Blockbuster Drops HD DVD

Blockbuster today tipped the next-generation movie format battle in favor of Blu-Ray today by announcing that the format would be the only choice beyond regular DVD in its retail shops, dropping rival HD DVD from all but its online rental service. Choosing the format will also see the inclusion of the discs expand from a 250-store trial to as many as 1700 US-based shops. The move is said to be a direct response to rental figures: Blu-Ray is said to be "significantly outpacing" HD DVD in rentals and makes considerably more financial sense, Blockbuster says.

The decision may have been spurred in part by the PlayStation 3, which has helped movie-capable Blu-Ray players outnumber HD DVDs in the market. The Blockbuster choice may in turn reinforce sales of the Sony console by deciding the format needed for rentals of HD movies at Blockbuster outlets. HD DVD is supported through the Xbox 360 only through a USB add-on drive.

By Electronista Staff