Netflix Goes Blu-ray Exclusive

[TheDaddy]

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssC...EN388420080211

Netflix says chooses Blu-ray format over HD DVD

NEW YORK, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Online video rental company Netflix Inc (NFLX.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday it would exclusively stock Blu-ray high-definition DVDs after a decision by some the world's biggest movie studios in favor of the Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) developed format.

Netflix has stocked DVDs using both Blu-ray and the competing HD DVD format developed by Toshiba Corp (6502.T: Quote, Profile, Research) since they first came on the market in early 2006.

Four out of six major Hollywood studios have recently decided to publish high-definition DVDs only using Blu-ray.

Netflix said that with such a clear signal from the industry, it will only buy Blu-ray discs going forward and will phase out stock of HD DVD by about the end of the year. (Reporting by Michele Gershberg, editing by Dave Zimmerman)



http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=947

Netflix Goes Blu-ray Exclusive

The popular online video rental service Netflix has announced that they have decided to support Blu-ray exclusively for high definition movie rentals. Pointing to the Warner Brothers exclusivity announcement as the main reason for the shift, Netflix will no longer purchase movies in the rival HD DVD format, and once the life cycle for those discs has ended, they will no longer stock the format for rent.

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix commented, "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 are 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."

While only a small percentage of Netflix users rent high definition movies, the majority of those who do take advantage of the services are renting Blu-ray. They expect that the shift to a single format will ultimately allow Netflix to provide a better service to those high definition customers.

[mrroy]

Prepare for the HD-DVD Spin...

[tolitzpogi]

One word: OUCH

For a huge rental service like Netflix, this is just too painful for HD DVD renters... honestly, Netflix was one of the last placed I expected that would take sides...

However, for a rental service that touts a wide selection, it might not be a good idea to phase out HD DVD entirely... or maybe they just decided not to buy any new HD DVD titles coz of the high scratch rate I've been hearing about...

- T

[SRFan]

Prepare for all the fanboys to say how blockbuster online is great, just like they said how netflix was great when blockbuster went blu. Oh also VOD is going to conquer all video rental systems, luckily Netflix has VOD.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by tolitzpogi

One word: OUCH

However, for a rental service that touts a wide selection, it might not be a good idea to phase out HD DVD entirely... or maybe they just decided not to buy any new HD DVD titles coz of the high scratch rate I've been hearing about...

- T

The die was cast 1/4/08.

I too am wondering what the spin will be.

Netflix doesnt matter?
The consumers havent chosen?


So much for rental places being OK with 2 formats.

[cooper1010]

Originally Posted by tolitzpogi

One word: OUCH

For a huge rental service like Netflix, this is just too painful for HD DVD renters...

However, for a rental service that touts a wide selection, it might not be a good idea to phase out HD DVD entirely... or maybe they just decided not to buy any new HD DVD titles coz of the high scratch rate I've been hearing about...

- T

Citing the decision by four of the six major movie studios to publish high-def DVD titles only in the Sony-developed Blu-ray format, Netflix said that as of now it will purchase only Blu-ray discs and will phase out by roughly year's end the alternative high-def format, HD DVD, developed by Toshiba.

http://netflix.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=265

[Pellaeon]

I held on to my A2 solely to rent HD-DVDs from Netflix. Looks like it is time to sell sell sell..... Ebay here I come

[mgillespie]

The pressure cooker winds on a couple more notches for Universal and Paramount.....

[madhatter]

Originally Posted by SRFan

Prepare for all the fanboys to say how blockbuster online is great, just like they said how netflix was great when blockbuster went blu. Oh also VOD is going to conquer all video rental systems, luckily Netflix has VOD.

Downloads and porn! Downloads and porn! And Netflix doesn't matter anyway. Downloads and porn! TL51 and Disney will turn any day now, just you wait.

[gluasad]

Originally Posted by Woody

The die was cast 1/4/08.

I too am wondering what the spin will be.

Netflix doesnt matter?
The consumers havent chosen?


So much for rental places being OK with 2 formats.

No spin. Spin is only in the eye of the reader. It's unfortunate and does deliver a substantial blow to HD DVD, but until there is an indication from Universal, Paramount and most imporatantly Toshiba that HD DVD will be discontinued entirely, I will continue to purchase all my Universal and Paramount favorites on the HD DVD format.

What else is there to say, I chose a format that I liked and I will continue to support it until the format no longer exists.


Now Go Away!

[mrroy]

I think this is just another "domino" that is falling. Any predictions before Blockbuster makes the same decision about thier online service? Looks like Hollywood Video is the only major B&M renting HD-DVD.

[tolitzpogi]

This could also be heavily influenced by Netflix's plan to charge a little extra for HDM rentals... choosing a side actually accelerates this decision... still bad news for HD DVD supporters...

Then again, possible spin might be "who needs to rent when you can get 5-7 HD DVDs for free!"

The bad press continues...

- T

[Trotwood Copperfield]

It's funny how retailers don't want your money anymore. I guess the reason for having Netflix just got cut in half for me.

I was in Sears last night, ready to buy an open box Blu-ray player. The second the clock hit 6:00PM the place was deserted. Couldn't find any employees except one. And the guy blew me off.

[ferrando]

We need one format only anyway. Two are unecessary. Imagine if there had been two formats for standard DVD's when they came out. There wouldn't be the wide acceptance that there is now with portable DVD players and such.

[mrroy]

Originally Posted by gluasad

No spin. Spin is only in the eye of the reader. It's unfortunate and does deliver a substantial blow to HD DVD, but until there is an indication from Universal, Paramount and most imporatantly Toshiba that HD DVD will be discontinued entirely, I will continue to purchase all my Universal and Paramount favorites on the HD DVD format.

What else is there to say, I chose a format that I liked and I will continue to support it until the format no longer exists.


Now Go Away!

It really is time for people to take their head out of the sand. With Studios (big and small) falling one at a time and now Netflix? The light at the end of this tunnel for HD is indeed a train.