14 DAY TRIAL // Although the "seas" were calm for a while, the HD-DVD VS Blu-Ray conflict rages on, the companies involved not being able to take a final decision on the matter.
And so, although it had announced its support for Toshiba's format, Paramount has decided to switch sides, the company announcing on Sunday that it will endorse Blu-Ray.
According to a statement made by Thomas Lesinski, president of Paramount's Home Entertainment, the main reason that led to this was the implementation of the Blu-Ray units in the PlayStation 3.
"We have been intrigued by the broad support of Blu-Ray, especially the key advantage of including Blu-Ray in PlayStation 3," Lesinski said in a statement. "After more detailed assessment and new data on cost, manufacturability and copy protection solutions, we have now made the decision to move ahead with the Blu-ray format", he added.
But the most interesting part is that the "deserter" announced it will still release the movies in HD-DVD format so that users can "have their choice".
Paramount will start launching movies in Sony's format in America, Japan and Europe as soon as there will be compatible units available.
Among the studios announcing its support for Toshiba's format, the only ones left are Time Warner and Universal, but given the circumstances, it is uncertain whether they will remain loyal to it or leave the increasingly small HD-DVD boat for Blu-Ray's ocean liner.