Warner Bros. to go exclusive HD DVD?

[Dodece]

I am not sure whether the PS3 boosters are that smart or that dumb. Most of them are backing the BluRay format. The reasons are quite obvious why. However had the player not been in the PS3 their interest would be quite marginal. They are committed however so they might as well be vocal.

However the dumb reasons are the obvious ones for Sony gaming boosters. What is good for BluRay is good for the PS3. The success of one is linked to the other. For instance if BluRay fails to dominate the market it will hurt the machine. Wanting all of Sony to do well, and validate the choices they have made.

The smart reasons are no less selfish, but show a real understanding as to how dangerous a move Sony made. Betting on a format, and making it into a trojan horse into their hardware not only has short term ramifications, but long term ramifications as well. For instance if BluRay fails. Then Sony still has to support backward compatibility on their next machine, or abandon backward compatibility. That will drive hardware costs up, or at the very least lead to a weaker machine. They could stick with the BluRay format, but it would be more expensive then the dominant technology, and worse they lose functionality for the consumer.

The initial pricing in part due to the BluRay increased the initial cost of their machine. However in the long run it could also make things far more expensive. The short term situation is a obvious lust for some success, but the long term situation shows a desperate need for the format to succeed. Other wise it hurts the prospects on the next machine. That was a massive gamble, and one not sure to pay off granted that HD-DVD is fast approaching the better price point. Like I posted in another thread the price difference is $200 in the United States, and it is $270 for the 360 owner who has the cheapest option. Sony might have seen a boost from the console. However it is doubtful it will win on the pricing front come this holiday season.

Interesting article.