Please your votes people. I hope they go Blu-ray, but I'm more leaning towards staying Neutral.

they already favor HD DVD, it'll become official

I'd say they're more likely to go HD DVD, judging by their past support and the fact that their production process appears to be built around authoring for HD DVD first.

But who knows. Money can trump all that.

I think the BDA will try to buy Warner to match the Paramount deal.

Warner is already 1/3 of the way there - might as well go all the way.

There's already some chatter on the studio backlots that Warner has sealed the deal with BD and that's why Paramount made the annoucement to counter the hard blow to HD DVD hoping that their annoucement(coming soon) will soften the news to HD DVD supporters.

Either way, I don't see anything changing until prices on HW/SW go down dramatically and all HiDef DVD releases are available on both formats.

There's already some chatter on the studio backlots that Warner has sealed the deal with BD and that's why Paramount made the annoucement to counter the hard blow to HD DVD hoping that their annoucement(coming soon) will soften the news to HD DVD supporters.

Either way, I don't see anything changing until prices on HW/SW go down dramatically and all HiDef DVD releases are available on both formats.
Given just as much chatter goes the other way I vote they'll stay just where they are.

(and what on earth would posses them to abandon a format that gives them royalties)

That is the big announcement? Coke whore nudy pics?

I think WB going HD DVD exclusive is a done deal and it will be announced tomorrow. Just my gut feeling.

I guess I believe beatboy (only because I want it to be true!)

There's already some chatter on the studio backlots that Warner has sealed the deal with BD and that's why Paramount made the annoucement to counter the hard blow to HD DVD hoping that their annoucement(coming soon) will soften the news to HD DVD supporters

My good friend is a respected procducer in the backlots, and my friend about laughed for 10 minutes. Complete FUD he says.

WTF? LOL

I dunno, I think her nipple probably looks better with that little person dangling than the no doubt damaged/ravaged one that her drug addled body tries to maintain...

Forget Warner, I'm all for Lohan to be neutered. Or was that not the original question?

I think WB going HD DVD exclusive is a done deal and it will be announced tomorrow. Just my gut feeling.

No doubt cdzie, no doubt.

I doubt Warner will announce exclusivity for anyone tomorrow.

There's already some chatter on the studio backlots that Warner has sealed the deal with BD and that's why Paramount made the annoucement to counter the hard blow to HD DVD hoping that their annoucement(coming soon) will soften the news to HD DVD supporters.

Either way, I don't see anything changing until prices on HW/SW go down dramatically and all HiDef DVD releases are available on both formats.

Well my friend's cousin who is married to this guy, who works at a firm, that does business with another company, that picks up the garbage at the WB studio lot, heard these two guys talking . . . .

GMAFB!

I doubt Warner will announce exclusivity for anyone tomorrow.

Well they cam always wait for CEDIA to do it. Only 2 weeks away.

I think Warner will be neutral until the format war is well and truly wrapped up and as long as sales of discs stay stagnant at 2:1 in favour of Blu-ray that will not be any time soon.

So, I voted neutral. I don't see either of the other two options being likely.

Well they cam always wait for CEDIA to do it. Only 2 weeks away.
You're quite the optimist, aren't you? ;)

Well, you never know, but none of us are really in a position to judge.

Forget Warner, I'm all for Lohan to be neutered. Or was that not the original question?
:D:D

That would certainly improve the species.

Whats with Lindsey Lohan making an appearance in this thread? Is this the big news in which we get to see every damn freckle on her face glorified in HD exclusively on Blu Ray?

I'm going with neutral, but at this point you never know. I suppose I wouldn't be surprised at this point if they decided to go VCD exclusive.

Announce that they'll only do new releases for Blu-ray but continue to do both new releases and catalog titles for HD DVD. Stranger things have happened.

Announce that they'll only do new releases for Blu-ray but continue to do both new releases and catalog titles for HD DVD. Stranger things have happened.


Well, seems you decided on the MOST unlikely off ALL the possible outcomes.

Well they cam always wait for CEDIA to do it. Only 2 weeks away.
If Warner was a done deal with HD DVD, why didn't Paramount wait until CEDIA to make the annoucement with Warner to give Sony a crushing blow in front of the industry ?

As you said, it's only couple weeks away.

It seems this Paramount annoucement was to get the hopes of HD DVD avocates exicited to soften the "big news" for BD in hopes that those on the fence of making a player purchase go out and get an HD DVD player before the "big news" is annouced.

They already have 22 exclusive HD-DVD releases, and no exclusive BD releases.

Is this a serious question OP?

If Warner was a done deal with HD DVD, why didn't Paramount wait until CEDIA to make the annoucement with Warner to give Sony a crushing blow in front of the industry ?

As you said, it's only couple weeks away.

It seems this Paramount annoucement was to get the hopes of HD DVD avocates exicited to soften the "big news" for BD in hopes that those on the fence of making a player purchase go out and get an HD DVD player before the "big news" is annouced.
Heh. You're quite the optimist too, albeit for the other side.

I'm hopeing for HD-DVD exclusive, but If I had to put money on it I'm expecting continued neutrality.

beatboy and a couple of others here have said their "sources" quietly whispered something about Warner jumping to HD DVD and making it known this friday....I know, I know, thats about as reliable as an NBA ref calling a fair game...

If Warner was a done deal with HD DVD, why didn't Paramount wait until CEDIA to make the annoucement with Warner to give Sony a crushing blow in front of the industry ?

