Universal Studios issued a terse statement today, denying
rumors that the HD DVD stalwart is looking to take advantage of that
lapsed exclusivity contract and jump ship for cross-town high-def adversary, Blu-ray. Ken Graffeo – veep of HD strategic marketing at Universal and also co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group – said simply "Universal's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format." That Universal's response was almost verbatim to HD DVD ally
Paramount's should come as little surprise. How about this, movie executive types: let us know about your
future plans and we'll skirt this whole song and dance, okay?
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
posted Jan 10th 2008 6:35PM
This is why their logo is on the Bluray logo board at their CES booth?
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/blu-rays-ces-2008-booth-tour/
still don't see it...you mean WB?
Gotta look at the large photo to see it:
http://www.engadget.com/photos/blu-rays-ces-2008-booth-tour/573640/
It's in the center between Fox and WB.
That's actually Universal Music Group. It also appears at the Blu-Ray website.
That is very interesting. Why would they have the Universal logo slap bang in the middle of the "big supporting names" board when they aren't supposedely interested?
The only reason I could think of would be the Bruce Almighty film that Universal did with Buena Vista - it's been released in Europe on Blu-Ray.
Oh! SJT answered the question, it is indeed Unviversal Music.
Universal Music group is completely separate from Universal Studio.
Universal Music group owned by Vivendi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Music_Group
Universal Studios owned by GE's NBC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Universal
Universal Music group is completely separate from Universal Studio.
Universal Music group owned by Vivendi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Music_Group
Universal Studios owned by GE's NBC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Universal
Universal/Paramount : Damnit, knock it off. Switch over and end this stupid format war. All consumers will thank you by showering you with greenbacks for your sub-par films.
Actually, they would probably get more consumers with HD-DVD as it costs less than HD-DVD. The whole thing with HD-DVD is that it will appeal to a larger group because it includes those that do not have money to throw out the window left and right.
Actually, they would probably get more consumers with HD-DVD as it costs less than HD-DVD. The whole thing with HD-DVD is that it will appeal to a larger group because it includes those that do not have money to throw out the window left and right.
'Supporting' HD-DVD doesn't mean that they can't support "Blu-ray'. Regardless if they stop releasing HD-DVD or not, the important thing is that they release it on Blu-ray and the consumer gets a singular format.
Darrol, what the hell are you blathering on about? BD discs and HD-DVD's cost the same. BD players are only $60 more than HD-DVD players on the bottom end.
Ok, so you don't have $60 to "waste" on a format with 70% exclusive industry support. You get what you pay for. Get a job.
"$60 more" And what models are you comparing?
he's comparing the toshiba hd-a3 ~$279 to the samsung bd-p1400 ~$299
You can get the HD A2 for $150.
The universal logo is for universal music group.
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=51
Damn Engadget how many of these stories can you run. These guys will go one day just now now. They may go dual but until then its just HDDVD. Get over it. How many post can you run that says the same things over and over.
QUE THE BLURAY Fangirls who yell "This needs to be over!!! COME ON BLUE RULEZZZZ!"
Dad?
I think you might mean "cue" the fangirls.
Err...nooo...
He means "QUEUE"
you hit balls with a cue...
no, he means 'cue' as in 'that's your cue, Mr. Brosnan'.
Why don't they just give up and follow the others. HD-DVD is now most certainly on the slippery slope - just take a look at the sale figures, Blu-Ray movie sales are approx. double HD DVD sales. Okay, I understand that things such as the Xbox 360's HD DVD accessory and people that have bought HD DVD players come into account but this really has to be resolved - I'm not going to splash out $900 to get a dual format playback device.
Blu-ray FTW.
Final.
Lol. Just because you write "Blu-Ray FTW. Final.", it does not mean Toshiba and HD DVD will suddenly collapse into themselves. Just sayin'.
Lol. Just because you write "Blu-Ray FTW. Final.", it does not mean Toshiba and HD DVD will suddenly collapse into themselves. Not yet... Just sayin'!
