Support NeoGAF

[teepo]

so anyone else wishing the Nirvana: Unplugged In New York release coming up this tuesday was going to be on a hi-def format?

it was recorded with shitty equipment, what's the point.

 

[maharg]

while that would be awesome yes, Unplugged was film on VIDEO for tv. at best you are only ever going to get a 480p quality video. It wasn't on film, so there would be no way to do a high-def transfer.

I imagine (depending on how the audio was recorded) that having a higher bitrate, and even uncompressed, audio track would probably make a music disc better. I don't really see why the video would even be the first thing considered to be important on a music dvd.

 

[Kevin]

So which format do you guys think will win?

 

[OatmealMu]

So which format do you guys think will win?

A new format that we've never heard of.

 

[NR1]

Have any of you guys seen the new "I DO Blu" ads running in the movie theaters and on TV?

The ad in and of itself wasn't anything special, except for the fact that they showed clips from Wedding Crashers and a blu-ray box for it featured at the end. I did not realize that Wedding Crashers was announced for blu-ray...

Other movies shown during the ad were 300, Pirates, F4: Silver Surfer, Spiderman, Harry Potter, Simpsons Movie, and a few others.

 

[VOOK]

Well Wedding Crashers is a Sony title so I assume it would. It was on UMD :/

 

[VanMardigan]

Wedding Crashers? Yes please. It'll go perfectly with the Anchorman and Old School HD DVDs I plan to get. Format neutral FTW!

 

[jey_16]

Well Wedding Crashers is a Sony title so I assume it would. It was on UMD :/

Wedding Crashers was produced by New Line

 

[VanMardigan]

Wedding Crashers was produced by New Line

So it's a neutral release? I guess it'll be up to the extras to decide which version to get, then.

 

[Christoff Yurievich]

while that would be awesome yes, Unplugged was film on VIDEO for tv. at best you are only ever going to get a 480p quality video. It wasn't on film, so there would be no way to do a high-def transfer.

that's fine, I wanted the audio more than the video anyway.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Not sure if it's been posted (I'm sure it has god knows how many pages ago) -

Enlarged Triple Layer HD DVD Finally Gets Approved.
DVD Forum Approves High-Density DVD Disc Spec

Category: Storage

by Anton Shilov

[ 11/18/2007 | 07:34 AM ]

DVD Forum, the international organization that oversees standardization of DVD and HD DVD optical disc formats, has finally approved version 2.0 of triple-layer HD DVD discs. The availability of physical specification of an HD DVD read-only media that can hold up to 51GB of data will allow the manufacturers to start producing the appropriate disks, whereas content producers may now start to think about how to use additional capacity.

The approval of DVD specifications for high density read-only disc [HD DVD-ROM (51G)] part 1 physical specifications, version 2.0, took place during the 40th steering committee meeting on November 15, 2007. Back in September, the DVD Forum also approved version 1.9 specification of 51GB HD DVD media as well as revision 1.0 of triple-layer twin format discs, which can hold up to 30GB of data on its HD DVD side and up to 4.7GB of data on its DVD side.

The new 51GB HD DVD ROM disc has a three-layer structure with each layer storing 17GB of data, which is an advancement in capacity over current ROM discs, which hold 15GB of data in each layer of a single-sided disc. Continued improvement in disc mastering technology has achieved further minimization in the recording pit, supporting a further boost in capacity to 17GB in single layer and a full 51GB on a single-sided triple-layer disc. Toshiba has confirmed the disc structure and its successful operation earlier this year.

Neither Toshiba, nor DVD Forum have confirmed that triple-layer HD DVDs will playback on existing HD DVD hardware, such as players and computer drives. But there are talks in dedicated high-definition related forums that improved 17GB layers actually gained in readability [compared to 15GB layers] and that even first-generation HD DVD players can read tree layers. Therefore, it is highly likely that movies distributed on triple-layer HD DVD 51GB discs will be playable even on the very first HD DVD players.

It remains to be seen whether triple-layer HD DVDs are more cost-efficient compared to dual-layer Blu-ray discs both in terms of media costs as well as replications costs.

Link : http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/storage/display/20071118073411_Enlarged_Triple_Layer_HD_DVD_Finally_Gets_Approved.html



What I find interesting now is the debate on storage. In the past, wasn't the complaint that things were still getting compressed on the HD DVD's and they weren't on Blu-Ray disc's?

