HD DVD NEWS TAGGED "HIGH-DEF RETAILING"Receive HD DVD News via RSS

Amazon Offering $50 Gift Certificate to HD DVD Customers

Wed Apr 09, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Amazon, Industry Trends, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

In a move reminiscent of last month's Best Buy offer, Amazon has begun contacting customers who qualify for a $50 gift certificate for purchasing HD DVD players.

In a company email that has begun going out to qualifying customers, the company states that players purchased before February 23, 2008, the same date specified in the Best Buy offer, qualify for the gift certificate, which can be used for new purchases on the site.

The email states, "New technologies don't always work out as planned. We at Amazon.com value our customer relationships more than anything and would like to support customers who purchased these players by offering a credit good for $50." The announcement does list some restrictions for the certificate's use.

Unlike the Best Buy offer, the company does not mention trade-in options for HD DVD media, but does state that the "Amazon.com Marketplace is available to sell items you might not want anymore as you upgrade to new ones." Perhaps suggesting that customer's might want to use their certificates to bring down the price of a shiny new Blu-ray player.

The program will run through April 9, 2009, so customers have plenty of time to take advantage of the offer.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.


Best Buy Offers $50 Gift Cards To HD DVD Buyers

Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Best Buy, Industry Trends, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

Hoping to help heal the battle scars of the High-Def format war, Best Buy has announced plans to offer $50 gift cards to all customers who purchased HD DVD players before February 23, 2008.

As announced via press release this morning, customers will receive the gift cards for every HD DVD player or HD DVD attachment purchased at Best Buy before the February 23, 2008 cut off date. All told, the company estimates it will distribute more than $10 million dollars in gift cards.

“The DVD format war has divided our customers in a way we haven’t seen since Betamax took on VHS,” said Brian J. Dunn, President and Chief Operating Officer for Best Buy. “Now that the format war is over, we hope these gift cards will reassure our customers that we will help them make a smooth transition into the right technology for their needs.”

Best Buy says it will proactively mail the cards to all customers whom they can determine purchased qualifying equipment. Best Buy Reward Zone members, Performance Service Plans (PSPs) participants, and online customers should expect to receive their gift cards in the mail by May 1. Other customers should have credit card proofs of purchase or Best Buy receipts ready and call (888) BEST BUY.

“The beauty of this offer is that it doesn’t require our customers to give up their HD DVD player,” said Best Buy’s chief marketing officer, Barry Judge. “We know that many people who purchased these players have HD DVD movies that they would like to continue to watch. We’re telling our customers they can keep their players to play these movies as well as their older DVDs and use the $50 to treat themselves to anything else in our stores.”

Customers who want to trade in all of their HD DVD equipment and movie libraries will also have that option. By visiting www.bestbuytradein.com beginning March 21, visitors can get instant estimates regarding the value of their collections, regardless of where they were purchased. If they agree to the estimates, they will then be able to send their items to the Trade-In Center for free by downloading prepaid shipping labels. These customers will also receive payment in the form of an additional gift card.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Best Buy HD DVD Action Center.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Best Buy Stands Behind Customers By Awarding More Than $10 Million in Gift Cards to HD-DVD Purchasers [Press Release]
Best Buy HD DVD Action Center [Best Buy]

Shhh! Circuit City Trading HD DVD Players for Blu-ray

Wed Mar 05, 2008 at 07:30 PM ET
Tags: Circuit City, High-Def Retailing, Industry Trends (all tags)

Circuit City is allowing customers to trade in their HD DVD players and apply the original sales price toward the purchase of new Blu-ray players.

As first reported by Gizmodo earlier today (and confirmed at a Washington-area Circuit City this afternoon by High-Def Digest), the unpublicized offer is giving in-the-know customers a second chance at making the jump to high-def.

The offer only applies to players sold in the last 90 days, but that should give those who received HD DVD players for the holidays enough time to trade in their gifts for the winning next generation format. You must return the player in the original box with all of its accessories in order to qualify. Considering the price differences between the two player formats, there will likely be additional costs in making the exchange.

Note that this offer only applies to players and not to HD DVD discs.

(Thanks to Solstice X for the tip!)

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Circuit City Trading In HD DVD for Blu-Ray Players, Says Employee [Gizmodo]

Amazon Names Blu-ray 'Digital Format of Choice'

Wed Feb 20, 2008 at 09:18 AM ET
Tags: Amazon, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

Though it will continue to stock movies on both high-def disc formats, Amazon.com said Wednesday that it will more prominently feature Blu-ray hardware and software products on its website.

In a just-issued press release, the web giant said it was making the move in an effort to "help demystify high definition entertainment for consumers."

