Warner, who currently support both HD DVD and Blu-ray high definition disc formats, had also been working on a hybrid disc format — Total HD — which was originally due to debut this year, was delayed, and is now on hold "indefinitely".

Warner's VP Ron Sanders told TWICE magazine that, as Warner were the only studio to publish on it, it would be hard to "make it go". Not surprising, given that Warner are the format developers.

Does this go against Warner's Steve Nickerson, who back in June said, "There is no expiration date on the viability of this concept, so we're not in a rush to do it. We'll do it when it makes sense and when it's right."

Getting other studios on board is likely to be an uphill struggle. Warner is currently the only studio remaining to support both Blu-ray and HD DVD, and there are even rumours of both Toshiba and Sony courting it to go exclusively to one side or the other.

I've always believed that, if this ridiculous disc format war has to continue, then hybrid players are more viable than hybrid discs. Yes, the initial outlay is greater for the consumer, but then they can buy either format of high definition disc without worry, and without the inflated cost of buying two disc formats.

Warner's stance on the format war?

"We’re talking to both sides and it’s crazy right now," said Sanders. "We remain committed to both for the time being. We’ll see how the fourth quarter plays out. The consumer is still kind of divided, and we still believe that we should offer the content in both formats. Now, we will watch the marketplace very closely, and see how it plays out, but for now we are supporting both."

(Via High Def Digest)

Related posts
Total HD dual-format Blu-ray/HD-DVD discs delayed
New iPhone video and Blu-ray demand continues to increase: the best stories from Shiny Media
2007 Tech Trends No. 3: Blu-ray and HD DVD convergance

Nikon S1000pj: World's First Projector Camera