Yesterday the Financial Times published an article stating that Paramount was considering using a clause in their contract with Toshiba that would release them from their obligation to publish exclusively on HD DVD.

 

AV Enthusiast did not report that news item, as there was nothing in the article by the Financial Times to substantiate the claim, and they also gave no source. Today Paramount has responded to that story, issuing a statement via email. Paramount's Brenda Ciccone stated in the email "Paramount's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format''. Paramount's contract with Toshiba is rumored to contain an opt-out clause that would release Paramount from their commitment to publish exclusively on HD DVD if Warner Bros. were to abandon support of the format.

 

I wouldn't expect much in the way of releases from Paramount until their inevitable departure from HD DVD, but I'm also guessing they face a stiff financial penalty for jumping ship this early in the life of the contract.