They've gone from fighting the war to trying to damage HDM getting a foothold. One of it's remaining two studios need's to declare neutrality fast and just break it's legs from under it. End it quickly and cleanly, this is getting embarrasing.
Even after the Warner announcement I felt that Microsoft may not be ready to give up on this investment just yet, especially since they aren't ready for internet distribution prime time. I say let them both exist for as long as possible... more competition, improved technology, maintaining capitalism in the HD front....what could be better?
It's easy to say "end it clean and quick" if you're rooting for the current forerunner. :)
It will be interesting to see what the details of the "Extended Advertising Campaign". We know there have been conversations with retailsers. Are we going to see kiosks in some of the big box retailers? More dedicated floor space? Spiffs to encourage the sales force to recommend HD DVD players?
Support from the remaining studios will be a key. A confident stance and solid release schedule will do a lot to bolster perception of the format as still viable. I suspect at least some of the decision makers aren't chafing at the suggestion the hubris of Warner thinking they could end the format war single-handedly.
Who knows, it could even work. Keep in mind that Warner purportedly made the decision to cut HD DVD support independently. That means no contractual barrier to reversing their decision if it turns out their attempt to force the market's hand failed.
Given my druthers the studios would publish in both formats for the time being and let the consumer decide the ultimate fate of each format.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JD @ Jan 14th 2008 4:56AM
They've gone from fighting the war to trying to damage HDM getting a foothold.
One of it's remaining two studios need's to declare neutrality fast and just break it's legs from under it.
End it quickly and cleanly, this is getting embarrasing.
blake @ Jan 14th 2008 6:13AM
Even after the Warner announcement I felt that Microsoft may not be ready to give up on this investment just yet, especially since they aren't ready for internet distribution prime time. I say let them both exist for as long as possible... more competition, improved technology, maintaining capitalism in the HD front....what could be better?
Matthew Berg @ Jan 14th 2008 11:26AM
It's easy to say "end it clean and quick" if you're rooting for the current forerunner. :)
It will be interesting to see what the details of the "Extended Advertising Campaign". We know there have been conversations with retailsers. Are we going to see kiosks in some of the big box retailers? More dedicated floor space? Spiffs to encourage the sales force to recommend HD DVD players?
Support from the remaining studios will be a key. A confident stance and solid release schedule will do a lot to bolster perception of the format as still viable. I suspect at least some of the decision makers aren't chafing at the suggestion the hubris of Warner thinking they could end the format war single-handedly.
Who knows, it could even work. Keep in mind that Warner purportedly made the decision to cut HD DVD support independently. That means no contractual barrier to reversing their decision if it turns out their attempt to force the market's hand failed.
Given my druthers the studios would publish in both formats for the time being and let the consumer decide the ultimate fate of each format.