HD-DVD to continue manufacturing despite Wooolworths blow

HD-DVD has vowed to continue manufacturing both high definition discs and DVD players despite Woolworths deciding to stock Blu-ray only.

Woolworths confirmed its decision to ditch HD DVD this week phasing the format out of its stores by March.

But Oliver Van Wynendale, European assistant general manager at Toshiba, revealed that Woolworths' stance would not stop the firm's effort to manufacture high definition discs.

"While we are disappointed by Woolworths' decision, it is extremely early to spot which format will eventually win," he said.

"UK consumers can now pick-up an HD-DVD player for less than £150, around half the cost of other HD formats. Even before pricing reached this level, HD-DVD represented more than 60 per cent of the overall standalone HD market," he added.

Woolworths claim that, over the Christmas period, Blu-ray discs outsold HD-DVD by ten to one, confirming its decision to stop handling HD-DVD products.