Universal says they plan to continue to support HD DVD - Blu-ray Forum

skablin · 01-10-2008, 09:18 PM

http://www.betanews.com/article/Univ...DVD/1199974983

5:00 pm ET January 10, 2008 -- Universal Studios has officially dispelled the rumors from Variety that it will drop HD DVD and switch to Blu-ray.

"Contrary to unsubstantiated rumors from unnamed sources, Universal's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format," said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment and also co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group.

The response would have come sooner, but many HD DVD executives were on flights home from CES when the story from Variety broke.

SeahawxBlu · 01-10-2008, 09:52 PM

I came across this article quite accidentally and I apologize if it's been posted already but before anyone claims Universal is switching, this article might be of interest:

http://www.betanews.com/article/HD_D...ors/1199974983

Looks like they may not be coming over as soon as once thought.

Cheers!

actionhank · 01-10-2008, 09:53 PM

They'll switch eventually....

SeahawxBlu · 01-10-2008, 09:55 PM

I think this has got to be more spin. I'm sure they'll come around once they realize they basically have no other choice.

crystal_sun · 01-10-2008, 09:56 PM

Let them be.... The train is moving without them....

I don't need to buy their movies in HD or SD....

dialog_gvf · 01-10-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

"Contrary to unsubstantiated rumors from unnamed sources, Universal's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format," said Ken Graffeo,

That doesn't mean they won't go neutral.

He did not say: "Universal does not plan is to support the Blu-ray format"

Universal on Blu is what matters. The HD DVD stuff will work itself out in the marketplace.

Gary

NoQuestion · 01-10-2008, 10:00 PM

Thier statement on the situation is the same as Paramount "current plan is to support hd-dvd" current plan can mean many different things. Current plans could have ended immediately after making that statement. Current plans could mean they will support the format but will also support bluray as well. current plans could mean they will never switch to blu(which is stupid and the president and vp should be fired for a decision like that)... blu will have both universal and paramount/dreamworks in no more than 3 months...just my thoughts on the matter

MATTYBLU2 · 01-10-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoQuestion

Thier statement on the situation is the same as Paramount "current plan is to support hd-dvd" current plan can mean many different things. Current plans could have ended immediately after making that statement. Current plans could mean they will support the format but will also support bluray as well. current plans could mean they will never switch to blu(which is stupid and the president and vp should be fired for a decision like that)... blu will have both universal and paramount/dreamworks in no more than 3 months...just my thoughts on the matter

I agree

SeahawxBlu · 01-10-2008, 10:04 PM

I'm actually hoping Paramount comes back sooner. I can't see Universal on an island supporting only HD-DVD, especially since retailers are starting to apply pressure on these studios now.

NoQuestion · 01-10-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeahawxBlu

I'm actually hoping Paramount comes back sooner. I can't see Universal on an island supporting only HD-DVD, especially since retailers are starting to apply pressure on these studios now.

Universal is so stubborn...thier contract is up, they should announce it and get it over with, but what are they doing? they are backing the dead format and tricking consumers into buying more dud movies...it jus seems very unethical

dialog_gvf · 01-10-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoQuestion

Universal is so stubborn...thier contract is up, they should announce it and get it over with, but what are they doing? they are backing the dead format and tricking consumers into buying more dud movies...it jus seems very unethical

They are looking the maximize their incentives from the BDA. If they don't play hard to get, they won't get much.

Gary

SeahawxBlu · 01-10-2008, 10:50 PM

I don't see a large check in their future, unless of course, Toshiba wants to make a last ditch bribe for them to stay exclusive. Either way, they need to face facts and the facts are these:

BLU RAY RULES!!!!

Croweyes1121 · 01-10-2008, 11:12 PM

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh...D_Support/1362

I know this isn't news per se, but just...ugh! Give it up already!!

JTK · 01-10-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Croweyes1121

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh...D_Support/1362

I know this isn't news per se, but just...ugh! Give it up already!!

They haven't renewed. Their contract ends in May.

Truckondo · 01-10-2008, 11:15 PM

it also re-affirms how stupid they are. They are like those musicians on the Titanic went it went down.

Croweyes1121 · 01-10-2008, 11:20 PM

JTK: I'm sorry, but does anyone really know when this stupid contract ACTUALLY expires? We've had dates of February 1st (thedigitalbits), January 1st (Variety), and now May. WTF? I was all excited when Warner went Blu and figured this would all play out in a few more days. Now it looks as though this war could go on for still ANOTHER 5-6 months?!??!! I'm beginning to get REALLY fed-up with Universal and Paramount. They don't give two shits about the consumer if they're planning on dragging this out that long. There's still a very real chance of them killing both formats if they hang on until summer. COME ON!!

JTK · 01-10-2008, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truckondo

it also re-affirms how stupid they are. They are like those musicians on the Titanic went it went down.

Correct. That being said, I'd be shocked if they don't announce neutrality by May, although it really shouldn't take that long.

This is what I mean when I say I get annoyed at the prospects of this needlessly long, drawn out, slow dying process.

Just use the out clauses and get it done already.

JTK · 01-10-2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Croweyes1121

JTK: I'm sorry, but does anyone actually know when this stupid contract ACTUALLY expires? We've had dates of February 1st (thedigitalbits), January 1st (Variety), and now May. WTF? I was all excited when Warner went Blu and figured this would all play out in a few more days. Now it looks as though this war could go on for still ANOTHER 5-6 months?!??!! I'm beginning to get REALLY fed-up with Universal and Paramount. They don't give two shits about the consumer if they're planning on dragging this out that long. There's still a very real chance of them killing both formats if they hang on until summer. COME ON!!

