Two Studios to Support HD DVD Over Rival – New York Times

But money talks: Paramount and DreamWorks Animation together will receive about $150 million in financial incentives for their commitment to HD DVD, according to two Viacom executives with knowledge of the deal but who asked not to be identified.

The incentives will come in a combination of cash and promotional guarantees. Toshiba, for instance, will use the release of “Shrek the Third� as part of an HD DVD marketing campaign.

It’s a payoff.  This is one nasty battle, and I can’t help but feeling one both sides will bankrupt themselves fighting, while digital downloads win in the end.