Additionally, the company lowered its expectations for 2009, from 95 million discs sold to 75 million discs, specifically citing weak attachment rate with PlayStation 3s, which remain the most popular Blu-ray players. According to the group, PS3 owners only purchase 2 Blu-ray films per year, while standalone owners purchase 5-8 per year.
“This is all about pricing,” adds Alison Casey, Futuresource head of global content. “In 2012, you’ll see entry-level Blu-ray pricing at $50. At that point, Blu-ray will become mass market.”
Blu-ray sales will continue to help offset declining DVD revenues, caused by a saturated market which is now forced to sell DVDs at cheaper prices than ever in history.
“Blu-ray is vital and important to keeping disc volume healthy,” said Casey. “Blu-ray is going to help sustain a flat packaged-media market.”
Futuresource also adds that Blu-ray owners are unusually heavy media consumers, in comparison to non-BD owners.
A recent survey by the group says "85% of Blu-ray households said they buy discs versus 62% of non-Blu-ray owners." For purchasing new movies online, "the breakdown was 11% Blu-ray, 3% non-owners."
Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 28 Jun 2009 0:31