As you said, it's only couple weeks away.

It seems this Paramount annoucement was to get the hopes of HD DVD avocates exicited to soften the "big news" for BD in hopes that those on the fence of making a player purchase go out and get an HD DVD player before the "big news" is annouced.
I see it differently. Given how "harsh" the announcement was I can't see it being about the money or about softening any blows. All most all business deals are done amicably - "we see a different approach, we will continue to support, etc". To take a dump on potential customers tells me that something happened behind the scenes, something big.

A) Someone/group at the BDA severly PO'd Paramount excecs - the the point they were willing to say "screw you AND the horse you rode in on"

B) Some other event which made it a done deal, a forgone conclusion. They had nothing to lose.

Time will tell I suppose. For all we know the 150 million was to soften the blow to them, keep Paramount from getting annoyed they had been "left out of the loop"....................who knows.

Not just someone/group PO'ing the Paramount execs. The state of the Blu-ray's mandatory specs certainly hasn't helped the Blu-ray cause.

so is a press conference or something official for friday? We just dont know what its for?

so is a press conference or something official for friday? We just dont know what its for?
No press conference AFAIK. It's just a rumour someone came up with on the forums.

Not just someone/group PO'ing the Paramount execs. The state of the Blu-ray's mandatory specs certainly hasn't helped the Blu-ray cause.
Yeah, but the "terms" of the announcement were harsh, very harsh for business.

Paramount & HD DVD. You would dearly love for me to be exclusive.

HD: we have 150 million to help you
P: okay, I'm in. We won't release any more movies on BD
HD: well, we want you to stop today
P: why? I already paid for the BoG master & the discs are ready to go
HD:we need to go today, with a cancelation of BoG
P: sorry, that would annoy customers. guess we'll stay neutral
HD: okay, okay........BoG will be your last BD?
P: Yep, looks like we have a deal

Paramount held all the cards.............unless there were other factors at play.

Well, seems you decided on the MOST unlikely off ALL the possible outcomes.

Nah, I think that happened Monday.

BD is was close...very close before Paramount shifted.....so sclose that if they truly care about winning this thing WB cant go HD DVD exclusive......theres just no way BDA let's it happen.....I can see the paramount thing but for starters i cant see WB giving up on both formats (especially when BD is outpacing HD DVD in software) BEFORE this holiday.....they are milking this thing and letting it be known they are, to announce HD DVD exclusively would cut into this holiday sales BIG TIME.......doesnt make any sense to me,

If they are rumored to being paid for this, there is no way BDA doesnt counter higher regardless of the price.

Regardless, if WB goes exclusive BD i think goodnight for HD DVD.....if they go HD DVD exclusive i think if things stay the way they do HD DVD will win it will only take another 8-14 months imo. Either way, i hope something is announced so i know if i should save up and preorder Hot Shots Golf, Ratchet and Clank and Uncharted or buy some BD's, haha.

Why should Warner choose?

They should continue to milk everything they can from their films, the manufacturers and the consumers.

Correct me if I'm wrong but Warner was the first to declare neutrality in an attempt to not let their customers be victims of the emerging format war.
Paramount followed and that was basically it until the stalemate got broken a couple of days ago.

My guess is that Warner hoped that others, Disney, MGM Fox, would have followed for the sake of the consumers interrest.

Basically Warner is the only major studio left that is neutral. Also their TotalDisc didn't get the thumps op from the bda. (to put it mildly)

So their attempt to get the content providers on neutral ground failed almost completely.

Everyone agrees that a prolonged format war isn't in anybodies interrest. So changes are Warner is going to do the only right thing. They are going to make a move to end this war sooner than later.

There is little incentive left to stay neutral and Warner will not abandon the DVD Forum. That much is certain.

..............to announce HD DVD exclusively would cut into this holiday sales BIG TIME.......doesnt make any sense to me,
Keep in mind I voted "status quo".........but they could actually increase sales. WB going exclusive would likely make it "game over" in many minds = lots of affordable players @ Xmas = increased sales. Easy to make up the loss of BD sales as all HDM media sales are chickenfeed.

I don't see WB doing any such thing, status quo.

Correct me if I'm wrong but Warner was the first to declare neutrality in an attempt to not let their customers be victims of the emerging format war.
Paramount followed and that was basically it until the stalemate got broken a couple of days ago.

My guess is that Warner hoped that others, Disney, MGM Fox, would have followed for the sake of the consumers interrest.

Basically Warner is the only major studio left that is neutral. Also their TotalDisc didn't get the thumps op from the bda. (to put it mildly)

So their attempt to get the content providers on neutral ground failed almost completely.

Everyone agrees that a prolonged format war isn't in anybodies interrest. So changes are Warner is going to do the only right thing. They are going to make a move to end this war sooner than later.

There is little incentive left to stay neutral and Warner will not abandon the DVD Forum. That much is certain.
Valid points, for all we know the studios had a meeting & decided "screw this, sales suck, let's end it now" (and not for the good of a direct competitor's format).

I voted for HD-DVD exclusivity based on the fact that Warner has patents on DVD that will likely apply on the HD-DVD future sales as well. Personally I wish they would go Blu, but hey we'll see next year!

-Splints

i think this is a no-brainer, simply because -

bluray is struggling to finalize specs and warner cannot deliver the content they want (ime, web features etc).

There's already some chatter on the studio backlots that Warner has sealed the deal with BD...

I really find this hard to believe considering the history Warner has with HD-DVD.

