My local Target store had the typical Hi-Def display that most Target stores have, that is to say a plastic Hi-Def divider with Blu-Ray titles on the left and HD DVD titles on the right.

For the longest time there were 12 Blu-Ray titles and 12 HD DVD titles. Yesterday when I went there they had increased the number of Blu-Ray titles to 24 making the display 2:1 in favor of Blu-Ray titles.

1. Has anyone else noticed this?

2. Do you think it is because of the reported 2:1 sales figures of Blu-Ray over HD DVD?

John

Yeah, Target is starting to do that.


More information:

Target Increases Shelf Space for Blu-ray (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=509)

Target shelves in favor of Blu-ray (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6478217.html)

Part of the deal with Sony, I suspect.

Shady and a desperate bold move by the Sony camp to "convince" consumers BD is the way to go. Very unhappy with Target, what a corporate shill - instead of offering valued Target consumers the choice, they are focusing on the more expensive, less consumer friendly and unfinalized still in beta test format. No more Target for me.

Shady and a desperate bold move by the Sony camp to "convince" consumers BD is the way to go. Very unhappy with Target, what a corporate shill - instead of offering valued Target consumers the choice, they are focusing on the more expensive, less consumer friendly and unfinalized still in beta test format. No more Target for me.

BD software more expensive than HD DVD ? When was the last time you compared the prices?

They are now in my same black list as where Circuit ****** resides for having pulled the DIVX on us back in 1997.

BD software more expensive than HD DVD ? When was the last time you compared the prices?

I guess I missed the part where I indicated I was referring to software. The players alone are absurd, the pricing is ridiculous. To think any average consumer would ever consider $500 for a Blu-ray player is nonsensical. And HD DVDs are priced the same as BD with the exception of those combo discs (few and far between) and most are being released in HD only anyway.

I guess I missed the part where I indicated I was referring to software. The players alone are absurd, the pricing is ridiculous. To think any average consumer would ever consider $500 for a Blu-ray player is nonsensical. And HD DVDs are priced the same as BD with the exception of those combo discs (few and far between) and most are being released in HD only anyway.

I paid less for my Samsung BD-P1400 ($469) than I did for my Toshiba HD-XA2 ($499).

They are now in my same black list as where Circuit ****** resides for having pulled the DIVX on us back in 1997.
Actually, logic would dictate that if they get more HD-DVD sales than Blu-Ray, they would reverse their decision depending on the merits of more sales vs. Sony's "incentive" money. They're on my black list for the simple reason that Fry's, Wal-Mart and Amazon have significantly cheaper media. I still buy toiletries from them though. :p

I paid less for my Samsung BD-P1400 ($469) than I did for my Toshiba HD-XA2 ($499).

Does Blu-ray even have a sub $400 player? You chose the more expensive player, but HD has players as low as $233 (Amazon). What's the cheapest BD player? :rolleyes:

I emailed Target via their Contact Us page last night.

I have always loved Target. Now I feel like a friend has betrayed me.


;)

I used to think it was silly seeing how these little things affect people, but even I'll admit, I used to grocery shop at the local "super" Target and would ALWAYS swing by the HD DVD\BR rack and sometimes buy a movie if they happened to have what I was looking for while I was there - BUT since this story first broke, I figured it was now just as easy to drive a few hundred feet up the street to the next grocery (Kroger) and shop there, why not, I'll go back to Target someday if and when things change, otherwise, what does it hurt to hit some other place a few seconds away, they're a dime-a-dozen here anyway.

I emailed Target via their Contact Us page last night.
I have always loved Target. Now I feel like a friend has betrayed me.
;)

I did the same, and always recommend people do the same. If you are upset with the way they are handling it then do something about it. Let them know how you feel. If you just sit back and don't then you can't complain; it's just like voting. They've lost my in store dollar until they give HD DVD a fair shake; until then they get none.

