Only by three weeks, but as long as they keep releasing them I'll keep buying them. Not sure if it includes any other titles in addition to what we already know ...

Link (http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35741/98/)


Burbank (CA) - Warner Home Video announced this week that it will continue to release titles on HD DVD for three weeks longer than it originally anticipated.

Earlier this month, Warner said that it is going to stop supporting HD DVD in May. However, it has now decided to push that deadline back a few weeks to be able to release more of its upcoming titles on both formats.

Despite Warner's Blu-ray exclusivity announcement, over a dozen Warner titles are still slated for release on HD DVD over the next four months. The extension of HD DVD support confirms that Twister and Bonnie & Clyde will come out on both formats instead of being Blu-ray exclusives.

Some other notable Warner titles that will still be released on both formats include Justice League: The New Frontier, I Am Legend, and August Rush.

Isn't this only because they're delaying the release of Twister and others on HD DVD so they don't come out at the same time as blu-ray?

More of a further slap in the face than any "good news" imo.

Only by three weeks, but as long as they keep releasing them I'll keep buying them. Not sure if it includes any other titles in addition to what we already know ...

Link (http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35741/98/)

Warner should had stayed with both formats

Warner should had stayed with both formats
Yep! They've shot themselves in the foot with Blu-ray imo.

Only by three weeks, but as long as they keep releasing them I'll keep buying them. Not sure if it includes any other titles in addition to what we already know ...

Link (http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35741/98/)

That won't help much. get porn to work instead midnight...yeah m$ and Toshiba should give free hvddv porn that will help alot.

They should wait for the "Dark Knight"!!! :p

The petition and the assault of letters to Warner execs seem to be working. Now if we can delay till the Dark Night comes out I will be a happy camper.

I believe this announcement is to state that Warner is actually extending the 3 week delay on New Title Releases for HD-DVD to actually cover "Catalog Titles" as well. Basically when they switched to Blu-Ray they stated that up until the cutoff date, all New Releases would be put out on Blu-ray first.. then would come out on HD-DVD 3 weeks later.

Now they are correcting .. stating that yes it's all "New Releases".. anything new to HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. So that includes new titles as well as catalog titles.

Cut off date is still the same. They are just telling you that you are now a second class citizen to them. :)

$50 says they extend it one more time...

I believe this announcement is to state that Warner is actually extending the 3 week delay on New Title Releases for HD-DVD to actually cover "Catalog Titles" as well. Basically when they switched to Blu-Ray they stated that up until the cutoff date, all New Releases would be put out on Blu-ray first.. then would come out on HD-DVD 3 weeks later.

Now they are correcting .. stating that yes it's all "New Releases".. anything new to HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. So that includes new titles as well as catalog titles.

Cut off date is still the same. They are just telling you that you are now a second class citizen to them. :)

Did you actually read the quoted announcement . Here it is again

Burbank (CA) - Warner Home Video announced this week that it will continue to release titles on HD DVD for three weeks longer than it originally anticipated.

Earlier this month, Warner said that it is going to stop supporting HD DVD in May. However, it has now decided to push that deadline back a few weeks to be able to release more of its upcoming titles on both formats.
Despite Warner's Blu-ray exclusivity announcement, over a dozen Warner titles are still slated for release on HD DVD over the next four months. The extension of HD DVD support confirms that Twister and Bonnie & Clyde will come out on both formats instead of being Blu-ray exclusives.
Some other notable Warner titles that will still be released on both formats include Justice League: The New Frontier, I Am Legend, and August Rush.

Now where in that (and notice the bold) does it say the end date is the same

jeezzz

If HD DVD players keep selling perhaps they will reevaluate 100% and stay neutral which is exactly what they should do.

I see this as a positive. Keep pushing it out ...

Who knows what deals go on behind closed doors these days?

Isn't this only because they're delaying the release of Twister and others on HD DVD so they don't come out at the same time as blu-ray?

Yup.

More of a further slap in the face than any "good news" imo.

I agree 100%.

The petition and the assault of letters to Warner execs seem to be working. Now if we can delay till the Dark Night comes out I will be a happy camper.

Heath Ledger could have an effect on that.

Im confused, they said they would stop releasing on HD DVD at the end of May. They pushed Twister from May 6 to May 27. Where is the big news?

3 months makes sense but 3 weeks? Its not as though they are going to release one movie per week, seems this is just to allow for the 3 week delay they are adding to HD DVD releases.


More of a further slap in the face than any "good news" imo.

That much is not in doubt.

I can't believe how this is being spun. Seriously.

Instead of releasing catalog titles on the same day for BD and HD DVD, they are pushing the HD DVD release back three weeks - same as they now do for new releases.

That won't help much. get porn to work instead midnight...yeah m$ and Toshiba should give free hvddv porn that will help alot.
I couldn't care less about HD DVD porn.

$50 says they extend it one more time...

I could see an extension til the end of the year if HD players sales continue like they are. That way they can appease Bluray because they are "going" to switch and still ride the fence.

Im confused, they said they would stop releasing on HD DVD at the end of May. They pushed Twister from May 6 to May 27. Where is the big news?
The "to be able to release more of its upcoming titles on both formats" sounds good to me. Don't know which are included and how many, but I think that anything announced for Blu-ray the last three weeks of May will come to HD DVD sometime in June.

The "to be able to release more of its upcoming titles on both formats" sounds good to me. Don't know which are included and how many, but I think that anything announced for Blu-ray the last three weeks of May will come to HD DVD sometime in June.

There is nothing from Warner coming in June!! lol

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Street_Date_Changes/Warner_Extends_HD_DVD_Release_Delay_to_Catalog_Titles/1386

There is nothing from Warner coming in June!! lol

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Street_Date_Changes/Warner_Extends_HD_DVD_Release_Delay_to_Catalog_Titles/1386
According to TG Daily: "Warner Home Video announced this week that it will continue to release titles on HD DVD for three weeks longer than it originally anticipated. Earlier this month, Warner said that it is going to stop supporting HD DVD in May. However, it has now decided to push that deadline back a few weeks to be able to release more of its upcoming titles on both formats."

Isn't this only because they're delaying the release of Twister and others on HD DVD so they don't come out at the same time as blu-ray?

More of a further slap in the face than any "good news" imo.

Agreed. How can anyone see this as good news? The releases are the same, but now catalog titles will also come out later on HD DVD.

All they are essentially saying is that the Twister and Bonnie and Clyde releases are delayed.

As much as I would like to spin this news for HD DVD, I think this article is simply misinformed due to some poor interpretation of what the extension in this case means. As far as I know, Warner has always been obligated to release titles for HD DVD through the END of May. From what I can tell, nothing has changed. I wish I could say that it looks like Warner will keep releasing on HD DVD three weeks INTO JUNE, but unfortunately there's no evidence to indicate that they will. Dark Knight comes out for theaters in July, so unless Warner publicly states that they will continue releasing HD DVD titles for at least three months after July, I don't wanna get my hopes up just to be let down. But I'm gonna continue campaigning for it because I HATE not having a complete collection (this includes Harry Potter as well as this new Batman series).

*EDIT: OH and the sequel to Superman Returns too!!! But Man of Steel is slated for June 2009, so who knows what things will look like for HDM by then. *fingers firmly crossed*

I have mixed feelings on buying anymore Warner releases.

The petition and the assault of letters to Warner execs seem to be working. Now if we can delay till the Dark Night comes out I will be a happy camper.

what petition and where can I sign up ?

Really, nothing is official until its official. Until Warner puts out an official release the tgdaily report could be erroneous on certain details.

Either way though, what difference is 3 weeks going to make? After that they are gone so there's really nothing to get excited about.

Did you actually read the quoted announcement . Here it is again

Burbank (CA) - Warner Home Video announced this week that it will continue to release titles on HD DVD for three weeks longer than it originally anticipated.

Earlier this month, Warner said that it is going to stop supporting HD DVD in May. However, it has now decided to push that deadline back a few weeks to be able to release more of its upcoming titles on both formats.
Despite Warner's Blu-ray exclusivity announcement, over a dozen Warner titles are still slated for release on HD DVD over the next four months. The extension of HD DVD support confirms that Twister and Bonnie & Clyde will come out on both formats instead of being Blu-ray exclusives.
Some other notable Warner titles that will still be released on both formats include Justice League: The New Frontier, I Am Legend, and August Rush.

Now where in that (and notice the bold) does it say the end date is the same

jeezzz

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Street_Date_Changes/Warner_Extends_HD_DVD_Release_Delay_to_Catalog_Titles/1386

"At the time, it seemed that catalog titles would continue to be released concurrently on both next gen formats through May, but the studio now tells us that it's expanding its strategy to include catalog titles too, with the HD DVD versions of all of its remaining titles through the June 1 cut-off also receiving a three-week release delay."

Same news as reported from the HighDefDigest article. They specifically state that the "new strategy" to delay HD-DVD title releases from not just new title releases to ALL title releases (i.e. even catalog). I think what we've got here is a misreporting by one source or another. We just have to figure out which one is wrong.

$50 says they extend it one more time...

I'll take that bet.

They may have already contracted to do the movies and backing out or not distributing the movies would cost them more $$$.

larry

If HD DVD players keep selling perhaps they will reevaluate 100% and stay neutral which is exactly what they should do.
As much as I'd like that to be true, it's likely the payout Warner took obligated them to go BD exclusive. :(

Extending support by 3 weeks only means more catalog titles, I would wager.

As much as I'd like that to be true, it's likely the payout Warner took obligated them to go BD exclusive. :(

Yup, if Warner were to sometime this year go neutral again it would prove there was no payout or incentive. However, I think we can safely assume some sort of deal was made.

I see this as a positive. Keep pushing it out ...

