The European Commission has asked several Hollywood studios to explain why they have chosen either the Blu-ray disc or the HD DVD format for movie discs to see if they are breaking EU rules that bar companies from shutting out rivals. EU spokesman Jonathan Todd refused to name the companies and stressed that regulators were merely looking for information on how studios choose the technology format for their film releases and have not accused the companies of violating antitrust law. Todd said the EU was acting on its own initiative and had not received complaints to trigger the probe. The EU"s executive arm has asked for replies by July 6.
The Walt Disney Company, News Corporation"s 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures have released high-definition movies exclusively on Blu-ray while only General Electric Company"s Universal Studios is exlusive to HD DVD. Time Warner Incorporated"s Warner Bros. and Viacom Incorporated"s Paramount Pictures are releasing movies in both formats.