In the Ruins of Toshiba's HD-DVD

If the HD-DVD format is officially abandoned, it will survive in China via CH-DVD. This format developed in China is indeed very similar, enough-so to be endorsed by the DVD Forum. It was originally created by Chinese manufacturers that did not want to have to pay royalties to foreign companies. This format, however, will never see the light of day beyond China, due to the lack of Hollywood backing.
Meanwhile, Toshiba does not seem to have digested his defeat. The company announced that it would focus on the still-thriving DVD market (it will remain the majority market for many years), and also invest in downloadable movie technology. On this point they align with Apple's hopes to surpass sales of physical media.