Rumors are flying that Universal and Paramount will soon back Blu-ray.
While some are still speculating that the high-def format wars could continue, Variety is reporting that there could soon be two more nails coming for HD DVD’s coffin.
Apparently, Universal has ended its exclusivity with the flailing format, with rumors that Paramount has an escape clause contingent on which side Warner went with. We all know the outcome of that story…
Whether the death clock has started its countdown or not, both studios are hoping to keep the cash flow coming, at least for the time being. That could mean more titles, fire sales, etc. Variety also says that HD DVD players could start to disappear from shelves, with retailers nervous about devoting shelf space to a dying format.
Warner, Sony, Disney, Fox and Lionsgate are all currently backing Blu-ray. Toshiba recently announced that it plans to continue its HD DVD push through 2008.

“current” being the operative word in that quote.
But yeah, there’s an awful lot of rumor mongering going on around this topic.
What’s going on with HBO? I read in one article that it was going blu-ray with Warner and New Line (is it a subsidiary of one of these?). None of the other articles I’ve read have mentioned them, though.
This story was from a reliable source… but honestly, I don’t think we will really know what’s going to happen until it happens!
I haven’t seen or heard anything official other than this:
“Contrary to unsubstantiated rumors from unnamed sources, Universal’s current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format,” said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment and also co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group.
No backyard is complete without awesome A/V. Here are tips on how to plan your system.
Home rolls out the red carpet for guests thanks for automation system.
3M technology poised to boost the vibrancy and richness of colors on LCD screens.
We take a peek at some of the current options for outdoor audio.
I read the same thing, Peter. I have not heard anything official, so I’m not sure if it’s a rumor as well….
http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/007084.php