Darren Waters

The emerging story of CES so far is the seeming implosion of HD DVD.

After the defection of Warners to rival Blu-ray camp, the format – backed by Microsoft and Toshiba – is left with just Universal and Paramount as the only major studios to support the hi def disc.

The HD DVD camp turned a crisis into a disaster when it cancelled its scheduled press conference at the show and then – perhaps unsurprisingly – cancelled all media interviews at the show.

It's left observers with the impression that the HD DVD group is in disarray and on the verge of collapse.

Blu-ray, on the other hand, is only to eager to parade spokespeople talking up its own format.

Whatever happens next its clear that consumers are the ones who are suffering. Have the hundreds of thousands of people who invested in HD DVD been left high and dry? Many independent film firms are also concerned because many supported HD DVD as it was cheaper than Blu ray to get licensing.

It's doubly embarrassing for Toshiba because they are one of the main CES sponsors - their banners hang rather forlornly around the show site.

I'm speaking to Blu-ray supporters shortly and am trying hard to get anyone from HD DVD to speak.

The fat lady isn't singing quite yet - but she's warming up in her dressing room.



