February 21, 2008

HD DVD 48 Hours Later

You may be wondering what has happened in the HD disc world since Toshiba finally called it quits yesterday, finally conceding victory to Blu-ray. It's amazing what can happen in the span of a day. Here's an update...

1. Amazon Drops HD DVD

Despite the fact that Amazon execs weren't aware of Toshiba's "death of HD DVD" announcement until this morning, they've already dropped HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray.

2. Onkyo Halts Production Of HD DVD

Manufacturer Onkyo, maker of premium HD DVD players will halt production of everything HD DVD, but will continue to provide "support" to current HD DVD customers.

3. Paramount To Release Blu-ray Titles

One of the last major Hollywood studios to stand by Blu-ray, they've now officially jumped ship.

4. Oppo Digital To Make Blu-ray Player

Format neutral since the beginning, Oppo will finally make a Blu-ray player.

5. Microsoft Doesn't Think HD DVD's Death Will Affect Xbox 360

Even though Microsoft offers a standalone HD DVD player as an add-on to its Xbox 360 game console, they don't feel it'll affect sales.

6. Universal Studios Goes Blu-ray

Obviously!

7. What About Dual-Format Disc Players?

LG and Samsung not sure what to do about dual-format players, but are re-evaluating their businesses.

8. Consumers Would Have Been Better Off With HD DVD

Analysts say that studios will benefit from Blu-ray, but consumers would have been better off with HD DVD.

9. Blu-ray Prices To Increase?

Does lack of competition open the doors for Blu-ray to jack up prices in exchange for new features?

10. Warner Bros. Will Continue To Release HD DVD's

Until May 31 that is.

11. Sony Should Thank The PS3

It never would have been possible without the support of...