Filmmakers 'failing to invest' in HD DVD
17 Sep 2007 16:56
The big Hollywood studios that are opting to support a single high definition video format could be missing out on significant revenue - as much as £135 million in 2008 alone - as neither Blu-Ray Discs (BD) nor HD DVD look likely to go away any time soon.That is according to research from Screen Digest which found that BD is currently selling more units than its rival HD DVD format, but that both will likely establish enough of an install base to coexist in the longer term.
Richard Cooper, Screen Digest video analyst, said that the recent decision for Paramount and DreamWorks to exclusively support HD DVD meant that the format would be secured in the immediate future and that other companies would now have to reconsider their position.
"Christmas 2007 is going to be critical for the hi-def video business. 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 said.
Sony, MGM, Fox, Lionsgate and Disney support the Blu-ray format exclusively, while Universal, Paramount and DreamWorks Pictures are in exclusive support of HD DVD. Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema and most other smaller companies are currently supporting both formats with their new releases.
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