Blu-Ray's 'Victory' in the DVD Wars

Jan 08, 06:02 PM

Sony's Blu-ray technology looked to have prevailed after Toshiba's HD-DVD system was dealt a devastating blow by a major film studio.

Warner Brothers said it would release its films only in the Bluray format from later this year, a decision analysts believe will effectively kill off the rival.

The studio is behind the hugely-successful Harry Potter movies and has an extensive back catalogue, including such classics as The Wizard of Oz.

Consumers who want to see them in HD clarity in their living room will have to opt for a Bluray player costing Pounds 100 or so more than a HD-DVD machine, which can be bought for Pounds 175.

Despite this, analyst Robin Harris of Data Mobility Group said: 'I think the war is over.

HD-DVD has lost. The basic issue is not technology. It's about distribution, it's about marketing, it's about content and Bluray has been winning the content war for some time.' The battle was billed as the biggest in home entertainment since the VHS video machine saw off Betamax in the 1980s.

The introduction of highdefinition DVD players has been hamstrung because consumers have been reluctant to spend hundreds of pounds on a box that might become obsolete.

Warner said this confusion and the resulting poor take-up of the technology was crucial in its decision.

There is no technological advantage for Blu-ray. Both types of player deliver images around five times sharper than existing DVDs through an HDready TV.

Toshiba said it was 'surprised' by Warner's announcement and would 'assess the potential impact'. A spokesman added: 'We remain firm in the belief that HD-DVD is best suited to the wants and needs of consumers.'

(c) 2008 Daily Mail; London (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved. Blu-Ray's 'Victory' in the DVD Wars
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