people made the choice for them. John Q. Public.

Besides, it is a good thing. Just look at this:

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Fox/CES_2008/CES:_Fox_Touts_BD-Live,_Previews_Alien_vs._Predator:_Requiem_Blu-ray/1346


With an eye toward merging the Blu-ray format's BD-Live capabilities with social networking, Fox touted the message "The Future is Blu, the Future is BD-Live" today at CES 2008.

Taking part in a Blu-ray interactivity conference held earlier today, Fox showcased a number of BD-Live features it plans to bring to Blu-ray in 2008, as well as hinting that the company's ownership of MySpace may play a part in expanding the networking possibilities of the format.

Fox VP Danny Kaye took the stage to show off various BD-Live-based interactive features the studio is currently developing, including the ability for users to store and retrieve information online via MySpace.

Kaye then showed how a user could download a picture from a site like MySpace, and "insert" it into a Blu-ray disc.

The exec also demonstrated the forthcoming "Alien vs. Predator vs. You" BD-Live interactive game, which can be played by multiple players across a network, and is set to be included in the forthcoming 2008 Blu-ray release of 'Alien vs. Predator: Requiem' (street date TBA).

"The whole idea is to extend the movie experience from two hours, to ten more hours of fun," said Kaye.

Fox was joined in the interactivity conference by Sony, which pushed its own BD-Live plans for 2008.

[oldjadedgamer]

I disagree. You don't have the head of Warner publically announce there was no money given to Warner and then Warner has to explain to the IRS, the SEC, and everyone else where 500 million (That was the ridiculous rumor) came from that suddenly lined their coffers.

How did Paramount explain the $150 million MS allegedly gave them to go HD-DVD exclusive? They have to explain it to the IRS and SEC right?

[Hatchetforce]

How did Paramount explain the $150 million MS allegedly gave them to go HD-DVD exclusive? They have to explain it to the IRS and SEC right?

Did the head of Paramount issue a public statement denying the payment? I don't know. If it occurred, yes it would have to be explained. But I don't know if it did or not. I don't have an opinion either way except to say the move by Paramount was odd to support a format that was behind in world wide sales.

I heard stories both ways about the money but like the Warner story they are about as valid as the Warren Commision report. But if either occurred then it would have to be listed and explained. Public disclosure will eventually catch up and deny or confirm the veracity of such claims.

[Rafer]

So... what you guys think?

I would of thought it would be the other way around, with Paramount happy with their moneyhats (rumored to be $150 million I think) and Toshiba trying to get out of the contract.

And from what I've read, I would guess Warner was more concerned that the 3% decline in the multi-billion dollar DVD business last year was due to consumer holding off purchasing in any format until the war was resolved, so they really wanted to see this resolved soon, and remaining neutral or going to HD DVD would have only extended the war.

[Farsight]

I can't loan out copies on either format to any of my friends, so I'll pass on both.

A small (palm-sized / DVD-case-sized) device that can store HD movies from downloads and output HDMI will win the format war. Sony has kneecapped its cash cow (games division) for nothing.

[bjornbarspingvinen]

It´s sonys big chance for the ps3. Anyhow, with the 360 having more room to drop the price and having a much better library and development environment, I think sony will still have an uphill ride.

[TeeCakes]

Was just getting ready to post this.... Saw it over on Engadget.com. (http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/paramount-following-warner-out-the-hd-dvd-door/) Game over fellas.... So did HD-DVD see this coming and were all those $99 players a fire sell or were they honestly still in the game at that point....

Interesting observation

[sticky]

Would those paramount douche bags at least finish putting out all the remastered original series Star Trek episodes in HD-DVD? I have a feeling I am going to be stuck with season one on HD-DVD and then have to buy seasons 2 + 3 on blu ray.

Oh well, whatever, its just money.

[bone_matrix]

While I liked HD-DVD as a format better, after the announcement of being able to transfer a bluray movie from a PS3 to a PSP, I don't mind bluray nearly as much. Of course, it depends on the details of said transferability.

[VictorVonViolence]

Everything's coming up Sony!

