The New Betamax
It looks like the high definition wars are all but over. This time it is Sony who has won, unlike the video wars. The Blu-Ray system appears to have triumphed over the HD-DVD format. Wal-Mart may be credited with the final blow to the rival system after they announced that they are dropping the format to focus exclusively on Blu-Ray.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) has decided to exclusively sell high-definition DVDs in the Blu-Ray format, dealing what could be a crippling blow to the rival HD DVD technology backed by Toshiba Corp.
The move by the world's largest retailer, announced on Friday, caps a disappointing week for HD DVD supporters, who also saw consumer electronics chain Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N) and online video rental company Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) defect to the Blu-ray camp.
In a statement on its Web site, Wal-Mart said that over the next few months it will phase out sales of HD DVD systems and discs. By June, it will sell only products in the Blu-ray format which was developed by Sony Corp (6758.T).
"We've listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases," said Gary Severson, a Wal-Mart senior vice president.
The move affects 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores in the United States, as well as related online sites. The stores will continue to sell traditional DVD players and movies.
The so-called format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray has been a thorn in the side of retailers, which have had to commit shelf space to devices from both camps even as they field complaints from frustrated and confused customers.
Personally, I have not purchased either one of the systems. I had no pressing need for them and didn't want to make the wrong choice. So now the situation should stabilize somewhat and prices should begin to fall for the equipment and the movies. And there will be plenty of cheap HD-DVD stuff on eBay soon for the bargain hunters. They'll be over in the 8-Track section with the cassette tapes and the Betamax machines.
Technology | Gaius Friday, 15 February , 2008
By John in Dublin CA, Friday, 15 February , 2008 @ 9:05 pm
I bought the Toshiba HD player about six months ago thinking it would prevail. About a month ago I bought a BluRay player as well. In my opinion the Toshiba product is far superior to the BluRay, less expensive, and the HD DVDs tend to be less expensive as well. And the HD player is far more effective at improving the quality of regular DVDs. Too bad BluRay is winning the battle.
By martian, Saturday, 16 February , 2008 @ 1:50 pm
This is precisely why, although I bought a HD TV a year and a half ago, I have held off buying either a HD/DVD or Blu-ray player. I lived through the Betamax vs. VHS wars (and the later 8 mm skirmish) and new that one was going to go down the tubes. With my luck, I new I would pick the wrong one. Now I’ll just wait another 6 months for the price to drop and then I’ll have HD at a reasonable price. Who says old dogs can’t learn?