http://www.t3.com/news/woolworths-blu-ray?=35152
High street giant kicks HD-DVD into touch after format takes beating over Christmas.
Warner and New Line have already told HD-DVD where to go. And now high street giant Woolworths has confirmed it's backing Blu-Ray too.
They're set to remove all traces of HD-DVD from their shelves from March and go all out in their support of Sony's format. Tosh's hi-def hero will only be available online.
The move comes after Blu-Ray outsold its rival in Woolies by a massive 10 to 1 over Christmas. The retailer is now the biggest seller of the format in the UK, with sales rising a massive 40% every month.
All 820 Woolworths stores here in the UK will get a Blu-Ray chart, as well as a back catalogue section.
Laugh all you want, but this move could really tip the balance on this side of the pond. And with more and more punters plumping for future-proof Blu-Ray players in the form of the PS3, it looks like we have a winner in the HD wars.
En dan het hilarische antwoord van Toshiba:
Grappig hoe ze eerste de PS3, in hun voordeel, niet meetellen, en daarna, weer in hun voordeel, wel meetellen.Olivier Van Wynendaele, European assistant general manager, Consumer Products Division, Toshiba Information Systems.
"We have been hugely successful in expanding the number of consumers owning HD DVD players. UK consumers can now pick-up an HD DVD player for less than £150, around half the cost of other HD formats. Even before pricing reached this level, HD DVD represented more than 60% of the overall standalone high definition market.
"Just as importantly for movie retailers, HD DVD has always enjoyed greater software sales per player than any other HD format. In fact, HD DVD owners have already bought around 3.5 movies each, compared to less than one movie sold per Blu ray device.
"While we're disappointed by Woolworths' decision, it is extremely early to spot which format will eventually win. As the figures I mention show - where consumers have a choice, they choose HD DVD. We're confident that HD DVD's affordability, fantastic choice of movies, great consumer experience and upcoming promotions will help it continue to strengthen its share of the market."