Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Blu-ray, DVD & 4K Media Players

Consumers Delaying Blu-ray Disc Player Purchases

Blu-ray players are not flying off retailers’ shelves, at least not in the numbers the industry might hope for. A new consumer survey from ABI Research has revealed a widespread reluctance to commit to a Blu-ray player in the near future: over half of the 1000 respondents, citing “other priorities,” say they have no plans to purchase one; a further 23% are likely to buy, but not until sometime in 2009.

ABI Research principal analyst Steve Wilson says that much of the lukewarm response can be attributed to consumers’ perceptions about the value proposition that Blu-ray delivers. “Consumers were happy to embrace standard DVD when that format arrived because the improvement in quality over VHS videotapes was dramatic. Standard DVD didn’t require the purchase of a new TV either. In contrast, while half of the respondents to our survey rated Blu-ray’s quality as ‘much better’ than standard DVD, another 40% termed it only ‘somewhat better,’ and most are very satisfied with the performance of their current DVD players.”

High Blu-ray player prices and the need for an accompanying high-definition television were also leading barriers to wider adoption, the survey showed. “We expect that player prices will remain above $300 for Tier One models for the remainder of this year,” says Wilson. Look for disc bundling to become the buyers’ incentive.

There is a bright spot, however: Sony’s Blu-ray-enabled PlayStation 3 game console is rapidly becoming a favorite for hard-core gamers and so the installed base of sockets for Blu-ray discs continues to climb. “While you might think gamers purchase fewer movie discs that others, we didn’t see any significant evidence of that in our results,” says Wilson. “PS3 console shipments will go a long way to help bring down manufacturing costs and drive down Blu-ray player prices.”

The new ABI Research Brief Blu-ray: Consumer Survey Results indicates how many consumers plan to purchase a BD player in the next 12 and 24 months, as well as how many have no plans to buy one. It also examines the reasons why consumers are holding back from making this purchase.

It forms part of the firm’s Consumer Video Technologies Research Service.

ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives. For information, visit http://www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Magnetar UDP800MKII and UDP900MKII Blu-ray Disc Players Front

Blu-ray, DVD & 4K Media Players

Magnetar’s blu-ray disc players prove physical media isn’t dead with 4K UHD, hi-res audio, Roon Ready, and reference build quality that will take a...

Astell&Kern PD10 Black DAP on table with headphones Astell&Kern PD10 Black DAP on table with headphones

DAPs

Astell&Kern PD10 Black DAP ($2,410) gets SP4000 upgrades including bit-perfect Android, Advanced DAR, Smart Gain and Qobuz Connect because color alone won’t cut it.

Canvas HiFi Frame Carsten Beck Edition Lifestyle Canvas HiFi Frame Carsten Beck Edition Lifestyle

New Products

The HiFi Frame encases a 55 to 85-inch Samsung TV with a cleverly concealed CANVAS HiFi soundbar that sounds even better than it looks.

Arcam A25+ Integrated Amplifier with Bluetooth Arcam A25+ Integrated Amplifier with Bluetooth

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

ARCAM Radia+ A5+, A15+, and A25+ integrated amplifiers debut at CEDIA 2025 with upgraded circuits, Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast, aptX Lossless, HDMI eARC, and pricing...

Theory Audio Design ic5 In-ceiling Speakers gray without grille Theory Audio Design ic5 In-ceiling Speakers gray without grille

In-Wall Speakers

Theory Audio Design's ic5 in-ceiling loudspeaker delivers high-output, versatile sound for home theater, multi-room, outdoor and marine installations.

Eversolo T8 Streaming Transport Eversolo T8 Streaming Transport

Music Streamers

Eversolo T8 streaming transport delivers ultra-precise digital audio with DSD512/PCM 768kHz support, Wi-Fi 6, SFP fiber, Roon Ready, and full DAC flexibility for audiophiles.

Gift Ideas?

Ultra High-end Audio and Video 2025 Gift Guide

Floorstanding Speakers

Ultra luxury hi-fi loudspeakers, audiophile components, and a movie player you have to hear (and see) to believe.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers