For today's format war story...

According to Home Media Magazine, Warner Bros. will not be dropping the HD DVD format, despite recent reports to the contrary. Rumor had it that WB was to announce the move at International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which starts on January 7 in Las Vegas. However, according to an unnamed Warner executive, the rumors aren't true. This isn't the first time there have been rumors about Warner's high-def format decision.

"This year's anticipation is all about Warner Bros. doing something, although I think it's unlikely anything will happen," said Xiao Fang, webmaster of Digital-Digest.com. "I think most people are well aware of the amount of rumors ... This is probably the fifth time someone has mentioned Warner changing their HD stance this year, so it's a bit like the boy who cried wolf."

It's not at all uncommon for speculation, hearsay and rumors to fly before a CES.

"CES is a gadget junkie's Super Bowl, and to some, more exciting than Christmas," said Ben Drawbaugh, an Engadget.com HD reporter. "The debate will rage on until the show is over, and then some. Some [rumors] will be true, while others will be exposed. And just like our readers, we can't wait to find out which is which."

Sometimes, though, there is truth behind the talk. Last year rumors of Warner's Total HD and the 51GB triple-layer HD DVD disc were both confirmed at CES.