Judging by their releases, it's safe to assume they favor the HD-DVD format, and not to mention, they were originally an HD-DVD exclusive studio before the launch of the high def formats.

Warner was HD DVD exclusive to begin with like Paramount
22% of Warner's releases on HDM are HD DVD exclusive
Warner boasts IME features

However I don't see Warner dropping Blu-Ray.

I really find this hard to believe considering the history Warner has with HD-DVD.

Judging by their releases, it's safe to assume they favor the HD-DVD format, and not to mention, they were originally an HD-DVD exclusive studio before the launch of the high def formats.
But I think Warner seen the numbers in BD's favor with the 300 sales of almost a 2:1 ratio to see where the majority of sales are going.


Warner said the film was the fastest-selling high definition disc, selling 250,000 copies in one week across both formats. Home Media reports that number was around 165,000 for Blu-ray and 85,000 for HD DVD.

But I think Warner seen the numbers in BD's favor with the 300 sales of almost a 2:1 ratio to see where the majority of sales are going.

Paramount had similar numbers, didn't seem to be enough to stop them from dropping BD. Maybe Warner doesn't see it the same; maybe they do, time will tell.

so is a press conference or something official for friday? We just dont know what its for?

+1

But I think Warner seen the numbers in BD's favor with the 300 sales of almost a 2:1 ratio to see where the majority of sales are going.

The numbers are insignificant when they are that low. The telling story is attach rates. BD's sales are unimpressive given the installed base. HD DVD's numbers are very impressive given the installed base.

i think this is a no-brainer, simply because -

bluray is struggling to finalize specs and warner cannot deliver the content they want (ime, web features etc).

I thought BD had more content? Funny, 300 is a complete package on HD DVD, and stripped down on BD :)

There's already some chatter on the studio backlots that Warner has sealed the deal with BD and that's why Paramount made the annoucement to counter the hard blow to HD DVD hoping that their annoucement(coming soon) will soften the news to HD DVD supporters.


unsubstantiated silly clams like this are borderline offensive to the good sense and respectability of the AVS forums.

I hope Warner at least makes a statement soon, regardless of which way they go (or stay put)...several other big players have released comments about recent developments: Paramount listed why, Universal said they were pleased, BDA said the move means nothing, etc, would be nice if Warner at least dropped a quick tidbit like their peers did imo...

My guess is that Warner hoped that others, Disney, MGM Fox, would have followed for the sake of the consumers interrest.

So their attempt to get the content providers on neutral ground failed almost completely.
This is what I was thinking too. Both Warner and Paramount went neutral in an effort to warm the waters up for any BD-studios to jump in too. So far no one has budged. Maybe they gave that plan 1 year to happen, now onto plan b.

Yeah, but the "terms" of the announcement were harsh, very harsh for business.

Paramount & HD DVD. You would dearly love for me to be exclusive.

HD: we have 150 million to help you
P: okay, I'm in. We won't release any more movies on BD
HD: well, we want you to stop today
P: why? I already paid for the BoG master & the discs are ready to go
HD:we need to go today, with a cancelation of BoG
P: sorry, that would annoy customers. guess we'll stay neutral
HD: okay, okay........BoG will be your last BD?
P: Yep, looks like we have a deal

Paramount held all the cards.............unless there were other factors at play.


Blades of Glory will be the first exclusive HD DVD for Paramount. The BoG BD discs won't see the light of day (if they were ever pressed at all).

Blades of Glory will be the first exclusive HD DVD for Paramount. The BoG BD discs won't see the light of day (if they were ever pressed at all).
That's my point, why the harsh cut off? Most business deals are amicable, this one seems like it wasn't............like someone or somthing PO'd Paramount = weird (or they knew something we don't) :confused:

Stuff that shows up on Amazon don't mean they've actually gone for manufacturing.

For example, someone I know was congratulated that his book was finally on Amazon. He said "Well, that's funny, because I haven't even finished writing it yet."

I would love to hear Warner going HD DVD exclusive tomorrow. But I am afraid we have to wait for CEDIA. The timing would simply be better. But yeah, they will go HD DVD exclusive. And Disney is the next one. BDA is not delivering on the advanced features so Disney will go where they can get these features right away.

I'm for whatever decision eliminates THD and hopefully combos. If that's BD, fine. If it's HD, fine. Just kill these damn hybrid discs already.

I think Warner will stay neutral for now. They will eventually go HD-DVD exclusive when they know for sure that going HD-DVD exclusive will end the war.

Their going HD-DVD exclusive right now can instantly finish the war but from a logical perspective it is not definitive as Fox, Disney and Sony are still on the other side with exclusivity. Disney going neutral and then Warner going HD-DVD exclusive will finish it off IMO. But I don't expect Disney to go neutral any time soon.

My bet is that Warner announces that the Harry Potter series will come out on HD DVD now and some time later on Blu-Ray when they get their extra feature stuff fixed - like next year or later.

Buy they still support Blu-Ray.:confused:

I love how people dismiss beatboy IMMEDIATELY if he's not saying something favorable about their format, but if it's GOOD news for their format, it turns into "we'll wait and see, he may be right."

I'd bet just about anything Warner won't go HD DVD exclusive, and I'm a pretty staunch supporter of the format. Just doesn't seem like it makes sense - they're doing most of the work on both formats right now and stand to make the most money by keep on keeping-on.

Hope I'm wrong...

