What about Universal and other HD-DVD supporters?

[vladittude0583]

I noticed lately that all this talk is concerning Warner Bros., but how about Universal (HD-DVD's main studio backer). I remember before that they used to bolster so much about HD-DVD being the better product, but now it seems that they are silent. Are they closely watching the numbers in software sales too and perhaps maybe deciding if exclusitivity is the right way to go? I am sure that they realize too that BD software sales have always eclipsed sales of HD-DVD for the first nine months of the year and I wonder if that "says" something to them if they have any "brains?" What do you guys think about Universal's stance at the moment?

Do you think Paramount/Dreamworks are still solid behind their decision after a "supposed" cash payout? Personally, their decision what a dumb man's decision solely for monetary gain.

[E-Dogg]

Originally Posted by vladittude0583

I noticed lately that all this talk is concerning Warner Bros., but how about Universal (HD-DVD's main studio backer). I remember before that they used to bolster so much about HD-DVD being the better product, but now it seems that they are silent. Are they closely watching the numbers in software sales too and perhaps maybe deciding if exclusitivity is the right way to go? I am sure that they realize too that BD software sales have always eclipsed sales of HD-DVD for the first nine months of the year and I wonder if that "says" something to them if they have any "brains?" What do you guys think about Universal's stance at the moment?

Do you think Paramount/Dreamworks are still solid behind their decision after a "supposed" cash payout? Personally, their decision what a dumb man's decision solely for monetary gain.

I think Paramount is regretting their decision and wishing they could fast forward 13 more months so they could release their titles on Blu. I think Universal may change their stance and consider releasing their films on Blu sometime in early '08.

[Deane Johnson]

Originally Posted by vladittude0583

I noticed lately that all this talk is concerning Warner Bros., but how about Universal (HD-DVD's main studio backer). I remember before that they used to bolster so much about HD-DVD being the better product, but now it seems that they are silent. Are they closely watching the numbers in software sales too and perhaps maybe deciding if exclusitivity is the right way to go? I am sure that they realize too that BD software sales have always eclipsed sales of HD-DVD for the first nine months of the year and I wonder if that "says" something to them if they have any "brains?" What do you guys think about Universal's stance at the moment?

Do you think Paramount/Dreamworks are still solid behind their decision after a "supposed" cash payout? Personally, their decision what a dumb man's decision solely for monetary gain.

I would suspect that Universal is internally a little tired of being considered one of the bad boys in the industry. They have probably long ago spent the bribe money they got from Toshiba, and hate to see the Blu-ray studios getting all the sales and momentum. Just my guess.

[thrlride]

Originally Posted by Deane Johnson

I would suspect that Universal is internally a little tired of being considered one of the bad boys in the industry. They have probably long ago spent the bribe money they got from Toshiba, and hate to see the Blu-ray studios getting all the sales and momentum. Just my guess.

Probably so. I'm guessing they want some of the bribe money from all of the BDA backers.

I wonder when their exclusive contract ends or if it is self imposed.

[E-Dogg]

Originally Posted by thrlride

Probably so. I'm guessing they want some of the bribe money from all of the BDA backers.

I wonder when their exclusive contract ends or if it is self imposed.

Who said anything about bribe $? Our backers support Blu because it's the better and true High Definition format period.

[thrlride]

Originally Posted by E-Dogg

Who said anything about bribe $? Our backers support Blu because it's the better and true High Definition format period.

It's assumed when someone is exclusive they were bribed. It's assumed when asked a question and 'no comment' is given that it is true.

I don't know that anyone was bribed but I assume so until I see valid proof because assuming not is probably wrong.

[tron3]

Originally Posted by E-Dogg

Who said anything about bribe $? Our backers support Blu because it's the better and true High Definition format period.

It's funny. Paramount had to be paid to stay with HD DVD. While smart blu supporters probably gladly paid to buy into blu-ray.

