I imagine most people who purchased their now useless HD DVD players will want to hold on to them for posterity or some alternative use, but for those without an affinity for obsolete electronics, several major retailers are now offering consumers partial refunds.

Amazon.com will offer a $50 credit to those who bought HD DVD players before February 23--several days after Toshiba officially pulled the plug on the DVD format.

"New technologies don't always work out as planned," Amazon said in an e-mail to customers.

For those who stocked up on their HD DVD players, Amazon will cover up to 10 players, for a maximum credit of $500. Customers just have to type in a promotional code provided by Amazon at checkout. Credits are good through April 9, 2009.

Wal-Mart this week also announced plans to offer refunds to customers who purchased HD DVD players between November 1, 2007 and today. You don't need to have the box it came in, but you will need a receipt.

Best Buy and Circuit City last month also announced that they would offer store credit in exchange for returned HD DVD players.