http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18013123
A number of European independent film studios and DVD production companies are opting for Toshiba's HD-DVD format over the rival Sony technology, thanks to a strong support programme by the HD-DVD camp and concerns over the price of Blu-Ray technology.
About 35 European films are available on the HD-DVD format, compared with less than 10 for Blu-Ray. The larger European studios such as Studio Canal and Pathé in France, Filmax and DeAPlaneta in Spain, and Imagion and Nixbu in Germany have all announced plans to use the HD-DVD technology.
Toshiba and Microsoft have launched a large support campaign for European Studios adopting HD-DVD.
Rodolphe Buet, head of business and marketing at Studio Canal, says: "I have met much more commitment from partners involved with HD-DVD than Blu-Ray. I met Sony in mid-2006 but the support was far below what was offered by the HD-DVD partners."
David Walstra, vice-chairman of the Europe's Blu-Ray Disc Association, admits Sony has concentrated its efforts on the US, and has felt it too early to work with European studios.