Who knows what deals go on behind closed doors these days?
A lot! :D

There is nothing from Warner coming in June!! lol

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Street_Date_Changes/Warner_Extends_HD_DVD_Release_Delay_to_Catalog_Titles/1386This link reflects reality. The opening poster didn't provide a link so he likely just presented his mis-interpretation of what he had read. Another triumph of hope over reality.

This link reflects reality. The opening poster didn't provide a link so he likely just presented his mis-interpretation of what he had read. Another triumph of hope over reality.
Didn't provide a link??? Selective reading I see. Check the OP again.

I have mixed feelings on buying anymore Warner releases.

Me too

According to TG Daily: "Warner Home Video announced this week that it will continue to release titles on HD DVD for three weeks longer than it originally anticipated. Earlier this month, Warner said that it is going to stop supporting HD DVD in May. However, it has now decided to push that deadline back a few weeks to be able to release more of its upcoming titles on both formats."

Are you serious? The TG Daily got it wrong about Warner stop supporting HD DVD in May. Here is an excerpt from the official press release:

Warner Home Video will continue to release its titles in standard DVD format and Blu-ray. After a short window following their standard DVD and Blu-ray releases, all new titles will continue to be released in HD DVD until the END of May 2008.

This means the last day of support is ON MAY 31, 2008. Warner WILL NOT release anymore HD DVD titles after this date. How can you interpret the new catalog release dates(specifically May 27, 2008) as a Warner support extension???

$50 says they extend it one more time...

Your first assumption of them extending HD DVD support is flat out wrong.

As much as I'd like that to be true, it's likely the payout Warner took obligated them to go BD exclusive. :(


Even with a payout, i bet (IMHO) that there is definitely an opt out clause if they don't see certain market trends shift by the end of may. IMHO i think the exclusivity announcement is more of a test to see what happens, and if it doesn't look favorable they will stay neutral or flip.

Anything can still happen, the war is long from over. It is only over when the general public starts buying in large quantities.

The petition and the assault of letters to Warner execs seem to be working. Now if we can delay till the Dark Night comes out I will be a happy camper.

:confused::confused:

No they aren't...They are doing nothing...

The powers that be should have just gave blu 2 studios and red 2 and everyone else stay neutral that way no confusion would have been.They dropped the ball HD is a beautiful thing and these people are messing it up.

The powers that be should have just gave blu 2 studios and red 2 and everyone else stay neutral that way no confusion would have been.They dropped the ball HD is a beautiful thing and these people are messing it up.

:confused:

Sorry but that is a bad idea.

We need one format...not a bunch of formats mixing studios around and making a mess of things...that's why HDM is niche at best right now.

3 weeks? Wow! Like thats going to do much good. Can Warner back out of Blu-ray exclusivity if they wanted to or no? Because if HD DVD continues to have good sales, you think Warner would want to continue to release in both formats.

3 weeks? Wow! Like thats going to do much good. Can Warner back out of Blu-ray exclusivity if they wanted to or no? Because if HD DVD continues to have good sales, you think Warner would want to continue to release in both formats.

Have you looked at the software sales? HD DVD people aren't really buying much compared to Blu..and odds are that the folks who are snapping up 2nd and 3rd players aren't going to buy much...mainly rent stuff I'd bet.

Ton's of players and next to no softwares sales is not what Warner wants to see.

Have you looked at the software sales? HD DVD people aren't really buying much compared to Blu..and odds are that the folks who are snapping up 2nd and 3rd players aren't going to buy much...mainly rent stuff I'd bet.

Ton's of players and next to no softwares sales is not what Warner wants to see.
I meant player sales. From what I have heard and read on this forum, players are selling good at the sub $200 mark. But yeah, software sales could be better and I hope they improve. To do this they have to lower the prices of the discs though.

I meant player sales. From what I have heard and read on this forum, players are selling good at the sub $200 mark.

Yeah. Great player sales.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Industry_Trends/High-Def_Retailing/Blu-ray_Commands_93_Percent__of_Weekly_Hardware_Sales_Post-Warner_Announcement/1398

Yeah. Great player sales.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Industry_Trends/High-Def_Retailing/Blu-ray_Commands_93_Percent__of_Weekly_Hardware_Sales_Post-Warner_Announcement/1398
That was from 1/5 to 1/12 wasn't it? Which would be before Toshiba decreased their HD DVD player prices. I could be wrong because I can't remember fully, but Toshiba cut prices on or right around the 12th, give or take a day or two.

The petition and the assault of letters to Warner execs seem to be working. Now if we can delay till the Dark Night comes out I will be a happy camper.

You're dreaming. No corporation cares about petitions. I'm 100% behind HD DVD but the only reason they're doing this is because they have now decided to extend the 3 weeks delay between BR and HD DVD to catalog releases also.

Like someone else said, more of a further slap in the face to HD DVD owners than anything else.

You're dreaming. No corporation cares about petitions. I'm 100% behind HD DVD but the only reason they're doing this is because they have now decided to extend the 3 weeks delay between BR and HD DVD to catalog releases also.

Like someone else said, more of a further slap in the face to HD DVD owners than anything else.

Exactly. Not only do we have to 3 three weeks after a Blu-ray release to get it on HD-DVD (if it is coming out on both).. but NOW it doesn't only apply to New Releases but Catalog Releases as well. So basically .. first they stabbed Toshiba in the back, now they are twisting the knife.

Are you serious? The TG Daily got it wrong about Warner stop supporting HD DVD in May. Here is an excerpt from the official press release:



This means the last day of support is ON MAY 31, 2008. Warner WILL NOT release anymore HD DVD titles after this date. How can you interpret the new catalog release dates(specifically May 27, 2008) as a Warner support extension???
May 31, 2008. Isn't that in May? lol ...

I don't see this as a shift in Warner policy in regards to HD-DVD.

The only conceivable explanation for extending the HD-DVD moratorium a further 3 weeks would be a legal one.

Long story short...HD-DVD may have legal rights to ANY film released by Warners before June 1st (stipulated in their contract), inconsequential of the 3 week delay plan they have recently placed on their HD-DVD releases.

For example, even though the Blu-ray version of a film may be released on May 31st, perhaps Warners is contractually obligated to also make that film available to HD-DVD, even though their newly implemented delayed release plan (which some lawyers may have deemed a clause not agreed upon by both parties) would place the HD-DVD version outside of the end of their contract.


Now it's quite possible that Warner will have no releases intended that would push the delayed HD-DVD version past the May 31st deadline, but they are covering their contractual obligations if they do.

Even with a payout, i bet (IMHO) that there is definitely an opt out clause if they don't see certain market trends shift by the end of may. IMHO i think the exclusivity announcement is more of a test to see what happens, and if it doesn't look favorable they will stay neutral or flip.

Anything can still happen, the war is long from over. It is only over when the general public starts buying in large quantities.

It's also possible that this is only a test as you say and the agreement may have only been to delay hd dvd releases.

If there wasn't a payoff, then there's nothing holding WB back from switching again. They've already proven that what they say and do are not the same thing. Who's to say there isn't going to be yet another shift within WB management?

Plus with lackluster sales on both sides compared to DVD, high price of players compared to DVD and a recession.......who knows what will happen.

I can't believe how this is being spun. Seriously.

Instead of releasing catalog titles on the same day for BD and HD DVD, they are pushing the HD DVD release back three weeks - same as they now do for new releases.

That is the way I read it too. The BD release of a title will happen first, and then the HD DVD release will happen 3 weeks later.

That was from 1/5 to 1/12 wasn't it? Which would be before Toshiba decreased their HD DVD player prices. I could be wrong because I can't remember fully, but Toshiba cut prices on or right around the 12th, give or take a day or two.

yeah the a3 is #13 in electronic sales on Amazon.com at a price of $125 #1 in dvd player sales A30 is #4 A35 is #7 best blu is #9 Panasonic DMP-BD30K 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player and is the only blu in the top 100 in overall electronic sales

yeah the a3 is #13 in electronic sales on Amazon.com at a price of $125 #1 in dvd player sales A30 is #4 A35 is #7 best blu is #9 Panasonic DMP-BD30K 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player and is the only blu in the top 100 in overall electronic sales


Yep and the A35 is #88 in their Top 100 Electronics listing...included in that mix is 3-4 upconverts and a Blu Ray player...seems the early adopters are finishing up getting their cheap second and third units.

I have mixed feelings on buying anymore Warner releases.

This is exactly how I feel.

Paramount jumped sides having only released the same titles across both formats.

Warner encouraged me to go HD DVD because it was the only format where I could buy The Matrix, Batman Begins, V for Vendetta, Forbidden Planet, Casablanca, etc.

And they usually included lossless audio and more extra features than cross-platform BD titles.

It's pretty upsetting that they flip and go completely the opposite direction of the precedent they had set. If all things were equal it would not be as bad, but they clearly favored HD DVD and encouraged buyers to go that route.

Them delaying everything for 3 weeks because it is in their secret BDA agreement is just twisting the knife, so to speak.

The will probably break it off by releasing the LOTR trilogy just after the cutoff date.

I don't have as much time for movies as I used to, and unfortunately I now actually consider ignoring Warner releases if there is something else available... I know I shouldn't, it's not THAT serious, but that's how I feel.

Certainly I will not buy a BD player just to get Warner releases, I don't care what titles they bring. No Warner in HD for me for the time being. I’m not buying into a technology I do not want to support (Blu Ray) simply because Warner says so.

May 31, 2008. Isn't that in May? lol ...

Yes it is in May and IT IS THE LAST DAY OF SUPPORT. In other words, they will be still supporting HD DVD on May 31st, 2008. Warner will stop supporting HD DVD starting on June 1st, 2008. TG Daily stated that they will stop support in May ...which is false.

As much as I would like to spin this news for HD DVD, I think this article is simply misinformed due to some poor interpretation of what the extension in this case means. As far as I know, Warner has always been obligated to release titles for HD DVD through the END of May....

