So, the next-generation DVD format war is coming to an end. I don’t imagine HD DVD will just quietly lie down and die, but now that Warner has decided to back Blu-ray exclusively, you might as well engrave the HD DVD tombstone—at least, in the arena of home-video entertainment.

On one hand, I’m relieved that a clear victor is finally emerging in this ridiculous, frustrating war. High-definition DVD is definitely the future of home video. Once you see its potential, you really can’t go back. On the other hand, I really thought HD DVD would come through. I gotta say, I’m a little disappointed, and not only because I took the (very cheap) HD DVD plunge back in November, when Toshiba was clearing out its HD-A2 machine. I’ve actually gotten great joy out of the player, amassing (also at cheap prices) a modest collection of HD DVDs that I’ll enjoy for a long time. You should see the pristine video detail of Corpse Bride and King Kong on HD DVD. On a 1080p-resolution HDTV, it's enough to make you quit your job, sell your children, and find religion in your home-theater.

No, I’m more disappointed because, after examining the two formats (admittedly, Blu-ray from afar), I just liked HD DVD better. It had the better name recognition, first of all. And second, it seemed to offer better, more dynamic interactivity in its special features. This isn’t to say that Blu-ray won’t incorporate some of that interactivity and even change its name, but I have to admit, I’m just feeling for the HD DVD camp today. Plus, Blu-ray is backed by Sony, which has a history of failed formats and proprietary technologies (not to mention malware-carrying music CDs). Maybe I just have a Sony grudge—although, full disclosure, Sony made the most reliable, user-friendly DVD player I’ve ever owned.

Having said all that, the future of high-definition DVD is brighter today that it has ever been. You can see more and more consumers aiming their focus at Blu-ray now, with the understanding that it has prevailed. At stores everywhere, I’m already seeing Blu-ray displays blossoming with titles while the HD DVD displays shrink and disappear. We have a winner, folks, and now’s the time to embrace high-definition DVD.

I’m already over my HD DVD sadness. I’m looking to the future. Long live Blu-ray!

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Jason, your article echoes my thoughts exactly (though I went the Xbox 360 route). I'm anti-Sony for the same reasons you mention. How many times has Sony tried to force their stupid proprietary formats down our throats and how many times have they been successful? This may well be the first. My fear is that it will only encourage them do to it again, thus holding up some cool future technology that we haven't even dreamed up yet. But at least the war is over! Brian Mercer -January 16, 2008 I invested big money in beta. It was the best. Sony dropped it and left me with a non-supported expensive collection of videos. Burn my once, shame on you, burn my twice, shame on me. No BluRay ever. Besides, there will be a new system of format before this one is settled. Burnedbysony -January 17, 2008 I don't think everyone should be proclaiming that HD-DVD is dead just yet. Yes, I own a Toshiba HD-A20 and have no regrets. It would have been best if one format hit the streets from the beginning. Both formats are technically equal except that Blu-ray is just catching up on the interactive specs which will require the prior owners to reinvest to take advantage of profile 2.0, not true for HD-DVD. If HD-DVD devices are no longer manufactured, then don't expect the prices of Blu-ray equipment and movie titles to drop much in price. I believe this will just prolong the life of the older DVD format and create a huge 'black-market' for coping/distributing HD-DVD discs in some foreign country. Probably in the same locations in which current software makers are allowed to create and distribute DVD copy programs. This should really make the movie studios happy. And yes, Sony is developing their own Wi-Fi standard... Bill T. -January 17, 2008 HD-DVD is pushing up daisies as I type this, so it looks like Blu-ray won this one. Now I have a better argument to use when I attempt to convince my wife that I NEED to have a PlayStation3.... :) Jeff James -February 28, 2008 Hear hear! Jason Bovberg -February 28, 2008 Ha Ha LOSERS!!!!! Blu Ray is dying. Get off the sinking ship before you pull a Titanic. When Best Buy has 2 for 35 on Blu Rat disks then you know the end is near. Long live the real winner.... DVD Duke -January 21, 2009 Yeah I am a bit confused. What is happening with Blu-ray? It doesn't really seem to be taking off. And there seem to be problems with the format: http://connectedhome.com.au/article/blu-ray-losing-its-sting Anybody got a crystal ball? Should I invest in Blu-ray or go with plain old DVD technology? Phil -May 20, 2009 READER COMMENTS: We want to hear what you have to say about this article!     Acceptable Use Policy Your Comments (required): Your email is only used if our editors need to contact you. It is not used or stored for any other purpose, nor posted with your comments. Enter the text from the image below Please refresh the page if you have trouble reading this text.