[Zeal]

although i obviously preferred hd-dvd, i'm just glad the format war is over. also, considering blu-ray has finally adopted hd-dvd's next-gen codecs, the newer releases will be bit-for-bit identical to anything on hd-dvd.

this is a good thing for the consumer, and i think warner's move will be remembered as a conscious decision to save hd media early in the game.

ps- i also think the ps3 will now begin to very rapidly level out with 360 and wii.

[Esquilax1138]

Well this has sold me a PS3 just for the Blu-Ray player, but I looked at the list of games thinking I might grab one for it as well when I pick it up, but nothing really floats my boat here. Probably grab Blade Runner on Blu though.

I'm more a PC gamer, so it's going to be tough to sell me a lot of PS3 games. I'll probably grab Force Unleashed for it since no PC version, so thats 1 game I guess...

Anyway glad the war is over, HD-DVD should do an Al Gore and throw in the sponge.

[DangerousDaze]

Probably grab Blade Runner on Blu though.
Gentleman and a scholar.

[phantomhitman]

FUCK

fuck

fuck

[31 Flavas]

Absolutely surreal. I still can't believe this happened. I mean, it seemed that HD-DVD had it in the bag for all the rational reasons: a name people can understand (HD-DVD is pretty goddamn self-explainatory) and AFFORDABLE players, and then Warner goes the other way and the whole thing collapses. Absolutely dumbfounding.Warner was paid nearly half a billion dollars ($400 million). What is there to be dumbfounded by? ;)

It isn't surprising really, Sony HAD to make Blu-Ray succeed. Not that the PS3 doesn't already have enough jokes made about it... Can you imagine what ridicule Sony would get for having a dead format in the PS3? Or how incredibly bitter PS3 / Sony fans would be? The elegant, sheik, and suave Playstation 3, your all-in-one multimedia entertainment hub. That can't play new release hi-def movies because Blu-ray died.

I'm not amazed or dumbfounded at this, Sony HAD to have Blu-Ray succeed. They'd be the laughing stock of all companies otherwise.

In the end though, hi-def players and movies still are not selling. And the death of HD-DVD sure won't put Sony in the mood to cost cut Blu-ray players or movies. So what's going to motivate people to buy hi-def even if the "format war" is decided? Picture and sound haven't motivated so far, so why is it now? DVDs do just fine and are far cheaper.

[Darkmatter]

So glad i got that 360 HD-DVD addon in Sept... Oh well, I always did like that the blu-ray disks had more cappacity and only went the other way because I had a 360... Still hurts the wallet a bit to see that I have a 4 month old, 5 movie player.

[CoachCrazyMcScot]

It....will....not....matter.

By the time this war is over, despite Sony racing to get it done before the end of the year, we will be in the throes of media integration that allows everyone to have their entertainment on their hard drive.

HD-DVD will be in bargain bin by the 4th of July; Bluray will be in the bin by Christmas.

[Johan]

Everything's coming up Sony!

An Ethel Merman reference? Wow! :)

"Everything's coming up ROses!"

I'm not amazed or dumbfounded at this, Sony HAD to have Blu-Ray succeed. They'd be the laughing stock of all companies otherwise.

In the end though, hi-def players and movies still are not selling. And the death of HD-DVD sure won't put Sony in the mood to cost cut Blu-ray players or movies. So what's going to motivate people to buy hi-def even if the "format war" is decided? Picture and sound haven't motivated so far, so why is it now? DVDs do just fine and are far cheaper.

All good points!

[Kelegacy]

Now, I would love to watch only high def movies and ditch DVDs by the wayside. The only movies I actually buy are 5 dollar DVD steals. Blu-Ray movies being more expensive doesn't bother me, not if I can rent them through Netflix or at the store. I don't care about buying movies, just seeing them.

I'm glad the format wars are over. So glad I didn't buy one of those cheap HD-DVD players this past fall. I ALMOST bit, so close.

[Hatchetforce]

Well this has sold me a PS3 just for the Blu-Ray player, but I looked at the list of games thinking I might grab one for it as well when I pick it up, but nothing really floats my boat here. Probably grab Blade Runner on Blu though.
I'm more a PC gamer, so it's going to be tough to sell me a lot of PS3 games. I'll probably grab Force Unleashed for it since no PC version, so thats 1 game I guess...

