Netflix Drops HD DVD Support in Favor of Blu-Ray

Reuters is reporting that Netflix is dropping HD DVD support in favor of Blu-ray.

Four out of six major Hollywood studios have recently decided to publish high-definition DVDs only using Blu-ray.

Netflix said that with such a clear signal from the industry, it will only buy Blu-ray discs going forward and will phase out stock of HD DVD by about the end of the year.

Blockbuster stocks both HD DVD & and Blu-ray for Total Access subscribers, but only has Blu-ray in stores (Blockbuster Bets on Blu-ray).

Thanks to Steve, Complication, Wilson, Jack, John & everyone else that sent this in.

Comments

[neilk2350]

another reason to switch to blockbuster. at least i can get hd-dvd online

[Old Timer Too]

I think that we are starting to see the end of the HD-BR battle. It will take a while for HD to fade into memory, but I suspect you'll soon see the end of new HD equipment (other than maybe incorporated into all-in-one players that handle both).

Remembering back to the VHS-Betamax battles, Sony lost that one. I was surprised at the lack of quality in the commercially available tapes vs VHS. The same title on Beta was not nearly as clean as the VHS title... something that didn't appear to be talked about.

The picture quality of personally recorded stuff was higher, but not for purchased.

I'm not sure what has driven HD out of the picture, especially for NF & BB, but it had to be something.

As to whether BR will now go the way of the original Laser Disc is the next thing to watch. The higher cost of BR everything will slow a lot of people from making the move.

Kinda reminds me of Vista... It might outlast ME, but who knows?

[Dbldn11]

What a complete disappointment. I've always loved Netflix because of the wide array of movie options I have. Now my newly purchased HD DVD player is going to wind up being a regular old DVD drive. Thanks Netflix.

[prozac]

Looks like HD is getting killed...feel sorry for those who bought new HD players.

[NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER]

IF ANYTHING I FEEL SORRY FOR ANYONE WHO BUYS HD DVD PLAYERS AND BLU RAY PLAYER... THEY ARE WAAAY OVER PRICED AND SO ARE THE MOVIES ... MY ENJOY MENT DOESNT INCREASE IF I AM ABLE TO SEE EVERY GRAIN OF SAND IN A MOVIE ... THAT WHY IM ALL FOR DVD UPCONVERTING PLAYERS. THEY'RE GREAT AND DVD'S ARE STILL OUT SELLING BLU RAY AND HD DVD COMBINED ...

[mark]

This leaves us with BR...Overpriced, not even complete specs. I cant believe NF would do this...This will definitely upset the HDDVD community.Even BB has HDDVDs online, dont know for how long.

Very Bad Move...I hope they reconsider

[X]

Something I found interesting, although a bit off post, is that Death Proof and Grindhouse are now available for instant watching. I thought these were Weinstein company BBI exclusives?

[Tom]

I guess NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER, the regressive, doesn't wanna go to compusa and buy half priced BD-R's and HD-DVD-R's to steal more movies

Anyway, I've got a Xbox 360 and bought the HD-DVD drive, so hopefully I'll benefit when netflix liquidates their HD DVD stock. I also have a PS3.

[Fabian]

@Alex Keen

Its not netflix's fault you know, it was a business decision. If you say you recently bought your HD-DVD player, then I have to ask you what you were thinking. HD-DVD has been on the fall for a while now.

If toshiba really wants to, they have to do what JVC did and release the license for HD-DVD and make it free but fat chance with Microsoft being a supporter.

[jimmyzshack]

By removing HD DVD doesn’t offer better selection it is actually a downgrade in service, but towards the end of February I will be canceling my service. Back to BB for now.

[c64]

Wow. This sucks. I emailed Mike last week asking if he heard any rumors that Netflix may be doing this. I bought a HD-DVD addon drive for my Xbox 360 from Amazon for $80 last week. It was a great deal, since it includes 6 movies. My main concern was whether Netflix would continue to support HD-DVD since I am a rental consumer and don't buy many DVDs. I guess I will be returning the HD-DVD drive or selling it on Netflix. :(

My HD DVD XBOX add-on was a Christmas gift. While I understand that this was a business decision - I don't like Netflix infringing on my right to rent either format. I'd rather they keep in stock a small supply of discs to fill our niche group than eliminate the format altogether.

Personally, I feel that HD downloads will win out and DVD will remain the archivists format of choice. Just wait for XBOX, Amazon, and iTunes to catch up with back catalogs movies. Hell, just wait until Comcast really lets loose a solid Video on Demand service...

[Iceman]

Hey, "Netlix Movie Burner" ... STOP YELLING AT US!!!!!!!

any way to send email to netflix anymore?
they definitely need some input as to how many people will be cancelling because of this.
almost all of my rentals are hddvd

netflix just became useless

[junebug1701]

I think HD-DVD has failed is because it didn't have a catchy name. Let's face it, "HD-DVD" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Blu-Ray sounds cooler. Maybe they should have patented a name like "Hi-Vid" or "Hi-Disc" or something like that?

[NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER]

UR DAMN STRAIGHT I DONT WANT TO SPEND MORE CASH ON HD DVD-R OR BD-R .... UPCONVERTING IS THE WAY TO GO ...

"Anyway, I've got a Xbox 360 and bought the HD-DVD drive, so hopefully I'll benefit when netflix liquidates their HD DVD stock. I also have a PS3"

THERE WILL BE NO LIQUIDATION .... THEY ARE FASING OUT THE PRODUCT MEANING THE DVD ARE OR HAVE ALL READY BEEN SOLD NO ONE ASKED WHAT U HAVE .... IDIOT

[c64]

@NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER,

Use spell check and also turn the CAPS key off. Whats your problem?

@ another previous comment regarding

"I don't like Netflix infringing on my right to rent either format. "

Sorry to break it to you but you have every right to rent either format, its just up to you to find someone that will rent HD-DVD. While I hate that Netflix is doing this just as much as the next guy, Netflix is in the business to make money. I can understand why they are doing this.

[NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER]

TO MOVIEMONKEY

WHO THE HELL DIED AND GAVE U THE O.K TO CRITICISE WHAT PEOPLE SAY ON HERE ... AFTER ALL IT IS A COMMENT SECTION .... MY PROBLEM IS PEOPLE LIKE U COMING ON HERE AND BEING IDIOTS. ALL I WANNA DO IS BURN MY MOVIES OFF OF NETFLIX AND NEVER PAY FOR A MOVIE AGAIN BUT NOOO DISNEY HAS TO USE SOME RIGHT PROTECTION ON THEY'RE DVD'S SO NOW I HAVE TO DOWNLOAD ANYDVD OFF OF LIMEWIRE SO I CAN BREAK THROUGH THE RIGHT PROTECTION WALL FROM DISNEY DVD'S ITS JUST NOT FAIR ...

ITS NOT MY FAULT THAT NETFLIX MAKE NO MONEY OFF OF ME ... I PAY MY 16.99 A MONTH FOR 3 MOVIES ... RECIEVE THEM TUESDAY DECRYPT THEM ON MY EXTERNAL DRIVE AT WORK ON THE SAME DAY AND SHIP THEM BACK ALL IN THE SAME TUESDAY @ 3PM... THEY PROBABLY LOSE MONEY IF ANYTHING ....

[drinkmasta]

Looks like I'll be cancelling Netflix too. With the dropping of HD-DVD, not to mention they have started to ship me movies from across the country. Netflix is of no use to me.

[Get real!]

I'm sorry but all I am hearing is *waa waa waa*.
"I don't like Netflix infringing on my right to rent either format. "
You have a right to rent wherever you want, whatever you want. Netflix has a right to make a business decision, and just because you don't like it that doesn't mean that they are meddling with your "right" to choose. I sometimes wonder what the BIG freaking deal is whether you rent HD or regular DVD. After all, Netflix didn't ever charge you EXTRA for renting HD or Blu Ray, so stop acting like it's the end of the freaking world. I have said this before and I will say it again....IT'S ONLY MOVIES PEOPLE!!! I don't see you worrying this much and getting this angry and motivated to focus on more important things in life than DVD's. I'm still puzzled.

[NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER]

@ Get real!

A-MEN !!!! why should anyone care its not like you guys that rent hd movies are being charged extra ... and do i always get a hard time about my burning movies .... its not like its affecting u or making u lose anything .... basterds !!!

[NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER]

@ Get real!

A-MEN !!!! why should anyone care its not like you guys that rent hd movies are being charged extra ... and do i always get a hard time about my burning movies .... its not like its affecting u or making u lose anything .... basterds !!!

[MovieFiend]

Did no one buying the cheap amazon HD DVD players wonder why they were suddenly so cheap. HD DVD will be totally dead within the next year to two years tops.

[Max More]

NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER, you're an idiot. (Just thought you might like to know.) If you want to copy movies, fine. But don't whine 'cause you have to use AnyDVD to do it. There are a lot of free programs that would let you copy movies, like DVDFabHD Decrypter. No need for you to have AnyDVD at all. Get a clue and do please turn off the caps locks. Use caps for emphasis, it's annoying to type in all caps.

http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm

[pussy fucker]

When is Netflix going to start renting porn?

[yawn]

let me get this straight... a bunch of you bought into the middle of a format war, and when one side loses, you blame the middleman? typical.

[MAX MOORE]

NO ONE IS TALKING TO U AND TRY TO BURN THE NEW DISNEY MOVIES WITH ANYTHING OTHER THEN ANYDVD .... IDIOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Max More]

Well, Disney movies suck. But I doubt DVDFab will have any problem with it. Have you ever tried it or are you just talking out of your ass? It's pretty clear who the idiot is: the guy typing in all caps, and telling somebody "NO ONE IS TALKING TO U" on a forum. You are starting to get boring. Have fun with all of those Disney movies. They seem to have a lot for your personality. BTW, nobody is talking to you. You contradict yourself, because you are clearly talking to me. Loser.

[Gir]

Darn. Looks like we may have to start logging in to typekey again soon.

