The Truth About the Format War and HD-DVD's Demise

From Gizmodo: Most people have already declared Blu-ray to be the format war's victory-even us, begrudgingly-and our recent talks with Toshiba and Universal seem to suggest that the HD DVD camp might be ready to pull up stakes

[Whoooop]

HDDVD ain't dead!!!!! right bots???

[captainjy]

Well, the 360 has been outselling the PSFree just about 2:1, but we somehow manage to keep you toaster boys around...

[CeruleanSky]

Wow, yet another HD-DVD fanboy tantrum article! Just what everyone on a gaming site wants to read again and again and again...

[mccomber]

So much of that article makes a lot of sense actually. It was definitely a last minute move, and I still believe that HD-DVD may have thought right before CES that they were gaining another studio. Although all the payoff rumours remain to be unsubstantiated, I'm sure that was a factor as well to some extent; it's the lubricant that keeps those industry gears turning. I can't help but wonder if there was a 360 sitting back stage, HD-DVD player firmly implanted, that never saw the spotlight after the announcements were made before the show.

I just hope that we see this thing officially called sooner rather than later, as this current state is still one of confusion and denial that is keeping consumers from feeling truly comfortable with the "end" of the format war.

[CeruleanSky]

"It was definitely a last minute move"

Warner came right out and publically stated back in late 2007 that they felt two formats was hindering the move to next and they wanted to move to a single format.

They then stated that they would look at holiday sales and make a decision as to which format to support. BluRay continued to dominate sales right through the holidays ending 2007 with a 52-0 record for sales with a commanding ratio of somewhere between 2 and 3 to 1.

In addition BluRay has been utterly decimating HD-DVD outside of the US which Warner later stated played a key role in their decision to exclusively support BluRay.

The holidays ended and Warner made the obvious decision that everyone but HD-DVD fans could see was coming.

Everything else is just HD-DVD fan sour grapes and damage control.

As to the Fox BS, we now know from the same insider that hinted at or outright gave details of every major event in the HD format war over the past six months that yes Toshiba approached Fox with an offer of some tens to hundreds of millions to get them to switch. Fox said no. End of story.

You don't have to pay people to join the winning side. You only have to do that out of desperation like Toshiba/Microsoft did with Paramount/Dreamworks.

[mccomber]

I was saying that their official move to BluRay, specifically the announcement, was a last minute move. If it hadn't been would we have seen the reaction from the HDDVD camp that we did at CES?
I'm not saying that it hadn't been brewing; but I'm certain that it blindsided a lot of people.

[eagle21]

they're over.

[blusoops]

Where is Batman Begins and the Matrix Trilogy on blu-ray?! That's what I'm waiting for....I'd even take Ace Ventura on Blu if it was made! C'mon WB!

[ITR]

I'm sorry but movie releases are not tech news. If you want movie releases check amazon and hi def digest.

[HD DVD]

sigh...

[LJWooly]

You can't catch a break, can you?

Don't worry, i'm sure these guys still love you...

[mighty_douche]

"The Truth About the Format War and HD-DVD's Demise"

its not Gaming related!! thats the f*cking truth!

[Adamalicious]

So you don't think the PS3 had anything to do with Blu-Ray winning?

[mighty_douche]

yes, of course i do.

but do we need 20 threads of it a day? i dont think so.

[LJWooly]

I'll second that, douche. It's time we turned this site back into a fricking gaming site again.

Problem is, all interesting game news just gets overrun by idiots talking down each others' console. Ah, well...

[captainjy]

Absolutely, I think the PS3 was the only reason why Blu-Ray won and I also know that Sony spent too much time, money and resources on Blu-Ray that they neglected the real purpose of the PSFree, which is why you and your toaster are sitting in the backseat and will sit there for the entire life cycle of this generation of gaming consoles, where you belong.

[dexterwang]

Um they had a source that said FOX is going HDDVD exclusive prior to the Warner announcement? Is that "source" his 5 year old kid or his drunken friend?

[Azures]

usually gizmodo keeps its mouth near Apple's penis area, which would include Apple's well documented support for Blu-Ray. Weird.

[Tyrael]

lol the default pic for the article is priceless

[Ashta]

I would just like to explain why this is actually relevant.

No offense Douche but regardless of the fact that the format war isn't really "gaming related" in the direct sense it IS technically attached to the gaming market. Considering both warring consoles chose a side in the format war it has pulled all console gamers who are passionate about their hobby in to the format war as well.

Also, both Microsoft and Sony are heavily invested in their respective formats. Sony even more so considering that it is the standard format for which their games are developed on. The outcome of the format war would directly effect either side and would therefore trickle down and effect you as the consumer/gamer as well.

Also, I would like to point out that I did not post this as an HD-DVD fanboy tantrum. I'm a blu supporter but regardless of my affiliation this was still a good article, and apparently other people found it important and enlightening as well.

Lecture - End.

[Jeedai Infidel]

I have been pondering something for quite some time now. Everyone knows PS3 is about to have a flood of good games to the extent it hasn't really seen thus far, my question is that if more PS3 owners try to keep up with all the games when they launch, will this have any influence on how many blu-ray movies are sold?

[LJWooly]

Well, a lot of people seem to think that the only people who buy Blu Ray movies are PS3 owners, which is not at all true, because PS3 gamers would, usually, be to busy playing games.

In fact, I reckon PS3 owners count for less than a half of Blu Ray movie sales, maybe even less, considering that standalone Blu Ray players actually do sell pretty good.

So, in my opinion, I think this will have a pretty minimal impact on Blu Ray sales. But then again, i'm no industry expert.

[shelbygt33]

I'm not so sure about that. I, for one, am an avid gamer. (just ask my girlfriend). Owning the Wii, Xbox 360 w/HD-DVD addon and the ps3, I literally have had to stop buying games so I could play what I already own!

Having said that - I own about 6 Hd-DVD's and 7 Blu-Ray movies. I also own about 19 360 games.

I currently only own two ps3 games. I really REALLY wish Sony would focus the ps3 effort on games - not on the format war. Although, in their eyes, I'm sure the format war may gain them more money... who knows?

[mr_potato]

What do you do for a living cause that right there is an insane ammount of cash.

You could buy a brand new car with it.

[Rice]

Dammit i cant find Hairpsray on Blu ray....and jeez i hate how one of my friends keeps bragging of how good transformers is...

[Cherchez La Ghost]

Sad though, I own more Blu-Ray movies that PS3 games. LOL!!! Anyways, does anyone know where I can find "Shooter" on Blu-Ray?!!

[resistance100]

Are you UK or US?

Im UK and got shooter on blu-ray but it cost me £30, only a few copies were released over here due to paramount going HD DVD exclusive. If you want a pal copy you will have to pay a fair amount.

US version i've seen on ebay