Just a few days ago, consumers were left in a pickle as to what high-definition format to support.  Should you go with HD-DVD or Blu-Ray?  A recent decision by Warner Bros. that they will now produce their high-def films exclusively on the Blu-Ray format has shifted the balance in favor of Blu-Ray.  In other words, if you got an HD-DVD player for Christmas – take it back while you can!

In abandoning the HD-DVD format, Warner Bros. has effectively given Blu-Ray 70% of the market, leaving Universal and Paramount/DreamWorks as the only remaining studios producing HD-DVD titles.  In line with their decision, Warner Bros. will continue to produce all new titles on both formats, but beginning May 2008, they will completely abandon HD-DVD.

This decision will undoubtedly put an end to the next-gen format wars which have been confusing consumers for several years now.  The choice has been made: Blu-Ray has come out on top, and HD-DVD will likely soon fall by the wayside.