No one wanted the Hi-Def DVD format war, but unfortunately it happened. Everyone who decided to enter the market had a choice of choosing a side, or both if they could afford it. Everyone knew there was a risk and that eventually some people were going to lose out. Before it all started I preferred HD DVD for a number of reasons despite its lower storage capacity. In the end though my decision to go with HD DVD was really a matter of cost. The hardware was only $150 for the Xbox 360 attachment, versus $500 for a PS3 (at the time). I would have loved to have supported both sides, but it was not financially feasible. I feel both sides had a strong library of titles and the potential to ‘win’ the hi-def war. Things weren’t looking too great for HD DVD for the first part of the year, but then Paramount made the surprising decision to go from neutral to HD DVD exclusive. This seemed to even things out with Warner Bros. being the only remaining neutral studio. It seemed to me that being neutral was a benefit to Warner, but sadly they announced today they are going Blu-Ray only by May 2008. HD DVD is not dead yet, but with only Universal and Paramount on their side exclusively I do not see the format lasting much longer.

I do not regret purchasing my player or any of my HD DVDs, and I will still purchase some. I’ll likely stick to combo discs and exclusive titles, but it’s not like I’ve bought a lot anyway. I’m actually looking forward to the day that I can find a bunch of HD DVDs for dirt cheap in the bargain bin! It was a fun run HD DVD, but I’m afraid the battle is almost done.

Oh, by the way, ‘up yours!’ Sony.