SHOCKER: Paramount Goes HD DVD Exclusive!!!

If you had told us Martians landed on the White House lawn, we wouldn't be any more surprised than we were when this news came our way this morning: Paramount Pictures has announced they will now be an HD DVD-only studio.

Even the most optimistic HD DVD supporters would admit before today that Blu-ray was leading in the so-called “format war,” but now all bets are off. Paramount brings with them DreamWorks home video releases, as well as a strong library that includes the Star Trek franchise. It also means that Universal is no longer the sole exclusive supporter of HD DVD among the major studios, evening out what was once a rather one-sided playing field.

Paramount’s exclusivity will begin with the release of Blades Of Glory. We’re still waiting for word on whether announced titles from Paramount on Blu-ray are now cancelled, as well as if currently available Blu-rays will be discontinued once stock runs out.

Toshiba Announces 3rd Generation Players

As the hi-def wars rage into their second year, Toshiba has announced the release of third generation models for all their HD DVD players.

The cheapest of the three, the entry-level HD-A3 ($299), will have 1080i output, while the other two players - the HD-A30 ($399) and the HD-A35 ($499) - will be capable of 1080p output.

Additionally, the HD-A30 and A35 allow users to play movies back at the 24 frame per second rate - the rate native to actual film. Both also feature "CE-Link" which allows users to turn on their player and television set at the same time.

The more expensive HD-A35 also includes "Deep Color" support for HDMI; 5.1 channel analog; and high bit rate 7.1 audio.

All models are due in stores sometime in October.