Wal Mart to Carry HD DVD Players and Movies

Walmart is an important trend maker because, good or bad they are a huge supplier of electronics to the masses. If Walmart pushes one format over another it will probably make more of a difference than any other store. Having exclusivity at the nations largest retailer makes a difference.
 
However, I see absolutely no exclusivity at wal-mart. They are carrying both formats almost equally in stores I have visited. So by being neutral, they are a bit player in my book. Until a store like BB, CC, Wal-mart, etc goes exclusive none of them will have any influence on the market/war.

And in my opinion, Wal-mart is the least influential of of the 3 when it comes to consumer electronics. Many many people still associate wal-mart with low quality, cheap electronics. No matter the name on the box. I am not saying that is how I am, I am just saying that is how many people view them. They are changing and as they change their image over time they will have more influence.