Date: 02-19-2008
Mega-retailer Wal-Mart has announced that it will no longer stock players and discs that support Toshiba's HD DVD format, instead backing Sony's high-definition Blu-ray software and hardware exclusively. This means that 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores will stock only Blu-ray players and software, phasing out its rival by June 2008. The decision has effectively doomed Toshiba's hopes in the format battle and handed victory to Sony. High-profile companies like Warner, Netflix, and Best Buy have also been following suit to end the use of HD DVDs, signaling the beginning of the end for the same. ''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 U.S.
