Toshiba, Toshiba, Toshiba — it might be time to throw in that high-definition towel. Best Buy Co. Inc. announced Monday that they will begin to prominently display Sony Corp.’s Blu-Ray high-definition DVD players on its web site and stores starting in early March.
They will still carry Toshiba’s HD-DVD products, sure, but those will be stored thirty feet underground… behind a moat… with alligators in it… and an armed knight… and one Toshiba specialist to answer any questions you may have.
Best Buy President and Chief Operating Office, Brian Dunn issued a statement, saying: "Consumers have told us that they want us to help lead the way… We’ve listened to our customers, and we are responding. Best Buy will recommend Blu-ray as the preferred format. Our decision to shine a spotlight on Blu-ray Disc players and other Blu-ray products is a strong signal to our customers that we believe Blu-ray is the right format choice for them." Adding, "What I’m saying is… you can just go right to hell, Toshiba."
Netflix Inc. has also announced Monday that it will exclusively carry Blu-Ray DVDs and four out of six major Hollywood studios recently decided to only use Blu-ray for their films as well. Toshiba has fought on, however, announcing that all new laptops will have their HD-DVD drive — which also happens to be the most creative way for Toshiba to hurt their laptop sales.
In response to the moves made by Best Buy and Netflix, Toshiba also issued a statment — one that almost made us cry:
"We have long held the belief that HD DVD is the best format for consumers based on quality and value, and with more than 1 million HD DVD players on the market, it’s unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward. While the Best Buy announcement says they will recommend Blu-ray, at least they will continue to carry HD DVD and offer consumers a choice at retail."
Adding, "Siiigh."
We’ve dug you a grave already, Toshiba, let us know when you want the high-definition funeral to be.