Anyway glad the war is over, HD-DVD should do an Al Gore and throw in the sponge.

I had preordered the 5 disc set and paid less than $30. It is a real gem and a great look at Bladerunner. There are 4 versions of the movie in the set. Original release, 10th Anniversary release, a working print and the newest version.

There are two versions of the 5 disc set. One costs $60+ and one doesn't. Both sets have identical discs. It is just the expensive version comes with a big case, signed pics, etc.

[Tempest261]

Just boxed up my HD-DVD player for a return. It was crashing anyway :/.

I can't believe I'm about to say this- but I guess I'll have to get a PS3. I get squeamish even at the thought.

[Hecubus]

I can't believe I'm about to say this- but I guess I'll have to get a PS3. I get squeamish even at the thought.

Or, if it bothers you that much, simply buy a standalone blu-ray player. Some are now comparably priced with the PS3 (of course, you can't play games on one of those, but from the obvious disdain you seem to have for PS3, the games probably aren't a selling point for you anyway.)

[Venkman]

Sony paid off Warner. 'nuff said.


Kinda like Microsoft paid off Paramount. Either way I don't care. I just want one format to die!

[morose]

I've got both the 360 HD-DVD add-on and a PS3. Currently I use my PS3 as a DVD/Blu-ray player exclusively right now so I was already poised to accept whatever happened with regard to market dominance. Movies in HD look SO much better on my 1080p HDTV that I haven't purchased anything on regular DVD in the last 3 months (unless of course it's content that is SD originally... in which case HD obviously doesn't matter). And if Blu-Ray does end up as the only game in town in the next couple months, I think folks will be surprised at the number of adopters as long as Blu-ray players come down in price to the $200 or so level. Downloads are NOT going to replace HD media in the next year or two folks. They just aren't. Wal-mart just closed their download service, that should tell you something right there. So I guess I should rephrase... downloads are not going to replace media for people who want to obtain their movies legally at least.

[Sl1pstream]

Besides, it is a good thing.

I can import my HD-DVDs, while I have to wait for movies to be released over here, if they even get a releasedate. Except for the fact that it's less confusing for consumers, there's nothing good about this.

[WaltJay]

Paramount denied going Blu, but it's only a matter of time. Even if Paramount doesn't exercise the mythical "escape clause", I seriously doubt post-contract they will still be HD DVD only. At the minimum, I expect them to be neutral, along with Universal, at some point in the near future.

Content is king and the BD Camp is holding nearly all of the cards. The cheap HD DVD players may allow the format to survive, but without studio support, it will never beat out BD. I still plan to keep my 360 add-on, but it's BD here on out for me (that is, except for HD DVD exclusives!).

[Schnoogs]

The format was dead the other day...now its really dead.

[Dukefrukem]

Congratulations to Sony for winning the format war.

That said, I'm afraid it will be a while until I see a $100 BR player.
So, what's the next format?

BTW, people keep saying "downloadable content is the way of the future". Maybe, but the problem I have is each provider has its own format (DRM) and payment structure, which isn't as attractive.

Guess what, I can still play my VHS tapes. :)

if you look they're $200 now. why do yuou think it will be awhile?

[atariv8]

Ask anyone in the broadcast world, Sony winning any format war is a bad thing. Expensive players are here to stay...the HD format will now surely die to the general public.

[Vanthar]

Ask anyone in the broadcast world, Sony winning any format war is a bad thing. Expensive players are here to stay...the HD format will now surely die to the general public.

Yeah the PS3 dropped 200 bucks in a year. The standalones have been as low as $300, and we have gotten tons of buy one get one free deals from websites for Blu-ray. I'm sure now that they have 3/4 of the content they're just going to lock the prices forever...

[oldjadedgamer]

Ask anyone in the broadcast world, Sony winning any format war is a bad thing. Expensive players are here to stay...the HD format will now surely die to the general public.

Don't forget that you need an expensive TV to go with it. DVD worked on all TV's.

