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UK analysts predict no end in hi-def format war in sight

17 September 2007 10:07 by Rich "vurbal" Fiscus | 8 comments

Media analysts at Screen Digest believe that Blu-ray and HD DVD will both be around until at least 2011, and suggests that studios supporting only one or the other will only be harming their own bottom line.

"Christmas 2007 is going to be critical for the hi-def video business," says Richard Cooper, Screen Digest Video Analyst. "Both formats will be seeking to secure consumer buy-in to their proposition during the critical holiday season but with so much at stake on both sides we think it is highly unlikely that one format will emerge as the winner." He added "We believe that eventually most will decide to offer their titles on both HD DVD and Blu-ray in order to maximize their returns."

With all the rhetoric from supporters of both formats, it's easy to miss the fact that neither has sold enough hardware or content to be close to claiming victory. Many consumers don't have the hi-def displays required to take advantage of either format, and even among those who do confusion is rampant about what they are. Recent surveys indicate a commonly held misconception that a standard DVD player already supplies hi-def content when connected to an HDTV.

Adding to the confusion is competition from other formats like HD VMD, as well as from VOD, DVR, and IPTV offerings. Unless things change during this year's holiday season, consumers may continue to ignore both self-declared winners in favor of other alternatives.

Source: Variety

Permalink to this article

Is VMD serious comptetition for Blu-ray? (3 March 2008)

HD VMD to finally be available in the US (28 November 2007)

Consumers continue HDTV adoption even if they don't know what hi-def means (16 November 2007)

NPD analysts predict long haul for next-gen adoption (25 October 2007)

HD DVD still in the race say analysts (24 October 2007)

Microsoft launches its "Windows Media Center Internet TV" beta (1 October 2007)

Blu-ray gets another endorsement but does anyone care? (24 September 2007)

Studio executives argue merits of hi-def formats on Wall Street (19 September 2007)

Warner still not picking a side in the hi-def format war (12 September 2007)

China reveals CH-DVD (10 September 2007)

HD VMD format offers lower priced competition for next-gen formats (8 September 2007)

HD DVD vendors drop prices in Europe (1 September 2007)

Movie studios announce increased Blu-ray releases (20 August 2007)

Paramount picks HD DVD in format war - again (20 August 2007)

LG offers promotion with hybrid HD player (29 July 2007)

Toshiba extends HD DVD promotion (18 July 2007)

Blu-ray backers launch new website (12 July 2007)

Universal sticks with HD DVD (31 May 2007)

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Discuss this article!
diabolic (Newbie) 17 September 2007 11:22
I like the download for free alternative. These 2 groups had a chance to work things out before they decided to wage war on the consumer, they couldn't come to an agreement because there was more money to be made 1 winner(licensing). Now they aren't going to get any or my money. [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 17 September 2007 11:26
ZippyDSM (AfterDawn Addict) 17 September 2007 13:58
While full scale boycott is worth while Hdvd is not that bad its no worse than DVD, with BD+ BR is practically crippled add the cost its a slow cripple (ZOMG like zippy!) Anyway the HD format is mixed blessing at best with the way tech advancing by the time BR and Hdvd settle their fight someone else will replace it, for now avoid at all cost or wait till you can get both BR and HDvd player for under 400-500 total. [ + quote]
hughjars (Inactive) 17 September 2007 14:44
We'll see, there are those who think it's all just a matter of time, Warner is (according to some) going HD DVD exclusive in the new year. If that happens & HD DVD gets the sales low cost players and having the most content ought to bring it then this could all be over a hell of a lot sooner than some imagine. Afterall, big deal what the 'Media analysts' or 'Market analysts' 'believe' (today), no matter how informed some imagine themselves to be it's all just trying to play guessing games about something that cannot actually be known (the future). [ + quote]
ZippyDSM (AfterDawn Addict) 17 September 2007 15:08
*Originally posted by hughjars:* We'll see, there are those who think it's all just a matter of time, Warner is (according to some) going HD DVD exclusive in the new year. If that happens & HD DVD gets the sales low cost players and having the most content ought to bring it then this could all be over a hell of a lot sooner than some imagine. Afterall, big deal what the 'Media analysts' or 'Market analysts' 'believe' (today), no matter how informed some imagine themselves to be it's all just trying to play guessing games about something that cannot actually be known (the future). 'Market analysts' maybe if they can see the future LOL But its going to take 3 more years of this to get things settled. If sony drops the PS3 to 400 then prehaps they will start effecting BR price changes along with it, if thats the case it will be a new ball game if not BR will have a a very hard time price matching a "equal" competitor. [ + quote]
club42 (Member) 17 September 2007 18:13
There is no end in sight. I agree with zippy that a new format that's "superior" to both will be the only thing that will end this. I disagree to avoid either as I can get imports of almost all of the blue-ray exclusive movies that I like on HD-DVD, apocalypto, underworld, ghost rider ect. If you already have an expensive HDTV why wait till after the thing is dead to go HD? [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 17 September 2007 18:15
hermes_vb (Senior Member) 21 September 2007 20:14
That's the reason I recently spent my money on an excellent upconverting DVD player that is also capable of playing DVIX. I'm gonna sit this war out. [ + quote]
borhan9 (AfterDawn Addict) 24 September 2007 14:42
the way that both formats will win is when the companies like samsung and LG bring out the dual format players. its as simple as that. [ + quote]
hermes_vb (Senior Member) 24 September 2007 19:51
At a relative low price... [ + quote]