Has anybody heard anything about Blocbuster or Rogers renting HD-DVDs or Blu-Ray? I see that Blockbuster in the US is renting both.

eRAD

The only thing I know from asking the people at BB here in Orangeville is that they have Blu-Ray in the system but weren't sure when they would start renting or selling them.

As for HD-DVD, I just got a blank stare from them. They don't even know anything about it. :(

My BB in Longueuil say i am the only one asking for HD DvD rental :(

I was told "there is no demand" at my local BB.

Obviously, my visit there was not considered 'demand' :D

Hi, Rogers online rental site, Rogersvideodirect.ca has both formats. I have rented a couple of HD-DVDs from them and I think I was the first person to get the copies! LOL

The following Rogers response was posted today at another web site.



Thank you very much for your question. We will be launching Blu-Ray
Discs and HD-DVDs for rental in our stores later this year.

We have been evaluating when to launch this on a monthly basis as the
High Def demand picks up after the PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360 HD-DVD
Drive are becoming more available and prices of the hardware come down.
We're also closely watching new technologies introduced at the
International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that will affect
demands for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. Some examples of these new technologies
include LG's dual-format player and Warner Bros' Total HD discs (Blu-Ray
on one side and HD-DVD on the other).

Best regards,

Fred B.
Senior Category Manager, Rental Movies
Rogers Retail

Rogers mentioning THD. Interesting. Glad to see somebody is on top of technology.

Rogers mentioning THD. Interesting. Glad to see somebody is on top of technology.
James.. Do you have a stake in THD or something? You gotta be getting a cut or something! :) (I kid, I kid)

Hey, I like the idea. What can I say. I understand why people hate it as well.

If the price isn't right, I might hate it as well.

I'm just glad and surprised the answer from Rogers actually made sense.

I can't disagree with you that I like the idea. I like it too, as long as the price is reasonable. I would jump into the market if THD disks were available. I am this close to buying a BD player (still - primarily for Disney)

My primary concern is that if HD wins, I can basically only enjoy my movies until my BD player craps out on me. THD would alleviate that worry.

Unfortunately, with Warner as the only major "neutral" studio, it will be a while before the idea goes anywhere. Oh well.

Back to the topic of this thread, there is a Blockbuster around the corner from me that rents both BD and HD DVD. I have not been in for a while (haven't watched many DVD's lately as I have become a bit of a HD snob) but will check it out to see how the sections are growing.

And oh yeah - I am completely baffled by the fact that Rogers' response actually made sense... :)

The brand spanking new (and only) Blockbuster here in Ft. McMurray AB. has a long SHELF filled with about equal amounts of BD and HDDVD. They also have a both formats for sale (more BD though..)

To say I was presently surprised is putting it mildly.. :D (though I don't have a HD player, I complimented them on stocking HD media!)

I've rented and bought from my local BB, which is the first one on the list (Aurora). Selection is meh for retail, but its alright for rental, they just don't really have many copies of most of the movies. I've been trying to rent disturbia, but it's never in and they only have one copy on BD! I rented Hot Fuzz on HD a few weeks ago from there. I was prob the first one since the disc looked immaculate which is rare for rentals.

Its good to see more BB stores carrying HD Media, Now if only Lloydminster's BB would start haha :)

Closing

Please see existing threads

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=65395
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=42852