HD DVD Losing High-Def War In US August 20, 2007

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That’s the latest report from the frontline in the silly high-def format war. According to the research division of Home Media Magazine, Blu-ray movies have outsold HD DVD movies by a factor of just over 2:1 for the first half of 2007.

From January to July, Blu-ray movie sales topped 1.6 million, with HD DVD sales coming to 795,000. There have been conflicting stats from both camps regarding sales and although the HD DVD picture isn’t as dismal in Europe as it seems to be in the US, Blu-ray is winning the consumer vote so far.

Rental giant, Blockbuster recently gave the nod to Blu-ray over HD DVD for a national rollout, which will make a big difference as time goes on. It would be nice to think that things would pick up for HD DVD this month but, I’m afraid not.

The sword ‘n sandals slasher flick ‘300’ has been the August best-seller for both formats so far but, while a healthy 97,000 HD DVD versions sold, Blu-ray sales have been 190,000. The saga limps on.-Martin Lynch

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