DisplaySearch Hosts DVD Format Session at Upcoming HDTV Conference, Featuring Executives from Both Blu-ray Disc & HD DVD Camps

Business Wire, Sept 14, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas -- DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in display market research and consulting, will feature a panel session on high definition packaged media formats--bringing together executives from both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD camps to address the successes and hurdles of each camp at its upcoming 2007 HDTV Conference on October 10-11, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Moreover, the panel will serve as a platform to address the adoption of next-generation DVDs, regardless of format.

"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. 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," noted Russ Crupnick, NPD's Vice President, Senior Industry Analyst, Entertainment.

Specifically, the panel will address key issues such as

* How do the sales of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc hardware and software compare?

* Is consumer adoption where the industry expected, and what will it take to motivate more to buy?

* Is the magic bullet for consumers lower player prices, upcoming big titles or convincing them of the benefits of high definition regardless of format?

* Will the Paramount defection prolong the format war?

* Will Warner Bros. follow suit and make a deal with the HD DVD group?

* When will the collective power of the 190 Blu-ray Disc companies actually begin to demonstrate its clout?

Both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats have had successes and advantages. HD DVD offers a combo display player for both HD and standard definition DVDs and interactivity is already in the market, while Blu-ray Disc boasts more storage space and benefits from high volume Playstation 3 sales. At the same time, both camps have hurdles to overcome, such as the price of Blu-ray Disc players (from $499) and HD DVD players (from $299), as well as fewer titles available (around 300 each today).

Panelists for DisplaySearch's DVD Format Session include

* Andy Parsons, SVP, Pioneer and Chairman of US Promotion Committee, Blue-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

* Dan Silverberg, VP, High Definition Media Development, Warner Bros.

* Moderator: Russ Crupnick, VP, Senior Industry Analyst, Entertainment, The NPD Group

For more information and to register, visit www.displaysearch.com/hdtv2007.> Please visit http://www.displaysearch.com/press/?id=1602 to view the full release.

About DisplaySearch

DisplaySearch, an NPD Group company, has a core team of 50 employees located in Europe, North America and Asia who produce a valued suite of FPD-related market forecasts, technology assessments, surveys, studies and analyses. The company also organizes influential events worldwide. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, DisplaySearch has regional operations in Chicago, Houston, Kyoto, London, San Diego, San Jose, Seoul, Shenzhen, Taipei and Tokyo, and the company is on the web at www.displaysearch.com.