Agreed and you make a good point. For some reason, I've read May in these stories a bunch of times and I was fairly confident that was it but I'm not 100 percent sure to be honest with you. Maybe an insider around here can clarify that for us.

crystal_sun · 01-10-2008, 11:22 PM

I gurantee that they'll see a decline in their sales on HD. The news is out...the public knows that HD-DVD is in the verge of death...and becomes hesitant in buying movies in HD-DVD now. New consumers in HD will buy Blu-ray players since 70-80% of the movies are on that side. Why should they buy HD-DVD in fear that Universal can switch soon?

JTK · 01-10-2008, 11:24 PM

Kind of an interesting discussion on the last two pages of the Insider's thread you all may want to read and catch up on real quick that pertains to this.

01-10-2008, 09:18 PM	#1
skablin Junior Member Member since:Jan 2008 Blu-ray collection:1	Universal Statement http://www.betanews.com/article/Univ...DVD/1199974983 5:00 pm ET January 10, 2008 -- Universal Studios has officially dispelled the rumors from Variety that it will drop HD DVD and switch to Blu-ray. "Contrary to unsubstantiated rumors from unnamed sources, Universal's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format," said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment and also co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group. The response would have come sooner, but many HD DVD executives were on flights home from CES when the story from Variety broke.

01-10-2008, 09:52 PM	#2
SeahawxBlu Special Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Redmond, WA	Universal says they plan to continue to support HD DVD I came across this article quite accidentally and I apologize if it's been posted already but before anyone claims Universal is switching, this article might be of interest: http://www.betanews.com/article/HD_D...ors/1199974983 Looks like they may not be coming over as soon as once thought. Cheers!

01-10-2008, 11:12 PM	#13
Croweyes1121 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:May 2007 Location:Acworth, GA 4K collection:198 Blu-ray collection:548 DVD collection:113 Digital collection:373 Blu-ray reviews: 11 Trading Score:32	Universal Re-Affirms HD DVD Support http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh...D_Support/1362 I know this isn't news per se, but just...ugh! Give it up already!!

01-10-2008, 11:20 PM	#16
Croweyes1121 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:May 2007 Location:Acworth, GA 4K collection:198 Blu-ray collection:548 DVD collection:113 Digital collection:373 Blu-ray reviews: 11 Trading Score:32	JTK: I'm sorry, but does anyone really know when this stupid contract ACTUALLY expires? We've had dates of February 1st (thedigitalbits), January 1st (Variety), and now May. WTF? I was all excited when Warner went Blu and figured this would all play out in a few more days. Now it looks as though this war could go on for still ANOTHER 5-6 months?!??!! I'm beginning to get REALLY fed-up with Universal and Paramount. They don't give two shits about the consumer if they're planning on dragging this out that long. There's still a very real chance of them killing both formats if they hang on until summer. COME ON!! Last edited by Croweyes1121; 01-10-2008 at 11:22 PM.

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01-10-2008, 09:53 PM	#3
actionhank Senior Member Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Las Vegas, Nevada	They'll switch eventually....

01-10-2008, 09:55 PM	#4
SeahawxBlu Special Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Redmond, WA	I think this has got to be more spin. I'm sure they'll come around once they realize they basically have no other choice.

01-10-2008, 09:56 PM	#5
crystal_sun Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:43 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:13	Let them be.... The train is moving without them.... I don't need to buy their movies in HD or SD....

01-10-2008, 10:00 PM	#7
NoQuestion Power Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Indiana Blu-ray collection:568 Blu-ray reviews:3	Thier statement on the situation is the same as Paramount "current plan is to support hd-dvd" current plan can mean many different things. Current plans could have ended immediately after making that statement. Current plans could mean they will support the format but will also support bluray as well. current plans could mean they will never switch to blu(which is stupid and the president and vp should be fired for a decision like that)... blu will have both universal and paramount/dreamworks in no more than 3 months...just my thoughts on the matter

01-10-2008, 10:04 PM	#9
SeahawxBlu Special Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Redmond, WA	I'm actually hoping Paramount comes back sooner. I can't see Universal on an island supporting only HD-DVD, especially since retailers are starting to apply pressure on these studios now.

01-10-2008, 10:50 PM	#12
SeahawxBlu Special Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Redmond, WA	I don't see a large check in their future, unless of course, Toshiba wants to make a last ditch bribe for them to stay exclusive. Either way, they need to face facts and the facts are these: BLU RAY RULES!!!!

01-10-2008, 11:15 PM	#15
Truckondo Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Huntington Beach, CA	it also re-affirms how stupid they are. They are like those musicians on the Titanic went it went down.

01-10-2008, 11:22 PM	#19
crystal_sun Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:43 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:13	I gurantee that they'll see a decline in their sales on HD. The news is out...the public knows that HD-DVD is in the verge of death...and becomes hesitant in buying movies in HD-DVD now. New consumers in HD will buy Blu-ray players since 70-80% of the movies are on that side. Why should they buy HD-DVD in fear that Universal can switch soon?

01-10-2008, 11:24 PM	#20
JTK Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jan 2006 Location:www.blurayoasis.com	Kind of an interesting discussion on the last two pages of the Insider's thread you all may want to read and catch up on real quick that pertains to this.

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