HD DVD, Blu-ray Reps to Meet at Session During HDTV Conference

Market researchers at the NPD Group and DisplaySearch are leading a special panel session on high definition packaged media formats at the HDTV Conference, October 10 and 11 in Los Angeles -- bringing together executives from both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD camps to address the successes and hurdles of each camp in promoting a successor to standard definition DVDs.

"DVDs are one of the most successful products ever introduced, and the battle to become the next packaged medium to succeed today's DVDs has been a passionate, hard-fought effort from both sides," says Russ Crupnick, NPD's Vice President, Senior Industry Analyst, Entertainment. "A year into the clash the outcome remains hazy, as many consumers aren't even aware there's a war going on at all. What will accelerate adoption -- lower prices, spectacular releases or technology advantages? Will the retailers who have to deal with multiple formats ultimately tip the scales? The DVD format session will likely be one of the highlights of this year's conference, giving both camps a forum to share their thoughts on why high definition DVDs and their respective technologies will succeed."

According to Crupnick the session will take a stark look at the sales of HD DVD and Blu-ray hardware and software, overall consumer awareness and interest, the impact of the Paramount decision to support HD DVD, the possibility that Warner Bros. will do the same, and other key issues surrounding the format war.

Panelists at the discussion include: Andy Parsons, SVP, Pioneer and Chairman of U.S. Promotion Committee, Blu-ray Disc Association; Don Ecklund, EVP, Advanced Technologies, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; Ken Graffeo, EVP, Marketing, Home Entertainment Universal Studios and Co-president, HD DVD North America Promotion Group; Amir Majidimehr, Corporate VP, Consumer Media Technology Group, Microsoft and Dan Silverberg, VP, High Definition Media Development, Warner Bros. Crupnick will moderate the event.

For more information and to register, visit www.displaysearch.com/hdtv2007.