I'll never support a format with more DRM and unfinished specs. Those are two strikes, and I don't care which movies I do and don't get on HD DVD. I'll never pay $ony to tell me where when and how I can use the content I bought, so if that means killing HDM, then so be it. I'll buy HD DVDs until they stop selling them.
I didn't say or mean "Toshiba and HD DVD will suddenly collapse into themselves".
The point I'm trying to make is that Blu-Ray is currently higher up the ladder and I think that it'll probably remain that way with HD DVD going further down.
Toshiba outsold other HDDVD players and blu-ray players combined last year. Check their CES keynote. 51% - gotta imagine they sold some disc too.
Where do your numbers come from?
Patience people. Huge corporations like this don't make sudden changes overnight. Even when the right path is blaringly obvious, it takes a little time for the huge wheels over there to turn, and they ain't going to tell us JACK until they are friggin completely done with their decision, and all the details for implementing it.
You're right. Got a little heated there, sorry!
It would be great to have one single HD format though - would make the whole next generation of buying movies a whole lot easier.
good point.
As Public Enemy said "Don't believe the hype"
Wow, the fanboy blogs Engadget and Gizmodo just can't leave this alone and continue to spread rumors. How does it feel being a sheep of corporations and brands Lam?
Dear HD DVD,
Enough is enough. I supported you from the beginning mainly because of my hatred for Sony, but it's time to call it quits. Please do us all a favor and just freaking die already.
Respectfully yours,
Everyone
"Respectfully yours,
Everyone"
*- except me
Here's an idea, Matt. Why not take all the money you planned on spending on HD-DVD's over the next 10 years and send it to me instead? You won't notice any difference.
except me
Matt @ Jan 10th 2008 7:27PM
"Respectfully yours,
Everyone"
*- except me
And me
I think they were just waiting, so the poor people manning the HD-DVD booths during CES didn't just break down and cry in their booth through the show
well keep in mind SONY did introduce us to CDs and DVDs that you use so if you hate Sony so much you'd be surprised as to what they own......and they own alot.....probably one of the most influential technology companies out there.
Sony did not introduce us to CDs or DVDs. Both were the result of collaborations and not a single company.
Sony did not introduce us to CDs or DVDs. Both were the result of collaborations and not a single company.
I hope Blu-ray loses. Not because I give a shit about the discs themselves, but because I don't want Sony (who developed Blu-ray discs and co-founded the BDA) to control a major media format. Between rootkits and BD+ DRM, I'll wait until Super High Def discs come out and skip Blu-ray altogether if it wins.
If you hate Sony that much, stop using CDs, they were developed by Sony and Philips. Oh, and the 3.5" floppy disks back then, Sony. It's not like every Sony format dies (Beta, MD, UMD).
Doesn't matter, Universal and WB are separate companies, but they both work for each other. Universal will change their mind in a few and go all Blu-Ray. Mark my words.
HD-DVD is probably talking to Universal about a contract renewal, and Universal, well they are still listening.
Hopefully, Universal gets smart and goes for both Blu-ray and HD-DVD. But it would be nice if they go Blu-ray exclusively..
Universal's contract, like Warner's, runs through May. They're going to honor it until then, unless HDDVD collapses at retail and forces a bailout.
Has anyone considered that maybe Engadget is part of the problem... I own both and quite tried of reading the ongoing soap opra BS.
Let the consumers decide. We're BTW the ones buying the product - not Engadget.
I don't get why you guys are sayin' that Universal and Paramount should make the switch. Why in the FUCK would anyone in their right mind seriously want Blu-Ray to win? Yeah, its technically superior- but not by much, and it includes more expensive players, DRM to the brink, and it's main supporter, and pretty much creator, Sony, would rape us all with it.
HD-DVD has practically equal quality for today's movies and the storage sizes are comparable (at least in a practicality standpoint).
HD-DVD is THE choice for consumers, and Blu-Ray is that of studios and corporations. Do whats RIGHT for the consumer, and skip this Blu-Ray bullshit.
Its over dude..
