Warner delays dual-format HD disc

Warner Home Video is said to be pushing back the release of its Total HD dual-format disc until next year, according to VideoBusiness.com.

Total HD combines Blu-ray on one side of the disc with HD-DVD on the other. It's designed to provide a solution for consumers who are unsure of which format to choose.

"Our research shows that there is demand for each of those products," said Warner executive Dan Miron. "We are trying to evaluate [how to best treat] each one of these releases."

Miron said that Total HD will now launch in 2008 - and not in the second half of this year, as originally planned.

An exact date has yet to be announced, but marketing VP Steve Nickerson said it will probably be before the fourth quarter of next year, and that between 10 and 20 titles will go on sale at launch.

"There is no expiration date on the viability of this concept, so weâre not in a rush to do it," Nickerson said. "Weâll do it when it makes sense and when it's right."