Warner and Universal expected to back dual DVD formats
by Kevin C. Tofel 
posted Oct 2nd 2005 at 7:31PM
We just reported
that Paramount is going to release high-def movies in both HD-DVD and
Blu-Ray formats. Looks like Warner and Universal are following suit
with expected announcements later this week. Now this is really getting
interesting! Will we actually avoid a format war by having all of the
major movie production companies back both formats? What does this mean
for movies on the Xbox 360 and PS3?If the hardware manufacturers can't agree on a format and instead create two very similar formats just to be greedy, I say good job movie shops! All of the dual-format talk only hurts the already confused consumer. What do you see as the downside to the move by Paramount and the expected announcements from Warner and Universal?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tyler Mills @ Oct 2nd 2005 8:02PM
Maybe they should make combo HD-DVD/Blu-ray players. I personally support blu-ray. Sony has to be right sometime.
Adam Green @ Oct 3rd 2005 9:24AM
Samsung has already said that they will be making a combo player. I am not surprised that a few of the studios are pledging to have movies available in both formats. This allows the studios to remain nimble and test the waters. I can't imagine that both formats will survive this epic battle! We've seen it too many times before....VHS/Beta, SACD/DVD-Audio....In the long run, I can't imagine the studios picking Blu-Ray as the costs to produce are higher. As we all know, the main objective of any studio, is to be hugely profitable. One of the ways they do this, is by keeping costs at bay. HD-DVD allows them to do so...
brian woods @ Oct 3rd 2005 7:24PM
i will be surprised if time warner backs blu ray as they make a nickle on every dvd sold because of their patents and as i recall, because of the hd dvd nature, those patents still apply.
Scott R @ Oct 3rd 2005 10:33PM
The format with more storage space will win. Do you honestly think that a few pennys difference in price between blu-ray and HD-DVD is going to stop anyone? All of the cost difference will be passed on to the consumer who will always opt for the disc with more content or storage. Stop shilling for HD-DVD Green.