Yes, it’s that time again – time for some fresh info from the fascinating world of Blu-ray disc. According to research group GfK Retail and Technology, Blu-Ray recorders now account for over 50% of the home media player market in Japan.
That puts Blu-ray ahead of the long-established DVD format, and with unit price reductions expected to continue throughout December, the gap may grow wider yet. Another reason for the rapid uptake may be the rise of high definition TV – HD programmes can be recorded to Blu-ray disc without quality loss, unlike DVD.
GfK also notes that Blu-ray recorders are replacing DVD recorders 1.5 times faster than the latter replaced VHS recorders. We wonder if the phrase "selling like hot cakes" has a Japanese equivalent?
Good news, in any case, for Sony – with Blu-ray movies fast becoming the norm in Japan, the PlayStation 3 is an ever-more-attractive prospect…