Posted Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 06:00 AM PST
Fending off continued speculation that Universal is mulling a switch from HD DVD-exclusivity, Universal Studios VP (and HD DVD Promo Group Co-Chair) Ken Graffeo says that the studio has no plans to make any changes in its high-def strategy.
In a just-published interview with BetaNews.com, Graffeo termed reports that Universal is wavering in its support of HD DVD as "unsubstantiated," saying the studio has "no plans to make any changes."
Graffeo went on to point to Universal's recent announcement of 'American Gangster' on HD DVD as proof of its continued commitment to HD DVD, promising "a lot of other things" to come.
Asked whether he regretted the eleventh hour cancelation of the HD DVD Promo Group's CES press conference (a move that some interpreted at the time as a white flag from the group), Graffeo said the timing of Warner's surprise Blu-ray exclusivity announcement two days before left the group with little choice.
"Imagine the orchestration of a press event with the presenters, the scripts, the entire presentation, videos that were produced," explained Graffeo. "The crew was already setting up and we were on a plane on Friday, so not being able to get back to everyone to say 'how do we make a change for Sunday' was very difficult. And what are the answers? We had no idea because we were reading and hearing about Warner's move the same time everyone else was."
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.