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CES: All Quiet on the Universal Front
Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 01:12 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Universal (all tags)
Amidst mounting speculation that it is soon to shift alliances, Universal Studios has confirmed that it will not be making any new HD DVD title announcements at this year's CES.
Though previous years have seen a cavalcade of title announcements from HD DVD-supporting studios at CES, this year's deafening silence from Universal and Paramount/DreamWorks has only fueled speculation that one (or both) of the studios are plotting a move to format neutrality or perhaps even Blu-ray exclusivity.
While Universal is issuing a terse "no comment" in response to the persistent rumors, a studio spokesperson did confirm for us that they will not be making any new title announcements at this year's CES.
Paramount similarly declined to make any new title announcements at CES, but as we first reported Monday, the studio is shooting down reports that it plans to abandon the format
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Paramount/DreamWorks: "Still Supporting HD DVD" (Jan 07, 2008)
Paramount/DreamWorks: "Still Supporting HD DVD" [UPDATED]
Mon Jan 07, 2008 at 04:33 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Paramount, DreamWorks (all tags)
UPDATE: We have received word from Paramount/DreamWorks that although they continue to support HD DVD, they will not be making any new high-def title announcements at CES 2008.
Paramount/DreamWorks responded to Warner's shift to Blu-ray exclusivity today, saying that the studios have no plans to abandon the HD DVD format.
Following Warner's shocking defection to Blu-ray last Friday, and the subsequent cancellation by the HD DVD Promotions Group of its planned CES media event Sunday night, speculation has run rampant regarding Paramount's next move, as well as the fate of any HD DVD title announcements they had originally planned for CES.
High-Def Digest contacted Paramount for comment, and we were told by a spokesperson that despite the events of the past few days, "we are still supporting HD DVD," and that neither Paramount nor DreamWorks had any further statements on the matter at this time.
As for any Paramount HD DVD title announcements originally planned for CES, at press time any such plans were "up in the air." Needless to say, we'll keep you posted.
Watch this space for continuing coverage....
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- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- HD DVD Promo Group Cancels CES Press Conference
- Warner Goes Blu
CES: HD DVD Press Release Recaps "Breakthrough Year"
Mon Jan 07, 2008 at 09:00 AM ETTags: CES 2008 (all tags)
A new CES-themed press release from the HD DVD Promotional Group offers a glimpse of what we might have seen had the group gone ahead with its Sunday press conference.
The just-issued press release recaps a "breakthrough year" for HD DVD, reporting almost one million dedicated HD DVD players sold through to consumers, and software sales for the format that grew at nearly twice the rate of Blu-ray during the five week holiday selling period.
"Our focus from day one has been to deliver the highest quality hardware and the best, most immersive home entertainment experiences for consumers at affordable prices," explained Jodi Sally, vice president of marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "With nearly one million dedicated players in the market in North America, and a leading position in the PC market worldwide, we're seeing software growth follow suit."
According to the group, there are now more than 400 HD DVD titles available in the US and more than 1,000 titles available worldwide.
As we've previously reported, the HD DVD Promotional Group scrapped its planned CES press conference following Warner's announcement late Friday that it planned to drop its HD DVD support in favor of rival format Blu-ray.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- HD DVD Rallies Consumer Audience in 2007 [Press Release]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- HD DVD Promo Group Cancels CES Press Conference (Jan 04, 2008)
CES: Samsung Bows New Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player
Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 06:24 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Samsung, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Updating its recently-released BD-UP5000, Samsung says it will introduce the new BD-UP5500 Duo HD player in the second half of 2008.
Like its predecessor, the BD-UP5500 will support both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, as well as the latest BD-Java and HDi interactivity available (including full support of Blu-ray Profile 1.1).
Samsung says the BD-UP5500 will also feature 7.1 PCM, DTS-HD High Resolution and Master audio, plus Dolby TrueHD Bistream output via HDMI 1.3.
The deck's ethernet connection will enable firmware upgrades and web-enabled features with compatible HD DVD discs. (Company reps tell us the deck will not be BD-Live compliant, meaning it will not support web-enabled features on certain Blu-ray discs.)
The BD-UP5500 is expected to retail for $599, making it the lowest-priced dual format player announced yet. (The BD-UP5000 is currently retailing at $799.)
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung Invites Newcomers into the World of HD Home Entertainment with New Duo HD Player [Press Release]
CES: Samsung Bows New Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player
Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 06:24 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Samsung, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Updating its recently-released BD-UP5000, Samsung says it will introduce the new BD-UP5500 Duo HD player in the second half of 2008.
Like its predecessor, the BD-UP5500 will support both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, as well as the latest BD-Java and HDi interactivity available (including full support of Blu-ray Profile 1.1).
Samsung says the BD-UP5500 will also feature 7.1 PCM, DTS-HD High Resolution and Master audio, plus Dolby TrueHD Bistream output via HDMI 1.3.
The deck's ethernet connection will enable firmware upgrades and web-enabled features with compatible HD DVD discs. (Company reps tell us the deck will not be BD-Live compliant, meaning it will not support web-enabled features on certain Blu-ray discs.)
