Wal-Mart cuts down on HD DVD players

Chicago (IL) – Wal-Mart has begun phasing out two of its three HD DVD players that have been offered in stores and through its website in past months.

Industry sources told TG Daily that Wal-Mart is phasing out the RCA HDV5000 as well as the Venturer SHD7000 models. The RCA player has been offered exclusively in stores for initially $399, was then reduced to $299 and is currently sold on the clearance rack for $148. The Venturer device is available online and carries a clearance price of $167, down from $199.98.

Store employees from three different Wal-Mart locations in the Chicago area confirmed that the stores will not be restocking these models.

However, the company apparently plans to keep one Toshiba player in its lineup for “at least 4 months”, we heard. The HD-A3 player is currently sold in stores for $148.

There was no official comment from Wal-Mart about its HD DVD and Blu-ray offering.