Universal Under Pressure to Support Blu-ray?

Washington, D.C. (July 16, 2007) -- Universal Studios is the only studio that's backing the HD DVD high-def format exclusively.

But Variety Magazine reports that the studio is being pressured to start releasing titles in the rival Blu-ray format as well.

"We understand there is a lot of persuading going on right now," Variety quotes Envisioneering Group's Richard Doherty, who adds that Universal executives might negotiate with Blu-ray backers at this summer's investment conferences.

In the Blu-ray vs HD DVD high-def disc war, four of the eight major studios are backing Blu-ray exclusively, giving the format a major advantage in the number of title releases. Universal is the sole studio supporting HD DVD exclusively while three others are releasing titles in both formats.

Although Blu-ray title sales are outpacing HD DVD by a 2-1 margin, the format war is showing no signs of ending soon. However, that could change quickly if Universal decided to support both formats.

Blockbuster, the nation's largest video retailer, this month began offering Blu-ray exclusively in 1,450 stores across the country (although it still carries HD DVD in 250 stores.)

Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, says the studio currently has no plans to support Blu-ray.

"We're still at such an early stage that it's hard to gauge how (selling Blu-ray) would have any impact," Graffeo tells Variety. "When you sell six million standard-definition units of a title, and you're selling only about 70,000 in hi-def, it's hard to say, 'Wow, look at what we're leaving on the table.' "

Comment on this article!

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.

© TVPredictions.com
____________________________________________

Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV technology.