(September 28, 2009) --
The Blu-ray high-def disc format will reach the mainstream of
American homes by 2010, according to a study by the research
firm NPD, and as reported by Video Business magazine.
The high-def format has struggled since its launch in 2006, particularly during the format war with rival HD DVD. (Toshiba, the main supporter of HD DVD, pulled the plug on the format in early 2008.) However, both player and disc sales have steadily risen this year thanks in part to lower prices.
NPD says that Blu-ray audience base has expanded from early adopters to "sensibles" and "dreamers" -- two consumer segments that usually wait for a new product to prove itself before embracing it.
In 2008, "cutting-edge" consumers represented 20 percent of the U.S. population -- and 64 percent of Blu-ray owners. However, the cutting-edge group now makes up just 38 percent of the Blu-ray base.
The high-def format has struggled since its launch in 2006, particularly during the format war with rival HD DVD. (Toshiba, the main supporter of HD DVD, pulled the plug on the format in early 2008.) However, both player and disc sales have steadily risen this year thanks in part to lower prices.
NPD says that Blu-ray audience base has expanded from early adopters to "sensibles" and "dreamers" -- two consumer segments that usually wait for a new product to prove itself before embracing it.
In 2008, "cutting-edge" consumers represented 20 percent of the U.S. population -- and 64 percent of Blu-ray owners. However, the cutting-edge group now makes up just 38 percent of the Blu-ray base.
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