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In the war over next-gen video disc formats, both Blu-ray and HD DVD frequently announce “major victories” over their rival, causing both retailers and consumers to be hesitant to get behind one format for fear that the other will make their choice obsolete. This time, it appears that Japanese adult film makers have turned decisively to Blu-ray Disc, giving the Sony-backed format a boost in its bid to replace DVDs as the disc of choice for home movies.

According to reports, Sony has begun offering technical assistance to adult film studios in Japan, something that's been lacking in the US, where HD DVD has already won over adult film industry through its lower costs and ease-of-use. In the past, Sony and its major partner Disney had rejected the US adult film industry's proposal for adult content on their media because they felt there was an image to uphold.

When porn appeared on VHS back in the 1980s, it turned out to be the nail in Beta’s coffin – Sony’s competing videocassette format. But, even though the move represents an important step for Blu-ray disc, thinking that whatever disc format the porn industry backs will be the winner might be a little farfetched. Back in the 1980s there was no Internet porn industry, these days downloading porn from the privacy of users’ homes is disturbingly easy.