Betamax, Vinyl, VHS and Now HD-DVD

So you thought Sony’s Blu-Ray technology was going to go the way of the Betamax and bought an HD-DVD player instead. Now what? You could create a super high-tech planter.
 
Or if you bought your player from Best Buy, you’re entitled to $50. That’s right, the retail giant is sending out $50 gift cards to all consumers who purchased an HD-DVD player from the store before February 23, the day Toshiba announced it was abandoning the format. And if you don’t want to keep your player to play traditional DVDs (no, it won’t look the same on that great HDTV you bought), Best Buy will buy it back at Bestbuytradein.com—and yes you still get the gift card.
 
Didn’t buy from Best Buy? Less, publicized but still noteworthy, Circuit City is taking back HD players, even if used. Do note, however, returns must be made within 90 days of the purchase.
 
And, well, you’re out of luck if you shopped anywhere else. We’d love to see your new planter though. Next time, wait it out. [New York Times]