Front Page > World > Article Title/Fixture Title

Front Page > Business

Email | Print | Subscribe

Click-2-Listen

advertisement

Blu-ray format pulling ahead

Home movie fans may have heard this week that Blu-ray has all but won the high-definition format war with competing HD DVD technology. But what does it all mean?

For starters, here's a quick primer for those who are unfamiliar with the issue: Blu-ray, backed by Sony, and HD DVD, backed by Toshiba, are high-definition DVD formats that are vying for the title of next-generation DVD. Both technologies have partnered with electronics manufacturers and Hollywood studios, creating uncertainty for consumers and electronics retailers alike.

Making matters more difficult is the lack of key differences between the formats — Blu-ray discs have more capacity, but that's about it; both support the same video resolution and audio quality. (Channel Surfing has viewed clips in both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats and cannot tell the difference.)

In terms of 2007 sales data, the formats were close. According to research firm DisplaySearch, HD DVD disc players accounted for 52 percent of all stand-alone high-definition players, compared with 47 percent for Blu-ray.

That's why this week's Blu-ray endorsements from Best Buy and Netflix are significant. Both companies cited the momentum of the format and the fact it now has five major studios behind it after Warner Bros. last month decided to side with Blu-ray, joining Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney. HD DVD has Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios.

"The format war is pretty much over for the most part," said Dan Ackerman, a senior editor at CNET.com. "If you're thinking about making the jump now, I think your choice is pretty clear."

As for those who have already purchased HD DVD players, Warner Bros. is committed to offering its films in both formats through May, and Best Buy, despite recommending Blu-ray, will offer both technologies in its stores.

"It's not something anybody needs unless you're really any kind of a cinemaphile," Mr. Ackerman said of high-definition disc players, noting that standard DVDs still look great on a good TV.

Click-2-Listen

Front Page > Business