Yes - so now they've pushed that to the third week of June... obviously :-p


Oh and as mentioned since last year - the US economy is 6 months from recession, and 12 months from depression - as evidenced by this week's share market slide. Any economist can tell you that the markets forecast the economy 6 months ahead.

HD DVD has the only strategy that includes planning for a recession. The Blu-ray strategy is only suited to boom times.

They are twisting the knife in the backs of their supporters. Don't really know why they think they need to have this kind of animosity toward HD DVD owners. After all, they spent the first year and a half of this war showing through their actions that they felt that HD DVD was the place to be for top of the line features. It's puzzling that they would be willing to do this to HD DVD owners and to their fellow members of the HD DVD PRG.

They are twisting the knife in the backs of their supporters. Don't really know why they think they need to have this kind of animosity toward HD DVD owners. After all, they spent the first year and a half of this war showing through their actions that they felt that HD DVD was the place to be for top of the line features. It's puzzling that they would be willing to do this to HD DVD owners and to their fellow members of the HD DVD PRG.

It's just more evidence further proving the betrayal and sabotage first demostrated by blindsiding HD DVD at CES 2008.

It's puzzling that they would be willing to do this to HD DVD owners and to their fellow members of the HD DVD PRG.

I can think of 500 million reasons that explain their actions.....:rolleyes:

In the end, I think they are weighing the amount of existing HD DVD customers/supporters against the amount of potential new customers--people sitting on the fence and not buying anything because of the format war. They seem to be convinced that in the long run, they stand to gain more total customers by ending the war.

They know that one out of three discs were sold to HD DVD supporters, and they are willing to cut them off and lose those initial sales if it means broadening the total customer base of a unified Hd market under one format. So any signs of extending format neutrality for a few weeks are likely just attempts to cash in on work that has already been done, but they seem pretty anxious to do whatever they can to bury HD DVD as soon as possible.

They are more than willing to lose thousands of happy customers if it means eventual gains of tens or hundreds of thousands in the long run.

I see this as a positive. Keep pushing it out ...

Who knows what deals go on behind closed doors these days?



...I would love to be a "fly on the wall" at those behind closed door meetings! :p

It's just more evidence further proving the betrayal and sabotage first demostrated by blindsiding HD DVD at CES 2008.


*snort* Betrayal and sabotage.


Jeez.....

*snort* Betrayal and sabotage.


Jeez.....

Yep, that's what I said and that's what I mean.

Warner should had stayed with both formats

They should have held their guns back in 2005 and have stayed HD DVD exclusive. More balls on the the part of WB Home Entertainment executives against their parent company Time Warner. I still have a gut feeling it was Time Warner and not WB Home Entertainement that made "the decision."

But it is what it is.

They should have held their guns back in 2005 and have stayed HD DVD exclusive. More balls on the the part of WB Home Entertainment executives against their parent company Time Warner. I still have a gut feeling it was Time Warner and not WB Home Entertainement that made "the decision."

But it is what it is.

I agree. If Warner and Paramount (but especially Warner) had stayed HD DVD exclusive the whole time like they were originally, we'd all be saying "blu who?"

This latest tactic is a slap in the face to all HD DVD owners who happily bought their titles in the past.

wouldnt it be great if microsoft bought warner:)

wouldnt it be great if microsoft bought warner:)
I would laugh my arse off.

It's only my opinion, that Warner is probably second guessing there decision to go Blu-ray exclusive. At the end of the day, the support base for HD-DVD is still growing and like many others are saying, Warner is caught between and rock and a hard spot right now.

As I said in previous posts, I have both formats in our house hold, but the HD DVD players have so much more to offer besides excellent picture quality, allot of consumers have no knowledge of the sound capabilities or potential of the higher end Toshiba HD DVD players.

Once I purchase my Onkyo TXSR805 receiver for my HD A35, the sound quality will equal most theaters for sound quality.

Randy

I meant player sales. From what I have heard and read on this forum, players are selling good at the sub $200 mark. But yeah, software sales could be better and I hope they improve. To do this they have to lower the prices of the discs though.

I don't want to be rude, but BD discs cost the same. With the except of Blade Runner, none of my discs have cost more than 20 in either format.

Extending by 3 weeks only means they are just covering their asses. Their contract probably says they have to release ALL titles that ARE available through May. That is, if they release a title to SD/BD on 5/27, they must make it available for HD DVD, whether it be the same day, or 3 weeks later. This just covers that time space.

wouldnt it be great if microsoft bought warner:)

Here's the thing about Microsoft.

CES: No mention of HD DVD at their keynote (allegedly 20 minutes was cut to omit HD DVD discussion).

Major Nelson: No mention of HD DVD on his podcast since Warner jumped. No mention of Warner jumping, despite a long discussion of CES. Also, every week he and his co-host discuss what HD-DVD's they're watching OR have some to give away as contest prizes. All of this has stopped.

I think it's pretty safe to say at this point that Microsoft officially left the ship in a life boat along with Warner.

Having said all of that, can't see MS spending any money to save HD DVD.

^^^ You're wrong and you know it. Microsoft is firmly behind HD DVD. Five minutes of simple research would have shown you this.

Having said all of that, can't see MS spending any money to save HD DVD.

Maybe not, but Sony has leveraged their own movie studio and HD video format in an effort to support the sale of a living room media center hub (the PS3) that just happens to be directly competing with MS livigng room media center hub (Xbox 360) for eventual digital download space.

The Warner move gave Sony some momentum. MS might be interested in countering, unless they are no longer worried about losing the battle with Sony on that front.

Here's the thing about Microsoft.

CES: No mention of HD DVD at their keynote (allegedly 20 minutes was cut to omit HD DVD discussion).

Major Nelson: No mention of HD DVD on his podcast since Warner jumped. No mention of Warner jumping, despite a long discussion of CES. Also, every week he and his co-host discuss what HD-DVD's they're watching OR have some to give away as contest prizes. All of this has stopped.

I think it's pretty safe to say at this point that Microsoft officially left the ship in a life boat along with Warner.

Having said all of that, can't see MS spending any money to save HD DVD.

Microsoft wouldn't buy a movie studio because it doesn't fit within their core goal of the company, not because of the completely unfounded reasons you suggest.

I'll take that bet.


If its true that Sony paid a big 500 for Warner to go Blu I would definately NOT take that bet.

*snort* Betrayal and sabotage.


Jeez.....

I totally agree with his statement. HD DVD was always favored by WB, and just in case you don't know, Toshiba and WB are the main parties responsible for the success of DVD (Warren Lieferdab, hopefully I'm not mispelling his name, was the man responsible for the success of DVD).

We and Toshiba should have known, by what they did to Warren Lieferdab (they fired him once DVD became the all-out standard), that Warner has no respect, no principle, and is a big time backstabbing company.

I can't wait for Sony to get so huge that they start dictating Warner "how it's got to go". I'm going to be laughing my ass off in a few years when Warner will be forced to follow whatever Sony wants them to do. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree : Sony is going to teach Warner a lesson eventually, they're the king of backstabbing.

Microsoft wouldn't buy a movie studio because it doesn't fit within their core goal of the company, not because of the completely unfounded reasons you suggest.

Actually, it does fit with their core goal of advancing beyond the desktop.

Having exclusive content to deliver (either via HD-DVD or downloads) would be an asset to them, no doubt.

Having said that, nobody can profess to know what Microsoft is up to but my point was simply that they have been very, very quiet on the HDM front since CES.

Also, I didn't give any 'reasons', just observations. Chill out.

Actually, it does fit with their core goal of advancing beyond the desktop.

Having exclusive content to deliver (either via HD-DVD or downloads) would be an asset to them, no doubt.

Having said that, nobody can profess to know what Microsoft is up to but my point was simply that they have been very, very quiet on the HDM front since CES.

Also, I didn't give any 'reasons', just observations. Chill out.

It would be easier to do that if you didn't insist on posting in the HD DVD forum simply to spread doubt seeds and incite arguments.

If you aren't interested in seriously discussing HD DVD, please leave.

I thought the contract with Toshiba ended in June so they have extended nothing.

*snort* Betrayal and sabotage.


Jeez.....

Of course, it is. How can you be a key board member of the HD DVD PRG and jump ship completely without even giving a heads-up to your other board members? It is betrayal, and they have sabotaged the format they had supported more vigorously since inception, the same format they told us in November for which there were no plans to change support, although they couldn't speak for what might happen "5 or 10 years down the road."

I can think of 500 million reasons that explain their actions.....:rolleyes:

+1

Actually, it does fit with their core goal of advancing beyond the desktop.

So then you could see MS making more moves to save HD DVD, if for no other reason then to hurt Sony (who is their main rival in advancing beyond th desktop.)

Now that makes sense.

Here's the thing about Microsoft.

CES: No mention of HD DVD at their keynote (allegedly 20 minutes was cut to omit HD DVD discussion).

Major Nelson: No mention of HD DVD on his podcast since Warner jumped. No mention of Warner jumping, despite a long discussion of CES. Also, every week he and his co-host discuss what HD-DVD's they're watching OR have some to give away as contest prizes. All of this has stopped.

I think it's pretty safe to say at this point that Microsoft officially left the ship in a life boat along with Warner.

Having said all of that, can't see MS spending any money to save HD DVD.


lol, must be a slow night in the blu forums. :rolleyes:

Here's the thing about Microsoft...I think it's pretty safe to say at this point that Microsoft officially left the ship in a life boat along with Warner.

Having said all of that, can't see MS spending any money to save HD DVD.

Having said that, nobody can profess to know what Microsoft is up to but my point was simply that they have been very, very quiet on the HDM front since CES.


http://kotaku.com/342908/microsoft-were-still-committed-to-hd+dvd

Sorry, just wrong. They haven't been quiet at all. There's another article with an interview w/a MS exec and he reiterates MS' support of HD-DVD.