Course now I wonder if Sony is going to release a 100GB triple layer density disc but my god, that's going to get spendy for the media and manufacturing process.

 

[pel1300]

How is that gonna "level the playing field"? It's not like the average consumer will even know this.

 

[OokieSpookie]

Not sure if it's been posted (I'm sure it has god knows how many pages ago) -

Enlarged Triple Layer HD DVD Finally Gets Approved.
DVD Forum Approves High-Density DVD Disc Spec

Category: Storage

by Anton Shilov

[ 11/18/2007 | 07:34 AM ]

DVD Forum, the international organization that oversees standardization of DVD and HD DVD optical disc formats, has finally approved version 2.0 of triple-layer HD DVD discs. The availability of physical specification of an HD DVD read-only media that can hold up to 51GB of data will allow the manufacturers to start producing the appropriate disks, whereas content producers may now start to think about how to use additional capacity.

The approval of DVD specifications for high density read-only disc [HD DVD-ROM (51G)] part 1 physical specifications, version 2.0, took place during the 40th steering committee meeting on November 15, 2007. Back in September, the DVD Forum also approved version 1.9 specification of 51GB HD DVD media as well as revision 1.0 of triple-layer twin format discs, which can hold up to 30GB of data on its HD DVD side and up to 4.7GB of data on its DVD side.

The new 51GB HD DVD ROM disc has a three-layer structure with each layer storing 17GB of data, which is an advancement in capacity over current ROM discs, which hold 15GB of data in each layer of a single-sided disc. Continued improvement in disc mastering technology has achieved further minimization in the recording pit, supporting a further boost in capacity to 17GB in single layer and a full 51GB on a single-sided triple-layer disc. Toshiba has confirmed the disc structure and its successful operation earlier this year.

Neither Toshiba, nor DVD Forum have confirmed that triple-layer HD DVDs will playback on existing HD DVD hardware, such as players and computer drives. But there are talks in dedicated high-definition related forums that improved 17GB layers actually gained in readability [compared to 15GB layers] and that even first-generation HD DVD players can read tree layers. Therefore, it is highly likely that movies distributed on triple-layer HD DVD 51GB discs will be playable even on the very first HD DVD players.

It remains to be seen whether triple-layer HD DVDs are more cost-efficient compared to dual-layer Blu-ray discs both in terms of media costs as well as replications costs.

Link : http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/storage/display/20071118073411_Enlarged_Triple_Layer_HD_DVD_Finally_Gets_Approved.html



What I find interesting now is the debate on storage. In the past, wasn't the complaint that things were still getting compressed on the HD DVD's and they weren't on Blu-Ray disc's?

Course now I wonder if Sony is going to release a 100GB triple layer density disc but my god, that's going to get spendy for the media and manufacturing process.

Unless they find a way to fix the bandwidth issues it will not matter, and for the record Blu has had a 100gb being cleaned up for a while now.
The 51gb is just something for HD kiddies to have something to post about and a sound byte for Toshiba when they have nothing else.

Shockingly enough the news had already made it to this back woods part of the interweb.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Not sure if it's been posted (I'm sure it has god knows how many pages ago) -
[/URL]What I find interesting now is the debate on storage. In the past, wasn't the complaint that things were still getting compressed on the HD DVD's and they weren't on Blu-Ray disc's?

Course now I wonder if Sony is going to release a 100GB triple layer density disc but my god, that's going to get spendy for the media and manufacturing process.

The big questions on the 51Gb HD DVD disc are: compatability with existing players and affordability of the discs. I wouldn't be surprised if the economical feasability of the triple layer would exempt it from most movie titles, but Toshiba is very comitted to the format so time will tell. From what I got reading Microsoft HD DVD insider Amir, he made it seem like we shouldn't expect much. We shall see.

As for the 100+Gb Blu-ray discs, don't expect those to be used by movie studios any time soon. They are just not economically viable for mass production.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Good interview with Disney about the current war. I thought this detail was of note:

Chapek: We [Disney] are targeting late Spring for our BD Live applications, and it will be profound when we do it. As examples of what we can do, think of the Liars' Dice computer game that was part of "Pirates of The Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest." Now imagine that we are playing each other through our Blu-ray players — You're in New York and I'm in L.A. Or, think of "Sleeping Beauty" when the first Disney Platinum title comes out in Blu-ray. Let's say we make an appointment that every Tuesday at 5 o'clock Sleeping Beauty comes out and engages in a live chat. You can ask her questions and she will respond to you. The possibilities are limitless.