"HD-DVD is THE choice for consumers, and Blu-Ray is that of studios and corporations. Do whats RIGHT for the consumer, and skip this Blu-Ray bullshit."
Zeus, I just wanted to let you know, since you live in your own 'special place' that consumers HAVE chosen Blu-Ray over HD DVD 2 to 1, 3 to 1, 4 to 1, 9 to 1, and then some depending on where in the world you look.
**Gives you a fanboi medal of honor**
You mean consumers chose to buy a PS3 that just so happened to play Blu-ray discs. Other than the PS3 there is very little stand-alone player purchasing support of the format. The PS3 was just a good marketing tool for the format. Consumers who bought an HD-DVD player or the 360 add-on chose to support that format for video purposes. Take the PS3 out of the equation and numbers change drastically. Most PS3 owners are repeat Playstation brand customers.
Jughead, a ps3 is technically not a stand alone player. Nobody is forcing PS3 owners to buy blu-ray movies for it. It does a lot more than play blu-ray movies. But Since it was so cheep and such a relatively high end features consumers chose to buy blu-ray for it. It's like if there were was a good HD-DVD laptop that everyone bought and watched Hd-DVD movies on. Just because it's not a stand alone player doesn't mean it's shouldn't count and doesn't mean the sales don't really help the format. As long as sales of discs are good, stand alone sales don't matter yet. And they won't matter until we have a clear established winner. If blu-ray clearly wins, sales of blu-ray player will drastically increase since there is no more consumer confusion. And HD-DVD player sales will die off very quickly
Are you kidding? HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray, comparing the specifications and price, its HD-DVD all the way. The difference in performance and quality is not worth the difference in price.
Lol, I'm a fanboy? Are you daft? If anyone here is a fanboy, its clearly you. HD-DVD is the better choice, its just Sony has been buying out all the studios, rather than letting them stick with their choice.
There are still more standalone players for HD-DVD than Blu-Ray, and that definitely means something. Either HD-DVD really is more popular, or the PS3 is the only thing preventing HD-DVD from becoming the "winner".
Whatever. You're just a retard, apparently, and if you could remove Sony's shaft from your mouth, you would realize how stupid you're being. Blu-Ray is BAD for the consumer.
first... how do you figure there are more stand-alone hd-dvd players, last i checked toshiba is the only manufacturer of those... also the reason the ps3 is so important (and i kno i sell these things for a living) is because a lot of consumers have been buying them primarily for their excellent blu-ray playback... and btw who are u to tell me an informed consumer whats bad for me, im a grown ass man i can make that decision on my own!
P.S. in case you havent gotten the memo hd dvd payed a shit load for paramount
@ Anime:
"first... how do you figure there are more stand-alone hd-dvd players, last i checked toshiba is the only manufacturer of those... also the reason the ps3 is so important (and i kno i sell these things for a living) is because a lot of consumers have been buying them primarily for their excellent blu-ray playback... and btw who are u to tell me an informed consumer whats bad for me, im a grown ass man i can make that decision on my own!
P.S. in case you havent gotten the memo hd dvd payed a shit load for paramount"
Its common knowledge at this point that there are more HD-DVD players (stand alone, that is) than there are those of Blu-Ray. Also, Toshiba is not the only manufacturer, as you can plainly see from the pictures of the HD-DVD booth at CES. Onkyo and Venturer are shown, as well as the Toshiba models. On top of that, you don't have to have multiple different manufacturers to have a product sell more than an other product.
The PS3 is the only reason Blu-Ray is winning as far as the amount of discs sold, and I've heard many bad things about the playback of the PS3. If I were to purchase a Blu-Ray player for Blu-Ray, it would be, you guessed it, a Blu-Ray player because it will most definitely have better playback than a video game console.
I would also like to point out that I'm not trying to make decisions for anyone- I'm only pointing out the obvious in that HD-DVD is better for the consumer than Blu-Ray, what with the fact that HD-DVD isn't chock full of DRM bullshit, unlike Blu-Ray, which is being DRMed to the max. DRM isn't the only reason, though. Price comes into play, when you can find HD-DVD players that sell for sub-200 dollars and some you can find for as low as 99. That means less money spent by the consumer, and more money available (by the consumer) to purchase movies.
