Similar to other retailers, Virgin is selling BD high-def titles at a two-to-one clip over HD DVD. At its Times Square, New York, location, Virgin has dedicated twice the space to BD that it does to HD DVD.
But starting to exclude one format now risks infuriating consumers, said Saunt. You might get burned, and retail bears the brunt of it.
Noting Blu-rays emerging sales dominance in 2007, Hastings Entertainment CEO John Marmaduke says the specialty chain is leaning toward solely supporting the format.
This follows Blockbusters recent decision to rollout only Blu-ray titles in 1,450 bricks-and-mortar outlets.
Blu-ray looks to be clearly the winner, Marmaduke said. Were not optimistic [about sales] until theres one format. I think it could happen by first quarter of 2008.