If the bell isn't tolling for HD-DVD yet, its certainly beginning to vibrate aggressively, giant Best Buy revealing that they are to recommend as their "preferred" next-gen DVD format to customers.

This means that Blu-ray and will be more prominent and readily available than the ailing rival HD-DVD, backed by and Toshiba. The format has been in trouble since Bros. sided with Blu-ray.

Best Buy will still stock HD-DVD products, for the time being.

"Consumers have told us that they want us to help lead the way," explained Best Buy president and COO Brian Dunn.

"Our decision to shine a spotlight on Blu-ray Disc players and other Blu-ray products is a strong signal to consumers that we believe Blu-ray is the right format choice for them."

Blu-ray looks likely to become the new standard, leaving HD-DVD to fulfill the Betamax role, although the format's promotion group haven't given up hope yet.

This new is taken from our sister site tech.tm.

By Luke Guttridge