Could this be the event that will decide the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD format war? Blockbuster Inc. has announced that they will be stocking only Blu-ray discs in their 1450 stores across the country when they expand their high definition offerings starting next month. According to Blockbuster, they’ve been testing the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD formats by renting both formats at 250 store locations since late last year. 70 percent of high definition rentals were apparently for Blu-ray which helped sway Blockbuster to decide the Blu-ray format over HD DVD. Other reasons for the move:

  • All major studios except for one support Blu-ray
  • Sony’s PlayStation 3 supports Blu-ray

The North American HD DVD Promotional Group responded to this move by saying the decision was shortsighted and skewed by success of films released in Blu-ray over the first three months of this year. The group claims that HD DVD has gained momentum with titles such as the Matrix and the 40 year old virgin out in stores now.

Now I have to admit – I’m an HD DVD fan. I’ve been reluctant to buy anything Blu-ray related – especially since they cost more than HD DVD.. but if prices equalize, things could change for me. Quite honestly, I could care less that Blockbuster was only supporting Blu-ray. I haven’t rented from Blockbuster in over 10 years now and I’ve been a member of Netflix for at least 4 years now. Netflix offers HD DVD and Blu-ray which I believe is the right thing to do. It does make sense for Blockbuster to decide on a single format – especially since they’re limited in retail space for each store. However, is a move from Blockbuster going to decide the industry? One never knows but I’m hoping it doesn’t.

[Check it out via Kontrib]

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