"HD DVD has NO Exclusive Studios" - Amir

[Jack Torrance]

Oh, that whacky Amir... It seems that he knows more than he's letting on about HD-DUD's current fate...

He's the Captain of the Titanic... telling the band to play on and assuring the passengers that all is well while the ship is sinking... and in the mean time Universal is making a run for the lifeboats!

[funnymanbing]

How come Universal's listed as part of the BDA here?

http://www.blu-raydisc.com/

[Jack Torrance]

Originally Posted by funnymanbing

How come Universal's listed as part of the BDA here?

http://www.blu-raydisc.com/

That's Universal music Group. That's different. Of course, it does beg the question why any section of Universal has even a toe in the Blu-Ray group if they're so behind HD-DUD.

[funnymanbing]

Originally Posted by Jack Torrance

That's Universal music Group. That's different. Of course, it does beg the question why any section of Universal has even a toe in the Blu-Ray group if they're so behind HD-DUD.

Yeah, you're right. I noticed that after the post. But you're right, why does Universal Music support Blu-Ray and not Universal pictures? I really don't think that Universal is going to remain exclusive to HD-DVD after this year. The end of the stupid format war is in sight.

[Jack Torrance]

Originally Posted by funnymanbing

Yeah, you're right. I noticed that after the post. But you're right, why does Universal Music support Blu-Ray and not Universal pictures? I really don't think that Universal is going to remain exclusive to HD-DVD after this year. The end of the stupid format war is in sight.

After this year? One hopes that it is much sooner than that... otherwise Al Gore is going to be on the warpath about the damage they'll be doing to the enviroment when they try to dump all the unsold HD-DUD discs.

[funnymanbing]

Originally Posted by Jack Torrance

After this year? One hopes that it is much sooner than that... otherwise Al Gore is going to be on the warpath about the damage they'll be doing to the enviroment when they try to dump all the unsold HD-DUD discs.

Yeah, I hope it's much sooner than that. I just have a feeling like Universal's riding this one out just to get all the HD-DVD fanboys to have to rebuy their titles later on Blu-Ray. I'm sure HD-DVD fanboys buy every piece of garbage Universal puts out there just because they feel loyal because Universal is the only "exclusive" HD-DVD studio. Anyways, I hope the it's ASAP because the sooner this war is over the better. People will feel more comfortable diving into the HD arena and this industry can continue to grow and just get better.

[Fozziwig]

I'm really sorry but I couldn't resist this one. Can we get Amir to sing it at the Blu-ray victory party?

Three wheels on my wagon, And I’m still rolling along
The BDA are chasing me
Arrows fly, right on by
But I’m singing a happy song

I’m singing a higgity, haggity, hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die
A mile up the road there’s a hidden cave
And we can watch that BDA Go galloping by

SPOKEN: “Amir, they’re catching up to us!”
“Get back in the wagon woman!”

Two wheels on my wagon, And I’m still rolling along
The BDA are after me
Flaming spears, burn my ears
But I’m singing a happy song

I’m singing a higgity, haggity hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die
Half a mile up the road there’s a hidden cave
And we can watch that BDA Go galloping by

SPOKEN: “Duh, Paw? Are you sure this is the right road?”
“Will you hush up? You and your maps!”

One wheel on my wagon, And I’m still rolling along
The BDA are after me
I’m all in flames, at the reins
But I’m singing a happy song

I’m singing a higgity, haggity hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die
Right around that turn there’s a hidden cave
And we can watch that BDA Go galloping by

SPOKEN: “Amir? Should I get the bag of beads and trinkets?”
“Woman, I know what I’m doing!”

No wheels on my wagon, So I’m not rolling along
The BDA have captured me
They look mad, things look bad
But I’m singing a happy song

SPOKEN: “C’mon all you Blu-ray folks, sing along with me!”

Higgity, haggity hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die…

[b2bonez]

Originally Posted by Blubaru

Holy Crap! There in no mention of HD-DVD anywhere on any of their sites

If you click enough links you can find yourself here.

http://www.nbcuniversalstore.com/detail.php?p=14358

That page has a link that is listed as "HD".. not "HD DVD", just "HD". Once you click that link you're at a page where you can order the HD-DVD version of the movie. Strange that nothing is mentioned anywhere else I can find about "HD DVD".

b2b

[blitz6speed]

This reminds me of a movie scene...

"That is a pre-emptive Spin, i just want to let you know i have a whole bag of Spin with your name on it"

I think hes pre-spinning that Universal has never been exclusive. He probably has been busy training all those techs he sent to universal on how to convert HD-DVD format VC-1 Encodes into BD encodes, along with adding PCM sound, while crying himself to sleep during those long cold nights. Which is why we havent seen much from Universal AND amir in quite a while.

=)

[JTK]

Originally Posted by Jeff®

^^ He never misses. Yet another gem, Jeff!

[hyperdine]

Maybe...just maybe...Universal is pulling out altogether. Perhaps they're in such bad shape they have to stop the bleeding, so they're just going to go into hibernation until there's a clear winner...??? Pure speculation on my part, but it could happen.

[Jack Torrance]

(http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&page=73&pp=30 - post # 2173)

This part we already know:

Anyway, our relationship with Studio Canal is exceptionally good and positive. As is the large ecosystem of encoding/mastering/production partners in Europe. SC announced that they would have 30 titles on HD DVD and as such, we very much enjoy and appreciate their support of HD DVD/VC-1/HDi.

