This site continually posts random statements downplaying how well HD formats have actually been doing in the first 18 months of their release compared to the DVD format, and then asking for 'neutrality' from studios, which, most people, even those without MBAs, will tell you is a sure fire way to prolong a format war.
The article starts of as factual journalism, then turns into a rant about HD optical discs. This seems like an opportunity to rant, instead of simply focussing on the news.
How about it get moved from the 'INDUSTRY NEWS' section, to the 'OPINION' section of the site if "STILLBORN" is the interpretation of higher rate of sales growth when compared to the DVD format?
The format war sucks, but there is very little doubt at this point, that a decision by WB to pick a side in the format war could effectively end the war. In fact, in most places outside the US, the Blu-ray format is currently doing far better than the HD DVD format - by very significan margins. 19 to 1 in Australia?!? But, sales volumes overseas are lower than here, which makes them 'new'... which is a long way from dead.
I really wish this site would reel in statements that are contrary to basic business strategies. The goal is not free market economics - it is to sell as many discs as possible. This is achieved by eliminating one format, and having a SINGLE format that is supported by the most studios and the most CE manufacturers. This is consistent with what has worked in the world in years past.
It is also consistent that it takes several years for a new format to be introduced which may be a replacement to an older format. With current pricing and quality/speed of existing players, is it really a suprise people are just waiting things out? I know my PS3 is fast, but isn't what I likely will be using in a couple of years, while my HD-A2 is way slower and isn't as easy to use as my $90 DVD player.
The last thing a site dedicated to A/V should be doing is constantly knocking down next generation HD formats - but it seems to be a path this site unfortunately has decided to take.
I, for one, am very disappointed by this very obvious choice, and wish some people would start encouraging a best case outcome to occur sooner, rather than later, for a format.