I actually think they do. Back in Sept. when the rumors were flying that HD-DVD was going exclusive I said no they weren't. Here is my take on things. SHowed up for both formats "parties". BD fans, after the interview, were saying they were going BD exclusive. Again I said no. Josh started a rumor that WB was going to make an announcement and BD execs were dropping everything to show up for it. Even the same "brokerage firm that did the Paramount Deal" would be there. Never happened. Noogan comes out and says' "hold up, you guys are blowing things out of proportion."
They are basicly playing right now, especially to put the pressure on Toshiba to put what they deem a viable hardware base in consumers homes. They are not looking at the PS3. They want standalone players as they have always maintained. They are watching the Toshiba deals that will be happening between today and Christmas. They will also be watching the BD player sells. They will go with whichever one sells the most standalones. If today's sale is any indication, BD is in serious trouble. There is no player, even Joe's rumored Chinese player that will be available for Christmas, that will be able to match these prices. The A3 will be going for $169 on Black Friday. Watch for the A30 at 249-299 (it can already be found for $329) and the A35 for $349 or less (it can already be found for $389). There will be an announcement by Warner sometime towards the end of the first quarter in regards to their plan. I honestly don't think it will happen before CES, but you never know. After all, they don't want to p.o. the Christmas crowd that bought all those Harry Potter movies too much.
Mysteriously, "Twister", Warners first 2008 release, has been postponed in both formats until May, including the SD version. Disney and Fox both know what's going on. Otherwise, why would they rip Warner and Paramount so hard? Fox has come back with the 100 titles released in 2008, but no specific titles mentioned.
Warner is in control of the future , and they are getting a big laugh out of all of this. My prediction, by the end of the first quarter.... Warner will go HD-DVD exclusive. Studios want IME. BD has yet to deliver. They want web enabled features, as witnessed by Paramount. Note that 2.0 is a completely optional spec. Warner is not pleased that they had to burn an extra copy to get it with T3. That will leave Sony, Fox, and Disney. Sony has a decent catalog, though not my favorite by far, Fox has a nice catalog (can't include Star Wars, because George is God and will do as he pleases), but Disney has a limited demographic, families. These are the ones not willing to spend the extra dollars on a BD player.
If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. I still have my Panasonic. Although, I think I'm going to hold off on the BD30 until this plays out.
S~