Netflix Goes Blue

The Netflix DVD rental service has decided to go exclusively with Blu-Ray as its hi-def format for customers, rather than HD DVD. By the end of the year, Netflix will no longer offer HD DVDs, reports CNET. The service made the decision based on the momentum towards Blu-Ray by Hollywood studios, including the recent decision by Warner Bros. to go commit solely to the format.

"With more than 1 million HD DVD players on the market, it's unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward," pronounces the HD DVD Promotional Group. Meanwhile, the CNET blog reports that the decision is unlikely to have much effect on the average consumer, with new players for both formats still far too pricey for most home movie buffs. (More HD DVD stories.)