<i>L.A. Times</i>: HD DVD, Blu-Ray Courting Porn Studios

Backers of the rival HD DVD and Blu-ray video formats have been discreetly lobbying for the support of the adult industry, the L.A. Times reported today.

While Blu-ray currently leads HD DVD in disc and player sales, the Times noted that "the porn industry has helped the HD DVD camp stay in the game despite support for Blu-ray from big electronics companies and Hollywood."

According to the report, Blu-ray reps visited Wicked Pictures last summer to pitch the advantages of the Sony-backed format. Wicked's VP of DVD Production Jackie Ramos told the Times that "[Blu-ray proponents] said, 'We can help you, but remember: We were never here.'"

Since then, the refusal of most Blu-ray replicators to handle adult material has driven most porn producers to embrace HD DVD. Blu-ray production costs are also significantly higher compared to HD DVD.

"The Blu-ray people are making it very difficult for the adult guys," Vivid's Steven Hirsch told the Times.

According to the Times report, execs at two mainstream Blu-ray studios speculated that if HD DVD takes the lead with consumers, "Sony and Disney will consider giving the porn makers a little more quiet help."

For the L.A. Times article, click here.