Quote Originally Posted by Rich-n-Texas
So what happens next? Blu-ray player prices skyrocket?
Good question.
I am Format neutral for I have a duo player on the way.
For me it will make no difference which format wins I will be able to play them both.

But at the same time Its like saying it's silly to have more than one automobile manufacturer whether it be a Ford or a Chevy etc.
Take away the competition and you have a monopoly.

Which makes me think the announcement seems a bit premature since there are now 3 dual format players.
IMO with the eventual availability of less expensive duo players it could have ended the format war.

If this is indeed the end of HD DVD then Blu-Ray will not have any competition, so there will be no reason to offer the consumer a lower price for the player or the disc.

At first I too thought the two formats was silly... from a consumer point of view
But what about the Manufacturers point of view?

From what I understand the HD DVD does not require any special retooling to manufacturer so the manufacturers of SD DVD can still make both discs from the same plant.
and that to Blu-Ray discs require a totally different manufacturing process requiring retooling to make those discs and that the Blu-Ray is a lot more expensive to make.

Sounds like the SD DVD manufacturers who are also now manufacturing HD DVD will be forced to stop making SD DVD or stop making HD DVD and/or add a completely new production line to the plant to make Blu-Ray.
I believe this could cause the price to stay high for Blu-Ray and a possible increase in the SD DVD as well.