I understand that HD-DVD has paid money for some companies, but they aren't pulling a Sony in the fact that they aren't going around attempting to buy out every studio available. I'm sure that if HD-DVD loses, it has lost less money than Blu-Ray has so far, which would still be a win in Toshiba's eyes.
In closing, I feel you don't know anything of which you're attempting to argue with me about. Your pure lack of knowledge to the statistics and specifications of both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD are justification for that feeling, and I must say you're likely just another Sony fanboy.
@zeus
>> Its common knowledge at this point that there are more HD-DVD players (stand alone, that is) than there are those of Blu-Ray.
The HD DVD group's often quoted statistic. When paired with their "attach rate" statistics, you have proof positive of HD DVD's dominance. Except that these numbers have been maincured to look like data, when they're simply marketing bullet points.
>> Also, Toshiba is not the only manufacturer, as you can plainly see from the pictures of the HD-DVD booth at CES. Onkyo and Venturer are shown, as well as the Toshiba models.
The new Venturer player is a rebadged Toshiba A3.
The Onkyo is a also a rebadged Toshiba.
>> On top of that, you don't have to have multiple different manufacturers to have a product sell more than an other product.
Narrowing the definition of your product to make it appear you are the market leader is, again, marketing spin.
>> The PS3 is the only reason Blu-Ray is winning as far as the amount of discs sold
We're finally getting to it...
>> ... I'm only pointing out the obvious in that HD-DVD is better for the consumer than Blu-Ray, what with the fact that HD-DVD isn't chock full of DRM bullshit, unlike Blu-Ray, which is being DRMed to the max.
DRM and Sony. Why have you bothered arguing about anything else, it's obvious these arguments are where your heart is?
Apparently, even though HD DVD has DRM, "not as much" makes it a far superior to Blu ray.
>> DRM isn't the only reason, though. Price comes into play, when you can find HD-DVD players that sell for sub-200 dollars and some you can find for as low as 99. That means less money spent by the consumer, and more money available (by the consumer) to purchase movies.
The $99 A1s were basically gone in the day or two that Walmart blew them out. There are sub $200 HD DVD players, but there are also sub $300 Blu-ray players: if $100 is going to make or break you today, you should be a mainstream adopter, buying when un-subsidized prices reach your tolerance level. Competition amongst the many Blu-ray hardware manufacturers will ensure that prices will be affordable soon.
>> I understand that HD-DVD has paid money for some companies, but they aren't pulling a Sony in the fact that they aren't going around attempting to buy out every studio available.
Warner specifically said there was no payout from the Blu ray group. Opinions on the internets that "they wouldn't have switched witout a payoff" do not make it so.
>> I'm sure that if HD-DVD loses, it has lost less money than Blu-Ray has so far, which would still be a win in Toshiba's eyes.
Toshiba wanted HD DVD to preserve the royalty stream as consumers transition away from regular DVD.
My 'current plan is to start buying a crap-load of movies on blu-ray.' Currently.
How much money are we talking about? Any idea how much Sony earns from each Blu-Ray disc sale?
How much money are we talking about? Any idea how much Sony earns from each Blu-Ray disc sale?
The triumph of blu-ray: So close, yet so far away :(
People keep saying "HD-DVD is THE choice for consumers" "The whole thing with HD-DVD is that it will appeal to a larger group" but you know that HD DVD was available, both where at the store and i even saw HD DVD commercials that i did not see for blue ray. but what did consumers choose? and what format has been outselling HD DVD from the beginning? thats right DVDs, lol, but Blu-Rays too. So it just makes sense, go with the majority, they always win.
@Jughead
Yeah.. so what? "OMG that counts PS3 no fair!" Waaaaaaaaa.
I'd say that was a wise business decision. With out Blu-ray in PS3's HD-DVD would have easily won. But thats not the case. So sorry.