[leonardodicrapio]

If you don't like Netflix's actions, I suggest you call up their Customer Service and cancel your account (and tell them your reasons for doing so). I'm sure Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings (or the NFLX's CFO, whatever his name is), crunched their #'s and decided that they could alienated HD DVD owners. I would be willing to bet that they are not wanting to alienate people who support getting rentals of all available high-definition video disc (those who own a combo player or both a HD DVD and Blu-Ray disc player). However, maybe I am wrong -- maybe Netflix is willing to alienate people who own both formats.

[Rich]

This doesn't bother me one way or another, since nothing I watch is going to need or be released in HD/Blu-Ray. Nor does anything really need to be. The whole HD/Blu-Ray "controversy" is just another way to get people to waste money on useless crap.

I'll stick with plain old regular DVDs now until the sun gets real small and cold.

[JJ]

I am with Rich. Here is the dirty secrets of this whole controversy:

1)Normal format ("SD") DVD players with excellent upconverter over HDMI can be had for $45 to $50 and they give excellent results on 1080 and you can barely tell the difference from blueray or HD DVD.

2) If you had ten Blu ray or HD titles all at the top of your que over the past few months you probably got a grand total of one shipped, and that one probalby four or five weeks after you could have gotten the same title in SD

@ Netflix Movie Burner,

Your CAPS lock must be stuck, buy a new keyboard. With all the money you are saving ripping DVDs, that shouldn't be a problem.

Again, turn the freakin CAPS lock off. Do you have any idea how ignorant you look?

[keith]

Any way we can report "netflix movie burner" to Netflix and get his account canceled and legal action taken against him?

[NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER]

WHATS THE PROBLEM WITH ME TYPING IN CAPS ?? I THOUGHT THIS WAS A FREE COUNTRY ??? AND NO U CANT REPORT ME JACKASS... LOL

[NETFLIX MOVIE BURNER]

@ JJ

THATS EXACTLY WHAT I DO MAN ... I HAVE MY UPCONVERTER AND IT KICKS MAJOR ASS... I AM ABOUT TO PLEASE ALOT OF THESE PUSSY'S THAT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CAPS....

think about it ... how much does a blu ray/hd dvd movie run u about 30 bucks when the same movie can cost u anywhere from 15-20 bucks OR 10-15 if u buy it the week it comes out...i remember i bought the 40 year old virgin for 13.99 when it came out.. right now there are a few blu ray/hd dvd movies on sale for 15.99 and not a great selection either ... if u check ur ads on sunday u can find a "buy 2 and save offer" i bought knocked up and grandmas boy for 22 bucks now knocked up was new at the time so if u think about it i got grandma's boy for FREE because new movies run 15-20 bucks ... i saw blu ray try the same but it looked like an ugly offer. 2 blu ray movies for 45 bucks ... thats just wrong ... even with the 5 free blu ray/hd dvd movies they offer its still not a good deal to buy an hd dvd or blu ray player not only is the selection horrible ... and they advertise it as if u can pick any of the dvd which is not true ... they have 5 rows of movies and every row has about 4 or 5 movies to choose from now here comes the twist if that same row has lets say The Italian Job and Spiderman u can only choose one from that row the same with the next row and next row... they try to make it seem as if they want u to get a variety of movie genres by having them in categories comedy,action, drama, etc.... google "hd dvd OR blu ray free dvd form" and you'll see what im talking about .. yes i know blu ray and hd dvd players upconvert my regular movies but id rather spend 60 on an upconverting dvd player then 800 on a blu ray player.... waste of money and my satisfaction wont increase 800 dollars worth ....

[jimofoz]

"I don't like Netflix infringing on my right to rent either format." ????

They're not infringing on your rights - you can rent from anyone you want to. They just made a decision not to offer one format over another.

[JJ]

"Any way we can report "netflix movie burner" to Netflix and get his account canceled and legal action taken against him?
Posted by: keith "

I find his tone and use of caps annoying but I am curious, Keith, what legal action you think would be taken? Perhaps you could give a legal citation of any person who has every had a legal problem, civil or criminal with burning disks for personal use? I am not talking a threat, a hypothetical violation, an interested parties reading of the law, or a conviction of pirates who sell burned copies, but of an individual for private use.

Additionally I am curious why you would think it is in Neflix interest to do anything about it?

Fascinatingly this thread itself brings up a completely ethically and morally defensible reason to rip and burn copies -- the ability to easily upscale at an upscaling player and play through component or HDMI.

There are probably a very large number of persons who rip and burn a copy, not to sell or distribute, not to keep, not even to "time shift," but simply to play over their equipment properly.

[keith]

regardless of "upscaling" your DVD over a computer to your TV, to rip a DVD you are still breaking the copy protection (CSS) to do so, which is illegal.
Plus, Netflix clearly states in their TOS that it is grounds for removal of service if you do so.

Plus, you know that little FBI warning that comes up when you start a movie? There is your legal precedent right there.

[keith]

Plus, I don't need to quote an actual criminal case on this. Against the law is still against the law. Who cares if it is a victim-less crime.

People who rip and return movies right away to Netflix are primarily responsible for throttling of movies.