They stated when they started carrying BR players exclusively that they welcomed the opinions of their customers and based on consumer reaction would adjust their stocking plans in the future.

You can send a message to Target customer service by going to the following link:

[EDIT] Apparently the forums do not like me linking to outside websites

If you go to Target.com and select HELP>Contact Us then select "Target Store Questions" as they reason for contacting them you'll find the right form.

http://www.target.com/gp/help/display-contact-us-form.html?displayLink=tsq

Make sure you select "advertising feedback" as your reason for contacting them.

Not only target is changing their displays. I just got word that ALL Best Buys will be moving expanding their Blu-Ray sections to "5" shelves. Of course this is backed by the BDA but instead of two it's going to be five shelves.

Is boycotting Target really going to work, though?

Maybe we need to do the opposite, and buy HD-DVDs there.


just thinking out loud--er...in writing here.

I've sent Target an email and letter explaining my reasons for boycotting their store. I will no longer do any business with them or Blockbuster given the lack of support of HD-DVD after their Sony deal. I let them know that after years of being a loyal Target and Blockbuster customer I don't appreciate in the slightest their strong arm approach via their Sony deal to delude their customers into thinking blue-ray is the only real HD choice avail. By refusing to carry any HD-DVD players they are attempting to influence their customers purchase of HD equipment. Because of that I let them know that I am taking my business elsewhere where my business is wanted and appreciated. I asked them how giving their customers only the option of much more expensive blue-ray players to purchase as opposed to a much lower cost HD-DVD player should they desire one was a responsible decision and how could that be in their customer's best interest. I pointed out that they seem to have no problem selling competing gaming platforms such as the XBox 360, PS2 and PS 3, PSP, Nintendo Wii and DS and the software for each system. Why should they be any different when it comes to providing access to the various options regarding HD movies and technology currently avail for the public.

All I got was a canned answer. We all know how Sony paid them to keep HD-DVD players out of their stores (the only reason for HD-DVD players not being offered there). Fortunately I have other shopping options and will take my $$$ elsewhere. Target should change its red color scheme for a blue one in my book.

Jim

Is boycotting Target really going to work, though?

Maybe we need to do the opposite, and buy HD-DVDs there.


just thinking out loud--er...in writing here.

Not sure, as someone who doesn't shop at Target I'm honestly at a loss to understand why one retailer is scrutinized to this degree. Speaking only for myself (obviously) it would be sorta disingenuous to go into a store I don't shop at to buy a product that I'd like them to carry :)

My thinking is not that I'm boycotting anyone, it's a matter of convenience for me, nothing more - THEY forced my hand the way I see it, they're telling me "don't bother swinging by the HiDef rack while you're here for other things now, we no longer have much of what you used to buy here" - alrighty then, I can find it elsewhere while I'm out just as well, no biggie.

I guess I missed the part where I indicated I was referring to software. The players alone are absurd, the pricing is ridiculous. To think any average consumer would ever consider $500 for a Blu-ray player is nonsensical. And HD DVDs are priced the same as BD with the exception of those combo discs (few and far between) and most are being released in HD only anyway.

Yah and how many people here paid 500 for the hd dvd player last year? It is honestly stupid to think the consumer wouldn't pay that much when most of you hear paid that much 16 months ago.

Not only target is changing their displays. I just got word that ALL Best Buys will be moving expanding their Blu-Ray sections to "5" shelves. Of course this is backed by the BDA but instead of two it's going to be five shelves.

All BB Stores in my area have 5 full shelves of HD DVD & 5 full shelves of Blu Ray; they are the same length and both have the same amount of movies. They are right next to each other and allow the consumer to check things out. This is how I think it should be...let the consumers truely choose; not pay off someone to carry your product.

Why does any of this matter if they haven't reduced their HD-DVD selection?:confused:

BD software more expensive than HD DVD ? When was the last time you compared the prices?