Yeah, would have easily won, as it should. HD-DVD is the consumer's best bet for HD optical media right now.
Is anyone aware that Sony holds only one of 18 seats on the Blu-ray Disc Association board of directors? Other members include companies such as Apple, Dell, HP, Sun Microsystems, a whole bunch of electronics manufacturers and a few media companies. And that doesn't even count about 150 other companies that belong to the association but aren't on the board of directors.
As for DRM, Sony has had its problems with DRM, but the biggest DRM vendor in the world backed HD DVD. And yeah, I'm talking about Microsoft. And the DRM on Blu Ray is already pretty well cracked, so as soon as the market finishes settling on a de facto standard the community can get down to the business of breaking it the rest of the way open.
I was just watching the "Universal HD" channel and, correct me if Im wrong, but wouldnt they be pushing commercials for HD DVD if they were so fond of it? They just played a commercial about how amazing Blu ray DVDs are. Its clear that they will be switching. For once, a Sony formats going to win.
I've noticed this. This is really bad. The HD-DVD camp just didn't have the money to go full force like the Blu-Ray camp.
The fact that all the studios have not taken one side and a few are being hard-headed amazes me. Big news at CES was downloads....faster and more of them. The download companies are thrilled by this format war as it is giving them time to hit hard. This could mean the end of physical format as we know it for the mainstream. What a bunch of idiots they are. Universal seems to be one of them.
So if you're hoping 2 studios stay with hd-dvd, go right ahead. I hope you all enjoy the day this possibly kills both formats and we have to end up downloading compressed HD movies with compressed soundtracks. That's what is at stake, people! Wake Up!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope they keep going to add more fuel to the fire of Sony. The HD DVD players are becoming cheaper, the majority of the blu-ray players or should I say "70%" as people tend to mention a lot, are PS3. I admit I have one, but I dont like to use it for movies unless there ripped on the Hard drive, and the people that own a ps3 tend to be gamers not movie buffs. If Universal and Paramount stay for atleast 1 year more we would probably see, Cloverfield, Wanted, Ironman, Helboy 2, Indiana Jones 4 (Maybe even 1,2,3 aswell), to support HD DVD format.
HD-DVD players are about $170 whereas Blu-Ray players are about $429, there is a significant difference there. At Fry's HD discs are about $3-$5 cheaper than the blu-ray counterparts, mnay of the HD discs are priced the same as regular dvds of the same titles. Also some bluray titles have been as mush as $20 higher there/ Why do I mention Fry's specifically? Because they have the lowest prices on both blu-ray and hd dvds
Digital distribution FTW!
Yeah, try selling the movie you no longer want to watch. Oh, that's right. It's on your fucking harddrive, you can't sell it.
If Toshiba wants to beat Sony, there's only one way currently... Wii and PC... It will be death of Blue-ray. Blue-ray may be used for stupid hollywood movies, but if, they will produces tons of cheap HD-DVD drives for PC and tons of Wii with internal HD-DVD, it will kill Blue-Ray...
Why do movie studios have to pick one format over the other? It makes no sense. It's like if Chevron said that it would only produce gas for GM cars.
It's sort of like the Pepsi and Coca cola contracts I'm guessing. For most of the major food chains out there, they can only either serve Pepsi or Coca, never both. Mcdonald's serves coke, kentucky serves pepsi...
HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are sorta like the Pepsi and Coke of optical disc formats now. They both want a full piece of the cake, no sharing. So the media companies aren't given a choice of publishing their stuff in BOTH formats (i could be wrong, and please point it out if I am).
Personally, if only one could prevail, I'd stick with Blu-ray, just cos it's 3 syllables shorter.
It's not my "war".
I see all these anti-Sony comments which makes me laugh. If you use any digital product on the market today, chances are it has some ties and affiliations with the Sony Corporation. CD, DVD, Memory stick, ect. all were co-developed by Sony. Trinitron tubes, Wega, Bravia TV's....the list goes on.
