High def DVD war heats up


Viacom (NYSE: VIA)'s Paramount units and Dreamworks (NYSE: DWA) have decided to release their movies exclusively on the HD DVD platform which is supported by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Toshiba. The rival Blu-ray format is championed by Sony (NYSE: SNE). The Wall Street Journal points to research predicting that 409,000 HD DVD devices will be in homes by the end of the year compared to 298,000 Blu-ray players.

According to The New York Times, the two studios will receive $150 million in financial incentives for their commitment to HD DVD. "This seems like a move of desperation," said Andy Parsons, a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, which represents companies like Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. But, if HD DVD is willing to throw around enough cash, Parsons may have to eat his words.

The Sony PS3 runs Blu-ray movies, so the HD DVD exclusive with the two studios hardly helps future sales of the game console which are currently running behind the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.

Mark the HD DVD win as another tough day for Sony.

Douglas A. McIntyre is a partner at 24/7 Wall St.

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