In another sign the high-definition DVD race nearing the end, electronics retailer Best Buy Co. (BBY: 47.37, +0.67, +1.43%) said Monday it will “prominently showcase” Blu-ray hardware and software products beginning in early March.
The electronics retailer did say it will continue to carry an assortment of Toshiba Corp.’s HD DVD products for consumers who want to buy them, but it will “prominently showcase” Sony Corp.’s Blu-ray format.
Earlier Monday, online movie rental company Netflix said it is switching exclusively to Blu-ray as its high-definition format.
Toshiba and Sony have been vying to set the standard for high-definition DVDs for several years, but the race is tilting toward Sony.
Walt Disney Co., Sony Corp.’s Sony Pictures, News Corp.’s Twentieth Century Fox and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have endorsed Blu-ray. Paramount and Universal Studios publish their high-definition DVDs in Toshiba’s HD DVD format. Many consumers have held off on buying a next-generation DVD player until the dominant format is decided.
Best Buy’s shares rose 67 cents to $47.37. American Depositary Shares of Sony rose 51 cents to $43.50
