Universal Pictures adopts next generation DVD format

Universal Pictures has adopted the high definition DVD disc format (HD DVD), with select titles available to consumers in 2005.
In addition to numerous consumer benefits, it is expected that the HD DVD format will offer content providers the most secure enhanced copy protection to date, a fundamental issue in today's digital world.
The announcement was made by Rick Finkelstein, President and COO of Universal Pictures, and Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Universal's commitment to this emerging technology is based on numerous key factors that will benefit consumers of home entertainment software. These include enhanced picture and sound quality, substantially greater storage capacity and increased interactivity as compared to current DVDs.
Additionally, DVD consumers will have the added benefit of backwards compatibility, allowing existing DVD libraries to be played on the new HD DVD hardware.
Mr Finkelstein added: "As a content based company, we are always looking for new ways to deliver our films and television programs to consumers in a high quality, secure and user friendly manner. We believe HD DVD achieves all of these goals."
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