IMO it's a no-brainer that Warner will go HD DVD exclusive. There not that far from it right now. That said, that doesn't not mean Blu-ray dies. It does mean we're definitely stuck with two formats.

There's already some chatter on the studio backlots that Warner has sealed the deal with BD and that's why Paramount made the annoucement to counter the hard blow to HD DVD hoping that their annoucement(coming soon) will soften the news to HD DVD supporters.
Either way, I don't see anything changing until prices on HW/SW go down dramatically and all HiDef DVD releases are available on both formats.


Link to this "chatter", perhaps?

A trip to my local Costco last week showed me that WB seemed happy with neutrality. Boxset collections of WB titles on BOTH formats. Didn't seem that they were bundling up titles to be "dumped" due to any hypothesized format loyalty shifts.

If Warner is planning to announce HD DVD exclusivity, I don't see the rationale for waiting for CEDIA. If it's in their best interest for HD DVD to succeed, and they've already made a decision to go HD DVD exclusive, delaying an announcement would make no sense to me. It's not like they're a hardware company about to show off a new product at a show and they need/want to keep it under wraps. It would be in their best interest to make the announcement ASAP. So, given that, my prediction would be that they'll either make a statement soon or not make any change to their current position in the near future. But, like everyone else here, that's just speculation.

If Warner is planning to announce HD DVD exclusivity, I don't see the rationale for waiting for CEDIA. If it's in their best interest for HD DVD to succeed, and they've already made a decision to go HD DVD exclusive, delaying an announcement would make no sense to me. It's not like they're a hardware company about to show off a new product at a show and they need/want to keep it under wraps. It would be in their best interest to make the announcement ASAP. So, given that, my prediction would be that they'll either make a statement soon or not make any change to their current position in the near future. But, like everyone else here, that's just speculation.

Announcements are always made at these shows. It wouldn't surprise me if there was a major announcement at CEDIA for HD DVD. However I am not holding my breath with respect to Warner Bros dropping Blu-Ray

... But I don't expect Disney to go neutral any time soon.

It would not surprise me if it happens soon.
Disney is the most likely candidate for combo releases.
Kids movies on br that can't play in existing dvd players is a serious problem.

Abysmall sales from the pirates movies and the embarrasing results with the applied br java stuff must have given them second thoughts by now.

I think the logic for WB going HD DVD would be to drive holiday sales. If consumers were on the fence and the format with the cheaper players had things rolling in there favor (paramount then WB) and there future looked good and holiday sales dropped prices even lower, it could take a potential "i'll wait to see how things pan out before I buy a $400+ player" to consumers that are more likely to splurge on most likely $200 player that has things going its way to go with there HDTV purchase. Also, in my opinion WB going HD DVD would end the format war in HD DVDs favor.

edit: Sorry for the run on sentences.

After really thinking it over for a day or two, I thik there's a real chance Warner will go HD DVD exclusive.

They've been trying to get Disney and/or Fox to go neutral for months with their "neutral is great" campaign. Not working. They really wanted those studios to become neutral so that HD DVD would have staying power. Since Warner wants HD DVD to become a successfull product (IP royalties, features, etc..) with a long lifespan they could well take matters into their own hands and become exclusive to ensure the format's survival.

I suspect that Universal, Paramount and Warner all met up and concluded that they prefer the lower manufacturing costs of HD DVD, the replication capabilities to support fast format growth and the influx of apparently very affordable players for the holidays. Instead of Universal going neutral or Paramount/Warner remaining neutral they've agreed to all simultaneously make a strong push for the format that will be most affordable to manufacture: HD DVD. If they pull it off they know that Disney and Fox will follow. And eventually Sony of course.

Transformers, Shrek, Harry Potter, Bourne, Star Trek, BSG, Heroes and $199 players could be a very powerful draw...

Speculative? Sure. But it makes a lot of sense to me...

The only reason BD exists is the PS3. Without it, it'd be DOA. Don't bet your future on a game console.

It would not surprise me if it happens soon.
Disney is the most likely candidate for combo releases.
Kids movies on br that can't play in existing dvd players is a serious problem.



Can you explain the seriousness of the issues that will occur when a child can only watch a BD DVD on a BD player ?

I can understand the usage of combo discs but they should give the consumer a choice instead of force feeding the combo disc to everyone.


Abysmall sales from the pirates movies and the embarrasing results with the applied br java stuff must have given them second thoughts by now.

I've heard people moan and grumble that they couldn't access or use the java stuff on the POTC discs but I had no problem playing the Liars Dice game. Yes, it loaded slow but I played several games with no problems.

I think alot of the issues people report is due to that in modern times, people want their equipment to react in a microsecond when they press a remote command and when it doesn't, they start erratically pressing buttons on the remote and the device can't process them(you know, like a PC with Windows :)). And yes, this is an issue with the player but probably can be resolved with a FW update.

The same issue occurs with my Comcast remote on digital cable. Try flipping through the channels like you would on an analog cable and it's not going to happen. The channels will change slowly as you select up/down Ch.
An don't get me started on the slow response on the OnDemand menu.

I'm just saying these are new devices and we can't expect them to be perfect out of the starting gates but I agree that they should be able to support/play all features on currently released discs, which from my experience they have.

I can understand the usage of combo discs but they should give the consumer a choice instead of force feeding the combo disc to everyone.





Sony FORCING BD into homes via the PS3 is responsible for about 90% of BD sales. Did Sony give the consumer a choice?
Quit your high and mighty "pro-consumer" BS if you support the most anti-consumer company in existence which is Sony.

