|
|
|
|
|
Blu-ray Picks Up the Pace, Becomes Twice as Popular as HD DVD, Says ReportBoth in the US and on various emerging markets |
By Alex Vochin, Technology Editor
16th of August 2007, 15:16 GMT
Adjust text size:  
|
| |
|
The fact that both Blu-ray and HD DVD supporters claim that their side is winning the next-gen format's war is already yesterday's news, but it's quite interesting to check from time to time on the latest developments in this ongoing race, battle, competition or whatever you might want to call it. And the latest info on the subject comes from Home Media Research, whose latest study reveals the fact
that Blu-ray movies are twice as popular as their HD DVD counterparts.
Thus, according to Electronista, who's quoting the aforementioned report, the study estimates that over 1.6 million copies of Blu-ray movies sold between the start of the year and July 1st, with HD DVD only reaching 795,000. Although said report doesn't really provide a very good reason for this situation, one of the most obvious factors that boosted Blu-ray sales is the release of Sony's PlayStation 3 gaming console, which comes packed with a built-in Blu-ray player.
The report comes at only 1 day after Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's announcement regarding the increase in total Blu-ray Disc sales in the emerging markets, as for example Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Eastern Europe, South Africa and the Middle East, which reached a total value of around 21%. This value is even more important because, as T. Paul Miller, Senior Vice President, International, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment says, "It is extremely positive to see an increase in volume of BD software sales in these markets where piracy has previously ravaged the DVD business."
The most BD titles from SPHE in these regions (as well as others) are Casino Royale, Ghost Rider, Open Season, Kung Fu Hustle, Black Hawk Down, XXX and Stealth. South Africa accounts for the largest share of Blu-ray Disc sales, with more than 15,000 units shipped to date.
And what are the HD DVD supporters doing in the mean time? Lowering prices and offering free bundles. While this strategy might work to some extent, it's becoming quite clear that the PS3 sales and the fact that the number of companies manufacturing standalone Blu-ray players is significantly greater than that of HD DVD manufacturers (namely, just Toshiba) might really affect the result of this war, at least in the long term.
We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is  .
|
|
| Rating: |
|
Fair (2.6/5) |
6 vote(s) so far |
|
|
|
|
User opinions: |
 No user comments yet.  Be the first to express your opinion using the form below! |
|
|
