Format Wars - SlashGear

‘Format Wars’ Stories

Toshiba Looks for a Comeback with New HD DVD Marketing Initiatives

Daniel Lim, Jan 14th 2008 Discuss [0]

“We are shocked….disappointed”, those were the responses from Toshiba right after Warner ditching HD-DVD for Blu-Ray. It didn’t sound any better than Cowboys at the sore loser’s press conference after they got stunned by the Giant at the playoff. No more grieving! Confident that Paramount and Universal Studio wouldn’t pulled out on them as well, HD-DVD announced a new marketing initiatives to keep the Format Wars rolling. Read The Full Story

Paramount to drop HD-DVD?

Daniel Lim, Jan 8th 2008 Discuss [0]

It was barely 5 months ago When Paramount pledged to back HD-DVD exclusively, now they are about to drop it. The deal was said to involve cash incentive of $150 million, Paramount ditched the Blue for Red with 18 months contract. Can they break the allegiance now to side with Blu-ray instead? The Financial Times said there’s a condition in the contract that would allowed Paramount to back off the deal in the events that if Warner Bros is endorsing the Blu-ray. They aren’t sure if the same get-out clause apply to DreamWorks animation but seemed certain with Paramount. “Paramount is poised to drop its support of HD DVD after Warner Brothers’ recent backing of Sony’s Blu-ray technology,” If Warner move hasn’t change the outcome of the format war, this might just do it. Paramount in HD DVD blow [via The Financial Times]

Toshiba’s response to WB move, we are shocked but not lost

Daniel Lim, Jan 7th 2008 Discuss [1]

Shortly Warner announcement on Blu-Ray exclusive endorsement, the HD DVD Consortium canceled their press conference at CES 2008. It wasn’t a silent retreat, perhaps a regrouping of new strategy destined to fail turn the format war around. Toshiba has spoken and acknowledged Warner shocking move to its rival but they have not lost the battle just yet. Read The Full Story

Big Blow to Toshiba, Warner Bros announced Blu-Ray Exclusive

Daniel Lim, Jan 4th 2008 Discuss [9]

Warner finally has the decision after long period of being dual format supporter since day one. The rumor came true; they are going to switch to Blu-ray exclusively. Recent leaks from Warner’s top exclusives have indication of Blu-ray endorsement if the blue camp continue to outsell its rival during the Holidays season. They made their choice; Blu-ray is the future. HD-DVD supporters will have their chances to get the last of Warner’s copies of red disks until then, Hi Def titles will continue to be released in HD DVD until the end of May of 2008. Read The Full Story

Kmart denies snubbing Blu-ray, still isn’t selling standalone players

Chris Scott Barr, Nov 5th 2007 Discuss [1]

We posted a story last week regarding Kmart's decision to support the HD DVD standard somewhat exclusively. Kmart has fired back to the media announcing that they are not picking sides in the battle, and they are happy to carry both formats in their stores. Read The Full Story

Kmart decides to stock only standalone HD DVD players, no love for Blu-ray

Chris Scott Barr, Nov 2nd 2007 Discuss [4]

When I'm contemplating the purchase of a high-end electronic device, Kmart doesn't exactly top the list of places I'm going to look. Honestly, it doesn't even make the list at all, I'm not even sure when I last graced the door of my local Kmart. The sad thing is that I pass it on a regular basis, I just feel no need to stop in. Read The Full Story

Walmart to sell HD-A2 HD DVD player for $98 tomorrow only!

Chris Scott Barr, Nov 1st 2007 Discuss [0]

Remember the other day that I told you Circuit City was selling an HD DVD player for under $200? Well in comparison to Walmart, that deal sucks. Walmart is doing something a little different with their holiday promotions this year, they've set up a "secret" website that will inform you of deals that will available on various days. One such deal for tomorrow is a sub-$100 HD DVD player. Read The Full Story

Blu-ray dominates high-def disc sales in first three quarters of 2007

Chris Scott Barr, Oct 24th 2007 Discuss [0]

We know that Transformers really gave the HD DVD camp an edge with its record-braking first-week sales. However, we still don't know exactly how well the format war is going. Sure, you can look at hardware sales, but with the inclusion of a Blu-ray drive in the PS3, those numbers will always be skewed. Thankfully Home Media Research has some solid numbers on actual high-def discs sold. Read The Full Story

Transformers outsells all other HD titles

Chris Scott Barr, Oct 23rd 2007 Discuss [1]

Transformers was easily one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer. It did incredibly well at the box office, so it's no surprise that DVD sales have done great as well. What is a bit surprising is that it is now the best-selling HD DVD title to date. Read The Full Story

Rumor – Walmart to carry sub-$200 Toshiba HD DVD player

Chris Scott Barr, Oct 19th 2007 Discuss [0]

Nothing starts the day off quite like a tasty rumor. Sure, there are plenty of the buzzing around, but I thought you guys would really enjoy this one. Supposedly Walmart will begin carrying a standalone HD DVD player that breaks the sub-$200 price bracket. Read The Full Story

Acer Aspire M5630 – desktop with Blu-ray/HD DVD combo drive

Chris Scott Barr, Oct 10th 2007 Discuss [2]

If you're still undecided about which side to take in the format wars, you're not alone. Many people still aren't sure who will come out the victor and thus don't want to be stuck with obsolete hardware. That's why some manufacturers aren't making you pick sides. Take this new PC from Acer. The new M5630 desktop from Acer is being touted as the first desktop PC to offer a combo Blu-ray/HD DVD drive. Obviously this isn't going to be a low-end PC. You'll get a Core 2 Quad, 2GB of DDR2, a 500GB HD an ATI X2400 with 256MB of memory and a 22-inch LCD. Read The Full Story

Warner Total HD – Delayed again, possibly forever

Chris Scott Barr, Sep 17th 2007 Discuss [0]

Remember back in June when Warner delayed their Total HD disc format? There's probably a good chance that you've forgotten about it since we haven't heard much about it since then. Read The Full Story