A new report suggests that Sony’s Blu-ray disc format is gaining noticeable traction over Microsoft-backed HD DVD. The news comes as Microsoft dropped the price of its HD DVD add-on for Xbox 360 to $179 in an effort to boost sales among influencial gamers.
“We are starting to see the pendulum swing slowly in [Blu-ray’s] direction,” says analyst Chris Roden. “Recent retail developments, support from major Hollywood studios, and inclusion of the format in the PlayStation 3 puts the Blu-ray format in the lead.”
Both Blockbuster and Target have recently committed- to supporting Blu-ray recently. Blockbuster will exclusively offer Blu-ray rentals at 85% of its stores, while Target will only sell Blu-ray players at least through the holiday shopping season.
In addition, more Hollywood studios are behind Sony’s HD format. With exception to Universal Studios which exclusively backs HD DVD, all of the other five major film studios either exclusively back Blu-ray or release movies on both formats.
Lastly, the recent PS3 price drop of $100 wasn’t just for gamers, it was partly an effort to help boost Blu-ray adoption against the Microsoft backed HD DVD. The difference, however, is that PS3 comes standard with Blu-ray, whereas Xbox 360 owners must additionally purchase the HD DVD drive should they choose to also enjoy HD movies. This is a significant advantage for Sony as every PS3 owner is also a Blu-ray owner.
But just because Blu-ray is slowly gaining traction, it doesn’t mean consumers have chosen a side. According to one report, less than 10 % of U.S. consumers are even familiar with either HD DVD or Blu-ray.
Widespread confusion and general apathy aren’t good for either format.
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