Is this your definition of choice:

1. Paying off Target
2. Paying off Fox and Disney
3. Paying off Blockbuster
4. Forcing consumers to pay $600 for a $400 PS3 so they get a BD drive

pff

Sony FORCING BD into homes via the PS3 is responsible for about 90% of BD sales. Did Sony give the consumer a choice?

I know the answer, pick me!

Sony FORCING BD into homes via the PS3 is responsible for about 90% of BD sales. Did Sony give the consumer a choice?
Quit your high and mighty "pro-consumer" BS if you support the most anti-consumer company in existence which is Sony.

Is this your definition of choice:

1. Paying off Target
2. Paying off Fox and Disney
3. Paying off Blockbuster
4. Forcing consumers to pay $600 for a $400 PS3 so they get a BD drive

pff

Yeah, Microsoft is so much better than Sony. ;)

Yeah, Microsoft is so much better than Sony. ;)

Microsoft isn't forcing HD DVD into homes. People can either take or leave the X360 addon.

Nobody is forcing people to buy the PS3... and unfortunately for Sony, many people aren't.

Nobody is forcing people to buy the PS3... and unfortunately for Sony, many people aren't.

It's quite amusing Sony forgot about games isn't it?

Microsoft isn't forcing HD DVD into homes. People can either take or leave the X360 addon.

On this one issue, sure. But Microsoft's consumer-friendliness overall is worse than Sony's, IMO.

On this one issue, sure. But Microsoft's consumer-friendliness overall is worse than Sony's, IMO.

Not even close. Funny that my 70" XBR2 cannot do 1080p over component, since the X360 uses component afterall...

Not even close. Funny that my 70" XBR2 cannot do 1080p over component, since the X360 uses component afterall...

OK, you want to start getting into Microsoft's Windows division? I'm not saying Sony is some saint corporation. Choosing between Microsoft and Sony is like asking would you like your left or right testicle cut off.

I think the BDA will try to buy Warner to match the Paramount deal.If your workflow and business model are fundamentally flawed, there is no amount that can counter inefficient manufacturing. No offer from the BDA can erase the fact that a neutral studio deemed it in their best financial interest (LONG TERM; not considering any rumored "deals" here) to drop Blu-ray completely.

Either both continue to exist or HD DVD is the last man standing. Blu-ray cannot exist without HD DVD and this weeks annoucement should make that perfectly clear. Paramount's bottom line is better off not having to deal with Blu-ray. If profit from Widget A (HD DVD) is used to offset manufacturing/development/yield costs of Widget B (Blu-ray), it's a very good idea to drop Widget B to realize full profits from Widget A. HDM is not a charity. Every company involved is in this for the chance to sell us their libraries on a new format.

OK, you want to start getting into Microsoft's Windows division? I'm not saying Sony is some saint corporation. Choosing between Microsoft and Sony is like asking would you like your left or right testicle cut off.

On another forum, sure, this is AVS. This is about BD v HD DVD.

Sony FORCING BD into homes via the PS3 is responsible for about 90% of BD sales. Did Sony give the consumer a choice?
Quit your high and mighty "pro-consumer" BS if you support the most anti-consumer company in existence which is Sony.

Is this your definition of choice:

1. Paying off Target
2. Paying off Fox and Disney
3. Paying off Blockbuster
4. Forcing consumers to pay $600 for a $400 PS3 so they get a BD drive

pff

Did they force people to buy the PS3 or stand alone players ?
No.

And your 90% sales of BD due to PS3 sales, where did you get those numbers/stats ?

Who said I supported Sony ?
I prefer BD but I'm not against using HD DVD if it becomes the winning format.
btw: I'm looking in to getting a DF player.

Your 4 points are nothing but speculation and meaningless.

Is anyone forcing you to buy a combo disc?
No.

Warner is going with the smart money...which means dumping Blu-ray in the near future.

On another forum, sure, this is AVS. This is about BD v HD DVD.

Well, that's why I said "overall" in response to you saying Sony's is the "most anti-consumer company in existence." And do you think Microsoft's corporate mentality doesn't carry over in the BD vs. HD-DVD fight? C'mon.

Is anyone forcing you to buy a combo disc?
No.

OK, stop with the "is anyone forcing you" bit. No company forces anyone to buy anything, and that goes for BD or HD-DVD.

Is anyone forcing you to buy a combo disc?
No.If you buy the HD DVD version of a particular movie like 300, yes, you have no choice but to buy the combo if you want the HD DVD disc.

If you buy the HD DVD version of a particular movie like 300, yes, you have no choice but to buy the combo if you want the HD DVD disc.

If you want a PS3 to play some games, you have no choice but to buy a BD player.

If you want Spiderman, you have no choice but to buy a BD player and the BD version of the disc.

Your point? You have a lot of double standards.

Can you explain the seriousness of the issues that will occur when a child can only watch a BD DVD on a BD player ?

Simple, really. Those of us that have kids who like to watch Disney movies allow them to do it in the van and/or in the playroom. I don't allow my kids to run my projector when I'm not around. Since my only HD player is in the HT, if the kids want to watch a movie either in the van (which means on long drives and on vacation) or in the playroom (like when we're out and the babysitter is there), it has to be SD DVD or combo.

For my family and me, this is serious enough to prevent me from buying kids' movies on anything other than combo or SD. Somehow, I don't think I'm the only one.