Also I love this quote:

The Blu-ray group's strength is that it has 170 companies. The Blu-ray group's liability is that there are 170 companies.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6503907.html?industryid=23099

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

I doubt triple-layer discs would stay expensive for long, if they start mass-producing them.

The bigger question is backwards compatibility, and whether or not studios will release using them.

I doubt this will mean much to anybody except fans of the high-end audio codecs.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Amazon is having a one day only sale for select Fox & MGM titles:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.ht...29264201&pf_rd_i=193640011&tag=blurayforum-20

 

[C4Lukins]

Good interview with Disney about the current war. I thought this detail was of note:



Also I love this quote:



http://www.twice.com/article/CA6503907.html?industryid=23099

Well maybe now I can actually figure out the rules to that stupid dice game that was attempting to build tension while the audience was completely baffled by the rules.

 

[VanMardigan]

The big questions on the 51Gb HD DVD disc are: compatability with existing players and affordability of the discs. I wouldn't be surprised if the economical feasability of the triple layer would exempt it from most movie titles, but Toshiba is very comitted to the format so time will tell.

The same was true (in terms of disc issues) with the 50GB BDs. Sony absorbed (and is still absorbing) those costs, so it wouldn't shock me at all that Toshiba will likely eat those costs to get 51GB discs out there. If anything, this will be good news for both camps, since Warner will be able to use a higher GB encode on their neutral releases.

edit: And I hope that all those folks who vomited on the Harry Potter voice chat will be even more insulted by the multiplayer java game. At least the HP stuff was movie related. And hey look, Disney also talked about chat.

Oni Jazar, the same one who posted that java game stuff, was (not surprisingly) one of the folks dissing the Harry Potter feature:

Oh look at all the HD DVD campers already adoring this feature and setting up Harry Potter parties even though it would be a phenomenon if the feature was used once and a "Hail Mary appearing in your house with grilled cheese sandwiches in the likeness of baby Jesus himself" type miracle if used more then once.

 

[avaya]

51GB still gimps a Warner Blu-ray encode because the bandwidth for HD-DVD has not changed.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Oni Jazar, the same one who posted that java game stuff, was (not surprisingly) one of the folks dissing the Harry Potter feature:

Just because I post information on a topic does not mean that I wholeheartedly endorse it. Do not make invalid assumptions. I checked out Liars Dice just once and will never touch it again.

The information is interesting because both formats will have the opportunity for online features.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

I didn't vomit of the chat feature *and* I think the online dice game is stupid. I thought the offline dice game was stupid-- I actually tried that one.

As soon as somebody calls this "exciting" or "revolutionary" or compares it to the evolution of gaming systems, I'm sure you'll be all over them... except I don't expect that to happen. Nobody in this thread plays up the Blu-ray interactive stuff, other than to say "Blu will have it too."

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Taking a longer look at that article...

Having a digital SD version of the movie on disc is a nice bonus, especially for those of us with only one player/HD setup. I do watchign movies on laptop in my bedroom and it's a nice option if it works out. I like the Combo discs is theory but don't like the additional cost.

 

[Days like these...]

Anyone picking up the A3 at circuit city this week for $199? Is BB matching does anyone know?

 

[Days like these...]

The information is interesting because both formats will have the opportunity for online features.

You mean hd dvd and the ps3 ( and future 1.1 , 2.0 compliant standalones) will have the opportunity for online features because as far as I know current bd standalones can't connect to the internet.

I love the non-chalant 'screw the early adopters' attitude alot of people on here take in order to defend the lack of finalzed specs.

 

[Chiggs]

:lol at that Triple Layer disc. That's not going to level anything. All it's going to do is piss off existing HD-DVD hardware owners. And the same goes for that 100GB Blu-ray disc.

I doubt either one will be used unless it is proven without a doubt they can function on existing hardware.

 

[Wulfer]

Just because I post information on a topic does not mean that I wholeheartedly endorse it. Do not make invalid assumptions. I checked out Liars Dice just once and will never touch it again.

The information is interesting because both formats will have the opportunity for online features.

Nice back peddling, considering the slam you tried to put on me! Think before you type, it's a requirement here! :lol

 

[Oni Jazar]

Nice back peddling, considering the slam you tried to put on me! Think before you type, it's a requirement here! :lol

Sorry I hurt your feelings, but I wasn't backpeddling. If you think that I was heralding exciting new online features with a quote then you were mistaken.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

You mean hd dvd and the ps3 ( and future 1.1 , 2.0 compliant standalones) will have the opportunity for online features because as far as I know current bd standalones can't connect to the internet.

