Two more possible defections to the Blu-Ray camp, according to an article in Variety:
Daily Variety has confirmed that Universal’s commitment to backing HD DVD exclusively has ended. And Paramount has an escape clause in its HD DVD contract allowing it to release pics on Blu-ray after Warner Bros.’ decision to back that format exclusively.
Neither studio is ready to throw in the towel immediately, however. On Thursday, Universal broke its silence about the matter to say that it plans to keep supporting the format for the time being, a pledge Par made earlier in the week. And in any case, U is committed to a series of HD DVD promotions in coming months.
The chicken & the egg — did consumers not buy this holiday season because there was no clear choice, or are the studios trying to make a clear choice because consumers didn’t buy?
I do believe that the Blu-Ray camp are going to win this one. Heck, Sony deserve to, after the VHS/Betamax beating!