Netflix Goes the Blu-ray Way
Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:22AM EST
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The movies-by-mail giant says that from now on, it will only buy Blu-ray discs, and that it expects to "phase out" its inventory of HD DVD movies by the end of the year. Talk about a nail in the coffin.

In a press release, Netflix says that it will keep renting out HD DVD movies "until the discs' natural life cycle takes them out of circulation in the coming months." The statement goes on to say that the industry has "picked a winner" in the format war, and that "focusing on one format will enable us to create the best experience for subscribers" who want HD movies.

The news is the harshest blow for HD DVD since Warner Brothers announced it was jumping ship and going exclusively with Blu-ray. It's sure to have a chilling effect on already dwindling HD DVD player sales, and while Netflix still has a few hundred HD DVD titles for rent, HD DVD viewers will eventually be left with Blockbuster (which has by-mail HD DVD titles for rent) and local video stores (which may or may not have HD DVD movies on their shelves). Indeed, I've been renting my share of HD DVDs from Netflix, and I have several upcoming titles in my "Saved" queue; now it looks like I'll have to rent "I Am Legend" somewhere else—or just get the DVD version, until I give in and get a Blu-ray player myself.

OK, HD DVD fans, what's your take on Netflix's decision? And for those of you on the fence, how does the Netflix news factor into your decision?

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