R.I.P. HD DVD?

As the tech battle between DVD formats Blu-ray and HD DVD continues, Blu-ray has seemingly moved ahead of its competitor in terms of studio and retail support. In a double blow announced today, HD DVD takes two hits that may ensure Blu-ray's lasting supremacy in the battle for High-Definition supremacy.

Widely-popular internet rental service Netflix announced today it would stop renting HD DVD films. At the same time, Best Buy - one of the largest electronics retail providers in America - has announced it will recommend Blu-ray over HD DVD to its customers.

Netflix cites the choice of most major movie studios to release their films solely on Blu-ray as the motivating factor for their switch, insisting they could provide a more complete Blu-ray selection by focusing solely on this platform. Best Buy's rationale is similar, insisting that trends seem to indicate Blu-ray emerging as the sole-platform, and - to protect customer interests - they also will be solely recommending, and focusing their product range, on Blu-ray technologies.

While Best Buy will no longer stock and sell HD DVD players, they will continue to provide HD DVD titles for those customers who prefer this option.