Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2007) -- Retailers are increasingly pushing High-Definition TV buyers to also purchase related accessories, such as Blu-ray and HD DVD players.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The strategy to upsell high-def buyers comes from a desire to boost profits despite shrinking HDTV prices. Industry profit margins have fallen dramatically over the last year as set prices have declined by as much as 30 percent.

Video Business reports that retailer Ultimate Electronics hopes next year to persuade at least 25 percent of HDTV buyers to also get a Blu-ray or HD DVD player.

Other retailers are also pushing cables, high-def discs and other HD-related products.

“We are looking at future-proofing people for the high-def transition,” Matt Duda, Ultimate's director of video merchandising, told the publication. “It is incumbent to inform the consumer about other product categories evolving as well, and HDTV is just one part of it. Why not get in on the ground floor and get all of the latest and greatest in technology?”

The retailer is displaying a Toshiba HD DVD player next to Toshiba HDTVs to coax consumers to think of the two as a package buy.

Rick Souder, executive vice president of merchandise for Crutchfield, says the industry has little choice but to get more creative.

“It’s absolutely important for retailers to try to make sales more profitable as TV prices come down,” said Souder. “You’re also doing it in good conscience because the accessory product can be mandatory for the total enjoyment of the main product.”

The retailers' new strategy is good news for supporters of Blu-ray and HD DVD players. The two high-def disc formats have struggled due to the format war and high player prices.

However, manufacturers of both formats are expected to lower prices starting this holiday season.