Toshiba dumps HD DVD

Toshiba has announced that it will no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders, acknowledging the victory of the rival Blu-Ray format.

It aims to cease making HD DVD products by the end of March, but has pledged to provide full product support and after-sales service for owners of Toshiba HD DVD products.

Recent changes in the market prompted the decision, the company says. Early this year, Warner Brothers announced plans to shift to Blu-ray Disc and US retail chain Wal-Mart said it will phase out the sale of HD DVD products. DVD rental firm Netflix has also put its weight behind Blu-Ray.