[icruise]

I'm not really up on all the political aspects of this. What made Universal want to be HD-DVD exclusive in the first place? Do they have a financial stake in the format? I can sort of understand why some studios might want to be Blu-ray exclusive, since they apparently like the copy-protection measures provided by the format. In any case, losing Universal's exclusivity would be a blow to HD-DVD.

[TETENAL]

I will not purchase a single high definition disc until there is only one format. In my opinion it was stupid to not settle on a single format.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by icruise 

I'm not really up on all the political aspects of this. What made Universal want to be HD-DVD exclusive in the first place?

No idea, but rumour has it they really, really dislike Sony.

Do they have a financial stake in the format? I can sort of understand why some studios might want to be Blu-ray exclusive, since they apparently like the copy-protection measures provided by the format.

Apparently, the only studio that really wanted Blu-ray's extra protection layer is Fox.

In any case, losing Universal's exclusivity would be a blow to HD-DVD.

Yes it would. Let's see what Universal has to say about this though.

Originally Posted by TETENAL 

I will not purchase a single high definition disc until there is only one format. In my opinion it was stupid to not settle on a single format.

I guess you'll be buying in 2010 or whatever then.

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by Eug 

Heise.de: Pioneer claims Universal going format neutral (German)

The article claims that Pioneer says Universal is backing out of HD DVD exclusivity, but so far Toshiba claims to know nothing about this, and Universal hasn't made any comment on this yet.

If true it would be quite a blow to HD-DVD. They better pray wal-mart backs them up then.

[exca1ibur]

Universal is partners with Microsoft through the MSNBC deal several years back. I'm sure that had something to do with it.

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by icruise 

What made Universal want to be HD-DVD exclusive in the first place?

Rumor has it they were being paid off which makes sense.
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=180

[Eug]

Originally Posted by analogue SPRINKLES 

Rumor has it they were being paid off which makes sense.
Blu-ray.com - Blu-ray News - Universal Going Neutral?

While it could make sense, I wouldn't put much stock into anything on the blu-ray.com website. That's basically just a Blu-ray fanboy website (which doesn't even have anything to do with the Blu-ray Association).

Heise is at least half-believable at times, which is why I posted the link from Heise.

----

In other news, some more clarification on the Matrix HD DVD Trilogy audio:

Dolby TrueHD 5.1: English
Dolby Digital Plus 5.1: English, French
Dolby Digital Plus 2.0: Spanish

Picture of back cover

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by Eug 

While it could make sense, I wouldn't put much stock into anything on the blu-ray.com website. That's basically just a Blu-ray fanboy website (which doesn't even have anything to do with the Blu-ray Association).

Sure but I can't think of any other reason they are staying exclusive. Considering Toshiba makes $0 on most player sales and was offering free movies with player purchases I wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility they are paying Universal to be exclusive. It happens with video games all the time.

Unless you can think of a better reason other than they hate sony.

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by Eug 

In other news, some more clarification on the Matrix HD DVD Trilogy audio:

Dolby TrueHD 5.1: English
Dolby Digital Plus 5.1: English, French
Dolby Digital Plus 2.0: Spanish

Picture of back cover

I love how they list 480i and Stereo as "Special Features".

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Electronista | Sony intros lightweight VAIO FZ with Blu-Ray

[icruise]

5.8 points is lightweight?

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by icruise 

5.8 points is lightweight?

.2 heavier than the same sized MacBook.

[icruise]

Which is also not lightweight.

[mdc]

Originally Posted by analogue SPRINKLES 

I love how they list 480i and Stereo as "Special Features".

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic, but I they mean that the Special features are shown in 480i, with stereo sound and no subtitles.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by icruise 

Which is also not lightweight.

Agreed. I'd love to have a 4.9 lb or less MacBook.

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by Eug 

Agreed. I'd love to have a 4.9 lb or less MacBook.

Well even Apple considers theirs lightweight:

"Packs power, not pounds:
What makes MacBook Pro so mobile? Performance in a portable package. Only one inch thin and 5.6 and 6.8 pounds, respectively, the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros are amongst the thinnest, lightest notebooks in their display class."

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

I think considering the Sony got what the MacBook Pro's have PLUS BR .2 isn't bad for 15" and that price. Unless there are incredibly light 15" ones out there for cheap?

[icruise]

They are among the lightest in their class. My complaint is mostly that there aren't any truly lightweight models (with smaller screens) available if you use a Mac. Even the 12" Powerbook was rather heavy for its size, and you can't even get those anymore. But I digress.

[- - e r i k - -]

Originally Posted by analogue SPRINKLES 

Grab yours and lookup smartass.

I take that as a compliment