Right after Wal-Mart revealed that it would have the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player on sale for $98.97 Friday morning, Best Buy followed suit by offering the HD-A2 online and in-store for $99.99.
Expectedly, Best Buy stores were quickly depleted of stock and BestBuy.com was hammered with excess orders. The majority of customers who purchased HD-A2s from BestBuy.com received backorder notices.
The problem is that HD-A2 has been discontinued, so all those backordering customers would have their orders canceled. However, Best Buy instead decided to replace all backordered HD-A2 players with the new third-generation HD-A3 which retails for $299.99.
A letter sent to Toshiba HD-A2 customers reads as follows:
"Dear Valued Best Buy Customer,
You are receiving this email because you recently ordered a Toshiba HD DVD Player (model # HD-A2) from www.bestbuy.com and your order was placed in a backorder status while we awaited additional inventory. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has discontinued this item and we are not anticipating receiving any more inventory.
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. There is no need for you to do anything to receive this upgraded model. We will simply fulfill your original order and your packing slip will be updated to show you received the HD-A3 and serve as your order receipt.
If you are not interested in receiving the Toshiba HD-A3 as a replacement for the discontinued HD-A2, you may return the unopened item to your nearest Best Buy store or simply contact one of our Customer Service Representatives at (888)-BestBuy for more information about how to return the product for a complete refund.
Please accept our apology for any inconvenience. We look forward to your next visit to Best Buy.
Sincerely,
Best Buy Customer Care"
