Europe Key HD Battleground

[HDTV1080P]

Interesting article to read about the format war in Europe.

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/index.cfm?sec_id=2&newsid=10774


QUOTE

“Further analysis shows that the new and recent titles in the Blu-ray top 50 were more desirable than the equivalent HD DVD releases, based on average box office takings ($86 million compared to $72 million on HD DVD). Interestingly, however, similar methodology reveals that HD DVD’s slate of catalog titles is significantly stronger than its rival’s (average box office of $94 million compared to $72 million on Blu-ray). One explanation for this may be that HD DVD backers have opted to throw some of their strongest catalog hits at the new format, to compensate for the less-impressive line-up of new titles, while Blu-ray supporters are holding back their biggest catalog titles either until there is a larger installed base or until the format’s interactive capabilities, already a key part of the HD DVD offer, can be fully exploited.”

QUOTE
“In a report published in late 2006, Screen Digest stated that the most likely outcome was that both formats would survive for the foreseeable future, eventually giving way to one or more dual format solutions (as we saw in the DVD-recorder format skirmish). Nothing has happened since then to change our view that this remains the most likely outcome. Indeed, recent developments — the incredibly rapid emergence of dual-format players from LG and Samsung, and Warner’s determination to launch its Total HD dual-format disc — serve only to strengthen us in this view. “

Hopefully BLU-RAY will win this war before more combo players arrive. We do not need Warner’s Total HD dual disc solution especially if combo players are going to become the norm.