I still remember when people were bashing Sony for promoting the Blu-ray format, especially together with the PS3. Experts were claiming that this only resulted in the hiking up of the PS3 selling price. While this could very well be true, it seems that the other premises about the Blu-ray not catching on are just about to say goodbye.
Of course, Blu-ray was pitted against Toshiba’s HD DVD, which was supposed to be just as good but available at a far cheaper price. So what has become of the HD DVD? The battle for the “next generation format” has come to an end with the formal announcement from Toshiba that they will stop manufacturing HD DVD players and discs. According to Atsutoshi Nishida, president and chief executive officer of Toshiba, “We carefully assessed the long-term impact of continuing the so-called ‘next-generation format war’, and concluded that a swift decision will best help the market develop.”
It seems like a selfless deed, doesn’t it? However, I wonder how much impact other factors made on the decision. For example, Warner Bros. decided to back the Blu-ray. A couple of weeks ago, I saw an announcement saying that an online store would start phasing out HD DVDs and focus on Blu-ray only. I would say that the whole market seemed to lean towards Blu-ray, precipitating the decision of the other camp. PS3 enthusiasts are rejoicing as I write, I am sure. As for those who have already shelled money out for HD DVD, I feel sorry for them.