Target is shifting the balance of its high-definition software merchandising toward Blu-ray Disc, now devoting twice the amount of display space to that format than it does to HD DVD in some or all of its stores.

When the chain first launched a high-def section within its new release DVD wall last year, display space for Blu-ray and HD DVD discs was equal. At a number of Los Angeles stores, there were 12 designated title slots, aligned along two vertical rows, for each format.

But in the last several weeks, various industry sources have noted Target doubling the room for Blu-ray titles, while keeping shelving for HD DVD titles the same. At three Los Angeles and two Orange County, Calif., locations, Target had space for 24 Blu-ray titles along four vertical rows and 12 HD DVD titles along two vertical rows. At one Philadelphia-area Target, there appeared to be four times the room committed to Blu-ray than there was to HD DVD software.

In October, Target will begin offering Sony’s $499 Blu-ray player as its sole high-def set-top product in stores and has been expected to give Blu-ray software priority merchandising with the players.