"The high-definition landscape is rapidly changing, and consumers are looking for guidance on how to make the best high-definition buying decisions," said Peter Faricy, vice president of movies and music at Amazon.com. "In order to best serve our customers, Amazon is recommending Blu-ray as the preferred digital format and will continue to carry the 'Earth's Largest Selection' of Blu-ray products."

Faricy went on to say that Amazon customers had "clearly voiced their support for the Blu-ray format," with sales of Blu-ray movie titles increasing from just over half of high-definition sales to over three-quarters of our high-definition sales since early January.

Though Amazon's statement this morning echoes a similar announcement from Best Buy early last week, the future of the HD DVD format by now is a fait accompli, following primary HD DVD backer Toshiba's announcement Tuesday that it would drop all efforts to produce and market the format.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Amazon.com to Support Blu-ray as the Digital Format of Choice for Customers [Press Release]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Best Buy to Recommend Blu-ray over HD DVD (Feb 11, 2008)
Toshiba Officially Drops HD DVD (Feb 19, 2008)

Wal-Mart to Go Blu-ray Exclusive

Fri Feb 15, 2008 at 12:46 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

The nation's top retailer will phase out its HD DVD support by early summer.

That's the official word this morning from Wal-Mart, first announced on the company's gadget blog, CheckOut.com.

According to Wal-Mart execs, the company will begin emphasizing Blu-ray in both brick-and-mortar stores and online over the next thirty days, with plans to completely phase out HD DVD movie and hardware sales by June 2008. The company will continue to sell DVDs and standard-definition hardware.

"We've listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases, explained Gary Severson, senior vice president, Home Entertainment, Wal-Mart US.

"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. We anticipate enhancing our selection with continued great values in hi-definition Blu-ray products, so our customers can further enhance their entertainment experience at home."

As we've previously reported, Wal-Mart was a key promotional partner for the HD DVD camp this past holiday season, with the retailer prominently featuring a Toshiba HD DVD player in one of its television commercials.

Today's announcement from the retailer comes on the heels of news earlier this week that both Netflix and Best Buy had endorsed Blu-ray.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Wal-Mart Chooses a Hi Def Platform [CheckOut.com]
Wal-Mart on Blu-ray bandwagon [CNN Money]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Best Buy to Recommend Blu-ray over HD DVD (Feb 11, 2008)
Netflix Goes Blu-ray Exclusive (Feb 11, 2008)
HD DVD Takes Centerstage at Wal-Mart (Nov 01, 2007)

Amazon Offers New 3-For-2 Deal on Blu-ray, HD DVD Discs

Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Amazon, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

Yet another high-def disc deal to report. This time, Amazon is offering a free Blu-ray or HD DVD disc with the purchase of two others.

The promotion started this morning and can be applied to a list of over a hundred titles on either format. Among the Blu-ray titles included are 'Pan's Labyrinth,' 'War' and 'Casino Royale' (click for complete list of eligible Blu-ray titles). The HD DVD selection includes 'Batman Begins,' 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy,' and 'The Shining' (click for complete list of eligible HD DVD titles.)

At press time it wasn't clear how long Amazon would be extending this offer, but the promotion text that accompanies the offer warns that supplies are limited.

As we've previously reported, Amazon is also offering 50% off a different set of 150 HD DVD titles (from Paramount, Universal and Warner) as part of a separate promotion that kicked off last week.

To discuss these and other next-gen hardware and software deals, visit the Blu-ray Bargains and HD DVD Bargains areas in our forums.

(Thanks to all who sent in tip related to this story.)

Related links:
Buy Two Blu-ray Discs and Receive a Third for Free [Amazon.com]
Buy Two HD DVDs and Receive a Third for Free [Amazon.com]
Save 50% on HD DVDs [Amazon.com]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Pan's Labyrinth (Blu-ray)
War (Blu-ray)
Casino Royale (2006) (Blu-ray)
Batman Begins (HD DVD)
The Complete Matrix Trilogy (HD DVD)
The Shining (1980) (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
50 Percent Off Select Paramount Discs at Amazon (Feb 08, 2008)

50 Percent Off Select Paramount Discs at Amazon

Fri Feb 08, 2008 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: High-Def Retailing, Amazon, Paramount (all tags)

Amazon has added nearly fifty titles from Paramount and DreamWorks to its current sale on HD DVD titles.

The web giant is now offering a total of 146 HD DVD titles from Paramount/DreamWorks, Universal and Warner Bros at 50% off list price.

Among the newly added Paramount/DreamWorks titles are such hits as 'Zodiac,' 'Transformers' and 'Anchorman,' which are being offered at prices ranging from 14.95 to $19.95 a piece (view complete list of titles and prices).

At press time there was no word on how long this latest HD DVD deal would be offered by Amazon, although it's being billed as a limited time offer. For a full list of eligible titles and more information, click the link to Amazon below.

