In a decision that will unarguably end HD DVD’s run at an attempted war, Paramount has shown signs that they are poised to drop their HD DVD support. Both Paramount and Dreamworks came out last summer and showed support for the HD DVD camp, however, this support is now wavering greatly with the move of Warner Bros.
Paramount is believed to have a clause in its contract with HD DVD that allows them the opportunity to shut off support of HD DVD if Warner Bros switched their allegiance to Blu-ray. As most may know, Paramount is set up to have a huge blockbuster list of films to release in 2008.
If Paramount follows what is believed to be a support switch, it would inevitably end HD DVD’s life. With Warner giving Blu-ray 70% of Hollywood’s output of work, the implementation of Paramount and Dreamworks library of films would push that percentage through the roof. Right now, it is unclear if Dreamworks has the same clause written as Paramount, but the chances are likely.
CES has brought an unprecedented amount of good news for the Sony faithful on all fronts. PSU will continue to cover this story as more news breaks on what is happening behind closed doors.