Yesterday, Netflix decided to become a Blu-ray exclusive retailer, and Best Buy made an announcement of their own following Netflix’s lead.
Best Buy has decided to endorse the Blu-ray HD format over HD DVD. Beginning in March, Best Buy will feature Blu-ray prominently in their stores, while HD DVD will receive no such treatment.
While Best Buy will continue to carry HD DVD for the time being, Best Buy is making it very clear what format they support.
In a statement released by Best Buy, Brian Dunn, president/COO of Best Buy, said, “We’ve listened to our customers, and we are responding. Best Buy will recommend Blu-ray as the preferred format. Our decision to shine a spotlight on Blu-ray Disc players and other Blu-ray products is a strong signal to our customers that we believe Blu-ray is the right format choice for them.”
That is about as damning a statement as Best Buy could release for the HD DVD supporters.
With this move, the future is looking grim for HD DVD. Barring a major and cataclysmic change, Blu-ray will be the clear winner in this format war in the not-so-distant future.
