In another setback for the HD-DVD format of next-generation optical disks, Warner Bros., one of the format’s early supporters, said Thursday it will also release its films in the rival Blu-ray format.

Warner Bros., a longstanding backer of HD-DVD, is the second major studio to split its loyalty. Earlier this month, Paramount Studios, an initial supporter of HD-DVD, said it would release its movies in both Blu-ray and HD-DVD (see Paramount Splits DVD Choice).

Sony-backed Blu-ray and Toshiba-backed HD-DVD have been in a three-year war over which one of the formats will prevail as the standard for the next generation of DVD technology. These formats promise better picture quality, sound, and storage capacities than the current generation of DVDs.

Find out more about Warner Bros. siding with Blu-ray in the HD DVD vs Blu-ray DVD format war at http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=14093&hed=Warner+to+Support+Blu-ray.