- // Posted on Feb 11, 2008 by
Danny
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Comments (2)
Netflix has joined the bandwagon and opted to only offer Blu-ray High-Definition DVDs, as reported by Wired News. This is the latest in a slow progression of companies throwing their weight behind Blu-ray as the High-Definition DVD format. Blockbuster also recently choose to offer Blu-ray disks exclusively in the "vast majority of its nationwide locations", reports Engadget.
And just when you thought things could not get worse for HD DVD, Variety has reported that the only two major supporters remaining in the HD DVD camp may bail ship as well. According to Variety, Paramount Pictures "has an escape clause in its HD DVD contract allowing it to release pics on Blu-ray after Warner Bros.' decision to back that format exclusively."
Then there was one - Universal Studios. How long until they honestly smell the roses and join the Blu-ray squad? They are locked in until May 31st, but it is unknown as to whether or not they will extend their commitment to HD DVD. Paramount is signed until the end of 2008, but could start producing Blu-ray anytime as I previously mentioned.
Another interesting point brought up in the Variety post is that retailers could unintentionally push Blu-ray further into the lead by devoting more of the premium shelf space to Blu-ray releases. And let's face it - your everyday consumer does not know much about HD pictures, let alone the different formats and their advantages. This type of product placement could have a big effect moving forward.
Blu-ray Major Supporters
- The Walt Disney Company
- Sony Corporation's Sony Pictures
- News Corporation's Twentieth Century Fox
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Lionsgate
- Warner
HD-DVD Major Supporters
- Universal Studios
- Paramount Pictures *
* = likely to start producing Blu-ray disks as reported by Variety
Update: A friend recently shared a post from Engadget (thanks Mike) that reports Best Buy will "officially promote Blu-ray as the HD format of the future". Stick a fork in HD DVD - they are done.
Feedback - What Blu-ray player would you recommend that I buy? Now that the momentum seems to have shifted I am comfortable purchasing a Blu-ray player and would love a little guidance?