It was short, but to the point: Universal still believes in the HD DVD format.

"Contrary to unsubstantiated rumors from unnamed sources, Universal's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format," said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment and co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group. He also addressed the timing of his statement to the press.

"The response would have come sooner, but many HD DVD executives were on flights home from CES when the story from Variety broke."

We can likely expect a similar statement from the HD DVD Promotional Group, saying that they still have Universal, Paramount and Dreamworks in their corner.