[atariv8]

Yeah the PS3 dropped 200 bucks in a year. The standalones have been as low as $300, and we have gotten tons of buy one get one free deals from websites for Blu-ray. I'm sure now that they have 3/4 of the content they're just going to lock the prices forever...

Do you think that would of happened without competition? Do you think players now have a chance of going any lower any time soon? The PS3 lowered to compete with the 360 not HD-DVD and other BR players had to come down in order to compete with the PS3. If I was a 3rd party manufacturer I'd be pretty pissed...but now they may not have a choice on what kind of player they make. $300 is still WAY to much for the general public to accept. I think someone mentioned earlier that a new format will probably be introduced before BR catches on. Hell, the price of BR discs will probably increase.

It's kind of funny that the 360 may be the only reason BR becomes affordable for the masses sometime soon.

[ÜberJumper]

I'm saddened by this. I did not like what I saw about the blu-ray spec. HDDVD's make so much more sense because they can have a DVD layer on them. My 300 HDDVD is both HD DVD and DVD all one one, for the price of an HD movie.

HD DVD recently upped their specs to have a capacity similar to Blu-ray IIRC. To me, that should have been the death knell for Blu-ray, as their feature set prior to just recently was far behind what HD-DVD was offering.

Oh well, I'm thinking it'll be downloadable content for the win anyway.

[Jack B]

If Paramount follows suit and HD-DVD dies, then it increases the chance I'll buy a PS3 sooner.

[MetroScotty]

if you look they're $200 now. why do yuou think it will be awhile?

I love the smell of misinformation in the morning. Sauce?

[Hatchetforce]

Just boxed up my HD-DVD player for a return. It was crashing anyway :/.

I can't believe I'm about to say this- but I guess I'll have to get a PS3. I get squeamish even at the thought.


You are about to be impressed. Look, I have a 360. I have actually had four. One at launch and after that three more. Two more dead ones and now a HALO 360. I have some good titles on the 360 I enjoy.

But I picked up a 60GB PS3. It runs all my PS1 and PS2 titles and they look better than ever. The games that are out now already are truly next gen. Uncharted is a serious work of art that you can play. The Mona Lisa can't make that claim. So is Heavenly Sword.

The machine just feels like a serious piece of technology when you are using it. It has taken over as my media hub despite my having a 360 and Vista Ultimate. With my PSP Slim I do everything. This includes streaming video and MP3s from my PS3 when I am travelling. Add to that devs are saying practically en masse that the development problems are at an end and they are beginning to understand the PS3's potential.

Haze is just around the corner follwed shortly by titles like Killzone 2 and MGS4. You won't be disappointed.

[oldjadedgamer]

You are about to be impressed. Look, I have a 360. I have actually had four. One at launch and after that three more. Two more dead ones and now a HALO 360. I have some good titles on the 360 I enjoy.

But I picked up a 60GB PS3. It runs all my PS1 and PS2 titles and they look better than ever. The games that are out now already are truly next gen. Uncharted is a serious work of art that you can play. The Mona Lisa can't make that claim. So is Heavenly Sword.

The machine just feels like a serious piece of technology when you are using it. It has taken over as my media hub despite my having a 360 and Vista Ultimate. With my PSP Slim I do everything. This includes streaming video and MP3s from my PS3 when I am travelling. Add to that devs are saying practically en masse that the development problems are at an end and they are beginning to understand the PS3's potential.

Haze is just around the corner follwerd shortly by titles like Killzone 2 and MGS4. You won't be disappointed.

Your post reads like a PR statement.

[Hatchetforce]

Interesting take:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9228613&postcount=27716


I didn't comment on the Paramount thing when it first came out...for a reason.

I have a few friends in the CE business who are in Vegas right now. Man I wish I'd been able to go this year, but I haven't been shooting much CE stuff lately, (business in general kinda sucked last year) and I couldn't justify paying my own way for the trip...

Anyway, the guys I've been talking to had all heard of the article, but most of them say they didn't believe it was true when the story started hitting everybody's Blackberrys and iPhones. Not because they don't believe Paramount wants to get out of their contract and have an escape clause--they certainly do believe that--but because they don't think Paramount's escape clause would kick in until Warner's contract is officially over and they quit producing HD DVD discs later this year.

