Retailers mixed on impact of Warner's HD DVD snub
While there's no doubt Warner Bros.' decision to support Blu-ray exclusively is a major setback to the HD DVD camp, retailers say it's too soon to declare "game over."
Circuit City CEO Philip J. Schoonover, who has had precious little to be happy about of late, said the move is a sign that the battle is starting to shake out.
"We're very excited to see progress of any type," Schoonover said. "We see this as progress."
The head of consumer electronics merchandising at Target said the move "probably moves things a little bit," but said consumers are still largely sitting on the sidelines until there is a single choice. "By no means do we think we are ready to declare a winner."
Best Buy CEO Brad Anderson said the decision will help the company decide where to put its energy. "It makes it easier for us as a retailer to push it to one format." But he said, it's still a tough sell as long as retailers can't promise a customer that the next hit release will play on their pricey new player.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. View complete CES 2008 coverage from CNET.
the messenger"?
Sorry, I hope this is read far and wide.
- Getting used to Blu-Ray
- by Waam January 9, 2008 10:20 AM PST
- The most telling sign? Shelf space at Target, Walmart and now Best Buy have really been Blu-Ray heavy all this time, and even more so over the Holiday selling period. In the next few weeks, you will see HD-DVD's space dwindle further as confidence for the format is now at an all time low.
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