Dave Horvath
15 Jun 2006 18:07
Next generation format pioneer Sony will be launching it's much talked about Blu-Ray format next week. Sony Pictures has stated that it will release select titles on June 20th, even though earlier reports say that Sony itself is delaying their very own Blu-Ray player. The launch, however is to coincide with a Blu-Ray player by supporter, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and the launch of Sony's Blu-Ray compatible VAIO laptop.
The competing format in the high definition disk war, HD-DVD was released earlier this spring by Toshiba Corp. to a less than enthusiastic audience. With only limited titles and even less acceptance by the masses, it's still unclear if their jumpstart has had any affect on declaring a winner.
Sony and Blu-Ray supporter, Pioneer have also stated that along with the launch, they will start a campaign to educate consumers about the technology.
"Based on it being a new format, we wanted the educational and promotional materials to be in full swing so that consumers can fully understand what it is," said a Sony spokesman.
Pioneer has also set up a task force to educate retailers.
"We realized that retailers didn't really understand Blu-ray and what its virtues are or what the differences were between Blu-ray and its rival," said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of home entertainment for Pioneer Electronics.
Source:
Reuters