Toshiba sees strong start to HD DVD players at Best Buy, Sears, and Wal-Mart

Despite a shaky start, Toshiba reported strong first day sales as it began rolling out its HD DVD players Monday. Hardware began to reach Best Buy, Sears, and Wal-Mart stores, with most retailers expected to get players by the end of the week. Previously expected to hit shelves in late March, Toshiba players were delayed to coincide with the launch of the first HD DVD titles. Toshiba product will be stocked in about 800 Best Buy stores, 500 Wal-Mart stores, 600 Sears stores and other regional retailers for a total reach of 3,000 stores. While the company hasn’t released exactly how many players are being shipped, but distributors and retailers say they’ve heard estimates of 10-15,000. As of Monday, Serenity was Amazon.com’s top April 18 HD DVD title. Amazon.com and Target.com, among other retailers, are accepting pre-orders for May 9 releases.

Source: Video Business