Blu-ray Refutes Claims of Porn Ban; Vivid Plans First High-Def Release

The Blu-ray Disc Association is speaking out against charges that the org is shunning adult video distributors from releasing content on Blu-ray.

As we reported last week, the co-founder of porn distributor Digital Playground says that his company was forced to change HD allegiances after "all Blu-ray Disc copying facilities in the United States had refused to cooperate." He went on to allege that primary Blu-ray backer Sony "wants me to publish my films on HD DVD."

Without responding directly to Digital Playground's claims, Marty Gordon, vicechair of the Blu-ray Disc Association US Promotions Committee emphasized in a statement to Ars Technica that the Sony-backed organization is committed to working with "all" content providers.

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said the BDA's Gordon. "We look forward to working with any content providers interested in providing their audience with [the] best possible high definition home entertainment experience."

And indeed, as recently as last Friday, plans appeared to still be on the table for a Blu-ray (and HD DVD) release of 'Debbie Does Dallas... Again,' the first film from industry giant Vivid Entertainment to be released on high-def. (We first reported on Vivid's plans to support both high-def formats last October.)

Analysts say that the pornography industry, which generates an estimated $57 billion in annual revenue worldwide, could play an influential role in increasing high-def adaption rates and -- especially if forced to choose sides -- could help determine an ultimate victor in the high-def format wars.

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