In a move that probably couldn’t be any less shocking, Netflix has decided it will only carry Blu-ray discs as their next generation format of choice going forward. As much as Toshiba and Microsoft want to hold out hope of a turn around, are they waiting until you can only find HD-DVDs in garage sales to officially relent and give the industry what it wants: one format?

Netflix is citing a “clear signal from the industry” as a reason for the exclusive backing of Blu-ray. I’m not sure if that “clear signal” is Blockbuster stores only carrying Blu-ray, Warner Brothers backing Blu-ray, Paramount supposedly backing out of HD-DVD to back Blu-ray, Bill Gates giving HD-DVD a vote of no confidence and word Microsoft could make a 360 add-on for Blu-ray, word that the PS3 is going to sell strongly this year – which of course has a built-in Blu-ray, multiple retailers pulling out of HD-DVD to back Blu-ray, recent sales figures that extremely favor Blu-ray…you get my point.

The only ones not seeing these “clear signals” is the HD-DVD group which continue to claim that everything is fine and Blu-ray sales are a fluke in a very Baghdad Bob approach to the situation – as they meanwhile make their players basically free (or better, pay you to take them).

You’re just embarrassing yourself at this point HD-DVD, swallow your pride, take your dignity, and die.

More thoughts:

• Sony Prepares Cheaper, Smaller Blu-ray Laser, Padded Room Prepared For HD-DVD
• Paramount to Support HD-DVD…Until Those Paramount Blu-ray Discs Are Ready to Sell
  
• As Blu-ray Start Dominating, Sony Readies New PS3?
• HD-DVD and Blu-ray to Co-Exist Peacefully By 2012? I Say No Way.
• Blu-ray 2.0 Is Coming, Buy a PS3 and You’re Already On Board
• The Year Ahead 2008: 17 Predictions