The HD DVD Promotional Group had scheduled a cocktail party and press conference for Sunday night, kicking off their presence at CES. But now, according to CNET News and EngadgetHD, the party has been called off as the HD DVD camp scrambles to cope with Warner’s bombshell Blu-ray announcement. The HD DVD Promotional Group sent this out in an email:

Notice of CES Press Conference Cancellation by North American HD DVD Promotion Group

Based on the timing of the Warner Home Video announcement today, we have decided to postpone our CES 2008 press conference scheduled for Sunday, January 6th at 8:30 p.m. in the Wynn Hotel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps. We believe the consumer continues to benefit from HD DVD’s commitment to quality and affordability – a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on new developments around HD DVD.

I have to think the timing of the Warner announcement is no coincidence. I’d bet the Blu-ray camp worked with them for maximum impact, increasing the damage to the HD DVD camp by making it a spoiler for all their PR efforts at CES. No matter what the HD DVD camp says or does this week, it will be overshadowed by this announcement. This is really no way they can put a positive spin on this. It is unsurprising that they’ve postponed their press conference, as this issue would dominate and they’d be unable to make any decent promotional ground.

This is not going to be a good CES for HD DVD. I think the BDA should swoop in and pick up the tab for the room and food at the Wynn and throw a wake for HD DVD!

This is even shorter than Toshiba’s comment:

Jan 4, 2008 20:30 ET

HD DVD Promotional Group Statement on Warner Home Video Decision to Back Blu-ray

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ — The companies of the HD DVD Promotional Group today issued a statement in response to the decision by Warner Home Video to exclusively back the Blu-ray format:

“While Warner’s decision is a setback for HD DVD, the consumer has benefited from HD DVD’s commitment to quality and affordability — a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format. We believe widespread adoption of a next generation format will ultimately be determined by the consumer.”

About HD DVD

HD DVD is the next generation, post-DVD standard for high capacity, high definition optical discs, approved by the DVD Forum, which develops and defines DVD formats. The North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc. is an organization established to promote the HD DVD format and educate consumers in North America. For more information and a complete listing of HD DVD titles please visit http://www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com/.

Source: HD DVD Promotional Group

CONTACT: Lauren Mayer, lmayer@webershandwick.com, or John O’Brien,
jobrien@webershandwick.com, both of Weber Shandwick,
+1-425-452-5400, for HD DVD Promotional Group

Web site: http://www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com/

Talk about weak. OK, they admit it is a setback for HD DVD - kind of hard not to. A vague statement about the consumer benefiting from HD DVD’s “commitment to quality and affordability” - translation “We helped drive HD prices down”, fair enough. But closing with adoption being determined by the consumer? In light of Warner’s shift in the market, and BD’s sustained sales lead, that almost sounds like an admission that this could be the death blow to HD DVD. This is the HD DVD Promotional Group, and even they don’t have any fighting words about ‘answering the challenge’ or touting their favorite ‘more standalone player sales’ or the like?

It really seems like the HD DVD camp is seriously stunned and shaken by this, and doesn’t really know what to say or do in response. I don’t think they have any strong cards left to play.

ETA: You know, it is kind of odd the Blu-ray Disc Association hasn’t issued their own press release yet to tout this and gloat.