The Target I was recently at had all the BD movies (barring 300 combo) priced at least five dollars higher than the HD DVD movies. But, imo Target prices are rediculous in general.

Does Blu-ray even have a sub $400 player? You chose the more expensive player, but HD has players as low as $233 (Amazon). What's the cheapest BD player? :rolleyes:

Whats the point of having a cheap player that has issues and there is no choice in the CE's? Toshiba is the only choice right now, or bust. What kind of "choice" do you call that. CE manufacturers are so scared to support HD-DVD players since they can't make any money on the players. The profit margin is so small, compared to Blu-Ray. At one point early HD-DVD owners were paying more than $500 when HD-DVD first came out & that didn't stop some people from buying it!

All BB Stores in my area have 5 full shelves of HD DVD & 5 full shelves of Blu Ray; they are the same length and both have the same amount of movies. They are right next to each other and allow the consumer to check things out. This is how I think it should be...let the consumers truely choose; not pay off someone to carry your product.

Completely agree with you on choices. As far as the BB's in my area they all only currently have two shelves of each Blu and HD. The expansion on the blu's should be taking place in the next week.

With all the money Sony is spending to increase their shelf space at BB and other locations its no wonder we'll never see a sub $400 blue-ray player anytime soon. To me it almost appears as a sign of desperation on Sony's part to over emphasize blue-ray when they have nearly the same number of titles available as HD-DVD. Even if the blue-ray display is larger it won't guarantee sucess (VHS had a much larger selection when DVD started and it eventually lost out to the smaller DVD section as DVD players got less expensive and more average Joe's bought them). We also had Circuit City overemphasizing their Divx players and movies and they didn't sell...why cost...the average Joe isn't all that stupid despite what some Studio execs think. I still see blue-ray as a niche item whereas HD-DVD (still a niche item) has the best potential for adoption by the average Joe. I would describe myself more an average Joe than a Bill Gates or Studio Exec and just can't see myself ever spending $500 for a blue-ray player...no thanks...they can keep it. I just paid a lot of my new LCD HDTV and have an older 1080i RPTV upstairs...I don't have a lot of extra $$$ lying around to buy a super expensive blue-ray player. But for $200 I was very happy to purchase my first HD-DVD player (Toshiba A2). Smoke and mirrors won't sell more blue-ray players and Sony can spend all the money they want on shelf space but if they can't get blue-players in the hands of the average Joe their blue-ray players will end up sitting next to those old Divx players in the same warehouse. I'll later be getting another HD-DVD player for the older 1080i JVC upstairs but for now I'm a happy camper watching HD movies on my HDTV. If blue-ray were the only option...I would be still be only watching SD DVD's.

Jim


Not only target is changing their displays. I just got word that ALL Best Buys will be moving expanding their Blu-Ray sections to "5" shelves. Of course this is backed by the BDA but instead of two it's going to be five shelves.

Yah and how many people here paid 500 for the hd dvd player last year? It is honestly stupid to think the consumer wouldn't pay that much when most of you hear paid that much 16 months ago.

I think it's safe to assume that most people here aren't "average users" when it comes to AV equipment; they are willing to spend more money for certain devices. I think its naive to think that the average consumer is ready to pay $500+ for consumer electronics. Sure, some people will pay, but they are missing a larger portion of the population that will look for similar items that cost in some cases less than 50%; but provide the same experience.

Lets look at the videogame situation. Wii has sold more than both the PS3 & the Xbox; why? It's price and general appeal to all users. The PS3 on the other hand has sold to raving lunatic fanbois and people who were looking for a "cheap" blu ray player.

The same applies to the HDM market; sure people will go out and buy $600 blu ray players but most are content w/ SD DVD and say wake me when they are $200...HD DVD Has hit that milestone and it shows in the number of players they are moving.

here in the twin cities (HQ to both Target and Best BUy)

Best Buy has equal space.
Target has I have no clue as I always go to BBY or walmart to purchase HD/Blu media.

