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Warner Bros. is going with Blu-ray exclusively, dropping all support for HD-DVD. Just two weeks ago the studio said something totally different. Word is: "The studio hopes its decision will help end the format war, and boost the chances of high-definition quickly becoming a vital business. Retailers have long complained that consumers are too confused by two formats to adopt either Blu-ray or HD DVD. With Warner now in the BD camp, only Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertaiment/DreamWorks will produce and market titles in the HD DVD format. Warner will be joining other BD-exclusive suppliers Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and Lionsgate."

Toshiba, which along with Microsoft is the main backer behind the HD-DVD high-def disk format, has issued a press release with their comments on Warner Bros. announcing they will ditch the format to go Blu-Ray exclusive:

Toshiba is quite surprised by Warner Bros.' decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning the support of HD DVD. As central members of the DVD Forum, we have long maintained a close partnership with Warner Bros. We worked closely together to help standardize the first-generation DVD format as well as to define and shape HD DVD as its next-generation successor.

We were particularly disappointed that this decision was made in spite of the significant momentum HD DVD has gained in the US market as well as other regions in 2007. HD DVD players and PCs have outsold Blu-ray in the US market in 2007.

We will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps. We remain firm in our belief that HD DVD is the format best suited to the wants and needs of the consumer.