Looks like the decision of Warner Bros to back Blu-ray exclusively came as a big surprise to Toshiba and the HD DVD Promotional Group on Friday. Both issued a press-release late that day responding to the decision.

Toshiba is quite surprised by Warner Bros.' decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning the support of HD DVD.

Toshiba is particularly disappointed that this decision was made in spite of the significant momentum HD DVD has gained in the US market as well as other regions in 2007. HD DVD players and PCs have outsold Blu-ray in the US market in 2007.
Toshiba will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps.

The HD DVD Promotional Group had this to say: "While Warner's decision is a setback for HD DVD, the consumer has benefited from HD DVD's commitment to quality and affordability -- a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format. We believe widespread adoption of a next generation format will ultimately be determined by the consumer."

Engadget reports that the HD DVD group is canceling its CES press conference.

It seems too easy to call out the death of HD DVD yet, but the reactions of Toshiba and HD DVD carry the vibe of demise. Ready to trash your HD DVD players?