Without getting too much into it, I can say that more than one person I have communicated with indicated that their may be another escape clause in the contract pertaining to sales that might kick in for Paramount though. If HD DVD sales totally crater as expected after the Warner announcement, they may have another opportunity for an early out, but that would likely be based on quarterly sales targets, if his speculation is correct, and still wouldn't likely kick in until the end of the next quarter, at earliest.

All of them thought it was more likely that Universal would jump before Paramount, and that was the main reason they were surprised by the news when it came out. According to them, nobody in Vegas would be very surprised to see Universal jump at any point now.

Please note, I'm not claiming this is any "insider news" or anything. It's not. These guys I'm communicating with are in the CE business but in completely unrelated fields and are not involved in the Blu-ray or HD DVD business at all. None of them are claiming to have any knowledge of Paramount's contract, or anything of that nature, either. They are just telling me what they are hearing on the show floor and in the bars after the show where CE folks party and talk, and combining that with their own personal speculation based on how they know things are done in the business.

Having said that, according to everyone I've spoken to so far, the main impression among everybody in Vegas is that it is all over for HD DVD. Buyers for retailers are telling them this too, which is significant. Lots of other rumors are going around, but that's always the case, and I'm not going to repeat them.

And with that, I'm going to bed. It's been a long night.

[Hatchetforce]

Your post reads like a PR statement.

I happen to believe in the PS3 as a media device as well as a gaming platform. If there is an error in my facts let me know. It is a sound investment and a superb game console. Despite my 360 games and having a fairly fast PC with a myriad of titles - some material not available to the public that is a blast - I still spend the vast majority of my gaming time on the PS3.

[Church42]

Absolutely surreal. I still can't believe this happened. I mean, it seemed that HD-DVD had it in the bag for all the rational reasons: a name people can understand (HD-DVD is pretty goddamn self-explainatory) and AFFORDABLE players, and then Warner goes the other way and the whole thing collapses. Absolutely dumbfounding. This, plus the results of the Caucus earlier last week, have me absolutely convinced that at the new year we slipped into some bizarro world where predictable, human thought and behavior have all been chucked out the window. Now all we need is for North Korea to launch a nuke at Japan, Israel to surrender the West Bank and Gaza to Palestine, the US to withdraw from Iraq and for Mexico to openly declare war on the United States. Seriously.

Dogs and cats living together! MASS HYSTERIA!

[Hatchetforce]

More news solidifying on the Paramount situation and word about Universal:

http://digitalbits.com/#mytwocents



Well... we've had SOME confirmation this morning of the details of the Financial Times story from last night. While the studio isn't yet commenting, reliable industry sources are telling us that Paramount is indeed preparing to end their HD-DVD support and announce a return to the Blu-ray fold. Details are currently being finalized, and an announcement is expected as soon as they're complete. Paramount's first new Blu-rays will almost certainly include many of those titles that were cancelled last year, but that were already packaged and ready for shipping, so you could see them in stores very quickly once the studio announces.

Meanwhile, sources are telling us that Universal has also been talking with the BDA, and is looking to follow Paramount and Warner's lead as soon as possible.

On a related note, Times Online in the U.K. is now reporting that as many as 20 additional firms currently backing HD-DVD are also considering defection in the wake of Warner's Friday announcement, including Fujitsu, Lenovo, Kenwood and Pony Canyon (which is a major Japanese film and music studio).

What's more, word is starting to circulate at CES that major big box retailers will begin winding down in-store support for HD-DVD as soon as these studios go public with their decisions. We're told that the industry's major retail partners are already pressuring Paramount, DreamWorks and Universal to go Blu following Warner's decision.

Rumors are also beginning to circulate here that Apple's Steve Jobs may announce the addition of Blu-ray Disc drives to their Mac desktop lineup at next week's Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

We would caution you to keep in mind that all of this should be considered unofficial until the studios make their actual announcements. Things are moving very fast, and the situation is highly fluid. Still, it really looks like this is the end for HD-DVD, and the end of the format war overall. We'll keep you up to date with new developments as they break.

