Sony's announcement early in 2007 that the next definition format war was effectively over seems to have been premature. The continuing release of dual format players able to cope with both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs in a single machine attests to this fact. Sony's statement, based upon the occasion of Blu-ray outselling HD DVD, was made after Blu-ray disc sales beat those of HD DVD in only a single month. Such a gain was only made possible after the release of the heavily subsidised Playstation 3 (PS3), with Blu-ray player built-in as standard.

Samsung get up on fence

Electronics manufacturer Samsung, a staunch Blu-ray backer have now opted to release an HD DVD/ Blu-ray combo drive. So why the sudden change of heart? Could it be that they are miffed at Sony's massive PS3 subsidies? With such a competent Blu-ray player as the Playstation 3 on the market, undercutting all others, it seems that Samsung had little choice but to open their arms to the rival format, HD DVD. Sony are using the PS3 to push their Blu-ray format through to victory, they are losing bundles of cash now in the hope of making it back on games sales and disc royalties later. But pushing so hard can be bad for their associates and manufacturers like Samsung are pushing back.

Unwilling to duel, consumers get the best of both worlds

Dual format players are a godsend for technology-hungry consumers who cannot wait to get their hands on high definition movies. Nobody wants to be on the losing end of a format war, stuck with discs they cannot watch, or worse still, a machine that no one wants. At hundreds of pounds a pop, many feel it is too soon to be choosing sides, that's why Samsung have made the right choice for consumers in the meantime.

There can be only one

In the long run, it would be best for everyone to have a single format. We only have one format for standard music CDs and the same goes for DVDs. Having two formats increases complexity, consumer insecurity and worst of all production costs - which the consumer will have to foot. Although the majority of major motion picture houses are behind Blu-ray, there is nothing to stop them switching to HD DVD if they wish. Samsung did it, but sales of Samsung Blu-ray players have been brought to their knees by Sony. Hollywood studios would have a lot more to lose from being pushed into dual format - their production costs could effectively double, while the number of consumers would stay the same.

Buy smart

With the HD DVD versus Blu-ray format war far from over, it would be prudent to wait this one out. For those of us that cannot wait to see our favourite flicks in glorious high definition, the smart move would seem a combo drive. Good news for us then that more and more such HD players are being released! Let's just hope that this time, it really will all be over by Christmas.