While the format war is still ongoing with no clear leader to my eye, Blu-Ray just delivered a body blow with Blockbuster deciding to stock it instead of HD-DVD!

I know their initial tests showed more BR rentals than HD but I guess I'm surprised they picked one over the other. Seems like there are enough nearby locations (if you live in an urban area) to alternate their stock and cover both bets.

 

Wow.... they really, really better hope Blu-Ray ends up the winner. Otherwise, that's going to be one massive hit to the company.

 

I'm going to wait till there is a clear winner before I buy a new dvd player

 

If there isn't a winner, soon enough there will be dual players that play both formats.

 

Well, I'm thinking that Blockbuster is big enough to tip the scales in the war.

Also, doesn't it behoove Blockbuster to support the format with the more rigorous DRM?

I'm just thinking out loud over here. . .

 

Dammit, when will the real Beatmax stand up? I've been without a DVD player for too long wiating for this decision to finalize.

 

I was surprised to see this as well. Especially since the stores had already started stocking both formats.

 

8D - I think Blockbuster's decision to support Blu-Ray is a well-calculated move because according to NYTimes, where Penforhire may have gotten his information, Blockbuster renters were choosing Blu-Ray over HD DVD more than 70% of the time. (Link to article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/18/business...ockbuster.html)

Given the obvious problems of consumers buying DVD players that can only support one or the other and pricing differences (albeit, probably not a very large difference) between the formats the decision to end this "war" would be economically efficient to everyone. Consumers of DVDS, rental companies (ie. Netflix and Blockbuster) providing them and major studios releasing movies in these formats wouldn't need to worry about such trivial issues with just 1 format.

Blockbuster's move to back Blu-Ray is probably a good decision since conforming to the masses will potentially secure and expand their market share for future movie renters with the improved Blu-Ray/HD DVD players. Not only does their decision seem to support the typical consumer's taste for Blu-Ray, but also the major studios preference for them (where only Universal Studios exclusively supports HD DVD).

But, please don't take my post as a counter-attack on your view - merely my 2 cents thrown into the mix .

 

The industry that killed betamax is not being a factor in this war. In fact they are not interested in participating because HI def actually is bad for them. There are certains things that should not be in HI def.

PORNOS FTW!

 

There already are.