If Warner goes BD exclusive, Universal has no reason to jump ship and follow suit. That would leave Paramount / Dreamworks high and dry. UNLESS, that contract clause is there we all hope for. Personally, I'm not very hopefull until the end of this Christmas season.

We are so entrenched in this mentally because we are here everyday. Everyday progress is made in our own minds, and everyday we feel Warner has decided to join us. While this isn't FUD, the information is certainly coming up a DUD. Watch and wait for what the industry does. Let's stop jumping the gun.

[atomik kinder]

It seems that Paramount and Universal and maybe even Warner were told how low the prices of the players were going to go months ago. Even Paramount included in their statement about going HD DVD exclusive the fact that there would be low cost HD DVD players there would be on the market.

[atomik kinder]

Originally Posted by tron3

It's funny. Paramount had to be paid to stay with HD DVD. While smart blu supporters probably gladly paid to buy into blu-ray.

If Warner goes BD exclusive, Universal has no reason to jump ship and follow suit. That would leave Paramount / Dreamworks high and dry. UNLESS, that contract clause is there we all hope for. Personally, I'm not very hopefull until the end of this Christmas season.

We are so entrenched in this mentally because we are here everyday. Everyday progress is made in our own minds, and everyday we feel Warner has decided to join us. While this isn't FUD, the information is certainly coming up a DUD. Watch and wait for what the industry does. Let's stop jumping the gun.

I am thinking that if WB watces 4th QTR sales, they aren't going to get much better for HD DVD. Do they think that people are suddenly going to start purchasing massive qanitites of movies? If some of these players a Christmas Presents, it is too late. By that time the 4th QTR is over and WB may have made up their mind to go Blu exclusive.

[bazie]

two things.

1) I think paramount is kinda contracted in to HDDVD for a little while at least. Now if warner switches or something hopefully they're lawyers can get them out of it, but that was my understanding at least

2) I am sure universal is looking closely at the numbers, but you have to realize that for warner to DROP HDDVD (or bluray for that matter) it doesn't cost them anything other then lost sales since they already have factories and supply chains capable of making both disks. They will just sell of the factories of whichever side they drop. However for universal to get into bluray they would have to pay the cost of actually purchasing a factory capable of making bluray disks get all the supply chain ready and stuff. So I am sure this initial will be worth it in the long run, but it may be why they would hesitate until they know for SURE they are making the right decision to go blu/neutral

[cathexist]

Honestly the only Paramount releases I wanted, I got...The Untouchables, Sleepy Hollow...and the only Paramount movie I'm looking forward to so far is Iron Man...which I'll wait for.

Universal on the other hand...my little "should I go neutral" moments have always been when I see a Universal title: Big Lebowski, Fear and Loathing, Serenity...

Universal needs to come to blu...and soon.

My will is strong, but I'm starting to get pissed.

[bazie]

Originally Posted by atomik kinder

I am thinking that if WB watces 4th QTR sales, they aren't going to get much better for HD DVD. Do they think that people are suddenly going to start purchasing massive qanitites of movies? If some of these players a Christmas Presents, it is too late. By that time the 4th QTR is over and WB may have made up their mind to go Blu exclusive.

especially with the impressive Q4 bluray release schedule the 2:1 ratio is all but guaranteed of being maintained possibly even rising a little YTD. What the trick will be is (possibly) all the A2 cheap HDDVD players that get sold. Noone will be buying more than one or two movies for these in Q4 because they arn't getting them until christmas. However if there is a big influx of players Warner might anticipate that in Q1 there will be an influx of HDDVD sales. Hence i think they will keep their eye on both the software and hardware sales.

[spam.curitiba]

See the way I look at WB's stance is this:

If they were going to go HD-DVD exclusive they would have when Toshiba showed them the money two months ago. Why the hell would they change their stance later on w/o that bribe.

