Can You Return Your HD DVD?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

21 Mar 2008 07:45 AM

For those who are "stuck" with the outdated HD DVD system, reminiscent of the old format war that plagued video recording systems, life may be sad; at least as far as home theater systems go. As we all know, HD DVD is dead, beat out by Blu-ray whose global distribution system was far superior and, in my opinion, the main reason for its winning the race.

But, the good news is that if you do have an HD DVD system, you may be able to return it for store credit. Some stores are allowing you to do just that.

If you were lucky enough to purchase your HD DVD from Circuit City in the last 90 days, you could be eligible for a full return on your unit. The return would be issued as store credit, not cash, but considering that you would otherwise be left with a piece of equipment that could make a nice conversation piece and not much else, it is a good deal.

Best Buy stores, seemingly in response to Circuit City's generous offer is offering a deal of their own. While they won't refund you the entire purchase price of your HD DVD system, they will issue a store gift card for $50, to soften the blow of your outdated purchase and perhaps to encourage you to purchase a new Blu-ray system instead. You must have purchased your HD DVD system before February 29th.

For either store, Circuit City or Best Buy, there is no offer to accept or buy back and HD DVD movie discs. Those you will just have to toss or turn into expensive Christmas ornaments, since they won't play on any other system, Blu-ray or standard DVD.

Other big names may follow suite with offering returns or credits. I'll keep you posted if I hear any more.

Meanwhile, if you do have an HD DVD system that you can't return, consider using it as a backup or spare standard DVD. It will play standard discs and can slightly enhance the quality of those standard DVDs.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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