I love the non-chalant 'screw the early adopters' attitude alot of people on here take in order to defend the lack of finalzed specs.

Yes, the early adopters will miss out on synchonized text chat and online dice game parties! We're so callous.

 

[Zombie James]

The big questions on the 51Gb HD DVD disc are: compatability with existing players and affordability of the discs.

Also, will the bitrate cap be increased? Storage could be pretty much equal, but it's pointless if HD-DVD's video bitrate is still lower compared to Blu-ray. According to this site...

HD-DVD max video bitrate: 29.4 Mbit/sec
Blu-ray max video bitrate: 40 Mbit/sec

 

[mrklaw]

yeah, what happened to that 1.5x HDDVD? Has that been dropped from the 51GB spec to improve compatibility?

 

[Argyle]

Not sure if it's been posted (I'm sure it has god knows how many pages ago) -

Enlarged Triple Layer HD DVD Finally Gets Approved.
DVD Forum Approves High-Density DVD Disc Spec

Category: Storage

by Anton Shilov

[ 11/18/2007 | 07:34 AM ]

DVD Forum, the international organization that oversees standardization of DVD and HD DVD optical disc formats, has finally approved version 2.0 of triple-layer HD DVD discs. The availability of physical specification of an HD DVD read-only media that can hold up to 51GB of data will allow the manufacturers to start producing the appropriate disks, whereas content producers may now start to think about how to use additional capacity.

The approval of DVD specifications for high density read-only disc [HD DVD-ROM (51G)] part 1 physical specifications, version 2.0, took place during the 40th steering committee meeting on November 15, 2007. Back in September, the DVD Forum also approved version 1.9 specification of 51GB HD DVD media as well as revision 1.0 of triple-layer twin format discs, which can hold up to 30GB of data on its HD DVD side and up to 4.7GB of data on its DVD side.

The new 51GB HD DVD ROM disc has a three-layer structure with each layer storing 17GB of data, which is an advancement in capacity over current ROM discs, which hold 15GB of data in each layer of a single-sided disc. Continued improvement in disc mastering technology has achieved further minimization in the recording pit, supporting a further boost in capacity to 17GB in single layer and a full 51GB on a single-sided triple-layer disc. Toshiba has confirmed the disc structure and its successful operation earlier this year.

Neither Toshiba, nor DVD Forum have confirmed that triple-layer HD DVDs will playback on existing HD DVD hardware, such as players and computer drives. But there are talks in dedicated high-definition related forums that improved 17GB layers actually gained in readability [compared to 15GB layers] and that even first-generation HD DVD players can read tree layers. Therefore, it is highly likely that movies distributed on triple-layer HD DVD 51GB discs will be playable even on the very first HD DVD players.

It remains to be seen whether triple-layer HD DVDs are more cost-efficient compared to dual-layer Blu-ray discs both in terms of media costs as well as replications costs.

Link : http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/storage/display/20071118073411_Enlarged_Triple_Layer_HD_DVD_Finally_Gets_Approved.html



What I find interesting now is the debate on storage. In the past, wasn't the complaint that things were still getting compressed on the HD DVD's and they weren't on Blu-Ray disc's?

Course now I wonder if Sony is going to release a 100GB triple layer density disc but my god, that's going to get spendy for the media and manufacturing process.

LOL finished spec

 

[VanMardigan]

Storage could be pretty much equal, but it's pointless if HD-DVD's video bitrate is still lower compared to Blu-ray.

pointless? Considering the bitrate advantage has only been an advantage on paper, I don't think it matters, honestly. Like mousey said, this benefits those who want the high res audio options and have the equipment to take advantage of it. Hopefully I'll be in that camp someday. Bitrate hasn't provided Blu Ray any advantages in PQ, despite what that crazy little meter on your Ps3 tells you.

Hell, the credits rolling on Spiderman 3 had the bitrate meter at 29Mbps. :lol

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Also, will the bitrate cap be increased? Storage could be pretty much equal, but it's pointless if HD-DVD's video bitrate is still lower compared to Blu-ray. According to this site...

HD-DVD max video bitrate: 29.4 Mbit/sec
Blu-ray max video bitrate: 40 Mbit/sec

Explain to me like I'm your mom.... Why the Fuck does video bitrate matter in both HD formats?

