From a distance, it appears that HD DVD owners are in a
terrible spot. Those with HD DVD hardware, however, may argue that times have
never been better with retailers clearing out movies at only a third of their
original prices. Couple that with certain “consolation” gifts, HD DVD owners
aren’t likely to feel ditched just yet.
Amazon.com sent an email to out to its customers who purchased
an HD DVD player before February 23, 2008 informing them that they’re entitled
to a $50 store credit.
The Amazon note read, “New technologies don't always work
out as planned. We at Amazon.com value our customer relationships more than
anything and would like to support customers who purchased these players by
offering a credit good for $50 off any products sold by Amazon.com.** Just use
promotional code XXXXXXXXXX when checking out. The code is valid through April
9, 2009, so you have plenty of time to use your credit. Purchases from third-party
merchants on our site are not eligible.”
There are certain restrictions associated with the $50, but
buying more movies shouldn’t pose a problem. Coincidentally or not, Amazon is now
running a Blu-ray
Disc movie sales event, where a buyer can pick up two movies and get a
third free.
The offer of a $50 credit for HD DVD hardware buyers is not
new – Best Buy announced a similar deal several weeks ago. Like Amazon’s terms,
anyone who purchased an HD DVD player before February 23, just days after Toshiba
announced
the end of hardware production, would qualify
for a $50 gift card.