Warner Bro's Total HD Format

[sup-a-hero]

Way back in January, shortly before CES, Warner Brothers announced it would premier a new disc technology for next-gen DVD players that would press HD-DVD material on one side and Blu-ray data on the other. The unique combo format, dubbed Total HD, was planned as a means of mitigating consumer fear in choosing one warring format over the other. The first titles on the new format were scheduled to begin appearing at retail this month.

Warner Brothers has now announced that its Total HD discs will in fact not be making an appearance in 2007 at all. No details were provided as to why the delay was necessitated, though Warner is now apparently aiming for a launch in early 2008. Industry speculation is focusing upon possible difficulties in pressing the double-sided discs in bulk as cause for the delay, or perhaps Warner deciding to see how each format fairs this holiday season in case there isn't a need for a dual format disc after all.

The official word, however, is that we'll eventually have access to these format-agnostic discs. According to the press release, so far as Warner Brothers is concerned, "There is no expiration date on the viability of this concept."

Source: IGN

Now I really don't think that Total HD is necessary as people that HD-DVD Players should buy HD-DVDs and people with Blu-Ray Players should buy Blu-Ray movies
And with the discs being double sided, there is no safe side for the discs to lay on...
What do you think?

[NarutoRamen]

there is safe side for the disc to lay on: the HD-DVD side...LOL

but I do agree with you. I think this is worthless. If you have a 1 of the two players than just get the one that you have. What's the point of having 2?

[Perfect Sin]

There's absolutely no point in having a co-existing nex-gen disk format. Let Blu-ray or HD-DVD be the sole victor and let the other die.

[aries300]

there is safe side for the disc to lay on: the HD-DVD side...LOL

That´s my only thought for these disks

[bobtheduck]

there is safe side for the disc to lay on: the HD-DVD side...LOL

Hahaha! Very true.

These multiformat discs are going to push Bluray sales, not HD-DVD... I welcome them.

[ps3megafan]

thats cool if you have a 360 and a ps3 i guess but then again who has a 360 no need for this blue ray rocks

[shingleton]

There's absolutely no point in having a co-existing nex-gen disk format. Let Blu-ray or HD-DVD be the sole victor and let the other die.

Totally agree with this!!

[loki22]

Hahaha! Very true.

These multiformat discs are going to push Bluray sales, not HD-DVD... I welcome them.

I don't see how. The production costs of these discs will be inherently higher than BD discs and HD-DVD discs because licensing fees must be paid to both camps and there will be an HD version on each side. DVD/HD-DVD combo discs are already more expensive than BD's and HD-DVD's at retail -- so, we can expect Total HD discs to be even more expensive than DVD/HD-DVD combo discs. Higher etail prices will turn people off. If you already have an HD player for one format, why pay extra for an HD version that you can't even play?

Also, Total HD discs are either 25GB BD/30GB HD-DVD or 50GB BD/15GB HD-DVD. I wouldn't expect any movies to be released on the latter, as the HD-DVD version would be crippled. As a result, the BD install base is going to throw a fit if all Warner BD releases are limited to 25GB (on top of having to pay extra for an HD-DVD version that they can't even play). Lastly, it remains to be seen if Total HD discs will support BD-J and iHD, and storage space will become more of an issue when other studios are using Deep Color and more next-gen special features.

Consequently, relatively few people are going to buy these high-priced discs if they can still buy a Warner release on BD or on HD-DVD. So, that wouldn't push BD sales. If all Warner releases are only on Total HD, you'll see the install base of both camps throw a fit. Warner will likely have to release on all three formats or drop Total HD altogether. In any event, Total HD will not likely push BD sales.

[Christonian]

lol this is actually a funny idea cant believe someone is going to try this like dual playing players is fine until one format is picked but dual format discs i think it would be just cheaper to support one side then bringing another format into the mix

[bobtheduck]

@Loki22

If they no longer release single format discs, it will drive Bluray sales because they'll see the higher number of bluray exclusives... Sort of how multiplatform games on PS3 drive 360 sales more than PS3 (except in Japan, where they'll almost certainly drive PS3 sales)

Exclusives sell systems and multiplatforms sell the system that already sells the best.

[mastershake86]

This is a what were they thinking move by warner bros. I mean whatever I would rather have BD win since I have a player in my ps3, but i would rather BD lose than to see this silly war go on through this entire format's generation and by the looks of this Warner is dumb enough to try and make it happen. Who in their right mind will by a dual format movie besides the VERY few who own an HD and BD player. Also they make dual format players which is waaay better not that those are worth it either, but I would rather a dual format player and buy either format.

[loki22]

@Loki22

If they no longer release single format discs, it will drive Bluray sales because they'll see the higher number of bluray exclusives... Sort of how multiplatform games on PS3 drive 360 sales more than PS3 (except in Japan, where they'll almost certainly drive PS3 sales)

Exclusives sell systems and multiplatforms sell the system that already sells the best.

Again, I don't follow. Multi-platform games aren't released as expensive double-sided discs with a 360 version on one side and a PS3 version on the other. If they were, 360 and PS3 owners would be upset about having to pay extra for a version of a game that they can't even play, and potential console buyers would be more apprehensive about buying a console because multi-platform games would be so expensive.

Likewise, if Warner only releases movies on Total HD, HD-DVD owners and BD owners will be upset because they will have to pay extra for something they can't even play, BD owners will be particularly upset because all Warner BD releases will be limited to 25GB, and potential HD player buyers will be more apprehensive because their favorite Warner movies will be so expensive.

I think you're comparing multi-platform games and Total HD discs in a way that isn't meaningful.

[sup-a-hero]

Lets be honest, would you buy Total HD discs EVEN if you own both a BD Player and a HD-DVD Player? Whats the point? You're not exactly gonna say: 'Today I'm gonna use the HD-DVD player to watch this film and next week I'll use my BD player!' - Seriously I really don't understand why they're doing this...

[StruggleWithin]

So they save money on discs? But then again it's like producing 2 discs anyway..