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Blu-ray getting its day?

June 19, 2009 SAN FRANCISCO—This might be the beginning of something big for Blu-ray Disc.

While attending Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray and BD Live press briefing here this week, I overheard some conversations among analyst and journalist attendees about BD Live functioning as a new format launch of sorts.

Think about it: In the Blu-ray format’s short life, there was the format war with HD DVD, and an overlapping period where Blu-ray players with various levels of functionality were bowing, making for one consumer confusion after another.

Now, in mid-2009, there are 11 million Blu-ray devices in homes, according to Adams Media Research; an estimated 1,500 software titles on the market; and a proliferation of richly interactive BD Live applications, such as Sony’s MovieIQ and Cinechat features, Warner Home Video’s Facebook integration and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment’s advanced navigational feature bowing on Snow White.

Blu-ray player sales were up 400% in the first quarter of 2009, over 2008, and 80% of devices are now capable of playing BD Live, according to Sony Electronics’ Mike Abary.

Consumers still need a lot more education about the advances Blu-ray makes over downloading and standard DVD, but all the pieces are falling into place to make that a very effective message.

Posted by Marcy Magiera on June 19, 2009 | Comments (0)