CES 2008: HD DVD camp cancels their press conference in wake of Warner Blu-ray exclusive

Katherine Hannaford CES 2008, Gadget Shows, HD DVD, Home cinema, Top stories
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Massive news has just come in concerning the future of HD DVD, related to this afternoon’s announcement about film studio Warner going Blu-ray exclusive. Prepare yourselves, as this is Kleenex worthy. I’ve been sobbing uncontrollably the last half an hour since discovering this disaster.

The HD DVD people have cancelled Sunday’s press conference in the wake of Warner’s decision, and issued a press release expressing their dismay with the film studio for siding with the Blu-ray group in this bloody, bloody format war. They even insinuated Warner’s decision may be illegal, due to contracts being signed already.

They claim they’re “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”, and are “quite surprised by Warner Bros.’ decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning the support of HD DVD”.

However, according to their press release, they “remain firm in our belief that HD DVD is the format best suited to the wants and needs of the consumer”. Boots is readying its stocks of tissues in the wake of this news. Could this be the end for the HD DVD format? Expect further analysis from Tech Digest shortly.

(via Engadget)

Katherine Hannaford
For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv

2 comments

  • Bloody format war?
    I don’t know if there is a war in America but in Europe it’s non existent. You can hardly find the shelves of HD discs (bluray or hd-dvd). Prices are insane on discs and the only cheap drives are HD-DVDs.
    The quantity of movies on both format is insignificant. So HD-DVD being regionless is a godsend for european customers, but for the majors it is a counter argument. 🙂
    Majors are here to make money and sony is definitely on the page to do just that (remember the riots for PS3?).

  • Bloody format war?
    I don’t know if there is a war in America but in Europe it’s non existent. You can hardly find the shelves of HD discs (bluray or hd-dvd). Prices are insane on discs and the only cheap drives are HD-DVDs.
    The quantity of movies on both format is insignificant. So HD-DVD being regionless is a godsend for european customers, but for the majors it is a counter argument. 🙂
    Majors are here to make money and sony is definitely on the page to do just that (remember the riots for PS3?).

Comments are closed.