Warner attending Blu-ray conference

[BadAss]

If the BDA were smart they might do better going after Walmart or Best buy, it would make WBs decision completely academic. Maybe thats what they're waiting for.

[DrinkMore]

Well, I am not sure why - but when I saw the commericals for Blade Runner - there was NO mention/picture of HD-DVD. It said own it on DVD and HD today! With a picture of the DVD and Blu-Ray. NO HD-DVD.

Does this mean anything? Probably not. Will WB go blu? One can only hope, however it's all speculation right now and it's not looking too good.

[sparksj]

Originally Posted by DealsR4theDevil

Thats a great analogy, but you forgot the part where you tell us what the hell your talking about?

LOL

My concern is that we are all so focused on weekly sales that we're losing site of many other pieces of data that Warner could also be considering when determining what format they might chose. I think a lot of things can happen at CES. And a bunch of us running out and buying discs we don't even care about watching will not change that.

Sales as a whole are not a big enough piece of the pie to make a studio chose yet. Obvoiusly Paramount didn't consider sales in their move to HD DVD.

[Hawknelson05]

ugh, I just hope everything doesn't turn out like video games i.e. having to buy the other console to buy their games and warner staying neutral unitl the end of the world

[DealsR4theDevil]

Originally Posted by sparksj

LOL

My concern is that we are all so focused on weekly sales that we're losing site of many other pieces of data that Warner could also be considering when determining what format they might chose. I think a lot of things can happen at CES. And a bunch of us running out and buying discs we don't even care about watching will not change that.

Sales as a whole are not a big enough piece of the pie to make a studio chose yet. Obvoiusly Paramount didn't consider sales in their move to HD DVD.

True. However, when Paramount took the $150 million and a similar deal was offered to WB, WB said no. They officially said that they would be watching Q4 sales and basing their decision on that. They did not specify between Disc or Player sales, but thats because they will prolly be looking at both.

Now even if HD DVD were to have more stand alones, WB knows that the BDA has all those PS3s out there. Couple that with a 52-0 year and the choice becomes clear.

If they pull a Paramount on us then it will be even more of a low blow than when Paramount did it. Warner promised to base their decision on sales (specifically Q4), Paramount never made such a promise (they did promise us many movies that were gonna come out but thats another story).

I have no doubt that Warner said they will be basing their decision on sales to get people on both sides to buy more of their movies. But after a 52-0 year they have to honor their promise.

[sleazypig]

Warner cares about themeselves. They have 40 percent of the hdm market and I think they like it this way. They will probably stay nuetral until it stops working for them.

[LeoneFan]

Originally Posted by sparksj

Sales as a whole are not a big enough piece of the pie to make a studio chose yet. Obvoiusly Paramount didn't consider sales in their move to HD DVD.

There was nothing for Paramount to consider. They took the $150 million and ran.

[BillCable]

Originally Posted by sleazypig

Warner cares about themeselves. They have 40 percent of the hdm market and I think they like it this way. They will probably stay nuetral until it stops working for them.

40% of a market that's heavily constrained because fence-sitters won't jump in without a clear winner is much, MUCH smaller than 30% of a booming 1-format market. Warner knows this very well, which is why they've indicated they're ready to change tactics.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by BadAss

Because if you give your word and announce titles at CES for both formats, it seems contradictory to dump one or the other a month or two months later. In future business you wouldn't believe another word they'd say. WB at least seem to have some morals and business sense.

There are already announced titles for after CES (e.g. Bonny and Clyde March 25 and Twister for May 6). So, why is anyone expecting anything for CES?

It is possible they do release those titles AND they go exclusive after any committments.

Gary

[sj001]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

It is possible they do release those titles AND they go exclusive after any committments.

Gary

This is what I am hoping for...

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Smallville206

I just don't see the point of WB staying neutral and extending this out. Maybe they just want to do it on their timetable instead of when a lot of people were assuming, but it's still ridiculous. .

Maybe Warner is as tired of everyone else saying they are going Blu as they were of Toshiba and MS trying to bribe them. Maybe they are going to make a choice when they are good and ready, and not when everyone else is ready.

[radagast]

Warner is getting their fingers into everything and is a saving grace in this stupid format war.

How is that a "saving grace"? Staying with dud will only prolong the war. This guy doesn't make any sense.

[beavis667]

Originally Posted by TheDude

Not that I believe this will happen, but if for some insane reason Warner went to exclusive HD-DVD it would not end the war. It would create a 50/50 split in support between Bluray and HDDVD. They would then be on equal ground. If Warner went Bluray it's a different story, it would then be 70/30 Bluray advantage and the war would probably be over.

I think if Warner went HD-DVD exclusive, CEs would push out dual format players to save HDM. Face it, if every CE that is making HD-DVD systems and Blu-Ray systems had dual format players, this format war would be a non isssue. Of course if they did go BD exclusive, then the war would be over in short order.

[Thegide]

It's clear there are more factors playing in than any of us realize.

Ultimately superior blu-ray sales will pay off. The market will not support two formats forever, period. I don't think it's a question of which side they will take, as it is when they will take it. A decision will be reached based on a combination of short-term and long-term benefits.

Perhaps they are still eeking out benefits of holding onto HD DVD for now. This may be due to its market share, or their investment in the technology, or contracts, etc. But there is a tipping point beyond where it becomes disadvantageous to support both formats. That tipping point is when they will announce exclusivity.

I think many people, including myself, got their hopes up that it would be over at CES. If you think Warner is naive to Blu's market superiority, you're fooling yourself. Executives' comments aside, it's fairly clear which side is winning, and its easy to see that the advantages HD DVD holds dear to it are fading away. My only hope is that they perceive enough urgency to make the move in time to ensure mass adoption.

[saprano]

bump

[richard lichtenfelt]

^and grind

[Geech]

The next couple weeks will be very interesting

[wisper9999]

That would be wicked of they went blu