They both look great and one doesn't look better than the other... so why does the bitrate matter?

 

[DarkJediKnight]

Explain to me like I'm your mom.... Why the Fuck does video bitrate matter in both HD formats?

They both look great and one doesn't look better than the other... so why does the bitrate matter?

Video bitrates mean nothing. Both formats are fine video-wise. The issue with HD DVD is the max bandwidth of 36mbps vs Blu-ray's 54mbps. With HD DVD, careful planning has to take place when allocating bandwidth for PIP, extras ect.. This is why there's so many Dolby Digital Plus tracks on HD DVD as opposed to True HD.

 

[dallow_bg]

Explain to me like I'm your mom.... Why the Fuck does video bitrate matter in both HD formats?

They both look great and one doesn't look better than the other... so why does the bitrate matter?

Nature's Journey didn't have a DTS-HD MA audio track like the BD version because of bandwidth limitations since the video encode was pushing it's max bitrate.

No room left. (not storage, bandwidth)

 

[OokieSpookie]

For the record the 10 free movies with the 80gb PS3 at Walmart is confirmed from the secret site.
Amazing how much bitterness and crankiness it has stirred up in all of those "Walmart am hd!!" people.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

For the record the 10 free movies with the 80gb PS3 at Walmart is confirmed from the secret site.
Amazing how much bitterness and crankiness it has stirred up in all of those "Walmart am hd!!" people.

Counter-Point....

Amazon is offering the A3 HD DVD player for $199 w/ 10 free movies.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=xs_gb_20_right-3_1.1_16607?ie=UTF8&docId=1000167901&pf_rd_p=305207201&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=20&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0800PTWQVTK8VGA6W1GA

 

[OokieSpookie]

Counter-Point....

Amazon is offering the A3 HD DVD player for $199 w/ 10 free movies.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=xs_gb_20_right-3_1.1_16607?ie=UTF8&docId=1000167901&pf_rd_p=305207201&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=20&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0800PTWQVTK8VGA6W1GA

Not a counterpoint, we are already aware of this.
I am not bringing the sale itself up, as it has already been discussed pages back.
I am pointing to the frenzy of bitterness.
Not even three weeks ago hd supporters were swearing that Walmart was hd exclusive and would change the tide. They were also swearing and praying for another black friday sale from Walmart to prove it and we would all see.
Where those with common sense said that it was just a sale just as other black friday and secret sales are just sales.

 

[VanMardigan]

I am not bringing the sale itself up, as it has already been discussed pages back.
I am pointing to the frenzy of bitterness.

WHERE?? Are you getting your threads mixed up, or are you bringing fanboy garbage from other threads on other boards? Why would you do that? Who the hell are you debating with? Nobody here is suggesting WalMart is HD DVD exclusive, so get off it already.

btw, those are two fine offers. I think I lost my Ps3 receipt, though, so I probably won't be able to claim my 5 free movies. Sucks, but considering that the Prestige is the only one I cared about when I was filling out the form, it doesn't hurt too much. Still can't believe I trashed that receipt.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Nature's Journey didn't have a DTS-HD MA audio track like the BD version because of bandwidth limitations since the video encode was pushing it's max bitrate.

No room left. (not storage, bandwidth)

Still not tracking. The Sound files (basically) and in this case the DTS track on 'Nature's Journey' in HD DVD was not included like it was on the Blu-Ray Disc simply because of what? DTS operates at a certain bandwidth (or has a minimum that is needed) that HD DVD can't do?

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

WHERE?? Are you getting your threads mixed up, or are you bringing fanboy garbage from other threads on other boards? Why would you do that? Who the hell are you debating with? Nobody here is suggesting WalMart is HD DVD exclusive, so get off it already.

btw, those are two fine offers. I think I lost my Ps3 receipt, though, so I probably won't be able to claim my 5 free movies. Sucks, but considering that the Prestige is the only one I cared about when I was filling out the form, it doesn't hurt too much. Still can't believe I trashed that receipt.

In this thread. I beleive that the last time somebody said this was when reviving the corpse of Rob Enderle to suggest that he knew all along.

The bulk of it was before the sale, but there's been plenty of it going back as far as Spring.

