The End of HD DVD - Time to buy Blu-ray?
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I wouldn't run out and get a new Blu-ray player yet. Sure it looks like Blu-ray has won, and you're probably ready to upgrade. The price of HDTVs has dropped and they're really popular right now, but DVDs just can't keep up with HDTV. I would recommend holding off a little bit longer. There is a new specification coming out, and the current Blu-Ray players won't be able to support it; only the PS3.
I would suggest holding off until these new players hit the market, or get a PS3. The PS3 is right around the same price, is future proof, and also plays PlayStation 3 games. The big change is that it will now support Internet content, which has been standard since launch with HD-DVD players. None of the current players have Internet connections built in, except for the PS3. The PS3 will only require a firmware update which won't be much of a hassle to users.
Maybe neither wins?
What if Blu-ray and HD-DVD both end up in the bargain bin? How will you watch your movies then? Downloadable media is receiving a lot of backing right now. Many stores are offering downloadable movies for purchase. No need to run to the store, store the discs somewhere, and worry about having outdated movies. Downloading will always be convenient.
What do I think of this? Is it better? I would say yes. Is it going to win? Not now. It's very early in its life and people still want physical movies. We are just now getting to digital music being the norm and not ready for digital movies. Plus our Internet connections need to open up to much higher speeds to make it worth the time. Blu-ray might be the last physical format we see.
Conclusion
HD-DVD looks like it is on the way out. Blu-ray has jumped in market share and now holds a majority of major recording companies. Still, don't get a Blu-Ray player yet. I would suggest waiting until the final specification is out in the wild and get a player that holds some amount of future-proofness.
Could you ditch this generation together and just download your movies? Sure, if you are willing to no longer have a physical media to hold and to stream them through your PC or Tivo. I personally think I will get a Blu-ray player later this year or next, or perhaps a PS3. I don't see online movies getting the ball rolling this generation, but will seriously consider it next time. I would like to thank you for reading this article on the death of HD-DVD today.
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