Andre Yoskowitz
5 Nov 2007 15:31
Although rumors have been swirling for weeks that it would be moving from dual format to Blu-ray, Warner has said that is has no plans to turn away from dual-format and instead pledged a strong line-up for both formats for the upcoming year.
Many of the rumors started due to a Home Media Magazine article last week in which Warner VP of High-Definition Media, Dan Silverberg made the following quotes:
"One thing that may be changing is our strategy," Silverberg was quoted as saying. "When both formats launched and hardware prices were high, we made a decision to support both formats and let the consumer decide. But now that hardware pricing is affordable for both Blu-ray and HD DVD, it appears consumers no longer want to decide -- so the notion of staying in two formats for the duration is something we are re-evaluating."
Silverberg was then quoted as saying "we can definitely talk Blu-ray" and that Warner is "committed to the format", quotes that suggest the company would be moving to Blu-ray.
Now however, Jim Noonan, SVP of Strategic Promotion and Communication for Warner Home Entertainment Group is saying that Silverberg's remarks were "misquoted and misconstrued."
"I can tell you that Warner's position has not changed, and I know that Dan did not intend to suggest that wasn't the case. We support both formats and we have made no decision to alter that policy, nor are there any such announcements coming, or being planned," added Noonan.
"Like any major company, we are always reviewing our strategies in every aspect of our business, it is what smart companies do. I can't say what may happen five, ten years down the line. But right now, Warner Bros. has made no decision to change course. We are still onboard with both formats, and will continue [with a strong line-up of new releases and catalog titles], just as we have in the past in supporting HD DVD and Blu-ray."
Source:
HD Digest