Netflix ditches HD-DVD, The Future is Blu

Another huge blow to the struggling HD-DVD, Netflix, the online and mail video rental giant will follow its rival Blockbuster’s step to focus on Blu-Ray releases. With endorsement to The future is Blu’s campaign, the company will only buy Blu-Ray disc going forward and will phase out stock of HD-DVD by the end of the year.

The company says “We’re now at the point where the industry can pursue the migration to a single format, bring clarity to the consumer and accelerate the adoption of high-def.” and also urged all remained HD-DVD’s allegiances to pursue similar endorsement. I believe that’s the message for Paramount Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

HD-DVD is clearly losing the mail rental market and will be wiped out by the end of the year. The World’s largest movie rental has over seven million subscribers. If they persist, their last draw is switching to Blockbuster and get the last possible HD-DVD rental solution. Blockbuster still offers HD titles in selected brick and mortar stores. (But for how long?)

The prolonged Format War may or may not see a clear winner soon, but for many Hi-Def users, the lack of rental option simply means the end of it. If Blockbuster stop carrying HD-DVD, my Tohisba HD player is as good as a legacy DVD player.

[via dbtechno]