Edit: Also, if you hadn't noticed, MS has been more vocal/busy about dealing with the LIVE outages that occurred over the holidays (and in some cases is still occurring).

Lazy to do a BD exclusive encode or finding it difficult to unleash the IME / interactive features on Blu-ray ?

The only Studio besides Universal to consistently unleash the potential of HD DVD which I am sure they will find it difficult to implement in Blu-ray.

That is the problem I had with this. Waited until most of the HD DVD PRG folk were on airplanes traveling to the show where they couldn't respond, or more or less HEAR about it until they got on the ground.

On top of the fact that they got Toshiba to bring their player prices down, sell-though a ton of them, and packed their movie in the box of the A3.

For a company that had vested monatary interest, royalties and patents, and a long-standing friendship with Toshiba, backstabbing is a kind word for what they did. Downright crappy is more like it.

That is exactly what just spins my head about this whole situation. The more details we hear relating to this (like how Warner is shafting HD-DVD users on features for the I Am Legend release), the more and more obvious it becomes that this was not a kneejerk decision. They were planning this out a LONG time in advanced. Warner knew exactly when to hit, in the worst way, and with the worst timing possible for HD-DVD. That is just downright nasty, so far I think the single MOST "political maneuver" of this whole format "war".

If HD DVD players keep selling perhaps they will reevaluate 100% and stay neutral which is exactly what they should do.
Absolutely! Let us hope your contention is correct!

I have mixed feelings on buying anymore Warner releases.

1+

I'm intending to not buy any Warner product anymore. But look for 'alternatives'. Music I can lend from a local library. And their movies will come by on a HD movie channel. (Often even before the DVD release...)

Now I'm considering to buy only HD DVD from warner until they stop supporting it. After that nothing.

That way my vote trough the wallet might have an 0.001% impact on their sales numbers and sway their desicion. :rolleyes:

I have a rather high entertainment budget to spend anually.
No warner stuff saves me at least 600 euro a year.

If I have to go blu warner is paying my player and the monthly fee for the HD movie channel subscription.

I think it would be good for microsoft to have a movie company--even apple. Would help to secure and push digital downloads as a another string to the bow.With all thats going on at the moment in the entertainment industry anything is possible.Dont forget greed and power---sony made a good move getting one.I would love to see sony out moved. ;)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrCrawn
I have mixed feelings on buying anymore Warner releases

Same here.
I know warner doesnt care if I buy there movies or not, and I know blu people don't care either, but in fact, they have to realized that if blu want's to win they have to get the hd people's support.
The avarage comsumer doesnt even care about HD or Blu, hell alot of my friend that come over to watch a HD or Blu movie can't even tell the difference and this is using a Sony Bravia 1080p LCD TV.
So at the end of the day if the HD people decide not to support Blu or Warner, someone will eventually end up carring.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrCrawn
I have mixed feelings on buying anymore Warner releases

Same here.
I know warner doesnt care if I buy there movies or not, and I know blu people don't care either, but in fact, they have to realized that if blu want's to win they have to get the hd people's support.
The avarage comsumer doesnt even care about HD or Blu, hell alot of my friend that come over to watch a HD or Blu movie can't even tell the difference and this is using a Sony Bravia 1080p LCD TV.
So at the end of the day if the HD people decide not to support Blu or Warner, someone will eventually end up carring.

I'm in the same boat, Warner will never see one penny out of me ever again. I never forget, and as a matter of fact, because of DIVX, I've never ever given one more penny to Circuit City, just like Verizon will never have me as a customer again.

There are ways to see a Warner movie without them getting any money from us, and these are the ways it's going to go for me.

What bothers me is that for every one of us that will do that, there's a thousand that don't hold a grudge and are ready to give their money to Warner even though they've been betrayed.

What bothers me is that for every one of us that will do that, there's a thousand that don't hold a grudge and are ready to give their money to Warner even though they've been betrayed.

I'm sorry that it bothers you if I don't choose to hold a grudge. As life goes on, there are too many grudges one would need to hold. As it stands, I wouldn't have cable or satellite TV or own a computer running a Microsoft or Apple OS, and I'd never watch any of the major networks. Dynamic range compression would drive me away from most all prerecorded audio and professional sports would not be a part of my life either. IMO, it's just not practical to personalize it every time a corporation does something we do not like. If I am interested in a movie or an audio recording, I will enjoy that piece of media legally, as I always have.

Before this war, I didn't care one bit which studio released which title, and once it's over, I hope I can go back to feeling that way and just enjoy the movies. Am I disappointed and do I feel betrayed? Absolutely. Do I know everything about why people and corporations make decisions? Absolutely not.

I tend to believe that people do what they think is right based on what they know. Warner Brothers is not trying to screw us over, and they know a lot more than we do about this situation. For whatever reasons, they believed their best long-term interests were being served by these decisions. It may seem ruthless, wrong-headed, misguided, or (insert your own adjective). Regardless, they did not make this decision in order to be those things. They did because they thought is was best for making their company successful. If they're wrong, they'll pay with their careers. If they're right, they thrive, and we can either go on enjoying our lives or harbor bitterness toward faceless conglomerates. I will choose the former.

You guys are crazy. I'm buying all Warner stuff, on HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. My loyalties go to no companies, only to the movies that I love!

Yep! They've shot themselves in the foot with Blu-ray imo.
They shot High Definition Media in the foot with their decision...(IMHO).

I'm in the same boat, Warner will never see one penny out of me ever again. I never forget, and as a matter of fact, because of DIVX, I've never ever given one more penny to Circuit City, just like Verizon will never have me as a customer again.

There are ways to see a Warner movie without them getting any money from us, and these are the ways it's going to go for me.

What bothers me is that for every one of us that will do that, there's a thousand that don't hold a grudge and are ready to give their money to Warner even though they've been betrayed.
I have decided to buy what comes out on HDDVD (titles of interest of course). Instead of buying Bluray players and software I'll put the money into additional classic titles on laserdisc.

Warner Brothers is not trying to screw us over,

While I agree Warner is entitled to make whatever business decisions it sees fit for their company, delaying and now removing features from HD DVD releases does seem to me like they are screwing HD DVD owners. They will stop releasing on HD DVD in June, why go out of their way to actively sabotage their HD DVD releases before then?

While I agree Warner is entitled to make whatever business decisions it sees fit for their company, delaying and now removing features from HD DVD releases does seem to me like they are screwing HD DVD owners. They will stop releasing on HD DVD in June, why go out of their way to actively sabotage their HD DVD releases before then?
But I've got the impression that throughout the whole year 2007 some HD DVD studios did everything to discourage customers from buying HD DVDs. Half hearted release schedules, US Harry Potter HDDVDs with less features than the UK version, delays, one BOGO after the other for Bluray but not for HD DVD, etc.

I'm in the same boat, Warner will never see one penny out of me ever again. I never forget, and as a matter of fact, because of DIVX, I've never ever given one more penny to Circuit City, just like Verizon will never have me as a customer again.

There are ways to see a Warner movie without them getting any money from us, and these are the ways it's going to go for me.

What bothers me is that for every one of us that will do that, there's a thousand that don't hold a grudge and are ready to give their money to Warner even though they've been betrayed.

+1
Well said. It nice to know there are a couple of us around with a backbone and ethics.

They shot High Definition Media in the foot with their decision...(IMHO).

Totally agree. IMHO HD DVD was the only medium that had a chance to overtake SD DVD.

I honestly think that Warner doesn't really care if we have one format or if HDM even survives. They will still make money with Digital Downloads, probably more money actually. And they give you zero control over your media.

They shot High Definition Media in the foot with their decision...(IMHO).

Maybe that was their plan all along.

When Paramount dropped Blu-ray, I'm sure Warner was pretty pissed off because they knew that it would be impossible to get royalties for their "TotalHD" disc (what's the point if you're the only one using it?). I'm sure Jeffrey Bewkes said, "No one is going to use TotalHD? Well screw HDM, then."

IMHO, of course. :)

Totally agree. IMHO HD DVD was the only medium that had a chance to overtake SD DVD.

I honestly think that Warner doesn't really care if we have one format or if HDM even survives. They will still make money with Digital Downloads, probably more money actually. And they give you zero control over your media.

The beauty of HD DVD is that it even doesn't have to "overtake" SD, it is rather a kind of evolution, the next step so to speak, allowing for a smooth and painless transition to HD without leaving hundred million customers with DVD players in the dust.

Totally agree. IMHO HD DVD was the only medium that had a chance to overtake SD DVD.

I honestly think that Warner doesn't really care if we have one format or if HDM even survives. They will still make money with Digital Downloads, probably more money actually. And they give you zero control over your media.

I've had the feeling like WB is actively trying to kill HDM. All the troubles they've been having with blu-ray releases (disc screwups, delayed order fullfillment, etc.) and then after all their assurances, they suddenly drop hd dvd support. Perhaps they're trying to kill of hd dvd and blu-ray in retaliation for not being able to get Total HD discs going. Or maybe they have a secret deal with HD-VMD? :D

The beauty of HD DVD is that it even doesn't have to "overtake" SD, it is rather a kind of evolution, the next step so to speak, allowing for a smooth and painless transition to HD without leaving hundred million customers with DVD players in the dust.

Or our landfills.

Or our landfills.
right :)

The petition and the assault of letters to Warner execs seem to be working. Now if we can delay till the Dark Night comes out I will be a happy camper.

You actually think that had anything to do with that??? It was simply done so that Twister on red wouldn't be released the same day as blu. There is nothing more to it.

You actually think that had anything to do with that??? It was simply done so that Twister on red wouldn't be released the same day as blu. There is nothing more to it.
Yes, that's what I think as well. Warner has already pressed the disc, and wants to have the money from HD DVD owners. By the way I don't have a problem with that, I'll buy Warner HD DVDs as long as they release titles which interests me.

