Retailers aren't wasting anytime dropping HD DVD

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Feb 23rd 2008 at 10:31AM

Analyst have suspected that much of this has been in the works since Warner went Blu and VB has given a number of retailers a call and discovered that this is just the case. It seems most retailers have been preparing for the end of the format war since Warner's announcement just before CES, but now that things are officially over, retailers aren't wasting any time. Some of the big boys in retail like Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Netflix, were quick to make their intentions known before Toshiba gave the word, but the rest are falling in line quickly and we're not just talking about Amazon and DVD Empire, but smaller retailers around the country like Texas electronics store Bjorn's which is getting more creative and allowing its customers to return HD DVD players for store credit towards a Blu-ray player. Some retailers immediately returned its stock for credit while others have marked it as clearance and are quick to communicate to its customers that HD DVD is to be discontinued. Whatever the plans, one thing is for sure, most retailers knew this was coming long before some HD DVD fans did.

[Via Format War Central]

Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, HD DVD

Tags: Format War, Format War Central, FormatWar, Retailers, Video Business, VideoBusiness

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Xyzzy @ Feb 23rd 2008 10:35AM

Best Buy hasn't dropped or clearanced their HD DVD stuff. I was just there yesterday, hoping to see just that, but it wasn't true... :(

Neutral

Eric D-J @ Feb 23rd 2008 9:49PM

Their player markdowns started this morning.

Neutral

jrtallen @ Feb 23rd 2008 10:37AM

yawn

Neutral

mugatu @ Feb 23rd 2008 10:42AM

These days large successful retail outlets need to be able to turn over their inventory in a matter of weeks if not days. Don't expect to see HD DVD fire sales going on past the end of February.

Low Ranked

Rick @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:05AM

The profit margins must be much higher on Blu-Ray players. Retailers always push you toward buying the product that makes them the most money obviously.

Neutral

mugatu @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:12AM

Blu-Ray players are a gateway drug to other even more expensive HD products, and retailers know this. Tell your kids to stay away from them.

Highest Ranked

alienclays @ Feb 23rd 2008 2:54PM

??? like what ??? a proper 120hz 1080p hdtv? or maybe a lossless audio decoding av reciever like the str-dg2100?
if Blu-Ray is a gatteway drug, then give me my 47" crack right now.

Neutral

Montusama @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:08AM

"Some retailers immediately returned its stock for credit while others have marked it as clearance and are quick to communicate to its customers that HD DVD is to be discontinued."
How many employee's do you think actually tell the customer its a dead format? or if they do, explain exactly what it is....

Neutral

Killer @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:18AM

Is there any point in theses posts anymore? I mean this is a given this would happen. HD DVD is no longer supported. Gosh, this post is almost as obvivios as the analyst that said the format war wasn't ended by the consumer. (unless the consumers paid for Fox to stay blu?) I guess this is a really slow news day. Why don't we report on things about the victor instead of the loser? I'm sure there are good and bad reports about Blu-ray. Go to it!

Highly Ranked

John B @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:53AM

And EngadgetHD isn't wasting any time beating the shit out of that dead horse until it's nothing more than a pasty, red film.

The date for the EngadgetHD "Death to the HD DVD Anti-Christ" Festival will be announced shortly. There will lots of dancing around bonfires, chanting, and ritualistic destruction of HD DVD players, media, and possibly sacrifices of HD DVD supporters in an effort to further help to eradicate HD DVD off the face of the earth.

Special guest stars: HDPurist, h4ldol, Howard Stringer.

Neutral

DEEZNUTZ @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:56AM

I would love an invitation to that party. Could I bring a guest?

Neutral

John B @ Feb 23rd 2008 12:23PM

We're already talking about HDpurist and h4ldol, and now you want to go *with a guest*! Jeez, how much more hatred and intolerance can one party handle? :P

Neutral

mattclarkie @ Feb 23rd 2008 12:14PM

Amazon.co.uk have this message.

--The future availability of HD-DVD discs is unknown; Amazon.co.uk will continue to stock HD-DVD players and discs for as long as they are available.

If you already own an HD-DVD player, you will be able to build your collection with the hundreds of titles already available on this format.--

How long until they change their mind on that.

Neutral

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