With that said, please note that I cannot speak on behalf of SC. What I can tell you is that we have checked with them and they say the report is incorrect. While they have never said they are "exclusive" to HD DVD (neither has any other studio regardless of whether they produce in one format or two), currently they are not producing BD titles. So they continue to be in “HD DVD camp” as I had mentioned before.

However, in case you don't read all of his blatherings, here's the rest:

In the interest of fair reporting, I believe they have said that they would produce BD titles in “2007” so at some point there may distribute in that format. But until they do, they have to put up with us as their supplier of technology .

So far so good

Please note that should SC decide to produce a BD title, I hope there is no expectation for me to come here to pre-announce it. I am sure Sony/Paid would not do this, should Disney decide to do the same . Their plans are theirs and only they can announce them.

What the hell does that mean???! Is Amir insinuating Disney's going to go HD-DUD?! Paidgeek! Are you there???

[Esox50]

Originally Posted by hyperdine

Maybe...just maybe...Universal is pulling out altogether. Perhaps they're in such bad shape they have to stop the bleeding, so they're just going to go into hibernation until there's a clear winner...??? Pure speculation on my part, but it could happen.

I don't know about Universal, but I don't get Paramount and WB. With the exception of a very few titles, they seem to have totally fallen off the map as compared to the BD exclusive studios.

Something IS going on. You could be right. Some of the HD DVD & neutral studios (Universal, WB, and Paramount) might be getting cold feet. They're all not stupid and they know it's in their respective best interests to have one format.

I don't know, it's all just very "weird" right now. I would love to know what's going on.

[blitz6speed]

Originally Posted by Jack Torrance

What the hell does that mean???! Is Amir insinuating Disney's going to go HD-DUD?! Paidgeek! Are you there???

Nah, that is a smoke screen to try and fend off angry hd-dvd fanatics with a carrot that is impossible to get. He is using it in the context that the major parties wouldnt be the ones to leak bad news, SUCH AS IF disney were to go neutral, you wouldnt be hearing it from sony. Thats what he is saying, that if/when Studio Canal goes neutral (which is already has), then dont expect amir/MS to come to AVS and brag about it. Thats all.

[What'sHD]

I imagine some of the (present) hd-dvd supporters are going to turn on Amir & gang once HD-dvd dies..

Once the shock wears off and they buy into BD (no choice..), my understanding of psychology says they will come to love BD, PS3 etc. and start enjoying the choice of movies, not to mention their primary hobby of HT.

THAT is when they will look back at some of the comments by the FUDders and turn on them. I am fairly certain.

MS is in a dangerous position with early adopters once they see (without the red shades spoiling their view) what BD and AVC are capable of. I think its time for Amir to start slipping non-backhanded compliments to BD.. pronto.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by Jack Torrance

Please note that should SC decide to produce a BD title, I hope there is no expectation for me to come here to pre-announce it. I am sure Sony/Paid would not do this, should Disney decide to do the same . Their plans are theirs and only they can announce them.

What the hell does that mean???! Is Amir insinuating Disney's going to go HD-DUD?! Paidgeek! Are you there???

It simply means that it would be very inappropriate for an insider to reveal information about other companies.

In reality, he is far closer to the inner workings and decision processes of SC than paidgeek would be to Disney. And it seems to be he is admitting he knew about SC's plans, as implied by the counter-example.

Gary

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by What'sHD

MS is in a dangerous position with early adopters once they see (without the red shades spoiling their view) what BD and AVC are capable of. I think its time for Amir to start slipping non-backhanded compliments to BD.. pronto.

What I wonder about is what happens when it becomes clear to Amir and his division that the battle is lost?

Microsoft wouldn't want to be associated with backing a loser. So, you can bet that all sorts of super-spin would kick in where they introduce full support for both formats and claim that this was their intent all along if BD showed it could be successful in the marketplace (yada yada yada).

In other words, at some point the HD DVD faithful will see their mentor reject their zealotry and turn on them. Then all hell will break lose. And the class actions will fly.

Gary

[GTP]

Originally Posted by ProvenFlipper

Come on Universal... Let's get this over with... We'll even accept ports of HD-DVD encodes for now.

We.....do you have a mouse in your pocket?

I accept full BD-50....and nothing less from Universal....until then...they do not even exsisit.

[What'sHD]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

Microsoft wouldn't want to be associated with backing a loser. So, you can bet that all sorts of super-spin would kick in where they introduce full support for both formats and claim that this was their intent all along if BD showed it could be successful in the marketplace (yada yada yada).

Yup, that sounds like par for the course for MS. I have an almost morbid curiosity about the end of HD-dvd. My add-on will become a relic but it will be an object lesson for me on the value of patience.

[JTK]

Originally Posted by What'sHD

MS is in a dangerous position with early adopters once they see (without the red shades spoiling their view) what BD and AVC are capable of. I think its time for Amir to start slipping non-backhanded compliments to BD.. pronto.

Isn't it about time? Don't people know Microsoft all too well from the PC market over the past 20 years?

Anyone who knows their history and profile at all knows NONE of this is anything new for them. Same strong arm tactics. Same complete lack of ethics. You name it.

There really isn't any excuse for anyone who has been lapping up the MS Kool Aid these last couple of years. Anyone over the age of about 8-10 years old should know better, unless they live under a rock outright.