I can see why some people would not like Sony for it's obsessively complex and extremely consumer un-friendly DRM with BD+, but let's get real for a second. DRM is actually a good thing for consumers. Let me explain. Having stronger DRM will attract more movie executives to release their IPs on that disc because they know it will be secure and not easily hacked. yes, I said hacked. Hacking is the reason why DRM exists. Before you point the finger at the companies using DRM, you might point one right back at yourself.
Anyways, the point I'm trying to make is that DRM is good for movie studios, which then is good for us. We'll eventually have more movies to choose from, and hopefully lower prices on discs themselves.
currently. obviously.
Why do people care so much about Blu Ray? Have this many people been brain washed
by the Sony hype? Blu Ray and HD DVD have the SAME picture quality! PERIOD! And I could give a fuck about loss less audio or uncompressed audio which 99.9% of the consumers can't tell the difference or don't have the equipment to experience the difference. Ditto for 1080p!
And how many people have 1080p sets? maybe 2%? or even HDTVs? Current HD market penetration is still around 15%.
And why do the studios care so much about who wins the HD format wars? They own the content. So no matter the winning format, whether it be Blu Ray, HD DVD, downloads via internet, HD VMD (yea, I know, no chance!), Flash drive distribution, or any other formats/methods, why do they care? Anyone that wants content needs to go through the studios regardless of format. Studios should just offer the content to as many formats as possible to maximize their profits and reaching as many consumers as possible. Just like how video game studios get games on as many formats as possible (ie. EA games on PS3, X360, NDS, Wii, PSP, PC). What is wrong with that approach? Why force consumers to choose between Blu Ray player, HD DVD player, or any other HDM media player/hardware? I'm sure the under the table money that WB, Universal, and all other exclusive studios got is the real reason why they choose a side. If the video game industry can survive with all the different systems/formats, can you seriously make me believe that the same can't be done with HDM! Everyone watches movies! Not everyone plays video games!
And look at how much the video game industry has exploded!
Why DVD sales went down? Certainly not because of HD DVD or Blu Ray! With people renting DVDs online, watching content online (youtube, dailymotion), and the rise of video games, who is going to buy DVDs? The consumer has a finite amount of money and time to spend on entertainment! And with the number of forms of entertainment increasing, and the amount of consumer time and money staying the same (esp. with todays economy) it is an obvious conclusion that DVD sales will go down.
The consumer has not chosen HD DVD and they have certainly have not chosen Blu Ray. Most have chosen that DVD does the job good enough with upconverting. DVD has not been the majority format for that long yet people. They are not ready to jump on HD DVD or Blu Ray!
They only have the same picture quality because Warner has used the same encodes. The Blu-Ray release of Shoot'em Up has such a high bit rate it couldn't even be released on HD DVD with the same encode. Another benefit of Warner going exclusive, now we can finally get the full benefit of Blu-Ray capacity and bitrate.
Has anyone looked up and compared resolution specs between HDDVD and Blu-Ray?
In any case, despite Sony's marketing and Blu-Ray proliferation, I'm for HDDVD.
:: efrain
There's only one thing why HD-DVD a MUCH better than blue-ray. When manufacturer wants to produce HD-DVD, he can UPGRADE existing DVD production line... When Blue-ray, he must throw his production line and buy another. May be this is reason why Sony hardly sponsoring studios ?
I just talked to a rep from Sony. I shouldn't tell you all this, but actually they're switching to HD DVD, starting in February. This means all new PS3s will be able to play the HD DVD discs. I understand that Blu-ray just didn't have the capacity scalability. oh well...
Wow that's sad. You don't need to go that low to prove HD DVD's prowess, there's sufficient evidence on the surface. I really would like to know why people want to keep going with Blu-ray. It doesn't value the consumer. While I was ready to submit to Blu-ray's Warner win a few days ago, it's all just a formulated buy-out right before CES to make a couple of days news.
Do you people like spending more money to companies just for the hell of it? I sure don't. I like to feel like I'm getting value for money. Take the better of two evils and go HD-DVD. Save Blu-ray for your data storage and burners.