Toshiba: Kmart to Carry HD DVD Exclusively
The Sears-owned retailer says the price is right.
By Swanni
That's according to an article by Home Media Magazine.
Toshiba spokeswoman Jody Sally tells the publication that Kmart has decided to carry HD DVD instead of Blu-ray because of its lower price.
The Toshiba entry-level HD DVD player retails for $299, but is now available for $198 at several stores including Circuit City and Wal-Mart.
The lowest-price Blu-ray player retails for $499, although Sony will launch a $399 Play Station 3 next month; the PS3 has a Blu-ray player inside.
Home Media Magazine contacted a Kmart store in Anaheim, California and was told that it was only carrying Toshiba HD DVD players.
However, a clerk said the store is also carrying the Play Station 3.
Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment,, which backs HD DVD exclusively, said the sub-$200 price is critical to reaching a mass audience.
Sally agreed that the lower price should help boost sales.
“There was no official move on our MSRP, but I’m happy to see the strong sales momentum on our players,” Sally told the publication. “We experienced a great lift in player sales when Transformers (Paramount) was released, and the strong momentum continues.”
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