Should the BDA extend the olive branch to HD DVD at CES?

[lilboostedscooby]

Originally Posted by clownface

We are the better format so we should be the better ambassadors, we shouldn't gloat like the HD DVD crowd did when Paramount shunned us. We are better than that.

i agree

[Ilka]

Screw the olive branch. This was a war, and now that we've got those M$/Toshita dudes by their nargles, we need to start squeezing !

[JohnGalt]

Originally Posted by stockstar1138

what makes you think they wil be that stubbon about it. yeah, they hae been stubborn in the past, but they actually had a shot at winning, now they don't/

Two words: intellectual property. Or if you prefer it in one: royalties. Make no mistake: Toshiba was in this game soley in an attempt to become the primary IP royalty gatekeeper for next-gen packaged media, a position that would likely have netted them tens of billions of dollars for nothing more tangible than their ownership of their current IP portfolio. When HD-DVD dies Toshiba's HD-DVD related IP becomes essentially worthless and current and expected future revenue streams they were counting on it to generate vanish.

Think about it: Toshiba subsidizes HD-DVD players, selling many of them at, barely above, or even below cost; we heard a few weeks back that Toshiba was "lowering the price of HD-DVD media" which they could only affect via lowering their license fees. They weren't doing these things out of the goodness of their heart nor were they expecting to dramatically raise hardware prices in the future, they were expecting to milk the IP cow for another 10-15 years as they've done with DVD thereby creating billions of dollars of essentially free revenues. In order to secure that position they're willing to sell players at a loss, cut huge up-front discount deals on current royalties, etc. all with their eye on the long-term royalty stream.

So I ask you: What, precisely, would the impetus be for Toshiba to walk away from what they see as potential multi-billion dollar royalty streams? So long as they can keep even a single major studio on the hook they will realize *some* royalty revenues that they would otherwise never receive. Personally I see absolutely no motivation on their part to exit gracefully and massive motivatio to ride this train wreck all the way into the ground.

If you want a prediction what we'll see from Toshiba next will be massive sweetheart deals on license fees in an attempt to retain Paramount and Universal and sway other studios to go neutral; at this point when faced with impending complete failure that's essentially a free option. It will fail at which point Toshiba and their HD-DVD partners will hand the patent portfolio over to folks like me who'll spend the next year or so pouring over everything in an attempt to find anything with which Toshiba might try to derail Blu-ray. Doing so will protect their SD-DVD royalties while allowing them a great deal of leverage in negotiating their eventual participation in the BDA. Expect to hear about patent suits, possible injunctions preventing the production & sale of Blu-ray discs, it almost certainly has to be coming.

Of course I could be wrong but history suggests that's not the way to bet.

[Sling]

Yes

[johnnyd1]

Only when Toshiba stops total production of the DUD format

[whippersnapper]

Originally Posted by JohnGalt

It's too early for that. For now the BDA's mission should be to shovel as much dirt on HD-DVD's grave as possible and to do it as quickly as possible. Only after a complete, total, and crushing victory should any serious reconcilliation be discussed ... if indeed there's anything to discuss at all.

I agree. The Warner announcement was simply the first hit of the wooden stake being driven into the heart of the HD-DVD format. There will have to be a number of additional strikes to insure that the stake has definitely penetrated the heart.

When HD-DVD is off of life-support, Toshiba, Universal and Paramount will know how to get membership in the BDA. But it shouldn't be on "most favored nation" terms. They'll have to EARN any respect they get from other members.

[Jordahn]

Take the high road. The BDA should extend a warm welcome to companies like Universal, Toshiba, Paramount, and Microsoft. If nothing else, it should help will those who are still on the fence over the HD wars while rubbing the salt into the wounds of the HD-DVD extremists.

[Zaphod]

I believe they may make an open invitation, but won't be as blunt to say that the war is over and they having nothing else to do but join the prevailing format. Plus I don't think the DVD Forum will concede this quickly, it would show a total abandonment of the format and may start an outcry for those who had bought into the format (even though those who bought into it should have known one or the other would eventually lose out).