Frankly, the PS3 demographic doesn't seem to be centered around families with young kids (that's Wii territory), so I can see why the BD suppporters (and XBox HD DVD guys) don't care about this as much.

Can you explain the seriousness of the issues that will occur when a child can only watch a BD DVD on a BD player ?

I can understand the usage of combo discs but they should give the consumer a choice instead of force feeding the combo disc to everyone.


Assume you just spend $36 on a rat movie. Plays fine in your living.
Doesn't play in the kitchen/bedroom DVD player. Also doesn't play when kids take the disc to a friends house.
Are you now happy that you will be forced to fork out another $24 for the SD DVD?


I've heard people moan and grumble that they couldn't access or use the java stuff on the POTC discs but I had no problem playing the Liars Dice game. Yes, it loaded slow but I played several games with no problems.


So you didn't see the YouTube video and don't own a first gen Samsung.
Microsecond... right.


I think alot of the issues people report is due to that in modern times, people want their equipment to react in a microsecond when they press a remote command and when it doesn't, they start erratically pressing buttons on the remote and the device can't process them(you know, like a PC with Windows :)). And yes, this is an issue with the player but probably can be resolved with a FW update.


The same issue occurs with my Comcast remote on digital cable. Try flipping through the channels like you would on an analog cable and it's not going to happen. The channels will change slowly as you select up/down Ch.
An don't get me started on the slow response on the OnDemand menu.


That an entirely different technical issue. That slow response is because it can take a couple of seconds before a full frame is transmitted after which the video decoding becomes stable.


I'm just saying these are new devices and we can't expect them to be perfect out of the starting gates but I agree that they should be able to support/play all features on currently released discs, which from my experience they have.

Simple, really. Those of us that have kids who like to watch Disney movies allow them to do it in the van and/or in the playroom. I don't allow my kids to run my projector when I'm not around. Since my only HD player is in the HT, if the kids want to watch a movie either in the van (which means on long drives and on vacation) or in the playroom (like when we're out and the babysitter is there), it has to be SD DVD or combo.

For my family and me, this is serious enough to prevent me from buying kids' movies on anything other than combo or SD. Somehow, I don't think I'm the only one.

Frankly, the PS3 demographic doesn't seem to be centered around families with young kids (that's Wii territory), so I can see why the BD suppporters (and XBox HD DVD guys) don't care about this as much.

+1

What is more likely? Warner Exclusive for Blu-ray or HD-DVD

Please your votes people. I hope they go Blu-ray, but I'm more leaning towards staying Neutral.

Hmmm,
Perhaps you should ask Stephen Nickerson for his thoughts.
Oh, as Amir or Andy would say-

But wait …………

Simple, really. Those of us that have kids who like to watch Disney movies allow them to do it in the van and/or in the playroom. I don't allow my kids to run my projector when I'm not around. Since my only HD player is in the HT, if the kids want to watch a movie either in the van (which means on long drives and on vacation) or in the playroom (like when we're out and the babysitter is there), it has to be SD DVD or combo.

For my family and me, this is serious enough to prevent me from buying kids' movies on anything other than combo or SD. Somehow, I don't think I'm the only one.

Frankly, the PS3 demographic doesn't seem to be centered around families with young kids (that's Wii territory), so I can see why the BD suppporters (and XBox HD DVD guys) don't care about this as much.

+2, but every time I post this, BD supporters don't seem to pay any attention.

Hmmm,
Perhaps you should ask Stephen Nickerson for his thoughts.
Oh, as Amir or Andy would say-

But wait …………

The guy stepping down right?

The guy stepping down, if true, would signal good news for BR I would think - if he was in favor of HD DVD all along, and lets face it, they have been, then he may have stepped down because of news that he doesn't agree with and won't be a part of it...like BD exclusivity, which will be a step towards extending the war, where the other direction is closer to ending it...hope I'm WAY OFF of course.

or, it could be, just could be, he's just STEPPING DOWN! You know, people did leave their positions at Companies long before BD v HD DVD!

or, it could be, just could be, he's just STEPPING DOWN! You know, people did leave their positions at Companies long before BD v HD DVD!

i dunno, this isnt very common and when it is "just stepping down" its pretty well known leading up to it...a la, in august so and so will be stepping down and so and so will take over.

this has relevnece, we just dont know why.....is he upset? or is his work done and hd dvd is exclusive now so he is gone....however if the latter were true wed assume hed stay around to toot that horn...

but this isnt really common to be sprung liek this....unless they are announcing a step down for later.

or, it could be, just could be, he's just STEPPING DOWN! You know, people did leave their positions at Companies long before BD v HD DVD!

I think it has more to do with the timing of it, and the swirling rumors of Warner Bros. making some kind of big move in the format wars. But, yeah, it doesn't mean much unless something does happen, then you can look back and say, "Yeah, he left because ... ."

Could also because of the 'war ending bda deal' beatboy was alluding to became a reality.

Hmmm,
Perhaps you should ask Stephen Nickerson for his thoughts.
Oh, as Amir or Andy would say-

But wait …………

Prophetic apparently, and the news is surfacing from blu-ray.com.

Popcorn in place, the drama continues...

Prophetic apparently, and the news is surfacing from blu-ray.com.

Popcorn in place, the drama continues...

I like AVS……………………..
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11345531&postcount=124

But I’ll admit, I like blu-ray.com…………more. :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11345531&postcount=124Huh??...:confused: :confused:

Please your votes people. I hope they go Blu-ray, but I'm more leaning towards staying Neutral.


