With Toshiba A2 Gone, Best Buy Sends Buyers A3

As previously reported, sales of the $99 Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player were brisk last week, with retailers selling over 100,000 units following a price drop that started at Wal-Mart and spread to other other outlets. However, demand was so high that the HD-A2 quickly sold out, and Best Buy is now telling customers it will send them the HD-A3 for no additional cost.

In an e-mail to customers, which explained that Best Buy will not be receiving any further HD-A2 inventory, the company said: "Because we value your business, we will be fulfilling your order with the next generation Toshiba HD DVD Player (model: HD-A3) that is replacing the HD-A2 in Toshiba's lineup of HD DVD Players." The HD-A3 launched with a retail price of $299 last month, but now can be found for $199 at some stores. Those who ordered the HD-A2 after supplies ran out, however, will receive the new unit for just $99.