Toshiba Comments on Warner Decision

Looks like Toshiba was caught by surprise. Wonder how this will affect the CES keynote.


TOKYO, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba is quite surprised by Warner Bros.' decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning the support of HD DVD. As central members of the DVD Forum, we have long maintained a close partnership with Warner Bros. We worked closely together to help standardize the first-generation DVD format as well as to define and shape HD DVD as its next-generation successor.

We were particularly disappointed that this decision was made in spite of the significant momentum HD DVD has gained in the US market as well as other regions in 2007. HD DVD players and PCs have outsold Blu-ray in the US market in 2007.

We will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps. We remain firm in our belief that HD DVD is the format best suited to the wants and needs of the consumer.

Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,250140.shtml


Update: In what seems to be a hint of good news for the HD DVD format, it appears that New Line and HBO (both Warner subsidiaries) are not affected by the announcement. They are at this time still format neutral. This also includes BBC titles that Warner distribute here in the US.


Update 2: New Line has confirmed a decision to follow parent company Warner in it's Blu-ray exclusivity. I think it goes without saying, but this means that the Lord of the Rings trilogy will be exclusive to Blu-ray.