Does anyone remember the studio who's executive said "The BDA is a CARTEL"?

I like AVS……………………..
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11345531&postcount=124

But I’ll admit, I like blu-ray.com…………more. :)The problem with bluray.com is there member base, too many clueless kids 13-17.:eek:

The problem with bluray.com is there member base, too many clueless kids 13-17.:eek:

PS3.

PS3.We only need to hit HD DVD in the red spot on its back 3 times, right?Yup...just watch out when Paramount and DreamWorks turn on you...;)

Correct me if I'm wrong but Warner was the first to declare neutrality in an attempt to not let their customers be victims of the emerging format war.
Paramount followed and that was basically it until the stalemate got broken a couple of days ago.

My guess is that Warner hoped that others, Disney, MGM Fox, would have followed for the sake of the consumers interrest.

Basically Warner is the only major studio left that is neutral. Also their TotalDisc didn't get the thumps op from the bda. (to put it mildly)

So their attempt to get the content providers on neutral ground failed almost completely.

Everyone agrees that a prolonged format war isn't in anybodies interrest. So changes are Warner is going to do the only right thing. They are going to make a move to end this war sooner than later.

There is little incentive left to stay neutral and Warner will not abandon the DVD Forum. That much is certain.


You have just summarized why WB is gonna go HD DVD XC. You see WB has tried to be the peacemaker in all this but BDA has fought them tooth and nail. And you're right WB wanted all of the studios to be neutral. But guess what? Only a HD DVD studio (Paramount) cooperated. No BD studio budged.Now WB is about to show which format has the most real muscle. Not phony, skewed press releases but real muscle, it's gonna be like Friday the 13th tomorrow for Sony/BDA.

You have just summarized why WB is gonna go HD DVD XC. You see WB has tried to be the peacemaker in all this but BDA has fought them tooth and nail. And you're right WB wanted all of the studios to be neutral. But guess what? Only a HD DVD studio (Paramount) cooperated. No BD studio budged.Now WB is about to show which format has the most real muscle. Not phony, skewed press releases but real muscle, it's gonna be like Friday the 13th tomorrow for Sony/BDA.

Reg you really keep my sprits high and you and Bob make alot of sense.

Its like the election of 2004, and we all know how that turned out. I know where my vote went.

Reg you really keep my sprits high and you and Bob make alot of sense.

Its like the election of 2004, and we all know how that turned out. I know where my vote went.

Other things that suggest WB HD DVD XC. If WB goes BR they lose monies from a new HD DVD format in the future. And to a competitor that's calling all the shots. Imagine any line of business where your future success is in the hands of a direct competitor. BR players are not ready for primetime. Imagine buyers returned WB BDs as defective when the BD player is the real culprit.

I can think of a few more but I'm tired.

If Warner goes Blu then we are back to the same spot we were last week (or worse), why would they want to continue to prolong this. I think even the Blu people here can agree if WB goes HD DVD then it's all over. So to summarize WB goes Blu and prolongs this thing, loses HD DVD profit and HDM remains a niche product for atleast another year or WB goes HD DVD and this thing ends in a timely fashion (most likely) and average consumers start jumping on board at a more reasonable price point this holiday.

Perhaps the guy stepped down because he was the mastermind of the TotalHD disc fiasco. Which I can imagine the R&D had to have costs a pretty penny. And the guy got no help from BD. So Warner made the decision to go with one or the other. Someone had to answer for all that.

They were the one who explicitly published the sales figures of 300 for both formats. You know what I mean...

Dream on! At best, an HD DVD exclusive Warner only amounts to a 50 - 50 split. So the best that HD DVD can hope for is a stalemate. Blu is here to stay and you might as well get used to it.

Why would it be over at 50 - 50? The only thing thing that would be over is the adoption of a High Def media by Joe Public.

Why would they think that, knowing that Sony owns Sony Studio's? You HD DVD guys are dreaming.

Why would they think that, knowing that Sony owns Sony Studio's? You HD DVD guys are dreaming.

If Warner goes HD DVD exclusive, then it's over for Blu-ray, there will be no stalemate. Fox and Disney are weak as far as studios are concerned, they barely release anything. Paramount will start releasing as many titles as Universal, Warner would do the same.

Simply put, from the point of view of the customer at BestBuy/CircuitCity, the number of available titles has been pretty close to even all along. If we assume that BD loses all of the existing P/DW and WB titles, this balance will shift significantly in HD DVDs favor. Now, if we look at the BD studios for a response:

Disney simply will not release enough A-list titles quickly enough to make a dent in HDM adoption - at least not in a hurry. Their plan has always been to level-load their releases, putting each of the A-list titles out for a short period of time, then pulling it and waiting 7 years to re-release. For their market, this is a pretty solid strategy, and provides them with a great ongoing revenue stream, and a lot of double-dip sales (example: my two oldest kids saw most of the Disney stuff on LD or VHS, while my younger ones watch SD DVD). However, it also prevents them from just dumping a whole bunch of killer titles on BD (or HD DVD); you just won't see Snow White, Fantasia, Dumbo, Aladdin, Beauty & Beast, Lady & the Tramp, Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Lion King all release in 2008 on ANY format. Not gonna happen.

Sony - They're already doing what they can, so I would doubt there's room for much additional help here.

Lionsgate - Good titles, but they are on a par with Weinstein, and balance them off nicely. There's just not enough meat on this bone to make much difference in total title count,though.

