Article: Boost for Blu-ray in face-off with HD DVD

[ReduxInflux]

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle2362436.ece

The increasingly dirty technology war being fought for dominance of “next generation” DVDs took another twist today when one of China’s largest film distribution groups said it would back Blu-Ray – the technology built by Sony and Philips.

China Film Group’s decision comes as the Blu-Ray Disc Association – a consortium of over 170 content and hardware producers – is reeling from the defection of Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation two weeks ago.

China Film Group, in addition to producing movies like Kung Fu Hustle and a range of popular film and TV series for its domestic market plays a central role in the distribution of foreign films in China, acting as a de-facto regulator.

The move by the China Film Group, said analysts, was evidence that the struggle between Blu-Ray discs and the rival Toshiba format – known as HD-DVD – will be heavily influenced by the choices of content providers and consumers in Asia.
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But Blu-Ray received yet another fillip yesterday: as well as winning-over China Film Group, Acer, one of the world’s “big three” personal computer brands, said that it too would be adopting Sony’s format. Acer, previously an associate member of the HD-DVD Promotion Group, will build Blu-Ray disc players into their lap- and desk-top PCs.

Many believe that, while the format decisions of the major studios will be critical in deciding the outcome of the high definition format war, it may eventually be the PC market that has the final say.

Paramount and DreamWorks had previously released films on both Blu-Ray discs and on HD-DVD discs, the rival format produced by Toshiba and backed by the likes of Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. Both studios, pointing to cost advantages with the Toshiba format, said that they would now produce content exclusively on the HD-DVD format.

Their decision, which surprised analysts and drew heavy criticism from senior Hollywood insiders, came as Blu-Ray appeared to be gaining the upper-hand over the Toshiba format in disc sales. Toshiba has denied offering Paramount and DreamWorks any financial inducements to encourage their defection from Blu-Ray.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 games console, which has sold more than 4 million units worldwide, includes a Blu-Ray disc player and is thought to account for the early lead of the Blu-Ray format over its rival.

[Rob71]

Did I read that correctly as China is Blu-Ray exclusive

[joeorc]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Did I read that correctly as China is Blu-Ray exclusive

not in the sense that you cannot buy ANY OTHER FORMAT EXCEPT BLU-RAY. but that these 2 companies that is run by the Chinese GOVT. has Decided on selling blu-ray player's and Content in China..NOT EVEN HD DVD has that.

The standard in CHINA for DVD is EVD. and now a Standard in China for HD is BLU-RAY ALSO. but for all intents and purpose YES pretty Much the Chinese GOVT. has picked Blu-Ray. not to mention a CHINESE GOVT. backed HARDWARE AND FILM PRODUCTION companies have joined the BDA.

[Rob71]

Holy Crap! 1.3 BILLION potential Blu-Ray customers.

[joeorc]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Holy Crap! 1.3 BILLION potential Blu-Ray customers.

China Film Group, in addition to producing movies like Kung Fu Hustle and a range of popular film and TV series for its domestic market plays a central role in the distribution of foreign films in China, acting as a de-facto regulator.

....

[cpgator]

While good for BR, I don't anyone should be suprised that China Film Group went with BR. What was suprising is that Acer is one of the 'top three' computer companies...

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by cpgator

While good for BR, I don't anyone should be suprised that China Film Group went with BR. What was suprising is that Acer is one of the 'top three' computer companies...

Acer is Taiwanese, no?

Originally Posted by Blubaru

What ever happened to C-HD-DVD?

People expected a difference between domestic and foreign markets within China. Although the China Film Group would seem to indicate something has changed. This is an entirely domestic China operation. So, they must believe Blu-ray will succeed there.

Perhaps some big Chinese related player announcements are coming.

Gary

[Blu-heaven]

Nice read!!! HD DVD got served by China

[Blubaru]

What ever happened to C-HD-DVD?

[joeorc]

Originally Posted by ReduxInflux

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle2362436.ece

The increasingly dirty technology war being fought for dominance of “next generation” DVDs took another twist today when one of China’s largest film distribution groups said it would back Blu-Ray – the technology built by Sony and Philips.

China Film Group’s decision comes as the Blu-Ray Disc Association – a consortium of over 170 content and hardware producers – is reeling from the defection of Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation two weeks ago.

China Film Group, in addition to producing movies like Kung Fu Hustle and a range of popular film and TV series for its domestic market plays a central role in the distribution of foreign films in China, acting as a de-facto regulator.

The move by the China Film Group, said analysts, was evidence that the struggle between Blu-Ray discs and the rival Toshiba format – known as HD-DVD – will be heavily influenced by the choices of content providers and consumers in Asia.
Related Links

But Blu-Ray received yet another fillip yesterday: as well as winning-over China Film Group, Acer, one of the world’s “big three” personal computer brands, said that it too would be adopting Sony’s format. Acer, previously an associate member of the HD-DVD Promotion Group, will build Blu-Ray disc players into their lap- and desk-top PCs.

Many believe that, while the format decisions of the major studios will be critical in deciding the outcome of the high definition format war, it may eventually be the PC market that has the final say.

Paramount and DreamWorks had previously released films on both Blu-Ray discs and on HD-DVD discs, the rival format produced by Toshiba and backed by the likes of Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. Both studios, pointing to cost advantages with the Toshiba format, said that they would now produce content exclusively on the HD-DVD format.

Their decision, which surprised analysts and drew heavy criticism from senior Hollywood insiders, came as Blu-Ray appeared to be gaining the upper-hand over the Toshiba format in disc sales. Toshiba has denied offering Paramount and DreamWorks any financial inducements to encourage their defection from Blu-Ray.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 games console, which has sold more than 4 million units worldwide, includes a Blu-Ray disc player and is thought to account for the early lead of the Blu-Ray format over its rival.

i knew Toshiba was going to get a bite in the @ss over this and sure enough it did. that was funny because one of SONY's main DIODE production plants are in China. that should teach the HD DVD group from touting Price. they wanted to do the Math...well that is exactly what they got.

Toshiba's response to this news: I HATE MATH...

[cartier]

Originally Posted by ReduxInflux

Toshiba has denied offering Paramount and DreamWorks any financial inducements to encourage their defection from Blu-Ray.

Am I reading this properly? If MS is denying paying DreamWorks & Paramount, and now Toshiba is denying paying them, then from where did the $150M come? Maybe Paramount should make sure the money is not counterfeit.