Audio Video News

Universal is boldly going where no studio has gone with its HD DVD web interactivity. In addition to allowing users to access and download content and share favorite scenes with other HD DVD users on their "Best Buddies" lists, the U-Shop feature will expose users to movie-related online purchases.

In addition to the "title-centric" experiences through the HD DVD player, Universal has also created the www.UniversalHiDef.com web site. This offers users a way to connect Universal's using a PC instead of the HD DVD player.

This continues HD DVD's leadership position in next-gen interactivity. It also seems to corroborate the position of Paramount, which recently switched to exclusive HD DVD support. Among the reasons cited was the maturity of HD DVD as an interactive platform and the potential there for new revenue streams.