Best Buy Backs Blu-ray

In a one-two punch for HD DVD, first Netflix says it's phasing out HD DVD, now electronics retailer Best Buy says it will recommend and showcase Blu-ray products over HD DVD.

The week is barely started, and already it’s proving to be a bad one for the HD DVD high-definition video camp. First leading mail-order video rental firm Netflix announces it will no longer be adding HD DVD titles to its collection, letting HD DVD titles stay available until end-of-life but only adding new Blu-ray discs. Now, leading consumer electronics retailer Best Buy says it will showcase and recommend Blu-ray products beginning in March, although it will still carry some HD DVD products for consumers who really want them.

“Consumers have told us that they want us to help lead the way. We’ve listened to our customers, and we are responding,” said Best Buy President and COO Brian Dunn, in a statement. “Our decision to shine a spotlight on Blu-ray Disc players and other Blu-ray products is a strong signal to our customers that we believe Blu-ray is the right format choice for them.”

Best Buy’s promotion and recommendation of Blu-ray will go into effect this March.

The HD DVD Promotional Group issued a statement via email which essentially noted that Best Buy will continue to offer HD DVD products, unlike Netflix which plans to phase them out entirely. “[I]t’s unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward. While the Best Buy announcement says they will recommend Blu-ray, at least they will continue to carry HD DVD and offer consumers a choice at retail.”