Numerous Blu-ray products are due to be released soon by several manufacturers which have embraced the latest format. However, the analysts say that delays and also consumer confusion are expected due to a radical change of plans made by the producers, informs FoxNews.


Other reasons for this confusion seem to be the never-ending battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD formats, one which has created two armies within Hollywood world in the same way the 1980s Betamax/VHS combat generated millions of dollars losses and the same puzzlement on the retail market.

"We're in the very early stages of the early adapter phase. The sales of these players and discs right now are not going to move the needle," said American Technology Research analyst PJ McNealy.

FoxNews writes that the analysts estimate "that many consumers will remain sidelined until there is a clearer picture of which standard, Blu-ray or HD DVD, will prevail." Remember that we are talking about a $24 billion home video market.

The Blu-ray format is backed by Sony Corp., and the HD DVD by Toshiba Corp.. Toshiba just launched the industry's first HD DVD enabled notebook which promises to be a great success.

In the mean while, Sony Pictures should start delivering several titles in the Blu-ray format starting June 20, with the intention of it 'to happen' two weeks after the launching of the first Blu-ray DVD player from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Sony's (SNE) own Blu-ray compatible VAIO PC.

"The average person probably doesn't even care," said Kaufhold. "The fourth quarter of 2006 is when the clock really starts on these items. The first big real push will be the holiday season of 2007, but then you still have the rival format issue clouding things," he said.

However, as you might know, Sony has announced last week that it will delay its Blu-ray player up until August, and Pioneer has also deferred the release of the company's Blu-ray player for autumn, decreasing the purchase price from $1,800 to $1,500.