While I agree Warner is entitled to make whatever business decisions it sees fit for their company, delaying and now removing features from HD DVD releases does seem to me like they are screwing HD DVD owners. They will stop releasing on HD DVD in June, why go out of their way to actively sabotage their HD DVD releases before then?

Rather than screwing HD DVD owners, I'm sure they see this as a way to guide us toward Blu-ray, which they have stated they will exclusively support. From their point of view, they want us to migrate. They see this as a way to expedite that.

I don't support what they've done, and as a consumer I'll do what I can (very little) to dissuade them from their current position. I just don't see the value in taking my distaste for this situation to my grave.

If I buy Warner movies, I will buy them used, so that the money goes to the original owner and not to Warner.

Warner simply ignored the will of HD DVD enthusiasts. I really don't think petitions will be very effective either, if actual HD DVD sales numbers were ignored.

It was Jeffrey Bewkes' decision, pure and simple. I'm not holding a grudge, but I won't direct any money their way.

Actually, I am happy to be able to spend my time and money on more worthwhile endeavors.

By choosing BD, Warner gave a boost to DVD. That may be to their benefit in the long run, since they were concerned about slipping DVD sales. It would be ironic if Warner made more money -- from DVD sales and downloads -- by ending the format war in a way that ensures that HDM will be a niche format. That would be a very convoluted chain of karma, but crazier things have happened. It will be interesting to see whether drops in HD DVD sales will be offset by rising DVD sales.

If I buy Warner movies, I will buy them used, so that the money goes to the original owner and not to Warner.

Warner simply ignored the will of HD DVD enthusiasts. I really don't think petitions will be very effective either, if actual HD DVD sales numbers were ignored.
It was Jeffrey Bewkes' decision, pure and simple. I'm not holding a grudge, but I won't direct any money their way.

Actually, I am happy to be able to spend my time and money on more worthwhile endeavors.

Can you show me some numbers that show that HD Warner movies were outselling BD versions? Can you show me numbers that indicating that BD standalones weren't catching up and passing HD standalones? Can you also show me something that HD has that can counter the PS3? If you can then I will believe your statement. Until then it appears they did focus on sales numbers.

If I buy Warner movies, I will buy them used, so that the money goes to the original owner and not to Warner.

Warner simply ignored the will of HD DVD enthusiasts. I really don't think petitions will be very effective either, if actual HD DVD sales numbers were ignored.

It was Jeffrey Bewkes' decision, pure and simple. I'm not holding a grudge, but I won't direct any money their way.

Actually, I am happy to be able to spend my time and money on more worthwhile endeavors.

I agree - I'll support Warner as long as they support HD-DVD, but when they stop, I'll stop supporting them - in the theaters, on HDM, on DVD.
I don't hate them, but if I disagree with their decisions / business practices, I'll vote with my wallet. Plenty of other movies / entertainment out there to spend that money on...

I agree - I'll support Warner as long as they support HD-DVD, but when they stop, I'll stop supporting them - in the theaters, on HDM, on DVD.
I don't hate them, but if I disagree with their decisions / business practices, I'll vote with my wallet. Plenty of other movies / entertainment out there to spend that money on...


Do what ya feel ya gotta do, but personally I think life is WAY too short and there are MUCH bigger things in life to worry about than to stop going to movies I may like just because they are from a studio that made a business decision to go where there may be more money.

If I like a film, I'll go see it regardless of who the studio is and what HDM format they belong to.

It's about loving films and to deprive myself of a good film over something so trivial isn't in my best interest.

does anyone have an appropriate email address for warner, i would like to email them and urge an indefinite hd support extension, thanks

does anyone have an appropriate email address for warner, i would like to email them and urge an indefinite hd support extension, thanks

My friend, your email will go into a dumping ground like pretty much every email places like that get when things like this happen.

I say focus your energies on more productive things.

I'm in the same boat, Warner will never see one penny out of me ever again. I never forget, and as a matter of fact, because of DIVX, I've never ever given one more penny to Circuit City, just like Verizon will never have me as a customer again.

There are ways to see a Warner movie without them getting any money from us, and these are the ways it's going to go for me.

What bothers me is that for every one of us that will do that, there's a thousand that don't hold a grudge and are ready to give their money to Warner even though they've been betrayed.

Praise the lord, you don't have to preach to the choir, I'm with you on this one. I am just glad that there are still consumers out there that remember the Circuit City/Divx/ entertainment Lawyers, that tried to screw the consumer. Because of that, we now have our trusty DVD.:D

I've always voted with my wallet. Always will.
I'll continue to buy Warner titles, but only in HD and only on the used market.
If you read some of the thread that Robert of Value Electronics was posting to, you'll know that Warners decision to drop HD, hit the Toshiba people like a bomb. No prior warning. Hell, they could have at least sent them an e-mail signed Tora,Tora, Tora. Their move was imo in allignment with Sony's business practices with respect to hdm. Certainly did not reflect the actions of a studio that I once held in high esteem.
Tony

Can you show me some numbers that show that HD Warner movies were outselling BD versions? Can you show me numbers that indicating that BD standalones weren't catching up and passing HD standalones? Can you also show me something that HD has that can counter the PS3? If you can then I will believe your statement. Until then it appears they did focus on sales numbers.

You need to read more carefully. :) I didn't say that HD DVD was "outselling" BD. I simply said -- or at least meant to say -- that Warner ignored a healthy HD DVD market. That market included me. I had the misfortune of buying from a company that decided that my preferences were unimportant. Warner would have continued to get my business had they remained neutral. I'm sure many folks felt the same way about Paramount.

HD DVD supporters aren't going to be "herded" over to Blu-ray simply because Warner decided that's the way it should be. Everyone has free will. Some people don't care who gets their money, so long as they get what they want. Other people are more picky and choose not to support this or that company for a plethora of reasons. For example, many people will not buy Nike shoes because many of these are made in Vietnam sweatshops.

Frankly, I never needed HDM, but I had fun (great bang for the buck) with HD DVD. I still don't need HDM, but BD just isn't fun for me. I don't much care for the PS3: I don't play games, don't like the energy draw of the PS3, and would have to do without the 5.1 analog outputs required by my old receiver. When my receiver dies, I may just go back to stereo: Two great speakers are better than seven lousy ones. I don't need to support anything, be it HD DVD, BD, or Warner, for that matter.

I am sure that BD will do very well within its newly won niche position. I think that DVD and downloads will also do very well. Toshiba will continue doing well by selling upscaling HD DVD players and gathering royalties from DVD. Sony will get to control HDM optical disk royalties. I think that HD DVD will become like DVD Audio -- supported by some players, but largely ignored by the public. I think that BD will continue to be more expensive than the coming recession will tolerate, and that will delay its adoption.

You are apparently very excited about the PS3. I am happy for you; but your excitement is not compelling for me; and I can buy or not buy whatever I want. Actually, bringing up the PS3 in an HD DVD software forum isn't going to win new "converts" for BD. It may even have the opposite effect. But to each his own.

In any case, I am very thankful for Warner's decision. I might have spent too much money on HDM in the future. Now I can just drop the whole diversion and get on with the things that really matter in life. I am always pleased -- and somewhat surprised -- when companies do things that make customers unhappy. A similar example would be terrible customer service (legendary, in the case of Sony), which can lead to more losses of sales than just about anything else, including "format wars."

With regard to the thread topic: Warner took the HD DVD customers' money and ran. The three-week extension probably has everything to do with making sure the final HD DVD titles are produced, albeit late, per agreement with the HD DVD group. Furthermore, Warner may have unforeseen delays or problems with their BD releases; and they will want to keep the three-week delay for HD DVD in that event.

Edit to add: I predict that Warner's HD DVD production runs will be very limited, partly because they anticipate sluggish sales and partly because they want to steer customers toward BD. Look for many "collectibles" among Warner HD DVD releases.

You need to read more carefully. :) I didn't say that HD DVD was "outselling" BD. I simply said -- or at least meant to say -- that Warner ignored a healthy HD DVD market. That market included me. I had the misfortune of buying from a company that decided that my preferences were unimportant. Warner would have continued to get my business had they remained neutral. I'm sure many folks felt the same way about Paramount.

HD DVD supporters aren't going to be "herded" over to Blu-ray simply because Warner decided that's the way it should be. Everyone has free will. Some people don't care who gets their money, so long as they get what they want. Other people are more picky and choose not to support this or that company for a plethora of reasons. For example, many people will not buy Nike shoes because many of these are made in Vietnam sweatshops.

Frankly, I never needed HDM, but I had fun (great bang for the buck) with HD DVD. I still don't need HDM, but BD just isn't fun for me. I don't much care for the PS3: I don't play games, don't like the energy draw of the PS3, and would have to do without the 5.1 analog outputs required by my old receiver. When my receiver dies, I may just go back to stereo: Two great speakers are better than seven lousy ones. I don't need to support anything, be it HD DVD, BD, or Warner, for that matter.

I am sure that BD will do very well within its newly won niche position. I think that DVD and downloads will also do very well. Toshiba will continue doing well by selling upscaling HD DVD players and gathering royalties from DVD. Sony will get to control HDM optical disk royalties. I think that HD DVD will become like DVD Audio -- supported by some players, but largely ignored by the public. I think that BD will continue to be more expensive than the coming recession will tolerate, and that will delay its adoption.

You are apparently very excited about the PS3. I am happy for you; but your excitement is not compelling for me; and I can buy or not buy whatever I want. Actually, bringing up the PS3 in an HD DVD software forum isn't going to win new "converts" for BD. It may even have the opposite effect. But to each his own.

In any case, I am very thankful for Warner's decision. I might have spent too much money on HDM in the future. Now I can just drop the whole diversion and get on with the things that really matter in life. I am always pleased -- and somewhat surprised -- when companies do things that make customers unhappy. A similar example would be terrible customer service (legendary, in the case of Sony), which can lead to more losses of sales than just about anything else, including "format wars."

