Nov 10, 2007 by Brian Gallagher

Blu-ray Takes Back the Hi-Def Crown

Blu-Ray is atop the hi-def mountain once again.

For the first time since August, Blu-Ray has surpassed the HD-DVD format in number of titles released. HD-DVD took the lead when Paramount Home Entertainment and Dreamworks Animation SKG removed 29 titles from its Blu-Ray library, which was enough to give HD-DVD the lead in titles released. Now it seems that Blu-Ray is back on top, though, according to Home Media Magazine, with a slight 332 to 328 lead over HD-DVD.

While this fourth quarter of the year is typically crucial for both formats, it no longer is the conclusive factor it once was, according to Jim Bottoms of the home entertainment research firm Understanding & Solutions.

"There is growing concern throughout the industry that both high-definition disc formats could be lost completely in a world of competing delivery options and viewing platforms," Bottoms said. "As we stand today, industry support for [Blu-ray] across content and hardware remains the strongest grouping, and it is therefore the format with the greatest chance of market success, although its strength is being eroded.

"Whatever happens, continued competition between the two groups will lead to continuing confusion and uncertainty, and therefore delayed consumer purchase decisions."

It looks like Blu-Ray has solidified its lead for the rest of the year as well. Backers of Blu-Ray already have 66 releases in the pipeline, above the 42 titles for HD-DVD backers. If everything stays in place, Blu-Ray will end 2007 with a total of 406 movies available, while HD-DVD will have 372.


Sources: Home Media Magazine

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Comments (5)

  1. Kaya Savas

    For $399, it's worth buying a PS3 if you have a 1080p TV. HD-DVD advertises their low priced players, but they fail to tell consumers that they output only in 1080i. I would totally go for a dual format player so I can watch my favorites from Universal, but LG is the only one with one and its $1000. You'd be better off buying two players separately. But since the support for Blu-ray is so overwhelming from both studios and consumers and it's an overall better format, I decided to side with Blu since the get go.

    I agree with Azotig, there are no pros for HD-DVD. Only 2 studios back the format exclusively and Paramount was bribed into it. Every other studio backs Blu-ray and WB (the only dual format supporter) may drop HD-DVD due to poor disc sales after the 4th Q.

    5 years agoby @kayaFlag

  2. Azotiq

    The ones who have invested in HD-DVD need to seriosuly rethink their decision. There are no pros for HD-DVD, only cons.

    5 years agoby @azotiqFlag

  3. spideysweb

    I say, stay with up-converting dvd players. Plays your original dvd's and converts to high def without the high cost of a high def dvd player

    5 years agoby @spideyswebFlag

  4. MaViNx

    Neither format will 'lose'. Cant see why people dont get this. Its a marketing ploy for everyone to choose a side and buy the expensive players they think its best. Too many corporations have money invested in BOTH formats for any of them sink. Get a f*cking dual player and enjoy both formats.

    5 years agoby @mavinxFlag

  5. Kaya Savas

    While number of titles available is important, it won't decide which format floats and which one sinks. It's all about the sales and Blu-ray has a huge slate of high profile movies in its boat coming up and is/has been outselling HD-DVD. 4th Q is definitely crucial, but it looks like the consumers who took the dive into the war know which format is better for the future of home video. Blu-ray all the way. War should be over in 2 years, maybe less if Blu-ray's strong performance keeps up.

    5 years agoby @kayaFlag

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