Good strategy? Maybe; maybe not. But it could help drive prices down in the sell through market that much quicker...

... for both formats.

I have a totally different take on this, and I don't see any reason for nervousness among early adopters of either format. First of all, Blockbuster no longer drives the software rental market like they once did in the hey-day of over the counter rental (first on VHS; then DVD). A lot of the current market share has been taken up by Net-flix (mail order) and PPV (especially for HD delivery of recently released movies), not that Blockbuster has opted out of these newer delivery systems.

As the two formats compete it's becoming apparent that both are going to make *some* progress due to lowering prices and the onset of dual format players. Blockbuster is relying on the fact that Blu-ray is the format favored by most sudios because it offers more vigorous copy protections and dedicated region coding as part of it's codec, but I suspect the primary reason for Blockbuster's enthusiastic support of Blu-ray is the Durabis coating which provides greater scratch resistance.

OTOH, long term it wouldn't surprise me if Blockbuster hedges their bets because it's far from clear that SONY can meet quality expectations and lowered costs while supplying sufficient product.

FTR, I don't care which format prevails because I plan on buying a dual format player and buying my favorite movies whether they're issued on Blu-ray or HD. My own personal preference is for the best of both worlds: 1080P capable software medium which is 1) inexpensive, 2) NOT region restricted, and 3) durable [scratch-resistant]. Other than that both camps can roll around in the mud as long as they like. :o)

AuPh

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Blockbuster picks Blu-Ray as HD video rental source. - oscar 12:36:08 06/18/07 (18)

Don't worry, be happy (here's why) - 4season 20:31:52 06/18/07 (0)

RE: - Jack G 15:20:30 06/18/07 (14)

Public perception could be the biggest impact; HD video got a lot of press with this one. - oscar 15:52:23 06/18/07 (13)

My local Blockbusters - johnvb 08:52:42 06/19/07 (1)

Mine Also - Robertc88 13:33:01 06/19/07 (0)

Who goes to Blockbuster anymore? (nt) - racerguy 17:00:49 06/18/07 (2)

Uhh... not me, not in a decade. But someone must be going in there . - oscar 13:58:48 06/19/07 (1)

I go there once in a while. I don't do netflix NT - Jazz Inmate 16:55:16 06/19/07 (0)

Not sure the public is paying attention, but it is one more sign that blu-ray is the way to go NT - Jazz Inmate 15:59:05 06/18/07 (7)

Really? Until the prices are equatable and more desired titles are available, HD is still on the leading edge. - Audiophilander 11:44:31 06/21/07 (6)

RE: Really? Until the prices are equatable and more desired titles are available, HD is still on the leading e - oscar 14:58:08 06/21/07 (5)

A couple of side notes - Jack G 04:57:49 06/22/07 (3)

RE: A couple of side notes - oscar 06:58:17 06/22/07 (2)

RE: A couple of side notes - Jack G 07:22:56 06/22/07 (1)

I've yet to see a Blu-Ray movie which required 2 discs for playback. - oscar 10:00:44 06/22/07 (0)

Good points as usual Oscar, but I doubt that either of us can make any qualitative statements beyond... - Audiophilander 17:58:03 06/21/07 (0)

Good strategy? Maybe; maybe not. But it could help drive prices down in the sell through market that much quicker... - Audiophilander 15:01:00 06/18/07 (1)

There can be only one - if HD video is going to thrive. - oscar 16:10:31 06/18/07 (0)

Follow Ups

Good strategy? Maybe; maybe not. But it could help drive prices down in the sell through market that much quicker... - Audiophilander 15:01:00 06/18/07 (1)

There can be only one - if HD video is going to thrive. - oscar 16:10:31 06/18/07 (0)

Good strategy? Maybe; maybe not. But it could help drive prices down in the sell through market that much quicker...

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