QUOTE(anonim1979 @ Aug 29 2007, 06:38 PM)
No money transfer needed.
That was 150$M in "promotional expenses" or something like this.
Microsoft could "give" free software, servers for internet content on HDDVDs, (java ?), "free" studios from fee for codecs VC-1.
Or something like this.
Also Paramount might not like that suporting Blu-ray = supporting Sony = Sony studios , MGM etc.
So they could go - lets take money from HDDVD group , we will also hurt our opposition.
VC-1 codec was free for everyone, they submitted VC-1 to BDA too (as a matter of fact VC-1 is a mandatory BD codec too).
And about the rest... Paramount (or better, the whole Viacom) have no problem supporting another Sony format known as DVD, as they had no problems with BD until some day ago.
It's just something that doesn't count, Disney too could consider Sony as an opponent, but it's just another league and no one minds who's going to collect the fees as long as they are granted an opportunity to gain money from the switch.
Anyway man, who you think paid those 150 Mil. $ ?