Fox - we'll probably see some releases there, and there will be some good titles in the mix. However, they have been conspicuously absent until now, so the question is how quickly can/will they ramp up. Even if they came up to full speed, can they overcome the loss of WB & P/DW?

Bottom line, it doesn't look like BD would have enough heavy-hitters to keep up a competitive release schedule, at least not in the short-term. HD DVD would rapidly have significantly more titles on the shelves, and be at a peak for the 07 holiday season.

Personally, I also think that a WB move to exclusive HD DVD would force Blockbuster to re-consider their stance, and would leave Target wondering what the heck happened. When you add HD DVDs price advantage, I find myself wondering what BD could use to counter the momentum shift....:confused:

If Warner goes HD DVD exclusive, then it's over for Blu-ray, there will be no stalemate.

Fox is one of the biggest studios in terms of high profile theatrical releases of the last decade. The blu ray format hasn't been under pressure so far but if it was and Fox felt that it needed to fight for its preferred format, the studio could come out with some very big releases.

A Warner move would be big but also would be a far thing from definitely closing down the war.

Since Steve's out, who should we ask now?

Hmmm,
Perhaps you should ask Stephen Nickerson for his thoughts.
Oh, as Amir or Andy would say-

But wait …………

Most of the votes most likely were cast in August. I'm sure a lot would like to change their votes now...

This is a stupid poll. Of course it will show HD DVD winning on AVS.

Businessweek says otherwise, and nielson ratios say otherwise also......

You guys are laboring pretty hard on trying to give this WB/BD rumor legs I see, it's not enough that one thread got closed, now you resurrect this one an press it into service?

You know the rules, you know your not following them.

Dream on! At best, an HD DVD exclusive Warner only amounts to a 50 - 50 split. So the best that HD DVD can hope for is a stalemate. Blu is here to stay and you might as well get used to it.

From a technical standpoint you are right PrinceLH but it will not matter. J6P doesn't look at back catalogs, he doesn't compile lists of 2008 movies by studio, he doesn't compare box office reciepts. Perception wins mass market adoption.

BD "lost" 2 studios. It doesn't matter if it was one deal most consumers think dreamworks & paramount are two companies. If 6 months later Warner goes and then maybe another minor studio the damage will be done. It doesn't matter at that point if BD holds a 51% split of projected releases. J6P will know that "studios are fleeing BD". Throw in a couple stories about how the PS3 makes up 90%+ of all BD players and some well placed UMD references and it is done. From a marketing/PR standpoint it simply looks like BD is losing if 3-4 studios defect to the other side.

On the other hand I don't think Warner is going HD DVD so it doesn't matter. I think it is 25% HD DVD, 50% BD, 25% neutral. However I am certain which ever side loses Warner loses the war. It likely will drag on for another year or so but it will be a mortal blow.

There's a rule that you can't post in old, unlocked threads? Think I missed that one.

If there was a move one way or another on the horizon, wouldn't we be helping each other to let the other side know? I don't want anyone to lose money without all the information. It's your money of course, but if we can help each other out, then why not?

You guys are laboring pretty hard on trying to give this WB/BD rumor legs I see, it's not enough that one thread got closed, now you resurrect this one an press it into service?

You know the rules, you know your not following them.

There's a rule that you can't post in old, unlocked threads? Think I missed that one.

If there was a move one way or another on the horizon, wouldn't we be helping each other to let the other side know? I don't want anyone to lose money without all the information. It's your money of course, but if we can help each other out, then why not?

Agreed. Most people come here for their onestop HD news.
Yes its a rumor, but a rumor being talked about at some pretty reputable sites...

There's a rule that you can't post in old, unlocked threads? Think I missed that one.

If there was a move one way or another on the horizon, wouldn't we be helping each other to let the other side know? I don't want anyone to lose money without all the information. It's your money of course, but if we can help each other out, then why not?

Spare me, I've been here long enough, and your not as subtle as you might think. All one has to do is look at your brief history of contributions:rolleyes:

Agreed. Most people come here for their onestop HD news.
Yes its a rumor, but a rumor being talked about at some pretty reputable sites...

and prey tell what are the facts that these discussions have revealed? So far all I've seen is Warner's denial of it.
Does their mouth say no, no, but their eyes say yes, yes?

Wow, that's a lot of hostility towards me. Not sure I understand that. I've made no secrets about which format I think is ultimately going to win out. We all have our opinions.

I actually admire the advant guard early ('06) HD-DVD adopter. Those folks probably love home theater more than anyone and jumped all over it right away. Unfortunately, it looks like market forces are taking a different course.

We'll all be back together eventually in one format; at least 95% in one.

Spare me, I've been here long enough, and your not as subtle as you might think. All one has to do is look at your brief history of contributions:rolleyes:

Wow, that's a lot of hostility towards me. Not sure I understand that.

Calling it as I see it

and prey tell what are the facts that these discussions have revealed? So far all I've seen is Warner's denial of it.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_51/b4063028294846.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_businessweek +exclusives
http://www.hollywoodinhidef.com/blog_detail.php?id=143
http://blogs.ign.com/DigiGod/2007/12/11/74029/
http://www.nytimes.com/paidcontent/PCORG_317734.html?em&ex=1197522000&en=d57154881510f79a&ei=5087%0A
http://www.tvpredictions.com/swannisix121207.htm

Draw your own conclusions.... Timmy.