Blu-ray is last technology standing in high def dvd wars

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February 28th, 2008 - Posted by Joe

Toshiba, the developer of the HD DVD technology, announced this week that it would be exiting the high definition dvd market and cease all production of HD DVD players and movies that play on them.  The announcement was a big win for rival high definition dvd techology blu-ray, which was developed by Sony, as it is now the only remaining high def dvd format.

This news is also a positive for the majority of consumers that were wary to jump into the high definition dvd market until a clear winner in the "format wars" had been determined.  Until just recently the two rivals had been actively courting major movie studios for exclusive deals on their respective formats.  We reported last month on the fact that Sony was clearly winning that battle.

However, this is a major setback for consumers that have already invested in HD DVD players or who may have purchased an XBOX 360 which included the HD DVD technology.  While both existing HD DVD movies and standard dvds will still work on those players, no new dvd content will be published in HD DVD.  This leaves HD DVD owners in the same tough position that betamax owners where in in the early 1980's when the standard format of video cassettes was being determined.

We ultimately see this as a positive move and something that will mean more clarity and innovation in the marketplace.  With the question of "which format" out of the way more and more consumers will likely jump into the high def dvd world.  Movie studios will also be in a better position to start investing in better and more extensive high def dvds with expanded features that are possible in the high def format.

We strongly suggest that anyone with a blu-ray high definition dvd player consider a online dvd movie rental service to get the full enjoyment and value out of their investment.  View our online dvd rental service guide to learn more.