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October 11, 2008 11:12:57 PM CDT

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Warner Bros. Backs Blu-Ray

Posted Jan 5, 08 6:59 AM CST in Business,  Technology 

(Newser) – Warner Bros. will release new high-def films exclusively in Blu-ray format, the Wall Street Journal reports. The decision marks a major setback for the embattled rival HD DVD format—now adopted by only two studios, Universal and Paramount—and could be a tipping point in the ongoing format war that has discouraged consumers from buying high-def discs. Sony, Disney, and Fox are also committed to Blu-ray.

There are reports that Warner Bros. will receive marketing support from Blu-ray's backers in exchange for the exclusivity deal, but the studio claims the decision wasn't a "bidding contest." More HD DVD players have been sold in the US so far, but one analyst at Pali Research notes, "We expect HD DVD to die a quick death."

Source Wall Street Journal

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Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. employee Satoko Kubo poses with a Blu-ray Disc and a camcorder in front of a Panasonic DMR-BW900 Blu-ray Disc recorder during a press preview in Tokyo Friday, Oct. 26,...   (Associated Press)
A Sony Blu-Ray disc player and a DVD of the movie "Eight Below" are seen in this file photo taken in Buena Park, Calif. on Aug. 8, 2007. Warner Bros. Entertainment said Friday it will release high-definition...   (Associated Press)
A PlayStation 3 console from Sony is shown in New York in this Feb. 22, 2007 file photo. The PS3 has a built-in Blu-ray drive and is one of the most affordable Blu-ray players on the market. (AP Photo/Mark...   (Associated Press)
The Warner Bros. deal will significantly hurt the rival HD DVD format.(AP Photo/Reed Saxon, file)   (Associated Press)
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Warner Brothers  • HD DVD  • Universal Studios  • Blu ray  • Paramount



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