Toshiba to shelve HD DVD

By Chris Nicholls

TOKYO: Toshiba is planning to wind up production of HD DVD hardware and software at its Aomori factory and end the high definition format war, according to reports by Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK.

The report, which screened over the weekend, said the decision would cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars. A call to Toshiba’s public relations office in Tokyo received only a “no comment”.

Initial reports began to surface late last week, with the Hollywood Reporter quoting unnamed sources at Toshiba that it was planning to wrap-up its HD DVD business.

The decision to close down manufacturing facilities comes two days after retail giant Wal-Mart announced its 4,000 stores and online facilities would move to stock Blu-ray exclusively.