Film studios snub Sony DVD format

Looks like HD-DVD is taking the lead with the movie studios. According to the BBC, Sony’s new DVD format was given the thumbs down by three Hollywood studios. Personally, I am surprised, but have decided not to rule out Blu-ray just yet.

Sony’s DVD format might just through all of us for a loop much like the Cassette tape did with the 8-Track tape. Just remember, this battle is far from over, folks.

Paramount, Universal and Warner Brothers are to use a high definition DVD format backed by Toshiba and NEC.

Their decision is a setback for Sony which famously lost the battle to set a standard for video cassette recorders when its Betamax lost out to JVC’s VHS.

Toshiba expects sales of HD-DVDs to hit 300bn yen ($2.9bn; £1.5bn) by 2010.

Next-generation DVDs can record an entire film in high definition format, ensuring sharper pictures. The technology is expected to become widely available from 2006 onwards.

The studios’ decision to back the Toshiba backed product is hugely significant because along with New Line Cinema - a Warner sister company which is also supporting the HD format - they account for about 45% of packaged DVD content.

Sony has been banking on its Blu-ray Disc technology which has, to date, won support from Sony Pictures Entertainment and MGM Studios.