Stay tuned...



And this
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/New_Line/Industry_Trends/New_Line_Details_Transition_to_Blu-ray/1351


Confirming earlier reports that it would follow Warner to Blu-ray exclusivity, New Line says its first HD DVD title ('Pan's Labryinth') will also be its last.

Though it was widely assumed that New Line (whose parent company is Time-Warner) would follow Warner Home Video's lead and continue to release on HD DVD through May 2008, a company rep tells us that New Line's move will go into immediate effect, with all of the studio's planned HD DVD releases now cancelled (including the HD DVD versions of current Blu-ray releases 'Hairspray' and 'Rush Hour 3,' which had previously been planned for HD DVD release sometime in early 2008).

As for 'Pan's Labryinth,' which hit stores late last year as the first (and only) New Line HD DVD release, the studio says that once current retail supplies are depleted, the title will be discontinued -- making it an instant collector's item.

New Line says it's not planning to issue an official press release trumpeting the move, ending its short-lived HD DVD support with a relative whimper.

The studio also tells us they won't be revealing any new Blu-ray titles at CES, though they do plan to continue to support the format throughout 2008 with a variety of new release and catalog titles to be announced in the future.

As always, we'll keep you posted...

[phantomhitman]

I happen to believe in the PS3 as a media device as well as a gaming platform. If there is an error in my facts let me know. It is a sound investment and a superb game console. Despite my 360 games and having a fairly fast PC with a myriad of titles - some material not available to the public that is a blast - I still spend the vast majority of my gaming time on the PS3.
You are right with one exception, what does a PS3 do (besides bluray vs hd dvd) that a 360 cannot?


Fuck, I do not want to see hd dvd die. :mad:

[Hatchetforce]

You are right with one exception, what does a PS3 do (besides bluray vs hd dvd) that a 360 cannot?


Fuck, I do not want to see hd dvd die. :mad:

Well first of all the PS3 does Bluray while the 360 doesn't. Second the PS3 does Bluray while the 360 only does regular DVD. Yes the 360 can do HD DVD...by using an add-on. I think to honestly assess that question you have to start with the native device. ;)

[Hatchetforce]

Universal also cans theirs HD DVD announcements for CES:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Universal/CES_2008/CES:_All_Quiet_on_the_Universal_Front/1352


Amidst mounting speculation that it is soon to shift alliances, Universal Studios has confirmed that it will not be making any new HD DVD title announcements at this year's CES.

Though previous years have seen a cavalcade of title announcements from HD DVD-supporting studios at CES, this year's deafening silence from Universal and Paramount/DreamWorks has only fueled speculation that one (or both) of the studios are plotting a move to format neutrality or perhaps even Blu-ray exclusivity.

While Universal is issuing a terse "no comment" in response to the persistent rumors, a studio spokesperson did confirm for us that they will not be making any new title announcements at this year's CES.

[Jack B]

Well first of all the PS3 does Bluray while the 360 doesn't. Second the PS3 does Bluray while the 360 only does regular DVD. Yes the 360 can do HD DVD...by using an add-on. I think to honestly assess that question you have to start with the native device. ;)

On a somewhat related note...

I don't have a PS3 or an HD-DVD drive. Don't the HD-DVD drives play DVD's too? Although, it looks bad for HD-DVD, that was probably a decent feature, so you could ditch your DVD drive off your entertainment center.

With the PS3 do you still need to keep your DVD player in the entertainment center stack?

[Hatchetforce]

No. The PS3 handles DVDs and CDs with ease. And normal DVDs look impressive.

[Jack B]

No. The PS3 handles DVDs and CDs with ease. And normal DVDs look impressive.

Thanks. That's good to know. I just haven't spent any time researching the two camps, because I wasn't in the market for either player.

[oldjadedgamer]

On a somewhat related note...

I don't have a PS3 or an HD-DVD drive. Don't the HD-DVD drives play DVD's too? Although, it looks bad for HD-DVD, that was probably a decent feature, so you could ditch your DVD drive off your entertainment center.

With the PS3 do you still need to keep your DVD player in the entertainment center stack?

