Has Blu-ray won the HD war? Panasonic exec thinks so

by Peter Vrabel { Jun 20th 2007 at 4:15PM }

Joseph Taylor, the executive VP/COO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, spoke a bit more profoundly on his predictions over the ongoing HD format war. Profoundly as in, "I'm giving a very politically incorrect answer. I think the battle is over. I think Blu-ray has won." Strong words indeed, but considering Blockbuster's large announcement earlier this week and growing exclusive support from home video libraries, it would certainly seem his prediction has merit. Mr. Taylor gives basis for his claim on two key points. One, the number of content providers on the Blu-ray front (sans Universal) and two, the number of Blu-ray units sold compared to HD-DVD, citing a 2-1 ratio. Other reports may suggest the fight may be closer than that, but we can't say we don't prefer one format over another. Bring on the Blu-ray!

[Via PS3 Forums]

Tags: blu-ray, content providers, ContentProviders, hd format war, hd-dvd, HdFormatWar, joseph taylor, JosephTaylor, panasonic, panasonic corporation of north america, PanasonicCorporationOfNorthAmerica

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Andy @ Jun 20th 2007 4:45PM

It is over. I hope. Honestly though, this format war Sony has the Playstation 3 which is the key deciding factor in this so called war. HD DVD counters with the Xbox 360 add on but it really isn't enough.

Magma @ Jun 20th 2007 4:47PM

Huzzah!

Geoff Gibson @ Jun 20th 2007 4:56PM

Huh?

I swear I typed in PS3fanboy.com NOT EngadgetHD.com in my url box. I don't know how I could have. . .

Oh wait this IS PS3fanboy.com reporting on something that doesn't even have anything to do with the Playstation or gaming in general. Thats nice. Perhaps Xbox360fanboy.com will be reporting on the latest LG HD monitor as well, and Autoblog.com will begin reporting on the how the next BMX Bicycle.

I'm out!

Andy @ Jun 20th 2007 4:59PM

I heard news about a Motorstorm patch is it coming this Thursday? I just got my PS3 and Motorstorm and I am slightly disappointed with the online.

SuperGayParade @ Jun 20th 2007 5:16PM

hey geoff, the ps3 has blu-ray. didn't you notice?

Peter Vrabel @ Jun 20th 2007 5:18PM

@3 Geoff Gibson

We cover interesting Blu-ray events because of its inclusion into the PS3 console. Reading through comments on past Blu-ray posts, readers seem to enjoy our Blu-ray coverage. During times like these when games are slow to trickle in, it's yet another way PS3 owners enjoy their console. Rest assured, for complete high-def news on Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, you can do no better than Engadget or EngadgetHD. We just cover some of the more interesting Blu-ray articles as they pertain to the PS3 directly. I'd dare say our Blu-ray coverage will eventually lessen, once we get more compelling game-specific content on the console.

Regards,

Peter

Andy @ Jun 20th 2007 5:27PM

That was handled very well Peter. You sound very professional.

Nick @ Jun 20th 2007 5:50PM

No kidding. I woulda just told that dick to shut up.

upz @ Jun 20th 2007 5:50PM

I agree with Andy. Very well handled, Pete.

I actually came to the comments section to see if there was a response like Geoff's. Seems to be a complaint like that in every post that puts Blu-ray in a positive light.

And for the record, 360Fanboy posts on weekly HD DVD releases, among other HD DVD related things. That has about the same to do with 360 and gaming as the PS3 and Blu-ray do, arguably less even, considering the HD DVD drive does not come standard.

chasegamez @ Jun 20th 2007 6:04PM

why would i buy an hd player if i can get an ps3 for a few more bucks now blockbuster have blu ray now

Wonderflex @ Jun 20th 2007 6:25PM

chasegamez - the only reason to buy one is if you are taking crazy pills

Wonderflex @ Jun 20th 2007 6:29PM

Although not on topic, why is it called a flame war? Shouldn't it be more like a flame battle, or possibly a flame schrimage? And why do we even use the word flame?

Andir3.0 @ Jun 20th 2007 6:46PM

@Wonderflex: I can think of a lot of reasons, many of them centralized around "flaming attitudes" or "flamboyant qualities". Who's the quickest person to stand up in a room when you mention curtains, pillow covers... I think I'll stop there.

Azorean @ Jun 20th 2007 7:07PM

What would happen if at E3 MS announces that they are releasing a HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player add-on for $250?

miglaugh @ Jun 20th 2007 7:23PM

Nothing to do with the playstation? It has a Blu-ray drive. That means it has a lot to do with it. This news release should probably be on Xbox360fanboy as well, so people will know to hesitate a little before they buy the HD-DVD add-on.

Those of us that took the "two birds with one stone" approach with HiDef video and gaming in one box like to hear that Blu-ray has a good shot to come out on top. What's the big deal?

miglaugh @ Jun 20th 2007 7:29PM

Whoops, forget that post... attempted to post at work, but forgot I couldn't access gmail and i don't have my passwords at work. Looks like people have already covered what i had to say.

Consolcwby @ Jun 20th 2007 7:45PM

I for one love the BD and Blu-Ray coverage! The movies so far have been great! My favorite transfer right now is The Terminator... except for seeing a Republican Governor naked - that's just ergh. =D
(I believe all political people should be well clothed - sh*t, they got the money - so spend it on nice threads!) =DD (j/k)

Frankenstein Black @ Jun 20th 2007 11:49PM

http://www.dvdempire.com/Content/Features/hidef_wars.asp
HD-DVD R.I.P! Nuff Said!!

paul @ Jun 21st 2007 12:54AM

i think if microsoft did do that then hd dvd would be dead but microsoft dosent support blu-ray so i wouldnt see why they would release one.

Azorean @ Jun 21st 2007 1:52AM

@20 they say they don't support it like they said they didn't care about HDMI and if they didn't support Blu-Ray then why let BD use their codec VC-1 which is the main codec(the best codec) used in Blu-Ray?

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Jun 21st 2007 2:46AM

This week has been a real testament to Blu-Ray's dominance over the HD format wars. I'm really impressed this has been able to carry through as I originally thought HD-DVD would be superior due to the backing of Microsoft. I thought Blu-Ray had more potential, but I also thought HD-DVD would be more accessible.

Well, I guess that makes me wrong...again.