Archived: Insiders Thread

[frank_t]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Well independent analysts have already commented about that (which is indeed their belief), so you can read their views for further detail.

I do think that MS (as an advocate for HD DVD) is extremely worried that BD+ might gain more widespread implementation and become a more effective solution for all studios to protect their content. Because like it or not, that is the #1 thing that studios care about, i.e. – protecting their movies.

And I also believe that MS (as an advocate for HD DVD) is worried that a significant proportion of people might actually be able to appreciate the difference between lossless vs DD+ audio on high-def discs in their home theaters.

Because………. people tell me that recently those two issues alone have compelled a *retired* MS employee to become *unretired* on the internet forums.

Now excuse me while I *retire* for awhile as I’ve got the mother of all hangovers today.

I don't know. If copy protection was most important to studios, then why are we in this situation? Why aren't all studios abandoning HD-DVD in favor of a format with more protection options available?

I'm also guessing that since HD-DVD is a format for those who really don't appreciate what HD can deliver, that DD+ audio doesn't matter either. Those who choose HD-DVD obviously don't care.

I think both MS and Tosh are under the assumption that price is the #1 deciding factor. That may be true; we'll see in the coming weeks as Walmart, CC, and BB roll out that crippled $200 tosh player.

I'll freely admit $200 + 5 free movies is tempting; but then I'd be wasting the rest of my HD setup on a crippled format. And I'd be contributing to those who don't appreciate quality.

[Frode]

Originally Posted by LeoneFan

All I'm saying is that a studio like Warner doesn't give a crap about who makes the hardware or how much they profit from it.

Right.

They will go where the stand-alone player market is, they have no allegiance to any of the BDA CE companies.

That's the complete opposite of what you just said. So which is it?

[Grisle]

Originally Posted by LeoneFan

Blindcat87, good post but here's the issue. Software is what sells players. Who makes the software? The studios do. Do the studios care about profit margins on hardware? No, they could care less since they'll go to the format with the hardware sales advantage. The PS3 excluded since that is not a long term solution for any format. All I'm saying is that a studio like Warner doesn't give a crap about who makes the hardware or how much they profit from it. They will go where the stand-alone player market is, they have no allegiance to any of the BDA CE companies.

Why would you exclude the PS3 for not being a long term solution. In the long term of course the prices will go down, but here in the short term the PS3 has the best value for the money. It doesn't matter if the PS3 has no long term bearing on the stand alone market because in the short term it's bringing a lot of consumers.

[dialog_gvf]

As a reminder, please refrain from member discussions in the Insiders Thread. It is a place to ask Insiders questions, not to comment on the posts of non-insiders.

[gandley]

KJACK, any updates for us.

PS, guys INSIDERS THREAD.

[richard lichtenfelt]

Wasn't WB trying to release dual format discs? Maybe they want a stalemate to make this work. I think they know that going blu would rapidly speed up hd dvds demise. Whereas, if they went hd dvd exclusive they would keep hd dvd alive but not kill off blu-ray.
So insiders, is WB maybe considering going hd dvd exclusive in order to keep hd dvd competitive until they can finalize their dual disc and increase the market for such?

[WickyWoo]

Wasn't WB trying to release dual format discs? Maybe they want a stalemate to make this work. I think they know that going blu would rapidly speed up hd dvds demise. Whereas, if they went hd dvd exclusive they would keep hd dvd alive but not kill off blu-ray.

TotalHD was Nickerson's baby to try to make sure they stay in the HD DVD game. It died with his job. From what I hear there's a very good reason why none of them actually made it to market, because they made combo discs look reliable and populous

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Originally Posted by richard lichtenfelt

Wasn't WB trying to release dual format discs? Maybe they want a stalemate to make this work. I think they know that going blu would rapidly speed up hd dvds demise. Whereas, if they went hd dvd exclusive they would keep hd dvd alive but not kill off blu-ray.
So insiders, is WB maybe considering going hd dvd exclusive in order to keep hd dvd competitive until they can finalize their dual disc and increase the market for such?

First, I love your sig! Very appropriate to our cause.