Exactly!!! They are effectively saying don't bother to come by...we don't want your business. So be it.

Jim

My thinking is not that I'm boycotting anyone, it's a matter of convenience for me, nothing more - THEY forced my hand the way I see it, they're telling me "don't bother swinging by the HiDef rack while you're here for other things now, we no longer have much of what you used to buy here" - alrighty then, I can find it elsewhere while I'm out just as well, no biggie.

All BB Stores in my area have 5 full shelves of HD DVD & 5 full shelves of Blu Ray; they are the same length and both have the same amount of movies. They are right next to each other and allow the consumer to check things out. This is how I think it should be...let the consumers truely choose; not pay off someone to carry your product.

Funny, you didn't seem to have the same sense of "let the consumers truely[sic] choose" attitude in the "Show Paramount your appreciation" thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11400182#post11400182

No outrage over Paramount going exclusive for money, but Target's in the wrong for taking money? I'm shocked. Really.

Funny, you didn't seem to have the same sense of "let the consumers truely[sic] choose" attitude in the "Show Paramount your appreciation" thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11400182#post11400182

No outrage over Paramount going exclusive for money, but Target's in the wrong for taking money? I'm shocked. Really.

No. Target has every right to take money. But stocking 24 BD titles and 12 HD DVD titles, at prices close to MSRP (when it is a discount store)...stacked in one corner of their store isn't exactly a way to show support for a new format. IMO.

Also, early adopters do not head off to Target....IMO.

Target is where you go to buy discounted DVD players - not $199 HD DVD players, let alone $399 and up BD players!!!

There is a huge mis-match of demographics and the BD product at Target. Even Target management probably know this...they probably got a good deal on the Sony TVs and other products in exchange for a sorry-ass BD display and a couple of rows of extra BD titles.

That's how I see it....

Good grief this is just business. So Target stocks 24 titles vs 12, its not exactly a huge number. The prices are actually fairly close to Amazon for the titles especially when you throw in shipping. You do realize that if we all boycott no one will notice other than gee the HD-DVDs aren't selling at all lets phase them out altogether. If they have a title that you like and the price is right buy a copy they certainly aren't going to go broke if you don't spend your 19.99 there.

The logic seems flawed, or at least partially flawed. Reading between the lines, I see

"They expand the selection of BDs, but leave their HD DVD selection the same; therefore, I'll take take my business elsewhere. That way they'll see even fewer sales of HD DVD and realize that they should have expanded their HD DVD selection instead."

As the consumer, you do your talking with your money, but sometimes it may not send the message you want to deliver.

I support a format and that's wrong? I purchased a movie from a company who supports a format which I also support. Afraid I can't do the same for a company who doesn't give me the option and/or severely limits my choices now can I

But can't you see it's the same argument for both Paramount and Target?

Paramount is in business to make money. They made a decision, most likely based on finance, that they were better off only making HD-DVDs, thus "not giving the option and/or severely limiting choices" of people who are either dual format or BD only.

Target is also in business to make money. They made a decision, most likely based on finance, that they were better off displaying more BDs than HD-DVDs. They haven't reduced their HD-DVD display, only increased the BD section. Your options at Target for HD-DVD were the same as they were before. In fact, they're choosing to supply more of the format which is selling more on a weekly basis, though granted not on a 2 to 1 ratio. If Target did not take dime 1 from Sony, would they still be wrong for stocking what numbers say is currently selling more?

But can't you see it's the same argument for both Paramount and Target?
[TRUNCATED]

I'm not making the argument for either - My biggest problem with this entire "war" is that I want to be able to buy movies x, y, z rather than having an HD DVD player for movie x & z, but I need a completely different player for a competing format to get movie Y.

Consumers are the only ones who are getting screwed in the process; all companies involved are making plenty of cash off of this bickering. The point I was trying to make before I was called out for supporting a format was that the consumers need to be able to make this decision; not some board members who decide to throw cash at a retailer for a format that is back peddling.