 

[OokieSpookie]

WHERE?? Are you getting your threads mixed up, or are you bringing fanboy garbage from other threads on other boards? Why would you do that? Who the hell are you debating with? Nobody here is suggesting WalMart is HD DVD exclusive, so get off it already.

btw, those are two fine offers. I think I lost my Ps3 receipt, though, so I probably won't be able to claim my 5 free movies. Sucks, but considering that the Prestige is the only one I cared about when I was filling out the form, it doesn't hurt too much. Still can't believe I trashed that receipt.

You do remember this gem right?
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8456271&postcount=18243

And multiple posts around it?


No need to get cranky now.

 

[VanMardigan]

In this thread. I beleive that the last time somebody said this was when reviving the corpse of Rob Enderle to suggest that he knew all along.

The bulk of it was before the sale, but there's been plenty of it going back as far as Spring.

There was the whole rumor about Wal-Mart selling cheap HD DVD players, which actually happened. I may be wrong, but nobody suggested they'd stop selling Ps3's, did they? Even Kmart, which doesn't sell BR standalones, sells Ps3s and Blu Ray movies. WalMart definitely gave HD DVD a big push, but they never hinted at exclusivity. I remember the Kmart exclusivity stuff, but not the WalMart stuff beyond the fact that they were going to be pushing cheap HD DVD players.

You do remember this gem right?

I sure do. And it turned out to be true: WalMart is selling cheap HD DVD players, not Blu Ray standalones. Nowhere does it say they'd quit selling Ps3s or Blu Ray movies.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Plenty of people suggested that they would't carry anything but the PS3 and would drop movies, and that very post says that Wal-Mart would not promote Blu-Ray.

And yet here is a Blu-ray sale at Wal-Mart. Wow!

 

[OokieSpookie]

There was the whole rumor about Wal-Mart selling cheap HD DVD players, which actually happened. I may be wrong, but nobody suggested they'd stop selling Ps3's, did they? Even Kmart, which doesn't sell BR standalones, sells Ps3s and Blu Ray movies. WalMart definitely gave HD DVD a big push, but they never hinted at exclusivity. I remember the Kmart exclusivity stuff, but not the WalMart stuff beyond the fact that they were going to be pushing cheap HD DVD players.



I sure do. And it turned out to be true: WalMart is selling cheap HD DVD players, not Blu Ray standalones. Nowhere does it say they'd quit selling Ps3s or Blu Ray movies.

Are you fucking blind?

It means that any studio wanting Wal-Mart’s support after year end had better be selling HD DVD movies. Wal-Mart won’t be promoting Blu-Ray and, after year end, will increasingly focus their marketing on getting people to buy into HD DVD players and the related HD DVD movie from them.

In short, the Blu-Ray aligned studios will now have to either support both formats or risk losing much of Wal-Mart's business and given how material this business is to them, you have to think that an anti-Wall-Mart decision would have a material impact on their bonuses and career longevity. It certainly puts Columbia Pictures, which is owned by Sony, in a particularly uncomfortable position.

So, if this move by Wal-Mart is true , and it appears to be (but we won’t know for sure for a few months yet), the format war is likely over and Wal-Mart has declared the winner.

You clearly admitted that you doubted the credibility but it sure didn't keep people from running with the idea.

 

[VanMardigan]

Plenty of people suggested that they would't carry anything but the PS3, and that very post says that Wal-Mart would not promote Blu-Ray.

And yet here is a Blu-ray sale at Wal-Mart. Wow!

They're selling the Ps3 with the movies. They're not pushing the standalones with that sale. All the rumors pointed to cheap HD DVD players, which happened. As far as not carrying anything but Ps3, I remember that being said about Kmart, even on HDDigest. Not WalMart, but some folks may have inferred that from the HD DVD push. Maybe that's what you're referring to.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

And is that cnbc article suggesting that Wal Mart may have an HD DVD exclusivity announcement on the way? Just look at the excitement in this thread from folks who've never posted here, and the level of vitriol from some BR folks, and you just KNOW this is big.

This was followed by more posts on the matter speculating Wal-Mart was going exclusive.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

If Wal-Mart goes HD-DVD exclusive, that is HUGE news, not to mention, it would be a signal that maybe Wal-Mart knows a bit more about the workings behind the scene on the HD-DVD front...enough to have the confidence to make a move like that.

Another one...

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Yes. Paramount doesn't make the kind of move it did out of the blue (so to speak, hehe). Nor does motherfriggin WAL-MART. There are things going on and deals being made that we do not know about, and they're being made based on information far more meaningful than each camp's "talking points du jour."

I think things are signed and sealed... just waiting to be delivered.

Is that enough? :lol