Just how did Universal become HD DVD exclusive?

[Krazy]

Pardon my basic question, but how did Universal get to be HD DVD exclusive? Was it some deal that they got into with M$/Toshiba?

[Slackr89]

As far as i know, we are not sure why Universal is sticking with HD DVD. (correct me if im wrong)
My reasons are
1. There stuck up
2. They started with them and don't want to lose money after developing it
3. (my personal favorite) M$ paid them off.

[Spankey]

I want to think this has something to do with Microsoft. Maybe the unholy trinity of NBC/Universal/MSNBC says something. Maybe they feel they are able to make more money being the sole HD-DVD provider at the moment?

[marzetta7]

Originally Posted by sltmag

I want to think this has something to do with Microsoft. Maybe the unholy trinity of NBC/Universal/MSNBC says something. Maybe they feel they are able to make more money being the sole HD-DVD provider at the moment?

Speaking of NBC...Anyone notice the huge Casino Royale Blu-ray ad on their website? I've become hooked to Heroes, and am starting with the episodes from the beginning, but just noticed Blu-ray blatantly advertised in a rather large space.

My opinion is that they probably signed an agreement early on in the game, and have to wait until that agreement expires or simply you have Microsoft & Toshiba adding "incentives" to their loyalty, much like Microsoft's "incentives" to companies utilizing their Live Search engine.

[Maximus]

I have said it in one thread and I will repeat it here.

MS gave them a truckload of money.

[HD-Greek]

Originally Posted by Slackr89

3. (my personal favorite) M$ paid them off.

hahahahahahahaha

[DavePS3]

I was under the impression - for whatever reason, that because Sony and Universal were competing studios, there was a rift between magagements with Sony grabbing a few execs from Universal but at the least, there was supposedly bad blood between the two. Political crap between a couple of decision makers and that was all it took. I worked in Hollywood for a few years and I've seen egos make some pretty dumb decisions just out of spite. It's a small town.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

I was under the impression - for whatever reason, that because Sony and Universal were competing studios, there was a rift between magagements with Sony grabbing a few execs from Universal but at the least, there was supposedly bad blood between the two. Political crap between a couple of decision makers and that was all it took. I worked in Hollywood for a few years and I've seen egos make some pretty dumb decisions just out of spite. It's a small town.

No most of that is crap, Sony and Universal do have a chequered history, but in Hollywood people have short memories. MS's money is the main reason.

[Jodi]

Originally Posted by marzetta7

Speaking of NBC...Anyone notice the huge Casino Royale Blu-ray ad on their website? I've become hooked to Heroes, and am starting with the episodes from the beginning, but just noticed Blu-ray blatantly advertised in a rather large space.

My opinion is that they probably signed an agreement early on in the game, and have to wait until that agreement expires or simply you have Microsoft & Toshiba adding "incentives" to their loyalty, much like Microsoft's "incentives" to companies utilizing their Live Search engine.

Speaking of "Heroes", NBC/Universal had better take that big 180 degree U-turn towards the Blu-camp. Though I have never seen the show, I know it's immensely popular. Making season sets of "Heroes" (in HD) on both HD-DUD and Blu-Ray will make sales even greater for Universal. Perhaps that might start to turn Uni's tide toward Blu == who knows.

Jodi

[jorg]

i like to think that hd dvd whole thing is scame to get money think about it what do they realy have to lose? if they played there cards right nothing only gains

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Jodi

Speaking of "Heroes", NBC/Universal had better take that big 180 degree U-turn towards the Blu-camp. Though I have never seen the show, I know it's immensely popular. Making season sets of "Heroes" (in HD) on both HD-DUD and Blu-Ray will make sales even greater for Universal. Perhaps that might start to turn Uni's tide toward Blu == who knows.

Jodi

Awesome show, just get the 720p/x.264 versions of eztvefnet, they are very good and should work on the PS3 as they are AVC encoded MP4 files.

[Sinner]

as a sidenote, with a previous episode of Heroes featuring a clip of Heavenly Sword and a PS3, could that be an indication that they are supporting BD as well?