Put the entire selection out with clearly marked prices and let the consumers decide which we'll be keeping around. If it keeps up the answer is neither...both formats will lose out because they took too long to break out.

I don't like BR because Sony is involved. I've stated that many times before and flame on if you must for this fact but I refuse to support Sony in anyway shape for form if I can prevent it, I have many reasons for this but the rash of lock consumers into our products with underhanded tactics was the final straw. I'll take HD DVD any day, primarily for 1) Cheaper price point 2) No region encoding 3) Combo Discs [I can lend to my parents until they get an HDTV]

ok?

My local Target had equal shelf space for BD and HD DVD titles, although there was less to choose from on the HD DVD side. It seems HD DVD is going off the rack quicker than BD titles at my store.

I was also at my local Best Buy, and they had equal shelf space to both formats. And both formats were equally stocked.

The prices don't seem to be as good at target anymore. They have some titles at 19.99, but the combos are 34.99.

The prices don't seem to be as good at target anymore. They have some titles at 19.99, but the combos are 34.99.
While I was at Target, I picked up the Hot Fuzz HD DVD combo at $29.99. Yeah, I could've gotten it a few $ cheaper at Amazon, but I wanted it then.

Yah and how many people here paid 500 for the hd dvd player last year? It is honestly stupid to think the consumer wouldn't pay that much when most of you hear paid that much 16 months ago.

People who paid $500 16 months ago are early adopters, people who are enthusiasts and are willing to pay a premium for cutting edge technology.

The average consumer will barely spend $500 on a TV, much less on a player from a format they don't understand. The AVERAGE CONSUMER is shopping at Target, not the early adopter, who buys his/her electronics at a boutique or electronics store.

All BB Stores in my area have 5 full shelves of HD DVD & 5 full shelves of Blu Ray; they are the same length and both have the same amount of movies. They are right next to each other and allow the consumer to check things out. This is how I think it should be...let the consumers truely choose; not pay off someone to carry your product.


That's how it is for me at the closest Best Buy.

Yah and how many people here paid 500 for the hd dvd player last year? It is honestly stupid to think the consumer wouldn't pay that much when most of you hear paid that much 16 months ago.

And how many people paid $1200 for a BD player and more 16 months ago? Are you still stuck in time, it's nearly 4th Quarter 2007. Let's stick to the facts as of today. And I don't consider anyone here the average consumer.

Whats the point of having a cheap player that has issues and there is no choice in the CE's? Toshiba is the only choice right now, or bust. What kind of "choice" do you call that. CE manufacturers are so scared to support HD-DVD players since they can't make any money on the players. The profit margin is so small, compared to Blu-Ray. At one point early HD-DVD owners were paying more than $500 when HD-DVD first came out & that didn't stop some people from buying it!

The point is to attract and bind the loyalty of everyday consumers, sure some paid $500 and more during that early bird's adoption window but the pricing metrics have changed meanwhile BD players are still not competitively priced. More manufacturers are coming this quarter, but who really cares? Despite being the only one, the pricing has come down so much. This is good for consumers, whereas BD consumers are buying overpriced players that will not potentially support 1.1 and the interactive features. HD DVD is finalized, and all players support HDi.

Choice is not neccessarily limited to manufacturers but choice in hardware and price points. Toshiba has the clear edge here and Sony nor any of their hardware partners can compete. Who cares about choice when every player is $500 or more?

I picked up Troy at my local Target for $19.99 last night. Equal spacing for BD and HD but it is changing. Talked to the guy working and he said both were expanding but BD would be 2:1 in terms of display space over HD. He happened to be a HD guy btw. He went on to say that new stores opening up would carry multiple BD players but existing stores would carry one model but no HD playes at either.