The only thing that makes sense it take the one that is making the most profit and go from there...or they could stay neutral...which means blu isn't losing their support for a while

[bazie]

Originally Posted by spam.curitiba

See the way I look at WB's stance is this:

If they were going to go HD-DVD exclusive they would have when Toshiba showed them the money two months ago. Why the hell would they change their stance later on w/o that bribe.

The only thing that makes sense it take the one that is making the most profit and go from there...or they could stay neutral...which means blu isn't losing their support for a while

hey do you have any info on the bribe toshiba gave warner? I hadn't heard that one before!

The larger the bribe the better it is for bluray, since it shows how much warner is not willing to go HDDVD exlusive!

[monkyman]

If I ran Universal, I would at least go neutral now, before Warner makes their decision. I would not want to be the one that "followed", rather say that Warner went blu as a result of our move.

I also think Warner put the hint out about working with blu-ray so not to catch people off guard (like Paramount) when they do announce their decision. It won't come as a huge suprise.

Paramount may have an escape clause, but if it requires payment back of any money, I expect they would just wait out the remining months, unless the BDA offered to compensate them.

[tron3]

Originally Posted by atomik kinder

I am thinking that if WB watces 4th QTR sales, they aren't going to get much better for HD DVD. Do they think that people are suddenly going to start purchasing massive qanitites of movies? If some of these players a Christmas Presents, it is too late. By that time the 4th QTR is over and WB may have made up their mind to go Blu exclusive.

Not sure what you mean by that. You have to remember that gifts like players are "starter" gifts. Sure, it does nothing for BD movie sales up until Christmas day, but once they get one, they are out shopping the next few weeks to play with their new toy. Thus, the financial slow down in January isn't as huge.

Accessories are big business. Helped to make Radio Shack a billion dollar corporation.

[Cream]

Universal was HD DVD only before Paramount. Now they are joined by Paramount and there are cheap players in the shops. They have released about 140 titles on HD DVD the most prolific HD studio of all I think. so they are a big HD DVD supporter and from there position I think they are happy where they are.

Can we stop all this wild speculation as it only means disappointment when nothing changes. Wait for the press release and celebrate then.

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Deane Johnson

I would suspect that Universal is internally a little tired of being considered one of the bad boys in the industry. They have probably long ago spent the bribe money they got from Toshiba, and hate to see the Blu-ray studios getting all the sales and momentum. Just my guess.

My guess is that Universal has been wavering and is warming towards Blu, but maybe a little afraid to make a change. I think they are watching Warner. If Warner turns totally Blu, I think Universal will go neutral a few days later.

[radagast]

Originally Posted by bazie

two things.

1) I think paramount is kinda contracted in to HDDVD for a little while at least. Now if warner switches or something hopefully they're lawyers can get them out of it, but that was my understanding at least

Why would Warner need lawyers to switch? They aren't on any contract with Toshiba.

[BluOgre]

Originally Posted by vladittude0583

I noticed lately that all this talk is concerning Warner Bros., but how about Universal (HD-DVD's main studio backer). I remember before that they used to bolster so much about HD-DVD being the better product, but now it seems that they are silent. Are they closely watching the numbers in software sales too and perhaps maybe deciding if exclusitivity is the right way to go? I am sure that they realize too that BD software sales have always eclipsed sales of HD-DVD for the first nine months of the year and I wonder if that "says" something to them if they have any "brains?" What do you guys think about Universal's stance at the moment?

Do you think Paramount/Dreamworks are still solid behind their decision after a "supposed" cash payout? Personally, their decision what a dumb man's decision solely for monetary gain.

Universal has been at the Bluray plants for months and the rumor is they are on the verge of releasing BR product. Best guess sometime 1st half of next year. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Warner going BR creates a domino effect where Universal follows suit (at the very least they'll go neutral).

I've already been told from various people at my distriubtor who talks to the stuido reps that it's an exclusive contract that is preventing them from releasing BR yet. My feeling is that contract expires this year.