Just yesterday, Warner Brothers decided to stop supporting HDDVD in an attempt to consolidate the market on next-gen home theater media. What this means, is that Blu-ray is now the dominant force in this area, and HDDVD could soon be on its way out.

I get asked the question all the time: “Which one should I buy, HD or Blu-ray? What’s the difference?” Well, technically, they are two different formats accomplishing the same thing. Both are next-gen formats for video media, but Blu-ray is championed by Sony and Pioneer, while HDDVD was set forth by Microsoft and Samsung. Both employ essentially the same technologies, but Blu-Ray has a higher storage capacity due to the shorter wavelength of the laser.

Of course, trying to explain this all to the average customer leaves nothing but a glossed-over look in their eyes and a dumbfounded, open-mouthed stare, so I generally break it down into terms they can understand. Trying to use monosyllabic words as much as possible, I say things like “Blu-ray more space”. “Blu-ray have more movies”. “HD more cheaper”. etc. so that they can make a wise purchase. In my experience, more people have been buying Blu-ray players.

So what does this mean for the average, home-movie loving person that likes to curl up on the couch with some popcorn and maybe a significant other and watch Biodome? Are you going to have to re-buy your whole DVD collection again, just like when you had to replace all your video tapes? Well, the sort answer is yes, but not yet. Blu-ray drives will play your regular DVDs, and what’s more, they will upscale them slightly so they don’t look quite so booty on your shiny new HD TV. (You DO have a shiny new HD TV right? If not, you have until next year to get one when the government shuts down all the analog signals). So don’t worry too much about re-buying all of your old stuff. One exception though… if you have any Pixar or Dreamworks movies or basically anything that’s animated, do yourself a favor and re-buy those. The difference is startling in HD.

For you gamers, snatch up a Playstation 3. I know, I know. They’re like $500. But the Blu-ray player in them is super top-notch, and what’s more, new capabilities can be upgraded via firmware updates from Sony, so you’ve always got the cutting-edge when it comes to technology. Plus, there really are some cool games available. If you’re in the market for a player, a Playstation 3 is a good way to go.

There’s still some life left in HDDVD. Warner will continue to support the format until May, so you still have time to decide. For me (and many others in the thick of things), the format war is all but over.