Rich Fiscus
17 Sep 2007 10:07
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