[thebluemax]

Originally Posted by rwduke

No. HD-DVD companies and supporters have been unbearably smug and obnoxious. They are the ones who consistently defied logic and common sense to suit their alternate reality. I say let them awaken with smelling salts or a cold splash of water.

I agree. The DUDERS including Paramount and Universal can go F__K themselves.

[Jordahn]

Originally Posted by Zaphod

I believe they may make an open invitation, but won't be as blunt to say that the war is over and they having nothing else to do but join the prevailing format. Plus I don't think the DVD Forum will concede this quickly, it would show a total abandonment of the format and may start an outcry for those who had bought into the format (even though those who bought into it should have known one or the other would eventually lose out).

Zaphod... are you the same dude on the PlayStation forums???

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by Jordahn

Zaphod... are you the same dude on the PlayStation forums???

Nope, not me. I only use this handle on this website (it is the only forum I post on), and used to use the same handle back in the BBS days when I was a SysOp...

I think at one time I did register on the forums but I don't remember if I used this handle or not...if the one you are referring to on the PS forums has posted recently, then no, it's not me.

[Jordahn]

Originally Posted by Zaphod

Nope, not me. I only use this handle on this website (it is the only forum I post on), and used to use the same handle back in the BBS days when I was a SysOp...

I think at one time I did register on the forums but I don't remember if I used this handle or not...if the one you are referring to on the PS forums has posted recently, then no, it's not me.

No prob. Just checking.

[k20king]

how can you?

"Here, Lemme help you clean out your display to the dumpster?"

How Can We Help?

[vrod2028]

I say let the mf'ers burn! They made their bed long ago, now let them wallow in it!

[Bombthroat]

Absolutely! The insiders on this very forum have shown that BDA members represent professionalism at it's best. The BDA should offer the olive branch to all HD Dead companies and welcome them aboard (with NO incentives at all as far as replication, marketing, etc). Walk them on stage at their press conference and all shake hands. Send a unified message to consumers that NOW is the time to buy HDM.

Of course I don't think Toshiba, Micro$oft, Universal, or Paramount would accept this. They are not interested in logic; only sleazy dealing and consumer deception. I think those companies will have to tender some resignations before getting on-board with Blu-ray.

I do not believe any forums or their outspoken members should be shown any slack. Those forums, AVS, HDD, etc should not be allowed to bash and smear only to pull a 180 and get all their site traffic back for their advertising payday. They should be made to feel the repercussions of their actions.

[navychop]

I think Mystik is being too kind.

We should rip off their heads and do something into their chest cavities.

[Geech]

Yes. It would end the War sooner rather than Later

[Fozziwig]

An olive branch to those we need, yes. That would be Universal, Paramount/Dreamworks, Weinstein.

But an olive branch to Toshiba, MS and the HD DVD PRG - not a chance in hell. Let them burn in their failure. If they want to come and beg for mercy then the BDA may decide to look kindly on their pathetic plight.

However, I think Toshiba should receive a 5-year ban on producing any Blu-ray products for their part in attempting to wreck Blu-ray and mass market HDM.

MS should receieve a lifetime ban. No Blu-ray for you - ever!

Was I too harsh?

[unreal1080p]

Originally Posted by Jordahn

The BDA should extend a warm welcome to companies like Universal, Toshiba, Paramount, and Microsoft.

And Microsoft?!? Are you NUTS! --> They are poison! They would make Blu-Ray rott from the inside out just like they did with HD DUD. NO WAY MAN!

With only 7 posts, I realize you are a HD DVD supporter (or ex supporter... whatever) but you might best learn early that praising the king of downloads over here might get you banned

P.S. I will NEVER pay for downloads... EVER --> just to spite Microsoft for having given us the bastard child that is HD DUD. If I ever need to download something, I sure as hell won't be paying for it

[Slapper]

I say take the high road and extend the olive branch. The HD-DVD folks couldn't do anything on the spot at CES, but it could get the ball rolling and we might, just might, get Universal and Paramount sooner rather than later. Kicking them while they're down is only going to prolong things, I would think. I would rather get my Bourne Set and Transformers on Blu sooner rather than later.

But, if Microsoft starts making demands, then I say, kick away!