How will high definition formats roll out through retail to the consumer?
Timing HD DVD, both software and hardware, launched in the Spring of 2006. Toshiba’s two players and Warner’s initial group of titles were only available through key retailers selling both the hardware and the software (as well as through Netflix for rent). Universal followed soon with its initial slates of titles. As of this revision (September 22, 2006) there are about 55 titles from Warner, Universal and Paramount released in HD DVD, with another 35 titles announced to release by year-end. Blu-ray launched, both hardware and software, a few months later in the Summer of 2006. Samsung’s player and Sony’s title slate were more widely distributed through retailers and “rentailers”. About 45 titles are now available, including titles released by Sony, Paramount and Lions Gate, and about 50 more are announced for release before the end of 2006 (including releases from BVHE.) So far, Warner Home Video and Paramount are releasing titles on both formats. Projections for sales during the ini
