Wal-Mart Dumps HD DVD Too February 18, 2008

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If the HD DVD movie format was a Rocky movie it would be the one where he doesn’t manage to get back on his feet after having the crap punched out of him.

Wal-Mart in the US – which also owns Asda in the UK - has just landed what is probably the knock-out blow for the troubled format.

It’s announced that 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores in the US will go with Blu-ray players and movies exclusively from June. It said it will quickly phase-out HD DVD and ‘reorganise its shelves’ within the next 30 days.

“We’ve listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases," said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Home Entertainment, Wal-Mart, US. "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.”

Considering all the other blows HD DVD has taken in recent weeks – Warner Bros., Netflix, Woolworths, Best Buy - it’s hard to see Toshiba carrying on the fight.-Martin Lynch

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