Rumor: HD-DVD Dying Rapidly
According to insider Steve Zissou, since Warner’s confirmation of Blu-Ray exclusivity the following are occurring:
1. Toshiba ending HD DVD stand alone production within 8 weeks.
2. MS will be notifying retailers to liquidate any remaining 360 add-ons.
3. Paramount and DreamWorks will be allowed out of their contract.
4. Universal will be canceling production of HD discs with a BD launch date as early as Q3 2008.
He also suggests that:
1. The BDA made a nearly $300 million dollar package of marketing incentives, production incentives, and cash payments to get Warner to switch now.
2. The HD DVD promo group recently offered a similar package totaling $350 million.
