HD War: Blu-Ray Wins Major Market Share
Posted by Anand in Technology News
It seems the battle between the HD formats is ending sooner than expected. Just before the opening of CES 2008, Warner Bros decided to become Blu-Ray exclusive. This important decision could completely wipe out any remaining chances of HD-DVD to become the preferred HD video format.
Ever since the introduction of these formats couple of years ago, these companies were lobbying Hollywood studios to attain exclusive releases rights. Last year, HD-DVD camp gained a major market share by getting exclusive rights from DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures.
Being neutral to both formats, Warner Bros Studio was releasing in both HD formats. HD-DVD stats also reveal that 34% of HD-DVDs were from Warner Bros. From this data, you can imagine how this new decision would eventually jeopardize future of Toshiba Corp’s HD-DVD format.
Blu-Ray camp already owns 49% of home video market share and by getting Warner on its side would increase their market share to 70%.
Now, Universal studios and Paramount pictures (There is a rumor that Paramount is poised to switch sides soon) are the major studios that are still holding to the HD-DVD format. Once consumers start buying the popular format players (Blu-Ray), HD-DVD supporting studios may have to switch to sides for answering the consumer needs.
I can bet by mid-2008, we will have a winner! 
;)
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