With regard to the thread topic: Warner took the HD DVD customers' money and ran. The three-week extension probably has everything to do with making sure the final HD DVD titles are produced, albeit late, per agreement with the HD DVD group. Furthermore, Warner may have unforeseen delays or problems with their BD releases; and they will want to keep the three-week delay for HD DVD in that event.


I just dont understand the rationale. When Paramount dropped BD (which I prefer) then I bought the movies on HD (of course only on Ebay). I didnt give up on the entire Hi Def media. I didnt say I will never watch a Paramount movie at home or in theatres. I think many people are taking this way to far. Warner made a company decision that they felt was in the greater good for them. Why are people so mad?

I just dont understand the rationale. When Paramount dropped BD (which I prefer) then I bought the movies on HD (of course only on Ebay). I didnt give up on the entire Hi Def media. I didnt say I will never watch a Paramount movie at home or in theatres. I think many people are taking this way to far. Warner made a company decision that they felt was in the greater good for them. Why are people so mad?

I haven't figured it out either. Its like they're all little children screaming at the top of their lungs "I'M TAKING MY BALL AND GOING HOME!"

Kinda fun to watch though :)

I have decided to buy what comes out on HDDVD (titles of interest of course). Instead of buying Bluray players and software I'll put the money into additional classic titles on laserdisc.


Are you angry that Warner Bros. stop putting out their films on VHS given there are still millions of VHS players out there?

I haven't figured it out either. Its like they're all little children screaming at the top of their lungs "I'M TAKING MY BALL AND GOING HOME!"

Kinda fun to watch though :)

Actually, it's more complicated than that. People have lots of reasons for doing what they do.

Many people (not necessarily high rollers) got into HDM only because of HD DVD. With the demise of HD DVD, some people will exit from the same door they entered.

It is fun to watch lots of things in this thread.

But we're not talking about playing ball on a playground here. We're talking about how people spend their money. Warner dropped the cheaper format and thereupon lost a certain chunk of the HDM base.

With HD DVD, it was a cheap game to play. With BD, at least for the foreseeable future, the price of admission is a bit too high for some.

It was fun playing the game, until someone raised the admission price. Thanks, but no thanks.

There is no moral obligation to spend money on any format.

I haven't bought in to either format as of yet, but it does blow me away all the whining going on here. IMO most anyone could figure out that one of these technologies was going to bite the dust, and it "seems" HDDVD will bite the dust. Those who want to be on the bleeding edge of technology better be ready to bleed.

So stop saying you will stop buying and not going to warner bros. released movies. Thats your temper speaking and in a few months if a movie that looks really good, or a movie that has your fav actor/tress in it and you are a movie goer you will go. Because you will sound like a 5 year old saying "I'm not going because they didn't support HDDVD."

Someone answer me a question regarding the Warner deal. I'm sure it was posted at the time of the split, but I stayed as far away from here a possible for a few days.

What happens to current Warner titles released on HD DVD? Is production going to dry up as it did with Paramount or will they continue to produce and release pre-June 2008 titles?

If it's the former, like Paramount, what's the point of releasing Twister and then shutting off the supply immediately?

Just wondering.

I haven't bought in to either format as of yet, but it does blow me away all the whining going on here. IMO most anyone could figure out that one of these technologies was going to bite the dust, and it "seems" HDDVD will bite the dust. Those who want to be on the bleeding edge of technology better be ready to bleed.

So stop saying you will stop buying and not going to warner bros. released movies. Thats your temper speaking and in a few months if a movie that looks really good, or a movie that has your fav actor/tress in it and you are a movie goer you will go. Because you will sound like a 5 year old saying "I'm not going because they didn't support HDDVD."


Agreed

So stop saying you will stop buying and not going to warner bros. released movies. Thats your temper speaking and in a few months if a movie that looks really good, or a movie that has your fav actor/tress in it and you are a movie goer you will go. Because you will sound like a 5 year old saying "I'm not going because they didn't support HDDVD."

Not true. I could easily afford BD, but the value just isn't there for me. I am not angry at WB nor any other studio. I agree that it wasn't a wise business move by Warner, and I will also agree that it won't help HDM in being adopted by the masses - but those are completely separate observations and opinions from what value I personally perceive exists in each format.

I think the point that was being made is that you are telling me I am acting like a 5yr old if I don't immediately buy a BD player, sell my XA2, and dump all my HD DvD's. I could care less about BD, not because I am a supporter of either but solely because I do not see the present value in purchasing a device to play BD.

If and when I do get a BD player, it will ONLY be because I see value in my purchase and not because a studio told me I should. Incidently, my opinion would NOT change if every studio in existence went BD tomorrow.

my $.02 . .

I have a Toshiba HD-A30 HD-DVD player and a bunch of HD-DVD titles. All this was purchased at really attractive prices and work very well. I was terribly disappointed when Warner pulled the rug out from under their HD-DVD customers in January. I admit to being a bit angry due to the timing of it (right after the holiday buying/sales season when many of us ventured into the high def arena for the first time). But I decided to keep my player and movies because the pricing was very attractive, after Amazon honored price matching etc. Amazon was very customer supportive and I cannot say enough good things about them. They would have taken all of it back with a full refund, if I chose to go that route. But - most important - I really like my stuff - the player works great, the HD-DVD discs work great, the player does a superb job of upconverting, etc.

Once Warner stops offering titles in the HD-DVD format - I will most likely stop buying Warner releases. Not because I am angry at them or boycotting them - just because I cannot rationalize buying standard def dvd's anymore. If Warner is not interested in having me as a customer, then so be it - renting standard def dvd's of Warner releases will suit me just fine. It was their choice to stop offering products that I am interested in purchasing. If they are assuming all their HD-DVD customers are going to run out and buy a Blu-Ray player at exorbitant prices so we can start buying Warner Blu-Ray releases at exorbitant prices - I think they are going to be disappointed. I bet 80% of their HD-DVD sales will simply disappear. Maybe someday I'll consider a Blu-Ray player someday - but not in any hurry. HD-DVD and standard def dvd upconverted via my Toshiba is where I am for quite a while. :cool:

Not true. I could easily afford BD, but the value just isn't there for me. I am not angry at WB nor any other studio. I agree that it wasn't a wise business move by Warner, and I will also agree that it won't help HDM in being adopted by the masses - but those are completely separate observations and opinions from what value I personally perceive exists in each format.

I think the point that was being made is that you are telling me I am acting like a 5yr old if I don't immediately buy a BD player, sell my XA2, and dump all my HD DvD's. I could care less about BD, not because I am a supporter of either but solely because I do not see the present value in purchasing a device to play BD.

If and when I do get a BD player, it will ONLY be because I see value in my purchase and not because a studio told me I should. Incidently, my opinion would NOT change if every studio in existence went BD tomorrow.

You do realize he/we are mainly talking about all the folks claiming they won't go to the MOVIE THEATER to see a Warner movie just because they won't support HD DVD.....??

[QUOTE=vmaxxer;12920369]
I think the point that was being made is that you are telling me I am acting like a 5yr old if I don't immediately buy a BD player, sell my XA2, and dump all my HD DvD's. I could care less about BD, not because I am a supporter of either but solely because I do not see the present value in purchasing a device to play BD.

Really how did you read that into what I wrote??? I just said all the whining should stop. I could care less if you buy a BD player, I know I won't buy one until the prices come down. I see no value in purchasing a BD player right now either and in all honesty I may buy a A3 only for upconverting my current DVD collection.

IMO if the movie isn't filled with special effects/scenery then I don't even need it in HDDVD/BD. Who can honestly justify paying $30 say for Daddy Day Care?!??!

I haven't bought in to either format as of yet, but it does blow me away all the whining going on here. IMO most anyone could figure out that one of these technologies was going to bite the dust, and it "seems" HDDVD will bite the dust. Those who want to be on the bleeding edge of technology better be ready to bleed.

So stop saying you will stop buying and not going to warner bros. released movies. Thats your temper speaking and in a few months if a movie that looks really good, or a movie that has your fav actor/tress in it and you are a movie goer you will go. Because you will sound like a 5 year old saying "I'm not going because they didn't support HDDVD."

It seems to me that since you haven't invested into or experienced either format, you haven't any personal stake or experience to offer. I have no plans to invest in Blu-Ray - which means I have no plans to purchase Warner releases after they stop offering them in HD-DVD. Maybe someday I'll reconsider getting involved in Blu-Ray, but not in any hurry. If you think Blu-Ray is a great idea - go spend your money . . .:cool:

I think the point that was being made is that you are telling me I am acting like a 5yr old if I don't immediately buy a BD player, sell my XA2, and dump all my HD DvD's. I could care less about BD, not because I am a supporter of either but solely because I do not see the present value in purchasing a device to play BD.

Really how did you read that into what I wrote??? I just said all the whining should stop. I could care less if you buy a BD player, I know I won't buy one until the prices come down. I see no value in purchasing a BD player right now either and in all honesty I may buy a A3 only for upconverting my current DVD collection.

IMO if the movie isn't filled with special effects/scenery then I don't even need it in HDDVD/BD. Who can honestly justify paying $30 say for Daddy Day Care?!??!

It seems to me that since you haven't invested into or experienced either format, you haven't any personal stake or experience to offer. I have no plans to invest in Blu-Ray - which means I have no plans to purchase Warner releases after they stop offering them in HD-DVD. Maybe someday I'll reconsider getting involved in Blu-Ray, but not in any hurry. If you think Blu-Ray is a great idea - go spend your money . . .:cool:


LOL! You guys are like scorned women! I am format neutral and somehow you read into my post to run out and buy BD. Talk about insecure. Sheesh.

