No more video downloads from Wal-Mart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart has shut down its online video download service after less than a year of launching the site.

According to reports, Wal-Mart ended the service because Hewlett Packard discontinued the technology that ran it, and the company would not seek out another technology partner.

On its download site, www.walmart.com/videodownloads, Wal-Mart informs its users that they can still play the videos they downloaded, but, due to licensing restrictions, only on the computer used to download the video. However, users who purchased portable format files can transfer them to up to 3 compatible portable players, though they are not compatible with popular players such as the Apple iPod and Sony PlayStation Portable. The site also informed users that no refunds will be given for purchased videos.

Wal-Mart said it would continue to offer DVDs in stores and online.