Just saw this myself recently, all of the nearby Targets I've been in(4 or 5) have ALWAYS had 18 each(3x6-partition in the middle) now it's 4 rows BD- 2 rows HD DVD........

They USED to have the average price of 19.99 for HD DVDS as well, now it's 29.99, unless it's an earlier title thats probably been on the shelf forever.

I don't buy at Target anymore....

1. Has anyone else noticed this?

2. Do you think it is because of the reported 2:1 sales figures of Blu-Ray over HD DVD?

1) This is old news.

2) No, Target got paid.

Now, if Target doubled their current total HDM shelfspace, that would be something. Amazon's still cheaper anyway.

Target = Warner Bros. Both "support" both formats, but each has a definite preference for whatever reason.

You can't boycott the world based on HD movie allegiances (Digital Bits, Blockbuster, Target...). Can you imagine Target executives reading this stuff? "They're boycotting our store because we gave more shelf space to one type of product? What the hell?" They just think you're insane.

BD software more expensive than HD DVD ? When was the last time you compared the prices?

BD has always been more expensive on average than HD DVD. You do realize that Combos make up less than 18% of total HD DVD releases. That 18% is not enough to overtake the premium charges for BD disks. Many of the releases I have acquired on HD DVD at B&Ms for $19.95 were sitting right next to BDs of the same release priced between $21.95 and $24.95. Even with Combos I've nabbed many at Frys for $27.95 that were sitting next to BD releases priced at $24.95. Catalogs titles still make up the vast majority of releases and most of those are $20 to $25 on HD DVD and $25 to $30 on BD. Then there is the fact that when Fox actually releases a BD they always end up in the $40 range at B&Ms. That's over $10 more than the price of a Combo at the same store.

I own the LG player that plays both and one of the things I am tired of hearing from these salepeople from Best Buy, FYE, Gamestop, and Target, etc. that Blu-ray is superior picture and sound to hd-dvd. I would be fine if it was to standard dvd's. For instance the clerk at the FYE store went on for 2 minutes about bluray(why, I was buying blu-ray and hd-dvd at the time; ie. he doesn't need to push sales with me either way) having superior picture and sound. I then asked him, as others, if they have seen hd-dvd disc on a tv yet. They all replied no. So how do they know it is superior?

That is my point. Frankly it is selling with lies and bias because of the company they work for. It is not in any way more superior than another. I'm sick of it. And all need to stop using mpeg as they do not look as good.

I live and work near Target headquarters. I used to work on top of the downtown store that actually had part of the headquarters Target corporate staff in it.

The Target stores here, including the #1 store nationwide for sales have switched to a bd section twice as wide as hd-dvd. But, the section often has doubles of the same movie. Who needs 14 copies of Nacho Libre in stock?

I've yet to see anyone actually buy a bd movie there. I have purchased and seen others purchase hd-dvd. It seems to me that the hd-dvd titles change more often and the bd titles just have larger stock with less new releases.

As for the comments on money exchanging hands, I would highly doubt Sony did not pay Target something to sell or make their displays different. I've already been told from store managers at Best Buy (headquartered here too) as well as Circuit City that Sony instructed them to setup the displays in a certain manner and to push their product over hd-dvd including the # of movies on display. Best Buy Magnolia staff also gets kickbacks for pushing certain hardware, such as a discount on directv.

Even with all the local b&m stores pushing bd due to Sony's influence, I'm glad to see most of the hd movies actually bought in the stores are hd-dvd. I've seen maybe a half dozen bd movie sell at all stores locally while I'm shopping and easily 10 times that on hd-dvd. I'm seeing families buy hd-dvds now (multiple titles), one for Mom, one for Dad, one for each child etc. Very cool stuff. Best Buy has had alot of hd-dvd sales recently too which helps.

Not only target is changing their displays. I just got word that ALL Best Buys will be moving expanding their Blu-Ray sections to "5" shelves. Of course this is backed by the BDA but instead of two it's going to be five shelves.