They both play DVD's but the PS3 requires a TV with HDMI to upscale them to 1080p where as the 360 can upscale them to 1080p with a VGA or HDMI connection so folks with older TV's that have VGA and no HDMI or people who are using computer monitors can use this feature as well.

[mister_slim]

Gentleman and a scholar.

Getting five cuts of Blade Runner isn't like buying a movie, it's like receiving a shrine to venerate and worship.

[Schnoogs]

Getting five cuts of Blade Runner isn't like buying a movie, it's like receiving a shrine to venerate and worship.

Twice now I've let my girlfriend go to bed to amuse herself alone as I sat in front of my TV with jar of vasoline and the Blade Runner boxset. Worship? I make fucking love to this movie!!!

[Hatchetforce]

If you want VGA 1080p from a PS3 I would say it is just a matter of time. The unit can already handle it and too many people are already doing it. The PS3 will actually output 1080p through the component cables. All it would take would be a piece of Sony hardware and perhaps some tweaking in the next firmware update.

In the meantime it is already being done by those that want it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhWx2U6MYso

http://www.xcm.cc/xcm_1080p_vga_box.htm

Video for VGA Box: http://www.xcm.cc/1080pVGA-SU-PS3-video.wmv

VGA Box is here: http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-de-49-en-70-245o.html

[oldjadedgamer]

If you want VGA 1080p from a PS3 I would say it is just a matter of time. The unit can already handle it and too many people are already doing it. The PS3 will actually output 1080p through the component cables. All it would take would be a piece of Sony hardware and perhaps some tweaking in the next firmware update.

In the meantime it is already being done by those that want it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhWx2U6MYso

http://www.xcm.cc/xcm_1080p_vga_box.htm

Video for VGA Box: http://www.xcm.cc/1080pVGA-SU-PS3-video.wmv

VGA Box is here: http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-de-49-en-70-245o.html

Copyright bullcrap prevents *any* DVD upscaler from displaying an image over 480p when using component. HDMI is required which is why the PS3 has this restriction.

The one loophole is VGA and that is because of computers. The 360 takes advantage of this loophole which is why you can upscale DVD's over VGA.

You really need to research this stuff more Hatchetforce if you are going to act so sure of yourself. You are arguing stuff that has been set in stone for years and isn't up for debate.

[Hatchetforce]

Was I talking to you? No. Facts are stubborn things and the law can prevent what it wants but there it is and it works. Logic is a bitch, isn't it. Personally I am ordering one in the next hour.

[atariv8]

Twice now I've let my girlfriend go to bed to amuse herself alone as I sat in front of my TV with jar of vasoline and the Blade Runner boxset. Worship? I make fucking love to this movie!!!

I bought the box set but I'm going to be catching it at the theater in Raleigh on the 18th with a bunch of folks from work so I'm holding off watching it. The making of documentary is amazing though.

[Hatchetforce]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/universal-hd-dvd-exclusivity-contract-has-expired-sits-non-rene/

Universal not renewing HD DVD exclusivity.

[Hatchetforce]

We knew about New Line but this says HBO as well now:

http://www.console-addicted.com/?p=1112

[oldjadedgamer]

We knew about New Line but this says HBO as well now:

http://www.console-addicted.com/?p=1112

HBO and New Line are both owned by Time Warner who in turns owns Warner Bros.

[KingGorilla]

HBO and New Line are both owned by Time Warner who in turns owns Warner Bros.

And the movie business is shady because...? A trifle to most people, but an insight into the workings. That incestuous relationship, just irks me to no end. Movie is made, company gets ticket sales, company gets DVD and PPV sales, month later company owned cable station airs movie, gets subscription, year later company owned network station gets movie, makes ad revenue. Not to mention being able to advertise the movie for free in company owned radio, TV, and print ads.

So if you want Hi Def Sopranos, it will be Blu-Ray. HBO did Rome too, right?

[blackzc]

Ask anyone in the broadcast world, Sony winning any format war is a bad thing. Expensive players are here to stay...the HD format will now surely die to the general public.

A little exclusivity never hurt me, after i was able to buy a DVD player for 27$ the whole allure went away, you know?