Wal-Mart Drops HD DVD

Mega-retailer Wal-Mart has decided to exclusively back the Blu-ray high-definition disc format, phasing out HD DVD by June, 2008.

Mega-retailer Wal-Mart may be putting one of the final nails in the coffin of Toshiba’s HD DVD high-definition disc format by announcing it will exclusively support the Blu-ray disc format and compatible hardware. Wal-Mart will phase HD DVD discs and products out of its stores by June 2008.

“We’ve listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases,” said Wal-Mart senior VP Gary Severson, in a statement. “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.”

Wal-Mart’s announcement follows on the heels of mail-order movie rental giant Netflix announcing it will stop buying HD DVD discs (letting the current titles stay in their inventory until they reach end-of-life) and electronics retailer Best Buy announcing it will promote Blu-ray as its recommended high-def format, although it will continue to carry HD DVD products for the time being.

Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer, and its selection of products and merchandise has a tremendous influence on the market as a whole. The Blu-ray move will impact some 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores in the United States and Canada, as well as the company’s online sites. Wal-Mart will continue to sell standard definition DVD and DVD players.