HDM threads can be so amusing! Makes my day sometimes...Thanks. :)

LOL! You guys are like scorned women! I am format neutral and somehow you read into my post to run out and buy BD. Talk about insecure. Sheesh.

Actually, according to your posts - you are "format absent", since you said you haven't bought anything at all. I just don't think your posts are all that relevant, since you have no personal experience with either format and have nothing at stake.

And btw - I'm perfectly secure in my decisions regarding optical media based high definition home entertainment. I don't understand what your problem is . . . :cool:

my $.02 . .

I have a Toshiba HD-A30 HD-DVD player and a bunch of HD-DVD titles. All this was purchased at really attractive prices and work very well. I was terribly disappointed when Warner pulled the rug out from under their HD-DVD customers in January. I admit to being a bit angry due to the timing of it (right after the holiday buying/sales season when many of us ventured into the high def arena for the first time). But I decided to keep my player and movies because the pricing was very attractive, after Amazon honored price matching etc. Amazon was very customer supportive and I cannot say enough good things about them. They would have taken all of it back with a full refund, if I chose to go that route. But - most important - I really like my stuff - the player works great, the HD-DVD discs work great, the player does a superb job of upconverting, etc.

Once Warner stops offering titles in the HD-DVD format - I will most likely stop buying Warner releases. Not because I am angry at them or boycotting them - just because I cannot rationalize buying standard def dvd's anymore. If Warner is not interested in having me as a customer, then so be it - renting standard def dvd's of Warner releases will suit me just fine. It was their choice to stop offering products that I am interested in purchasing. If they are assuming all their HD-DVD customers are going to run out and buy a Blu-Ray player at exorbitant prices so we can start buying Warner Blu-Ray releases at exorbitant prices - I think they are going to be disappointed. I bet 80% of their HD-DVD sales will simply disappear. Maybe someday I'll consider a Blu-Ray player someday - but not in any hurry. HD-DVD and standard def dvd upconverted via my Toshiba is where I am for quite a while. :cool:

I couldn't agree more. I've got an A1 and an A2 that I've paid less than $300 combined for and I can't even get on decent BR player for that.... I'll buy Warner or whatever I want on HD DVD still, but after Warner ends support, I'm not running out and buying a BR player.......that is unless they get a profile 2.0 player for a sub $200 price tag (and if they finally decide 2.0 is the final spec :rolleyes:).
I also won't be buying any standard def releases as I haven't for years.....HD-DVD & Netflix....that's it for me for now......

I don't see myself rushing to buy ANY Warner titles. Renting? Yes.

I agree that the cost to entry to the other side is a bit high. My A20 upconverts just fine. I'm not even J6P. There are too many movies available on SD DVD only that look just fine. I bought Superbad on SD DVD off E-bay, since I don't have a Blu-Ray player. (I don't hate Sony like way too many HD DVD supporters.)

People have a right to be mad at Warner. They did bold face lie and say they were supporting both formats throughout the holiday season. After the switch they even said they figured they would support both formats throughout 2008. (They certainly implied they would.) I will still see and/or rent Dark Knight. However, I don't have to buy it on Blu. (I don't own all 500+ HD DVD's, either.)

Personally I don't think you would have seen so many people upset if they had done this...say before CHRISTMAS.

Its one thing to stop support for a format and kill it during the summer.
Its a completely different thing to wait for many people to get an HD-DVD player for Christmas, have a couple of weeks to buy your movies, and then drop your support for it.

Actually, according to your posts - you are "format absent", since you said you haven't bought anything at all. I just don't think your posts are all that relevant, since you have no personal experience with either format and have nothing at stake.


I'm sorry I wasn't aware you had to own a HDDVD or BD player to post about them. I retract all my prior posts. Sorry to bother. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I just dont understand the rationale. When Paramount dropped BD (which I prefer) then I bought the movies on HD (of course only on Ebay). I didnt give up on the entire Hi Def media. I didnt say I will never watch a Paramount movie at home or in theatres. I think many people are taking this way to far. Warner made a company decision that they felt was in the greater good for them. Why are people so mad?

I am not angry at all, but as a new BD owner I can understand it. The BD menu's and interactivity are not nearly as effective as the HD DVD and they are at a premium price. Ther first player I bought I had to return b/c it wouldn't play POTC 3 at all.

You do realize he/we are mainly talking about all the folks claiming they won't go to the MOVIE THEATER to see a Warner movie just because they won't support HD DVD.....??

See what happens when you come late to a party?
Sorry ... just assumed in following the thread that it was directed at folks who will not buy Warner movies once they are Blu exclusive.

V

Really how did you read that into what I wrote??? I just said all the whining should stop. I could care less if you buy a BD player, I know I won't buy one until the prices come down. I see no value in purchasing a BD player right now either and in all honesty I may buy a A3 only for upconverting my current DVD collection.

IMO if the movie isn't filled with special effects/scenery then I don't even need it in HDDVD/BD. Who can honestly justify paying $30 say for Daddy Day Care?!??!

As a owner of both formats I think that is a very rational decision. I would suggest getting Netflix (14.99/mo.) and rent some HD DVD's though. I think you would enjoy them.:)

Are you angry that Warner Bros. stop putting out their films on VHS given there are still millions of VHS players out there?

Care to guess when that happened? If you guessed anything earlier than 2006 you'd be wrong!

Not true. I could easily afford BD, but the value just isn't there for me. I am not angry at WB nor any other studio. I agree that it wasn't a wise business move by Warner, and I will also agree that it won't help HDM in being adopted by the masses - but those are completely separate observations and opinions from what value I personally perceive exists in each format.

I think the point that was being made is that you are telling me I am acting like a 5yr old if I don't immediately buy a BD player, sell my XA2, and dump all my HD DvD's. I could care less about BD, not because I am a supporter of either but solely because I do not see the present value in purchasing a device to play BD.

If and when I do get a BD player, it will ONLY be because I see value in my purchase and not because a studio told me I should. Incidently, my opinion would NOT change if every studio in existence went BD tomorrow.

+1 People have reasons for what they do or don't do. The word "whining" is getting old. Lack of "bang for the buck" is one good reason for not "playing ball" with BD at this time.

Nobody should be "forced" to do anything, nor should they be belittled for refusing to spend money on something at this time or any time.

Perhaps Warner thought that BD prices were low enough for HD DVD owners to make the switch painlessly. That is really not the case at this time, at least for people like yourself and myself.

But there are other reasons for not buying from Warner. Their customer service is chaotic and dismal. Ordering the last round of HD DVD's from their site is likely to be an experience akin to a root canal.

They probably became BD exclusive to avoid getting the two formats mixed up in the packaging.

I'm sorry I wasn't aware you had to own a HDDVD or BD player to post about them. I retract all my prior posts. Sorry to bother. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Nope - you can post anything you like as long it conforms to forum rules, as far as I know. So can the rest of us. :cool:

So then you could see MS making more moves to save HD DVD, if for no other reason then to hurt Sony (who is their main rival in advancing beyond th desktop.)

Now that makes sense.

Sure, but at what cost? MS lost a lot of money on its xbox business, I have a feeling shareholders wouldn't be too thrilled at the thought of MS purchasing a movie studio. Also I'm sure there would be huge opposition by the other studios who would try to block MS from purchasing a studio.

Yep! They've shot themselves in the foot with Blu-ray imo.

Agreed. Warner really screwed up.

They entended the three week "wait" onto Warner HD-DVD catalog titles as well.That is the only reason that there's going to be 3 extra weeks.If Warner decides to release any more HD-DVD titles between now and then, then we might get a couple extra titles in HD-DVD, especially is sales of the remaining Warner HD-DVD titles are better than expected.

You need to read more carefully. :) I didn't say that HD DVD was "outselling" BD. I simply said -- or at least meant to say -- that Warner ignored a healthy HD DVD market. That market included me. I had the misfortune of buying from a company that decided that my preferences were unimportant. Warner would have continued to get my business had they remained neutral. I'm sure many folks felt the same way about Paramount.

HD DVD supporters aren't going to be "herded" over to Blu-ray simply because Warner decided that's the way it should be. Everyone has free will. Some people don't care who gets their money, so long as they get what they want. Other people are more picky and choose not to support this or that company for a plethora of reasons. For example, many people will not buy Nike shoes because many of these are made in Vietnam sweatshops.

Frankly, I never needed HDM, but I had fun (great bang for the buck) with HD DVD. I still don't need HDM, but BD just isn't fun for me. I don't much care for the PS3: I don't play games, don't like the energy draw of the PS3, and would have to do without the 5.1 analog outputs required by my old receiver. When my receiver dies, I may just go back to stereo: Two great speakers are better than seven lousy ones. I don't need to support anything, be it HD DVD, BD, or Warner, for that matter.

I am sure that BD will do very well within its newly won niche position. I think that DVD and downloads will also do very well. Toshiba will continue doing well by selling upscaling HD DVD players and gathering royalties from DVD. Sony will get to control HDM optical disk royalties. I think that HD DVD will become like DVD Audio -- supported by some players, but largely ignored by the public. I think that BD will continue to be more expensive than the coming recession will tolerate, and that will delay its adoption.

You are apparently very excited about the PS3. I am happy for you; but your excitement is not compelling for me; and I can buy or not buy whatever I want. Actually, bringing up the PS3 in an HD DVD software forum isn't going to win new "converts" for BD. It may even have the opposite effect. But to each his own.

In any case, I am very thankful for Warner's decision. I might have spent too much money on HDM in the future. Now I can just drop the whole diversion and get on with the things that really matter in life. I am always pleased -- and somewhat surprised -- when companies do things that make customers unhappy. A similar example would be terrible customer service (legendary, in the case of Sony), which can lead to more losses of sales than just about anything else, including "format wars."

