Apparently, Paramount reserved the right to switch back to Blu-ray

[AlexanderG]

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/8d56c2a8-bc8...0779fd2ac.html

Paramount and DreamWorks joined the HD-DVD camp last year after securing fee payments worth an estimated $150m from the HD-DVD camp.

Universal has been the format’s biggest champion but it was tight lipped on Sunday about its next move. It was unclear whether the studios backing HD-DVD would change sides, although it is understood that Paramount has reserved the right to switch its backing to Blu-ray.

[Quad]

Paramount can opt out and they still collect 150 mill? Sounds like a desperation deal on Toshiba's part.

[bluflu]

Paramount and Universal could use the recent Warner switch as a reason to go neutral and then blame Warner for everything.

[PLASMA-1080P-FULLHD]

damm thats crazy gamble try to pull off my TOSHIBA/M$$! Nail in the coffen HD-DEAD

[JohnGalt]

Originally Posted by Quad

Paramount can opt out and they still collect 150 mill? Sounds like a desperation deal on Toshiba's part.

Paramount had *all* the leverage in the world when that deal was negotiated, there's no reason to believe that it's not highly favorable to them.

[ezcobar411]

Things keep getting better and better

[NoQuestion]

If this guy is right about Paramount having the option to opt out. Then expect to see an announcement soon from Paramount/Dreamworks stating they will be releasing on both again very soon. Then Uni will follow suit, if not before Paramount/Dreamworks. The next 4 days will be very very interesting. I'm going to go starting digging the grave for hd-dud

[GasCat]

Nice find Alexander. They would likely have to give back the money. The CEO would have to resign because it is admitting he is incompetent. On the other hand he can say that things in the market have changed and use it as an excuse to get away from HD-DVD. Personally, I don't see it happening.

[cartman781]

Originally Posted by NoQuestion

If this guy is right about Paramount having the option to opt out. Then expect to see an announcement soon from Paramount/Dreamworks stating they will be releasing on both again very soon. Then Uni will follow suit, if not before Paramount/Dreamworks. The next 4 days will be very very interesting. I'm going to go starting digging the grave for hd-dud

I have an extra shovel, can I help

[Porfie]

It's going to be a site to see Paramount coming back to blu-ray with its tail between its legs

[E-Dogg]

If we were able to see films being released by both Universal and Paramount by the Summer that would be like Christmas all over again!!!!

[philco_3]

Best thing that i read in that article was "We expect HD-DVD to ‘die’ a quick death."

[NoQuestion]

Originally Posted by cartman781

I have an extra shovel, can I help

yes, yes you can

[NoQuestion]

Originally Posted by E-Dogg

If we were able to see films being released by both Universal and Paramount by the Summer that would be like Christmas all over again!!!!

Summer? i would almost bet an entire years salary that at least Uni is with us by May if not both. But i do agree once i can start collecting Uni on blu that would be Christmas all over again. Just seeing Bourne series, hot fuzz, shaun of the dead, American Gangster, and The Kingdom in blu would be the best thing ever! i dont even care about transformers anymore lol

[AustinSTI]

In my view it is highly likely that an escape clause built into the paramount deal likely triggered by changes in the landscape. Its unlikely they get the full 150m if they pull out though. Its likely that the 150m would be prorated if that happened and they were getting paid in monthly of quarterly instalments. On either case we'll see what happens

[cartman781]

Originally Posted by NoQuestion

yes, yes you can

On my way, we can do it in the desert around Vegas at CES

[sj001]

Glad to hear this, I hope they BOTH jump very soon! What will Toshiba say then?

[E-Dogg]

Originally Posted by NoQuestion

Summer? i would almost bet an entire years salary that at least Uni is with us by May if not both. But i do agree once i can start collecting Uni on blu that would be Christmas all over again. Just seeing Bourne series, hot fuzz, shaun of the dead, American Gangster, and The Kingdom in blu would be the best thing ever! i dont even care about transformers anymore lol

May? That would be amazing if that ends up being true!!! All of those titles are a must buy on day 1, so let's keep our fingers crossed and hope they wake up and realize releasing on a dead format is only going to cost them $!

[turboedguy]

Originally Posted by AustinSTI

In my view it is highly likely that an escape clause built into the paramount deal likely triggered by changes in the landscape. Its unlikely they get the full 150m if they pull out though. Its likely that the 150m would be prorated if that happened and they were getting paid in monthly of quarterly instalments. On either case we'll see what happens

Im willing to bet the BDA will cover any loss Paramount would suffer, inexchange for the switch.

[NoQuestion]

Originally Posted by sj001

Glad to hear this, I hope they BOTH jump very soon! What will Toshiba say then?

Toshiba: "eh.....well.....um.....Oh look, we have a bluray player with profile 1.1 for $199...you buy?"

The World: " *crickets* "

Toshiba: "Um........guess not. "(goes into cave and never seen again)