Warner Goes To Blu-ray Only Release Schedule-Dropping HD DVD Support


Update- HD DVD Cancels CES Event-see below Warner story (in bold)
In a startling development, two nights before the HD DVD press conference at the International Consumer Electronics Show, Warner Bros. announced all its high definition future HD titles would only be in the Blu-ray format, as of the beginning of June 2008.
This action tilts major movie studios’ support clearly in Blu-ray format’s favor and may signal the beginning of the end of the high definition format war. Below is a copy of the Warner Bros. press release.
January 4, 2008 – Burbank, CA) – In response to consumer demand, Warner Bros. Entertainment will release its high-definition DVD titles exclusively in the Blu-ray disc format beginning later this year, it was announced today by Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. and Kevin Tsujihara, President, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group.
“Warner Bros.’ move to exclusively release in the Blu-ray disc format is a strategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to give consumers what they want,†said Meyer. “The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger. We believe that exclusively distributing in Blu-ray will further the potential for mass market success and ultimately benefit retailers, producers, and most importantly, consumers.â€Â
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.
“Warner Bros. has produced in both high-definition formats in an effort to provide consumer choice, foster mainstream adoption and drive down hardware prices,†said Jeff Bewkes, President and Chief Executive Officer, Time Warner Inc., the parent company of Warner Bros. Entertainment. “Today’s decision by Warner Bros. to distribute in a single format comes at the right time and is the best decision both for consumers and Time Warner.â€Â
“A two-format landscape has led to consumer confusion and indifference toward high definition, which has kept the technology from reaching mass adoption and becoming the important revenue stream that it can be for the industry,†said Tsujihara. “Consumers have clearly chosen Blu-ray, and we believe that recognizing this preference is the right step in making this great home entertainment experience accessible to the widest possible audience. Warner Bros. has worked very closely with the Toshiba Corporation in promoting high definition media and we have enormous respect for their efforts. We look forward to working with them on other projects in the future.â€Â
Addendum 9:30 PM –In response to the Warner Annoucement the HD DVD Group has just canceled its Sunday Jan. 6th press event at the International CES in Las Vegas. The press release reads as follows:
“Notice of CES Press Conference Cancellation by North American HD DVD Promotion Group
Based on the timing of the Warner Home Video announcement today, we have decided to postpone our CES 2008 press conference scheduled for Sunday, January 6th at 8:30 p.m. in the Wynn Hotel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We are currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps. We believe the consumer continues to benefit from HD DVD’s commitment to quality and affordability – a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on new developments around HD DVD.”
Copyright ©2008 Gary Merson/HD Guru™. All rights reserved. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.
Greg Tarr
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get free publicity
Actually, despite his independence, Neil always shows himself only too cultural- cringingly aware of what is happening in the foreign press, and tends to rap local critics over the knuckles when they have different opinions from the important metropilt…
It’s official. Toshiba,yesterday,declared that they would cease production of their HD format starting in March,2008. They will still continue to support their customers with parts and service. To ease the pain,LG said they would continue to sell their dual format player.
Yesterday, Sony announced,that will spend 204 million to develop medium and large flat panel OLED displays,production slated for 2010.
Is HD DVD the only format that offers the HD dvd and regular DVD combo on one Disc? If so HD DVD would be a better deal all around
Where the heck is Guru? No updates in practically a month. I’m with jimd. Has G.M. been sick or on extended vacation, or has this site been abandoned?
I’m glad to see this debate come to a close. For once, the consumer wins in this battle. Blu-Ray was always the superior technology, but HD-DVD had a better marketing name. I was worried that people would go HD-DVD just because the name is easy to understand, but low and behold the “masses” have restored my faith in them; if only for a brief moment.
Where is the report on the Jan 8 2008 viewing of Laser TV?
Guru,
You haven’t responded to any comments for a long time and you haven’t written a word about the CES show, which is very unusual. Just drop us few words to let us know that you are all right.
Concerned fan
All kinds of “news” behind the scene now. Sounds like Sony has deep pockets on this one. Weird though. Seems like they are letting the PS3 take the hit to win the movie battle. The Blu-ray camp is quick to post up the pie charts for Blue Ray vs HD DVD. On the gaming side they are just the opposite and taking a HUGE hit. Wonder if Blu-ray will ever be able to upscale on the same level as the HD XA2?
as far as I am concerned my hd-dvd (xa) does such a great job of up-grading my,and rental dvd’s that I don’t much care who wins the format war. I can not see any difference between a hd-dvd or a regular dvd. when played through my Toshiba hd-dvd. so this unit will be with me till it brakes down. I use a 1-3 HDMI connect.
Guru,
I saw the Hitachi P50S601 on sale for $1,688.88 no shipping or tax.
Would you recommend this set? Have you seen it?
Thanks
Blu-ray was always the best technology and offers consumers more because it delivers more content than HD-DVD is capable of. This is good news for consumers.
This is a good time to buy a great DVD player for less $$$. We sell both HD and Blue Ray at work. HD player are easier to use, do a great job of upscaling the standard DVD, and play CD’s. Sony blue Ray players, just like their surround sound systems, are a pain in the rear. Just not consumer friendly.
Gary
Will we see updates on format war soon? How about from CES, would like to hear your views and insights!
I am happy for this decision and agree this could sway things toward a Blu-Ray only world. I bought a Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray player based on the overwhelming amount of titles on Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD. Looks like I made the right decision and I have been able to enjoy the superior picture quality…. HD on a disc anytime I want!
A sad day for HD-DVD, it’s a great format and I hate to see it go down like this. One format was bound to rise to the top and I think this might be the nail in the coffin for HD-DVD.
YES! Finally the beginning of the end of this format war, which means cheaper prices on movies as the public will feel more comfortable dipping in.