The BD-UP5500 is expected to retail for $599, making it the lowest-priced dual format player announced yet. (The BD-UP5000 is currently retailing at $799.)
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung Invites Newcomers into the World of HD Home Entertainment with New Duo HD Player [Press Release]
CES: HD DVD Takes Backseat at Toshiba Press Conference
Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 02:46 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Toshiba (all tags)
In one of the first major press conferences at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Toshiba was uncharacteristically quiet regarding its upcoming HD DVD plans.
The company dedicated less than five minutes of its presentation to HD DVD, and tucked the only mention of the format's CES presence at the end of its accompanying press release, which failed to directly mention any new HD DVD product launches.
Toshiba had been expected to introduce a fourth-generation HD DVD player at this year's show.
Addressing Warner's decision to drop support of the HD DVD format, the company echoed its earlier public statements, expressing surprise at the timing of Friday's announcement, and emphasizing the format's strong fourth quarter momentum.
Jodi Sally, VP of Marketing at Toshiba, described HD DVD unit sales in Q4 as being the best to date, with nearly one million dedicated HD DVD players in the market, saying that "only HD DVD has delivered on its commitments to the market, bringing advanced functionality and affordability."
The exec went on to caution those sounding the death knell for HD DVD. "We've been declared dead before," said Sally. "HD DVD has always put the interests of consumers ahead of companies."
From there, it was on to a lengthy unveiling of Toshiba's new line of LCD releases for 2008. There was no Q&A session following the presentation.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Toshiba Showcases Latest Advanced Technologies at CES 2008 [Press Release]
- Live from Toshiba's CES press conference [Engadget]
- Toshiba announces slew of LCDs for 2008: hands-on and video [EngadgetHD]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Toshiba 'Surprised' By Warner Blu-ray Announcement (Jan 04, 2008)
HD DVD Promo Group Cancels CES Press Conference
Fri Jan 04, 2008 at 10:51 PM ETTags: CES 2008 (all tags)
It was among the most highly anticipated press events of this year's Consumer Electronics Show, but following today's announcement from Warner Home Video, this Sunday's press conference from the HD DVD Promotions Group has been cancelled.
Organizers sent out a note to members of the media and invited guests late Friday, attributing the cancellation to the timing of Warner's announcement. A rep for the group told us this evening that the press conference will not be rescheduled, but that the group will still have a presence at the show from its booth on the convention floor.
The full text of the HD DVD Promo Group's email follows below:
Based on the timing of the Warner Home Video announcement today, we have decided to postpone our CES 2008 press conference scheduled for Sunday, January 6th at 8:30 p.m. in the Wynn Hotel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We are currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps. We believe the consumer continues to benefit from HD DVD’s commitment to quality and affordability – a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on new developments around HD DVD.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Breaking: Warner Goes Blu-ray Exclusive (Jan 04, 2008)
Studios Preview CES Blu-ray, HD DVD Title Announcements
Thu Jan 03, 2008 at 11:00 AM ETTags: CES 2008, Disc Announcements, Sony, Warner, Paramount, Fox (all tags)
CES is still a few days away, but several studios are providing a sneak peek at some major 2008 Blu-ray and HD DVD titles expected to be officially unveiled at the annual confab.
Among the studios previewing their 2008 plans for Home Media Magazine this week in a special pre-CES high-def studio roundtable were Warner, Fox, Sony and Paramount/DreamWorks.
On the Blu-ray front, Fox's Mike Dunn indicated that the studio is eyeing extensive day-and-date support of its top titles this year, with such current and future theatrical releases as 'Alien vs. Predator: Requiem,' 'Horton Hears a Who,' '27 Dresses,' 'The List,' 'Babylon A.D.' and M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Happening' all expected to debut simultaneously with the DVD versions.
Sony prez David Bishop similarly pledged continued day-and-date support throughout 2008, naming 'Hancock' and 'The DaVinci Code' sequel 'Angels & Demons' as two of its top titles earmarked for Blu-ray.
For HD DVD fans, Paramount/DreamWorks' Kelly Avery said the two studios will issue an extensive slate of both new releases and catalog titles, including the blockbusters 'Bee Movie' and 'Beowulf' (which have both already been announced to retailers).
Finally, format-agnostic Warner said that their high-def releases this year would include 'The Dark Knight,' 'Speed Racer,' 'Get Smart,' 'The Bucket List' and the current Will Smith smash 'I Am Legend.'
Though the titles revealed so far are likely only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we can expect to see from all next-gen supporting studios next week, all indications are that 2008 will be the biggest year yet for both high-def formats.
The 2008 Consumer Electronics Show kicks off Monday January 7th in Las Vegas. We'll be here all next week with complete coverage, so be sure to watch this space.
We've also set up a dedicated area in our forums area for discussion of CES-related news and rumors -- click here to join the fray.
- Related links:
- Studio Presidents Look Ahead [Home Media Magazine]
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