Blockbuster goes Blu-ray, HD DVD=beta?,

Jaybo, I do not think that Walmart's primary customer base is into cutting edge tech video and audio. I somehow do not see Walmart being a big player in the format wars. I am sure they would still be selling 8-tracks if they could find a source.

I could be wrong. I only go into my local store about twice a year. Walmart is my last resort store and it usually disappoints.

Unsound,

I see Walmart as a follower, not a leader. It may jump on a hi-def bandwagon (Blue-Ray or HD DVD)but only after the winner has been decided. Walmart does not make markets (= take risk) for products. It invests in inventory and shelf space after critical mass has been achieved in public demand.

Jaybo, The question is who is "they". Walmart is unlikely to make an arbitrary decision. Either Walmart will receive an offer they can't refuse or the customers will vote with their wallets. If sales are uneven enough Walmart may drop one format. And that will be bad for that format and hasten its final days but it may only be an indicator that the format has already lost, not the actual cause.

By offer they can't refuse, I mean some exclusive deal. But who in either camp (HD DVD or Blue Ray)is big enough to make an exclusive deal to the exclusion of the other? I do not understand the distribution model but is there a single distributor of either format that is large enough to create an exclusive deal with the big "W"? That sure wouldn't make the other retailers happy.