All 3 Best Buy's in my local area went from 2 Blu and 2 HD DVD shelves to 5 Blu and 5 HD DVD shelves...

Also, both of Targets actually reduced the number of HD DVD titles... It was 18 Blu:18 HD DVD titles and last week they went to the 24 Blu:12 HD DVD titles...

Wait. So the BDA pays for an endcap (companies do this all the time) and to go with that endcap Target makes an independent decision to increase their stock of Blu-ray to go with the endcap. "Shady marketing."

Toshiba, Microsoft, and Universal conspire to pay Paramount off for 18 months of exclusivity at the last minute before a new wave of Paramount titles after Sony very likely refuses to re-negotiate their subsidizing disc manufacturing for P. Paramount takes the cash and incentives because it's probably more than they'd have gotten to stick with just one of EITHER side and will re-evaluate that option in the future. Meanwhile, they get a convenient loophole for Speilberg movies that are almost certainly going to be the big hits that everyone would want on either format (Jurassic Park series, Minority Report, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, etc.). Pristine, perfect marketing, nothing shady at all.

Is that right? Is that how you see it? Because those are some pretty tinted shades you're got on there... ;)

Now don't mistake me. I don't care that the HD DVD Trio paid Paramount off. I think it was the smartest choice they made. On the level of Sony including Blu-ray in the PS3 smart. Probably smarter, actually, given how the PS3 has suffered some for its higher price (due in no small part to the higher cost of Blu-ray drives), but if you think Target getting paid for an endcap (and making choices with regards to how much product they'll purchase to support that endcap) is shady, you must really hate HD DVD for leasing out Paramount for a year and a half. ;)

i never shopped at Target but i will now in support of their decision to go Blu. Thanks!

Wait. So the BDA pays for an endcap (companies do this all the time) and to go with that endcap Target makes an independent decision to increase their stock of Blu-ray to go with the endcap. "Shady marketing."

Toshiba, Microsoft, and Universal conspire to pay Paramount off for 18 months of exclusivity at the last minute before a new wave of Paramount titles after Sony very likely refuses to re-negotiate their subsidizing disc manufacturing for P. Paramount takes the cash and incentives because it's probably more than they'd have gotten to stick with just one of EITHER side and will re-evaluate that option in the future. Meanwhile, they get a convenient loophole for Speilberg movies that are almost certainly going to be the big hits that everyone would want on either format (Jurassic Park series, Minority Report, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, etc.). Pristine, perfect marketing, nothing shady at all.

Is that right? Is that how you see it? Because those are some pretty tinted shades you're got on there... ;)

Now don't mistake me. I don't care that the HD DVD Trio paid Paramount off. I think it was the smartest choice they made. On the level of Sony including Blu-ray in the PS3 smart. Probably smarter, actually, given how the PS3 has suffered some for its higher price (due in no small part to the higher cost of Blu-ray drives), but if you think Target getting paid for an endcap (and making choices with regards to how much product they'll purchase to support that endcap) is shady, you must really hate HD DVD for leasing out Paramount for a year and a half. ;)


Actually, I have a problem with both. Until the consumers decide the winner, if there is one, I think studios and merchants should be format neutral.


I did get a response back from Target, and it wasn't canned. They confirmed that stores will only sell Blu players, but all stores will continue to sell software for both formats. They appreciate hearing from their customers, and my email is being forwarded to the appropriate buyer.

I noticed this, but don't really care. I can't remember the last time I bought a DVD or HD DVD from a B&M, unless you count used DVD's for the kids from Blockbuster. I get my HD DVD's online and will continue to do so. They are always available.

What I do care about is that J6P sees this behavior by the stores and assumes that BR is better, as he/she would never do the research that we do to see that this may not be the case. It may hinder adoption, however I agree with some earlier posters that BDP's are too expensive, so the dispays mean nothing to most folks who shop at target.

Pat