Toshiba desperate enough to do it???

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Not to put a downer on this whole thing, but just to put things into perspective... after all, Toshiba could be desperate enough to do this.

There was talk a while back about the possibility of Toshiba (who own the patent rights for DVD) to actual start only allowing DVD software to release in the DVD/HD DVD combo disc. With recent events, this seems to be the only option available to them in order to stay alive in the High Definition game. If they did this, then the 98% market share that is DVD would instantly become 98% HD DVD. Sure, HD DVD hardware wouldn't be selling, but those purchasing the media would eventually avoid Blu-ray in order to use their already High Definition collection when it comes time to upgrade.

[bageleaterkkjji]

i think that is a war crime
bmw should start selling a 1998 model with every 2007 model right?

[phranctoast]

I dont think that would be legal.

Toshiba isnt the sole patent holder for dvd if Im not mistaken.

who would pick up the extra manufacturing cost per disc. Im sure the studios wouldnt be happy with this idea.

And with only one company making HDDVD players, this falls into anti trust laws.

[plee]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

Not to put a downer on this whole thing, but just to put things into perspective... after all, Toshiba could be desperate enough to do this.

There was talk a while back about the possibility of Toshiba (who own the patent rights for DVD) to actual start only allowing DVD software to release in the DVD/HD DVD combo disc. With recent events, this seems to be the only option available to them in order to stay alive in the High Definition game. If they did this, then the 98% market share that is DVD would instantly become 98% HD DVD. Sure, HD DVD hardware wouldn't be selling, but those purchasing the media would eventually avoid Blu-ray in order to use their already High Definition collection when it comes time to upgrade.

It's too late, the studios would know it's a numbers game.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Originally Posted by plee

It's too late, the studios would know it's a numbers game.

That's exactly the way I feel.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

There was talk a while back about the possibility of Toshiba (who own the patent rights for DVD) to actual start only allowing DVD software to release in the DVD/HD DVD combo disc.

The starting point for consideration is whether it is feasible. It is not.

(1) There isn't enough HD DVD capacity:

One big blockbuster DVD title: 10 million discs in a week
Total HD DVD discs produced: <5 million

(2) The studios won't pay those costs:

Cost to make a DVD: 75 cents
Cost to make a DVD/HD DVD combo: $2 - $2.25 (at least)

[Jim L]

Although that's a ridiculous idea, Toshiba is acting crazy enough to try it.

If that were to happen, I'd like to see all the BDA studios threaten to release only on BD. Then Toshiba would lose alot of royalties immediately rather than over the next several years.

It would be like "mutually assured destruction" so neither side would want to do it.

At some point, Toshiba's stockholders have to call an end to this nonsense. Toshiba is fighting on for a lost cause and threatening to tarnish their brand and damage profit streams.

[JTK]

I'm literally waiting to read about the shareholders of Toshiba beginning some kind of a revolt from the inside. This insanity needs to be stopped.

Yes, they're delusional and crazy enough to try anything, I believe. Their religious cult like Red Kool Aid press releases and such, right on through the Warner news, tell me that much.

[JohnGalt]

My antitrust courses were a long time ago and it was never my specialty but DVD is at least colorable as a monopoly and therefore would likely be prohibited from utilizing its monopoly power to extend the monopoly into another market.

[bhampton]

Hey,

First off,.. I don't think there is any way the option suggested here would ever be attempted.

1) Suddenly DVD's cost $30. Never going to happen.

Besides... the only combos you would see would be from Universal and Paramount. The other studios couldn't be forced to make HD versions of everything they want to release on DVD.

Either way,.. Paramount and Universal are both slow to release stuff on HD. They are dragging thier feet and they aren't suddenly going to pick up the pace. Today the announced delays not new titles.

-Brian

[EvolutionCherry]

That would be fool hearted of them.

[Sylin]

Toshiba doesn't "own" DVD or its patents. They were part of the original consortium of companies that backed its development, along with about a dozen others, including Sony.

[reiella]

If Toshiba wants to assure that Blu-Ray wins, yes, that'd be a good idea.

Consider, how many bridges that would burn with the studios.

[plee]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

That's exactly the way I feel.

I was expecting a hail-mary type move but maybe they have tried it behind the scenes already. So I guess we should hear Toshiba say "...consolidate our product lines..." (or whatever corp. lingo without really saying we give up)

[Musashi]

Toshiba has no power to do that. That's like me telling the state to declare emergency; I don't have that authority, and neither do they.

[WickyWoo]

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Toshiba doesn't "own" DVD or its patents. They were part of the original consortium of companies that backed its development, along with about a dozen others, including Sony.

Toshiba has, far and away the largest share of the DVD royalty pool