This is all over the place, but here are some specifics from Reuters
By Franklin Paul
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc has decided to exclusively sell high-definition DVDs in the Blu-Ray format, dealing what could be a crippling blow to the rival HD DVD technology backed by Toshiba Corp.
The move by the world's largest retailer, announced on Friday, caps a disappointing week for HD DVD supporters, who also saw consumer electronics chain Best Buy Co Inc and online video rental company Netflix Inc defect to the Blu-ray camp.
In a statement on its Web site, Wal-Mart said that over the next few months it will phase out sales of HD DVD systems and discs. By June, it will sell only products in the Blu-ray format which was developed by Sony Corp.
This is indeed huge. The upside is that the 7 people who bought a PS3 can already play Blu-ray discs. Also, they tend to be cheaper than an HD-DVD. For those of you who are wondering, both an HD-DVD Player and a Blu-ray will play your standard DVDs, so you won't be forced to re-purchase your movies. You can to get the enhanced quality and features, but it won't be like when you dumped VHS and had to re-buy 20 years worth of movies.
Another tidbit that was brought to my attention is that Blu-ray discs have 3 formats right now, ranging from 1.0 to 2.0. A 2.0 player will play all 3, but if you have a 1.0 player and a 2.0 disc you're out of luck. HD has the advantage there because the players have an ethernet connection that allows you to reach out to Toshiba and get the latest firmware.
At this point in the game it seems like it's too early to declare a winner. For me, I think it's too early to purchase either player. Now, if you have the money or can get a really good deal, go for it (and let us know about it, of course). But for what my opinion's worth I would say wait it out. Sony says that 2.0 will be the final Blu-ray standard and if that becomes reality I'd say go get one.
As far as HD-DVD, I'm sorry, but I think it's dead. Wal-Mart, for all of its perceived evils, is a powerhouse if ever there was one. If they back (or in this case abandon) a product or technology, it's going to be felt. And it isn't like they're "preferring" or "recommending" Blu-ray over HD. They're totally phasing out HD-DVD. As much as I love Toshiba (I just barely sold my 4-year-old Toshiba cell phone that was collecting dust) I just don't know how they can overcome Wal-Mart dumping them.
If you have any doubt over Wal-mart's power let me remind you about The Eagles. Their last album, which had its initial release as a Wal-Mart exclusive, sold circles around Britney's wide-release comeback album.
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