More Evidence that Blu-Ray Has Won the HD Format War

It's pretty safe to say, I think, that the HD format war is over. Two pieces of information reveal just how dire HD DVD's situation is.

First, this article at TWICE describes some recent NPD figures: "Blu-ray Disc player sales accounted for 90 percent of dedicated HD disc player unit sales and dollar volume during the week ending Jan. 12." 90 percent? Wow.

Second, and perhaps this is a bit more subtle, but the marketplace at AVSForum.com, home planet for the A/V obsessed, shows an interesting trend. Over the past two weeks, there have been around 25 HD DVD players offered for sale, but only two stand-alone Blu-Ray players have been put up (and one mentioned wanting to upgrade). That's a far larger margin than player sales have been, suggesting that the early adopter crowd is starting to abandon the HD DVD format rather quickly.

So, I can't say I'm sorry to see one of the formats go. From the beginning of this war, I've said I don't care who wins, just to make it snappy. I'm glad 2008 will be the year one side gives up (Toshiba, that'd be you).

Update: Apparently now, the rumor is that Circuit City is preparing to put all its HD DVD players on clearance, suggesting that it is quitting the format altogether.