Best Buy Helps, But Where Is Everybody Else?
March 19, 2008

In a smart public relations move for its chain, Best Buy is offering forlorn HD DVD adopters $50 gift checks to spend as they'd like there. My first thought is that the Blu-ray Disc Association or maybe a BD studio or two was underwriting, or at least helping Best Buy, with the gift check costs. People don't have to use the gift check on a Blu-ray player, necessarily. But they might be tempted to go Blu because they are obviously enough of a fan of high-def to purchase a HD DVD player. 
Yet  I heard from BDA promotions chief Andy Parson that the organization played no part in Best Buy's do-goodering. Likewise, I talked to Best Buy spokesman Brian Lucas, and he told me this was all an inside job. Best Buy didn't get any outside assistance in putting together the gift card plan.
That does raise a question though - shouldn't the BDA or BD backers in general do something to help court the HD DVD-ers to their side? Maybe they don't have to do it with a financial incentive - but maybe they should create a simple print/online campaign to welcome the HD DVD folks into their camp. To be honest, HD DVD adopters could use some loving as March marked the last month Paramount and Universal streeted new release titles in the format.
At this point, the retailers seem to be the most active in reaching out.
Amazon.com had also previously talked about offering coupons or rebates to help soften the HD DVD death blow. I haven't reached those folks for an update just yet. But I will let you know if I hear anything from them.
And earlier this month, Circuit City was extending the time HD DVD buyers could return their players bought at the chain. 

Posted by Susanne Ault on March 19, 2008 | Comments (1)