Netflix to Drop HD-DVD

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Start the funeral dirge, if you haven’t already. Yet another nail in the coffin, as Netflix today announced it will only carry Blu-ray, phasing out HD-DVD titles by “roughly” the end of the year.

Netflix had stocked both formats since hi-def DVDs appeared in 2006.

In a press release, Netflix cited a “clear signal from the industry,” with Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix saying:

“The prolonged period of competition between two formats has prevented clear communication to the consumer regarding the richness of the high-def experience versus standard definition. We’re now at the point where the industry can pursue the migration to a single format, bring clarity to the consumer and accelerate the adoption of high-def. Going forward, we expect that all of the studios will publish in the Blu-ray format and that the price points of high-def DVD players will come down significantly. These factors could well lead to another decade of disc-based movie watching as the consumer’s preferred means.

From the Netflix perspective, focusing on one format will enable us to create the best experience for subscribers who want high- definition to be an important part of how they enjoy our service.”

The good news, if any, for HD-DVD adoptees is, as I said, it will take until the EOY for Netflix to complete the phase-out. However, with Blockbuster already focusing on Blu-ray only, you’ll have to look hard for any HD-DVD rentals.

Start looking for a good door to use your HD-DVD player with … as a doorstop.