With regard to the thread topic: Warner took the HD DVD customers' money and ran. The three-week extension probably has everything to do with making sure the final HD DVD titles are produced, albeit late, per agreement with the HD DVD group. Furthermore, Warner may have unforeseen delays or problems with their BD releases; and they will want to keep the three-week delay for HD DVD in that event.

Edit to add: I predict that Warner's HD DVD production runs will be very limited, partly because they anticipate sluggish sales and partly because they want to steer customers toward BD. Look for many "collectibles" among Warner HD DVD releases.
Enjoyed your post. Look for many collectible items related to HD in the future, whether from Warner or not. I'm already buying most of the good HD titles and that will likely extend into some of the new releases coming in the next couple of months... now must get Planet Earth... :)

Warner should had stayed with both formats
Agreed. HD DVD's user base is growing by the day. Their is over 1 million HD DVD SAL player owners. What the hell is Warner doing? Was Sony's payoff worth the loss of money & customers Warner will have?
Are you angry that Warner Bros. stop putting out their films on VHS given there are still millions of VHS players out there?
VHS has nothing to do with what the original poster was talking about. VHS has been dead for a long time now.

Agreed. HD DVD's user base is growing by the day. Their is over 1 million HD DVD SAL player owners. What the hell is Warner doing? Was Sony's payoff worth the loss of money & customers Warner will have?
In the short term, absolutely it was.

If HD DVD survives this and gains ground, Warner offers to them later.

Paramount did the same thing. I would have too.

I've always voted with my wallet. Always will.
I'll continue to buy Warner titles, but only in HD and only on the used market.
If you read some of the thread that Robert of Value Electronics was posting to, you'll know that Warners decision to drop HD, hit the Toshiba people like a bomb. No prior warning. Hell, they could have at least sent them an e-mail signed Tora,Tora, Tora. Their move was imo in allignment with Sony's business practices with respect to hdm. Certainly did not reflect the actions of a studio that I once held in high esteem.
Tony

Do you hold Paramount to the same standards when it comes to their support of HD DVD over Blu-Ray. They, too, gave no notice to the BDA and, even worse, trashed the already pressed BD titles of films announced for that format, rather than releasing them. At least Warners are releasing the titles they've already announced on HD DVD.

And for those who refuse to support Circuit City for their involvement with DIVX, are you also boycotting Disney and Fox titles on DVD? Because, they were complicit in the existence of that format as well.

Do you hold Paramount to the same standards when it comes to their support of HD DVD over Blu-Ray. They, too, gave no notice to the BDA and, even worse, trashed the already pressed BD titles of films announced for that format, rather than releasing them. At least Warners are releasing the titles they've already announced on HD DVD.

And for those who refuse to support Circuit City for their involvement with DIVX, are you also boycotting Disney and Fox titles on DVD? Because, they were complicit in the existence of that format as well.

BD Paramount titles that were already pressed and in the market were continued to be sold after the switch. Some can still be found at B&Ms if you look closely enough.

Paramount's BD contract had expired, they no longer had any contractual obligation to release new titles on BD, so they didn't.

Warner is contractually obligated to release new titles on HD DVD until May and have publicly acted to sabotage sales of those titles with an early declaration on intent to publish on BD exclusively and imposed delays on HD DVD titles.

I'm not saying Paramount's decision left BD owners any happier, but Warner's actions and potential results of those actions differ from Paramount's greatly.

Are you angry that Warner Bros. stop putting out their films on VHS given there are still millions of VHS players out there?
No, but I held off buying many classic titles which I wanted to have in my collection when I decided to buy some HD titles instead. I see some evidence that studios will not bring those classics on HDMedia soon, so I decided to expand my ever growing collection of Laserdiscs instead. That's all.

Paramount didn't convince Toshiba to push forward with what is now HD-DVD, Paramount didn't promote Blu-Ray, and when they made their choice Blu-Ray had yet to sell over 100,000 SOL's. Paramount had previously been HD-DVD exclusive, they ran into several BD production delays, features and capabilities were not available on BD, and their was a lack of facilities for disc production causing them to enter large ques for (reportedly Twister keeps getting delayed because he had to find line availability).

As Divx supporters. Yeah they supported but they dropped the evil Divx support early caused Divx an early death. I can see how Divx supports might be angry, but their players were DVD compatible. A lot of problems with Warner is how they went about their support of HD DVD. They talked it up, gave their Premium movies to HD DVD exclusive and they waited till after HD DVD had their best growth and huge success going into Q1 08 (pulling closer to 50% in several weeks Q4) and then even screwed over the partners they created while pushing Toshiba forward on this.

I don't hate them, but if I disagree with their decisions / business practices, I'll vote with my wallet. Plenty of other movies / entertainment out there to spend that money on...

And what will you do if at some point (say by the end of the year) none of them are releasing on HD-DVD either?

Paramount didn't convince Toshiba to push forward with what is now HD-DVD, Paramount didn't promote Blu-Ray, and when they made their choice Blu-Ray had yet to sell over 100,000 SOL's. Paramount had previously been HD-DVD exclusive, they ran into several BD production delays, features and capabilities were not available on BD, and their was a lack of facilities for disc production causing them to enter large ques for (reportedly Twister keeps getting delayed because he had to find line availability).

As Divx supporters. Yeah they supported but they dropped the evil Divx support early caused Divx an early death. I can see how Divx supports might be angry, but their players were DVD compatible. A lot of problems with Warner is how they went about their support of HD DVD. They talked it up, gave their Premium movies to HD DVD exclusive and they waited till after HD DVD had their best growth and huge success going into Q1 08 (pulling closer to 50% in several weeks Q4) and then even screwed over the partners they created while pushing Toshiba forward on this.


Clearly Warner betrayed, blindsided, backstabbed and sabotaged HD DVD with malice. It was calculated to do the maximum harm and damage to HD DVD...right down to the 3 week delay of future HD DVD releases.

Do you hold Paramount to the same standards when it comes to their support of HD DVD over Blu-Ray. They, too, gave no notice to the BDA and, even worse, trashed the already pressed BD titles of films announced for that format, rather than releasing them. At least Warners are releasing the titles they've already announced on HD DVD.

And for those who refuse to support Circuit City for their involvement with DIVX, are you also boycotting Disney and Fox titles on DVD? Because, they were complicit in the existence of that format as well.

It is true that I no longer purchase Disney or Fox titles - but only because they do not offer their products in the high def format of my choice - - HD-DVD! So they are strictly standard def rentals.

Clearly Warner betrayed, blindsided, backstabbed and sabotaged HD DVD with malice. It was calculated to do the maximum harm and damage to HD DVD...right down to the 3 week delay of future HD DVD releases.

Yeah - it does seem like Warner has made it their mission to completely alienate their HD-DVD customers. But that's ok - there are plenty of ways to spend our entertainment money that do not involve Warner . .:cool:

And what will you do if at some point (say by the end of the year) none of them are releasing on HD-DVD either?

Upconverted standard def dvd's. How about some good books (I love to read).:cool:

Those of you who say "grow up" "whining" etc are just the type of sheep the big corporations love. Sony barking on one side and Warner on the other while you run into the direction they want. See I'm being extreme here but so are you guys with your comments.

I for one decided over the last few days never to purchase any Blu-rays from Warner. Just like I don't buy gas from Exxon/Mobil for the other reasons. These decisions do not affect the quality of my life in anyway. If I need a Warner movie and its not on HD I'll buy it used. I have no problem waiting as I'm not as big a movie buff as some of you guys and am more into watching HDTV programming of any kind.

Another thing is that I never ruled out Blu in fact, I stopped buying DVDs years ago in anticipation of Blu-ray. I never heard of HD-DVD until right before it hit the market and when it came down in price I got it even though I thought Bluray would eventually win. I don't regret buying a HD player its picture and sound has blown me away for more than a year its great piece of technology. I've waited for Blu prices to come down and it has to some degree but all this crap with profiles has prevented me from even considering it.

By the way, I hold no grudge to Fox and Disney they're position was known all along. What I don't like is being neutral and then going exclusive just as hardware prices come down and the installed base has hit a million.

A very educated and sensible post korg - well stated :-)

Most of us would indeed like Sony and Blu-ray a lot more if they sorted their technical issues (profiles, codecs, DRM, quality etc) before all the other FUD they get up to...

The main reasons consumers love Toshiba more and more is that Toshiba are just too nice for their own good (giving away free players etc).

I was searching for some information and ran across this item about the upcoming release of I Am Legend.
http://formatwarcentral.com/index.ph...-dvd-releases/
I clicked on the link to the information that was quoted and it says Warner asked them to remove the information so it was deleted from the original source. I would hope it isn't true. Although I have both HD and Blu-ray players I usually purchase HD titles when they are available in both formats. Up until now, especially with Warner titles (oddly enough) the HD format tends to have True HD or Dolby 5.1+ where the blu-ray may only have just plain Dolby 5.1.
I also don't appreciate the fact that Warner is purposely releasing the HD format after Blu-ray.

A very educated and sensible post korg - well stated :-)

Most of us would indeed like Sony and Blu-ray a lot more if they sorted their technical issues (profiles, codecs, DRM, quality etc) before all the other FUD they get up to...

The main reasons consumers love Toshiba more and more is that Toshiba are just too nice for their own good (giving away free players etc). Idealy this war will be decided by the adults of this world. Not a bunch of teens to early twenty year olds who had game consoles bought for them so that they dont understand the value of getting hd for cheaper. For example you see alot of them posting stuff against hd-dvd that sounds alot like school yard taunts and na,na,na,na,naaaaa's. If they had rent ,bills,food and other things to pay for then they could understand that consumers will buy whatever is cheaper costing with these types of purchases.

I mean what in the world is Warner thinking by siding with a mostly younger console gamer demographic that may not have very much disposeable income after buying their games first?

Time top move on. Like I've said already, it's not over till it's over. Page 1 and page 6, nothing new being said.

larry