Wal-Mart waves goodbye to HD DVD

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Saturday, 16 February 2008 07:01

Opinion and Analysis

Yes, HD DVD truly is the ‘Hopelessly Doomed Digital Video Disc’ now with Wal-Mart’s decision to ditch the ailing Toshiba format and go exclusively Blu-ray.

Oh my, HD DVD is surely on emergency life support now, following not only Best Buy and Netflix’s decision to go ‘Blu’ earlier this week, but now Wal-Mart’s decision to phase HD DVD out entirely by July this year.

That’s highly significant, given Wal-Mart’s status as the world’s largest retailer. Without their support, it matters not which studios still want to publish in HD DVD, as the world is moving beyond them faster than they likely ever imagined.

Wal-Mart’s issued at statement at their Wal-Mart Facts website on February 15, saying they were “moving exclusively toward Blu-ray format movies and players, announcing this change will occur throughout all 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores.

They say the change will “take place quickly over the next several months whereby the retailer will phase out HD DVD offerings and reorganize shelf space”. 

By June, plans to offer only Blu-ray movies and hardware machines, as well as standard definition movies and DVD players, of both the regular SD and upconverting variety.

Gary Severson, Senior VP of Home Entertainment, Wal-Mart US, said that: "We’ve listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases. With the customers best interest in all we do, we wanted to share our decision and timeline with them as soon as possible, knowing it will help simplify their purchase decision, increase selection, and increase adoption long term”. 

Severson continued that: “We anticipate enhancing our selection with continued great values in hi-definition Blu-ray products, so our customers can further enhance their entertainment experience at home."

So what’s going to happen with all the existing HD DVD product in Wal-Mart stores? Please read onto page 2.