Sony DVD Handycam Camcorders Fuel Fastest Growing Format in Camcorder History

SAN DIEGO – Driving the popularity of DVD camcorders, Sony Electronics today announced it is the first company to sell more than one million of the disc-based units.

According to the latest market research from NPD Intellect, the DVD format now accounts for 22 percent of the camcorder market, double a year ago. And Sony DVD Handycam camcorders represent a whopping 85 percent of this unit total here in the U.S.

Sony also leads the total U.S. camcorder industry with nearly 50 percent market share for all camcorder sales.

“People have responded to how easy it is to record and share memories on DVD,” said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorders at Sony Electronics. “By offering well-designed and feature-rich Handycam models, we’ve taken the lead in the sales of DVD camcorders and have helped to create a whole new market.”

“IDC believes that over the next five years, more than two-billion gigabytes of family stories and funny moments will be recorded, shared and stored on DVD, all thanks to innovative and easy to use products like Sony DVD Handycam camcorders,” said Chris Chute, IDC’s camcorder analyst.

Starting at about $600, the DVD Handycam camcorder line includes five models, delivering such features as Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround recording, DVD+RW/-RW/-R compatibility, and touch-panel displays.