What does CES hold in-store for the HD DVD vs Blu-ray war?

[dustin410]

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is almost upon us, and what, if anything, does this annual Geek Nirvana hold in-store for the HD DVD vs Blu-ray war.

The CES show starts January 7th in Las Vegas, and as tech fiends from around the world descend on Sin City, rumors are abounding about what will happen in the high definition format war. Of course the question remains if consumers will even care, but only time will tell on that front.

Back in early December, rumors were circulating that both HD formats were trying to woo Warner Brothers to exclusivity with them. Many sources were saying that it looked like Blu-ray would end up winning that fight, giving them control over 70% of the content released to the marketplace. The announcement was expected to happen at CES, effectively strangling HD DVD of any content. However, according to Home Media Magazine, who spoke with an unnamed Warner Brothers executive, this isn’t going to happen.

Other rumors are circulating that we may see a sub-$500 dual-format player coming out. Currently the models from LG have a suggested retail price of $999, so a player at half that price should have no trouble finding a market.

There should be many more announcements at the show this year, and we will be sure to bring them all to you.


http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20...s-blu-ray-war/

[ResOGlas]

I believe I speak for everyone here *that matters* when I say that I think we all hope for Warner to go Blu exclusive.

[JadedRaverLA]

Originally Posted by ResOGlas

I believe I speak for everyone here *that matters* when I say that I think we all hope for Warner to go Blu exclusive.

True enough, though I wish everyone here wasn't setting up CES with that expectation. It's VERY unlikely the announcement will come that soon -- MUCH more likely to happen later in January, or early February.

CES is going to be very cool and there will be some cool product announcements, etc, but with everyone here going into it expecting the "final blow" to be dealt to HD DVD, there's going to be a lot of disappointed people here I'm afraid.

[NJMetsFan]

What if Universal annouces that they will go neutral?

[blitz6speed]

Warner is NOT going to announce it at CES, i can almost assuredly GUARENTEE you that. CES will have some fun stuff tho!

[ryoohki]

Meh,those events are always overhyped to death, don't be disappointed if we get a couple of PR crap about some selling number on both side, that the war is over, on both sides, and they will unveil their title for the year..

[richard lichtenfelt]

Dual format is unlikely to continue for long as retail will force a winner if the studios don't.

[JasonS]

Originally Posted by ryoohki

Meh,those events are always overhyped to death, don't be disappointed if we get a couple of PR crap about some selling number on both side, that the war is over, on both sides, and they will unveil their title for the year..

+1. CES is a big joke. Each side will announce new players, new releases and will beat their chests and brag about numbers. End of show. I personally only care if WB announces Batman and Matrix for Blu-ray. That's all I have my hopes up for.