Companies are starting to draw lines in the sand, sides are being chosen.

I've been checking the online sales of HD players over the past few months, and there are MULTIPLE HDDVD players on the top lsit for amazon, while htere's not a single one for BD. Most of the BD sales are bieng powered by PS#, which is fine, but that system is lagging, and Sony can't drop the price for a while, so HD DVD is picking up steam, especially with the boost of 5 free movies, now they just have to drop the price of movies to chew into that 70% sales advantage.

hah hahah

Who's going to want to buy HD-DVD when they see moves like this? BR is obviously renting more, and I'm sure BB have run the numbers. Game over man, game over.

won't be around in 5 to 10 years anyway what's the point???

Downloadable Hi def content will kill both formats in the long run anyways...

With porn in HD-DVD and Block Busters shrinking market share this is far from an end game blow. At this point it's about 50/50. I think who ever makes the product cheaper quicker will be the winner.

blue ray is selling the best, superior in every way and has the most industry backing, toshiba just drop the hd dvd format so people can start buying with confidence

I personally don't back either format and won't consider buying a player until this is settled and every movie is offered in one format. I have a 50" plasma and I'll just keep watching upconverted DVD's . I'm not going to buy a player and movies just to risk that format dying. No thanks.

Blu-Ray has the PS3 advantage, HD-DVD has the price advantage (for stand alone players).

As far as downloadable content replacing the real thing, your crazy if you think that. It's going to be a LONG time before you can download HD content in a reasonable amount of time.

As far as someone's content about BB stores disappearing, I doubt it. I use their online service, and because I can bring back the movies in-store and get new ones immediately I go there more than ever. Oh, and more than have of my 300 DVD's are previously viewed from BB. I'd much rather pay $5 ->$8 per DVD than pay $15-$20 in other stores.

I only buy HD-DVD movies (until recently) and rent Blu-Ray from BB online. So yes, I probably do rent more Blu-Ray than HD-DVD. My first Blu-Ray purchases were Pirates 1 & 2 (Talladega Nights can with the PS3).

I'll still shop for flexibility.

It aint over yet

I also think that recent price drops by HDDVD is a response to the lower sells against bluray. They tried to gain more customers by lowering their price. Which "might" work, but we see that bluray prices are also dropping now. I am, however, pro bluray. In terms of capacity. Larger capacity = more possiblities.

Online rental is getting stronger and stronger. BB will have to give up its stores.
Switch to Netflix: all formats, fast, reliable and free online content.

I used to care, but i got tired of waiting. I just want movies in high def.

My HTPC will include a drive for both formats, as I doubt I'll care if I can burn with it. It's a media center, my DVD's and CD's will be copied onto hard drives - so what do I care who wins? I'm not an early adopter, I won't buy a hybrid drive until they come down in price or the war is won by one side or the other. Early adopters get shafted and pay far too much for "slightly better" quality. Movies at the theater are far more grainy than my 55" HDTV and a regular "old" (LOL?) DVD format anyway. I spent $700 on nothing but rentals at Blockbuster last year (I know because I'm an "elite" customer there and the salespeople will pretty much drop everything for me). While Blockbuster may seem to be hitting hard times, (probably due to the post 90's econ slump, piracy, and people watching dumb vids on YouTube instead) I'd have to say that it's a hell of a lot nicer than the "alternative choice" brand store down the road. The carney's that work there are rude, brash, and wreak of pot. I'll stick to my "uptown" Blockbuster which is also more convienently located, thanks.

If PS3 is dropping in price...there you go. Another sucker punch to HD-DVD

That really is a blow to the HD DVD camp. I'm pushin for HD DVD because I have a 360 and it would be the cheaper option for me. In the end though as long as there is one format with all titles on it, I'll be happy, whether it's Blu-Ray or HD DVD. Don't care who wins, but it's time for it to be over.

I did not see in the announcement what additional marketing $ or concessions Sony is providing to BB. Are those details available?

BlockBuster's COO stated publicly today that this is only a "nano-second" into their decision process and is NOT A LONG TERM DECISION.

It IS starting to sound like this was a situation where Sony paid them for a one year exclusive. It makes business sense, since either format is rarely rented anyway.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=383736735&play=1

I haven't used blockbuster in years. Don't forget the fact that Sony is throwing money at everyone to accept Blu-Ray. I used to be a strong Sony supporter but no more. Lets help put an end to DRM Fiasco!!!

Why did blockbuster have to take a side ? Netflix is not taking one! I am taking my business to netflix. It should have been clear to blockbuster that there would be more demand for blu-ray initially because of the PS3 trojan horse. Instead of taking side they should offer the choice to consumers. I have been to stores that offer both bd abd hd-dvd and the collection is pathetic anyway.

Atleast hd-dvd players are almost affordable now and that is what matter to consumers. The higher amount of storage is a good point in blu-ray but it is not that important: I would not store 20 movies in one disk, just to lose the entire collection if I lose one disk!