Blu-ray, winner of the format war against Toshiba's now dead-and-buried HD DVD, has seen a surprising fall in sales since its emergence as the sole next-generation format.
According to sales figures from the NPD Group, sales of standalone Blu-ray players fell a substantial 40 per cent from January to February. After the demise of HD DVD, sales rose just 2 per cent from February to March, significantly lower than expected.
Ross Rubin of the NPD Group suggests that upconverting DVD players are to blame, claiming that they are still the preferred choice for many consumers.
However, is there more to Blu-ray's lacklustre sales than meets the eye? Perhaps so. In our estimation, the relatively high asking price for standalone Blu-ray players leaves the format attracting only the enthusiast market. Coupled with Blu-ray movies that cost on average more than their DVD counterparts, many consumers may not yet see the need to upgrade.
Market researchers suggest that it may be late into 2009, when Blu-ray players become affordable to the mainstream market, before Blu-ray truly makes its mark.
How do you feel about Blu-ray and have you purchased a Blu-ray player in the wake of HD DVD's death? Share your thoughts in the HEXUS forums.