As always, you'll find up-to-the-minute information on these and other sales spotted in-store and online in the HD DVD bargains and Blu-ray bargains areas of our forums.

(Thanks to all who sent in tips related to this story!)

Related links:
Save 50% on HD DVDs [Amazon.com]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Zodiac: Director's Cut (HD DVD)
Transformers (2007) (HD DVD)
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (HD DVD)

Microsoft Drops Price for Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-On (UPDATED)

Wed Feb 06, 2008 at 01:18 PM ET
Tags: Microsoft, Xbox 360, High-Def Retailing, Amazon (all tags) UPDATE: (5:35pm ET, 2/06/08) FormatWarCentral points out that Best Buy is now offering the Xbox 360 HD DVD player for $119.

Playing catch-up with a series of price drops on HD DVD players from Toshiba, Microsoft has shaved another $50 off the MSRP for its Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on.

That brings the new suggested retail price on the Xbox 360 HD DVD player in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to $129.99. (As we've previously reported, last August Microsoft dropped the price on the player to $179.)

Today's price drop from Microsoft (which is already reflected on the official Xbox site) comes on the same day that Amazon briefly offered the add-on for a mere $79.99. The web retailer promptly sold out of units at that price, and is currently selling the add-on via one of its partners for $155.67.

Purchases of the Xbox 360 add-on include a free HD DVD copy of of 'King Kong' inside the box, and qualify for an additional five free discs by mail as part of the HD DVD camp's "Perfect Offer" program.

(Thanks to Michael P. for the tip!)

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Xbox 360 HD DVD Player [Xbox.com]
Perfect Offer -- Five Free HD DVDs (PDF) [Xbox.com]
Amazon: $80 Xbox 360 HD DVD player with 6 free HD DVDs and shipping [Engadget]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Microsoft Reduces Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Price (Jul 26, 2007)

Amazon Offers Select HD DVD Titles at 57 Percent Off List

Sun Feb 03, 2008 at 02:26 PM ET
Tags: Amazon, Universal, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

In the latest in a series of high-def disc deals, Amazon is offering at least 50% off dozens of HD DVD titles from Universal Pictures.

The promo was launched Sunday by the web merchant, and includes a list of popular titles from the studio, totaling 103 in all.

Among the discs included in the offer are such fan favorites as 'Shaun of the Dead,' 'Elizabeth' and 'Inside Man,' the majority of which are being offered for just $14.95 a piece (view complete list of titles and prices).

This new HD DVD sale at Amazon comes on the heels of a similar sale from Warner on both formats. (That earlier Warner sale continues, though prices have creeped up slightly since its launch last weekend.)

At press time there was no word on how long this latest HD DVD deal would be offered by Amazon, although it's being billed as a limited time offer. For a full list of eligible titles and more information, click the link to Amazon below.

As always, you'll find up-to-the-minute information on these and other sales spotted in-store and online in the HD DVD bargains and Blu-ray bargains areas of our forums.

Thanks to Justin Y. for the tip!

Related links:
Save 50% on HD DVDs [Amazon.com]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Shaun of the Dead (HD DVD)
Elizabeth (HD DVD)
Inside Man (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
New Amazon Sale on Warner Blu-ray, HD DVD Titles (Jan 27, 2008)

New Amazon Sale on Warner Blu-ray, HD DVD Titles

Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:15 PM ET
Tags: Amazon, High-Def Retailing, Warner (all tags)

Another week, another Amazon high-def disc sale. This time, the web giant is offering yet another collection of titles from Warner Home Video at up to 53% off list price.

The new promo, which builds on last week's "drama hits" sale, includes more than two dozen Warner titles across various genres on both Blu-ray and HD DVD.

Among the titles being discounted on both formats are 'Superman Returns,' 'The Road Warrior,' 'Training Day' and 'Enter the Dragon' (for a complete list, click the links below).

At press time there was no word on how this deal would be offered by Amazon, though Amazon is billing this one as a limited time offer.

As always, you'll find up-to-the-minute information on these and other sales spotted in-store and online in the Blu-ray bargains and HD DVD bargains areas of our forums.

Related links:
Save up to 53% on Select Blu-ray Discs [Amazon.com]
Save up to 53% on Select HD DVDs [Amazon.com]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Superman Returns (Discontinued) (Blu-ray)
Superman Returns (Re-Issue) (HD DVD)
The Road Warrior (Blu-ray)
The Road Warrior (HD DVD)
Training Day (Blu-ray)
Training Day (HD DVD)
Enter the Dragon (Blu-ray)
Enter the Dragon (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Up to 53 Percent Off Blu-ray, HD DVD "Drama Hits" at Amazon (Jan 20, 2008)


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