Thomson to support Blu-ray and HD-DVD media and hardware
Posted on 10/12/04 16:09 by Dan Bell                             
Thomson to support Blu-ray and HD-DVD media and hardware

This is very interesting news today over at EE Times. Thomson, a founding member of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), made a statement today that sounds a bit like they see the handwriting on the wall. But maybe this is just me reading between the lines. They said they will continue to participate and support the development and production of the Blu-ray Disc format. Almost every time I hear someone say they "will continue to support" something, it is phase one in the abandonment game.

Thomson announced Friday (Dec. 10) that it would manufacture both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs through its Technicolor business and provide consumer HD DVD players through its own name and RCA brands.

By supporting HD DVD, Thomson joins a number of consumer electronics, information technology and content companies that will comply with the format, the latest being Hollywood studios Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Studios.

Thomson expects to launch HD DVD discs and players in late 2005.

What do you think, is this really the way to go? Can this new technology be so desirable as to be able and support both these formats with sufficient demand from both groups? The cost of these players is going to be very high it seems.

Source: EE Times

Reactions
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By firemaster, Fri 10 Dec 2004 16:52
The detailed report: http://www.physorg.com/news2320.html
By Skoorb, Fri 10 Dec 2004 17:56
One of three things will happen: 1) Blu-ray or HD-DVD quickly beat out the competitor, so that consumers adopt one of the standards before they get too old and crappy; 2) Somebody comes out with a player (and hopefully a burner!) that reads both, in which case people will buy based upon their mood that day (think DVD+-R); 3) Neither of the formats get widespread adoption, and they are ultimately considered a failure in this market, much like laserdisc was.
By John Burrow, Fri 10 Dec 2004 22:53
Here's what I think will happen: 4) Both formats will survive and flourish! Someone will develop a hybrid Blu-ray/HD-DVD reader/writer and the heated competition between the two formats will drive prices down! This represents a win/win situation for consumers.
By Zod, Sat 11 Dec 2004 22:03
ZodIf they make dual format drives and players, I can see blu-ray becoming more popular with movie companies as they have more space, and we all know that at some point you can never have enough space. If all the players come as able to read both, it won't really matter which format gets used, and it could come down to capacity.
By Electrox3d, Mon 13 Dec 2004 19:51
Electrox3dCan I please just have some affordable DVD+R DL media PLEASE?!? Or maybe some 16x dvd's?? Then after I finally have some current technology, I'll worry about this next phase.

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