Secondly, I believe that you ask a very interesting question. However, I do whole-heartedly believe that WB has given up on the TotalHD idea. It is clear that there would be no market for that now that what little portion of the market is involved with HDM has become a bunch of warring neanderthals (yes, even the most serene of Blu-ray & HD DVD supporters have become emotionally unstable at some point regarding their passion for their respective format). As such, the market for a TotalHD concept has long since passed. Perhaps about 7 months ago it could have stood a small chance, but not today... nor tomorrow.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by richard lichtenfelt

So insiders, is WB maybe considering going hd dvd exclusive in order to keep hd dvd competitive until they can finalize their dual disc and increase the market for such?

I still don’t understand all the recent consternation regarding the idea that WB is imminently wavering in their support of Blu-ray.

I said this on Friday? and I will bold it for emphasis.

All indications on our side are that they (WB) are going to continue to support Blu-ray.

Perhaps a little context is needed. I knew about the Paramount *sell out* quite awhile before the “official announcement”. I even posted a subtle hint to that *poor decision making process* the day before Nikki broke the news on her website.

I do not feel that I am out of the loop on anything here.
My major concern with WB is that they are handcuffed by bit budgets in order to support the HD DVD format…….and we here sometimes suffer the consequence of that compromised product.

[Penton-Man]

Update :

O.K.,
I just read a PM that a forum member apparently sent me on Friday.
I tell you guys I'm real bad in reading my PM's and even worse in responding.
But to keep that in context, sometimes the only snail mail I pay much attention to is stuff that is Certified that requires my sig.

Be that as it may, after reading additional information provided by a forum member, I am still not *worried* about anything regarding a WB change of stance. The only thing I am worried about today is if somebody snatched a *candid* photo of me at the Halloween party at Charing Cross Road on Friday.

[dbs2]

Cheers Penton-Man

[HK-48]

This is very good. You don't know how worried I was. Can't wait until the HD DVD fans hope of Warner going exclusive soon is crushed in the next few days.

[gandley]

thanks penton, theres talk on AVS of how even Disney must now be looking at going on to support HDDVD, as HDI is going to be more and more important to them

these guys really beleive 2008 will see sony as the only studio exclusive to BD.

example

I agree that Sony will continue to release Blu-ray through 2008, 2009 and 2010 and beyond if Blu-ray remains part of the PS3 and PS4.

I also believe Sony Pictures Home Entertainment division will be hard pressed not to release its first HD DVD by 2009 once Disney, in particular, starts to capitalize on HD DVD HDi features -- something Disney "helped design" and wants for future revenue. If Blu-ray eventually delivers it, fine. If HD DVD delivers it today, even better.

cracks me up

[WickyWoo]

thanks penton, theres talk on AVS of how even Disney must now be looking at going on to support HDDVD, as HDI is going to be more and more important to them

They start yammering this every 3 months

Disney wants BD+, Disney wants region coding, Disney likes BD-J just fine

In other words, HD DVD has nothing to offer them, and 2 dealbreakers.

[Beta-guy]

this is my first time asking a question in the insiders thread, I've been impressed how you insiders keep us in the loop, anyways I saw this http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=297 and was wondering if it has anything to with the (rumored?) announcement Warner will be making on or around Oct 31. thank you for your time.

[sj001]

Thanks for always keeping us in the loop Penton, and looking out for us!

[WickyWoo]

Beta-Guy read this thread

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...ewpost&t=21430

[atomik kinder]

Originally Posted by Beta-guy

this is my first time asking a question in the insiders thread, I've been impressed how you insiders keep us in the loop, anyways I saw this http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=297 and was wondering if it has anything to with the (rumored?) announcement Warner will be making on or around Oct 31. thank you for your time.

There is also that Blu-Ray event this week.

[Beta-guy]

Originally Posted by atomik kinder

There is also that Blu-Ray event this week.

Blu-ray event? yikes where have I been? I know that Oct 31st is when the deadlines for new BD player to be Profile 1.1 compatible, is there something else?

[Deciazulado]

Originally Posted by gandley

thanks penton, theres talk on AVS of how even Disney must now be looking at going on to support HDDVD

eh, they've been saying that since March 10.

Of 2006.