Blu-ray Dominance Will be Delayed, Say Analysts

04/29/08

It has been three months since HD-DVD lost its contest with Blu-ray, and the market has absorbed the consequent impacts while remaining open to changes. To clear inventory, HD-DVD and universal players are selling at deep discounts, HD-DVD and universal drives will no longer ship after 2008, and Best Buy has removed HD-DVDs from its shelves to make room for more standard Blu-ray movies and DVDs.

But in spite of all this, say analysts, the Blu-ray format and market must undergo further evolution before it can truly capitalize on its one-time competitor's downfall.

t will be 12 to 18 months before the Blu-ray market kicks into gear, say analysts from ABI Research. Consumer electronics manufacturers need to introduce full-featured players, then get prices down to the $200 level. Until then, say representatives from ABI, non-HDTV owners will favor standard-definition DVD players.

In addition, ABI believes the depressed economy in the United States could lead HDTV and prospective HDTV owners to opt for upconverting standard-definition DVD players as they delay buying more-expensive electronics. This could also have an effect on Blu-ray movies, which are generally more expensive than standard DVDs. Certain studios have brought prices down to the low $20-range for some Blu-ray titles.

"Blu-ray Disc player prices remain high, and supplies are limited," said ABI Research principal analyst Steve Wilson. "This is good for the market, because most current players do not support all the functions that studios place on the discs. Lacking support for -- or upgradability to -- BD Live! or Bonus View (picture in picture), consumers cannot utilize all the available options. Manufacturers would rather sell more fully-featured models."

ABI estimates that in 2008, PlayStation 3s will make up more than 85 percent of all Blu-ray players in the market, and PS3 sales are picking up steam. ABI Research predicts that this trend of the PS3 leading the BD pack will continue until 2013, when the installed base of stand-alone Blu-ray players and PC-based Blu-ray players finally overtakes the installed base of the PS3.

Send News to N4G | | Slashdot It!

Most Recent Features

The Casual Divide: How Hardcore Are You?

In the discussion about casual vs. hardcore games, Chris finds more similarities than you'd think.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Preview

This promising game has as much personality and polish as the first movie. And no, it's not dead.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Preview

The long-awaited Dark Side game is shaping up to be well worth the wait, Star Wars fan or not.

Is Casual Gaming Dead Already?

In his first The Left Click column, Chris addresses whether casual games have already come and gone.

Dead Space Preview: The Environments

In this preview, we take a detailed look at the level design that helps make Dead Space scary.

DailyGame's PlayStation Homepage

The Casual Divide: How Hardcore Are You?

In the discussion about casual vs. hardcore games, Chris finds more similarities than you'd think.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Preview

This promising game has as much personality and polish as the first movie. And no, it's not dead.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Preview

The long-awaited Dark Side game is shaping up to be well worth the wait, Star Wars fan or not.

Is Casual Gaming Dead Already?

In his first The Left Click column, Chris addresses whether casual games have already come and gone.

NVIDIA Speaks Out About Intel's Larrabee

The company had heard the discussions about Intel's Larrabee and has its own choice words.

DailyGame's Xbox 360 Homepage

The Casual Divide: How Hardcore Are You?

In the discussion about casual vs. hardcore games, Chris finds more similarities than you'd think.

Is Casual Gaming Dead Already?

In his first The Left Click column, Chris addresses whether casual games have already come and gone.

EA's Big Changes -- That Nobody Even Notices

As we begin an on-location visit to Electronic Arts, we wonder just how big the industry truly is.

ESA Evaluating Major Changes for E3 2009

Changes are always considered, but this year's post-show survey shows some biggies in the air.

DailyGame's Best of E3 2008 Awards

The competition this year was somewhat slim, but it was very tight. Here are the best of the best.

DailyGame's Nintendo Homepage

Redbelt Blu-ray Disc Review

Not one of Mamet's best works, but an intriguing look at the business side of Hollywood and Jiu-jitsu.

The Counterfeiters Blu-ray Disc Review

The Holocaust story may have won an Oscar, but its Blu-ray appearance isn't nearly as astounding.

The Mummy Returns: Deluxe Edition Blu-ray Review

Like the original film, this sequel's Blu-ray Disc isn't quite up to par with the first one, but it's still solid.

The Mummy: Deluxe Edition Blu-ray Review

The movie looks and sounds brand new, but the CG isn't as stellar, and the bonus features are tired.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (Unrated) Blu-ray Review

The mix of courtroom drama and horror film is surprisingly good, and the A/V aspects hold up well.

DailyGame's Blu-ray Homepage

Actiontec Mega Plug AV Powerline Gaming Kit Review

Getting a wired connection through your home's electrical wiring couldn't be easier or more secure.

3K RazorBook 400 Mini Notebook PC Review

This could be a blogger's best friend, at least for basic functions.

D-BOX: How and Why Home Theater is Evolving

You may think Star Tours-like seating is not for home, but it's closer than you think.

Skullcrushers Subwoofer Headphones Review

The name may be brutal, but if you're into bass, this is one refined headset.

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets Blu-ray Review

Nicolas Cage rocks Mount Rushmore, and the movie itself is rockin' too.

DailyGame's Home Electronics Homepage