Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Thanks to a leaked memo entitled “HD DVD - The End” that was posted on an internal Circuit City forum we have learned about the possibility of having your HD DVD player exchanged for a new Blu-ray player to include a Playstation 3.

With that, you cannot expect to simply walk in and hand over your current HD DVD player and just walk out with a new Blu-ray player. There are a few small (and obvious) catches. Circuit City is basically granting an open ended return policy for HD DVD players, and you will have to pay any difference in price. Also noted in the memo is that if you no longer want the HD DVD player and also do not want to purchase a Blu-ray player you will be given a gift card refund for the amount the player originally cost. Similar to other software and media titles, they (once opened) are not able to qualify for a refund.

Sounds like a great way to stay current with your next-generation player. It does make you wonder why other big-box retailers do not have a similar policy in place, or just how soon they will start one up.

Continue reading to see the full memo that had been leaked…

Via [Gizmodo]

HD DVD - The End. Toshiba stated in a press release that they will stop manufacturing and selling HD DVD players. The marketplace has spoken in favor of Blu-ray. We are delighted that consumers now will be able to invest with confidence in next-generation video disc players and titles. Based on Toshiba’s announcement, we expect to phase out HD DVD players and movie titles in our stores and on our Web site in the near future. FAQs

Why will Circuit City continue to sell HD DVD players for the near future?

There are large numbers of HD DVD movie titles still in circulation and some customers will want to be able to view those titles.

Also, HD DVD players are very affordable and will continue to play and up-convert standard DVDs with improved quality. So, during the phase-out, some customers will want a DVD player equipped with upconvert technology (and the ability to play HD DVD titles).

When will HD DVD players and movie titles disappear from our stores and Web site?

That will happen in the near future, depending on sell-through rates while HD DVD products go on clearance. We have implemented the following price changes (make sure your floor is tagged correctly):

These are fully functioning “upconverting” HD/DVD players that are now competitively priced!

And, of course, don’t forget the HDMI cable!

What about my HD DVD Endcap?

We’re developing an alternate plan over the next couple of weeks. Please keep it up in the meantime.

Important: About Returns

Q; What about customers who may try to return an HD DVD player - even if they have owned it for several months?

A: We do not want to upset our valued customers. For this special circumstance, we are happy to offer an exchange for a Blu-ray player (customer plays any difference in purchase price) - even if it has been several months since the customer made their HD DVD player purchase. If the customer does not want a Blu-ray player, we can issue a gift card refund for their original purchase price. For products purchased in the last 30 days, handle as usual.

(Note: all open-box and defective Toshiba HD DVD players are Return-to-Vendor and must be sent back to Toshiba.)

As per policy, we will not accept refunds of opened HD DVD software.