Washington, D.C. (December 28, 2008) --
Since the launch of the high-def disc in the spring of 2006, I have issued several predictions on how quickly it would grow and which format would be ultimately successful. I am happy to report that nearly all of my forecasts have come true.
For instance, I first said in October 2006 that the Sony-backed Blu-ray would defeat the Toshiba-supported HD DVD format. (Last February, Toshiba pulled the plug on HS DVD, ceding victory to Blu-ray.) And in December 2007, I predicted that Warner Bros. would surprise the industry by supporting Blu-ray over HD DVD in early 2008. (The studio made my prediction come true at the January 2008 Consumer Electronics Show.)
So, I thought you would find it interesting to hear my predictions for Blu-ray in 2009. And here's number two:
8-10 Million Standalone Blu-ray Players Sold
By most estimates, there will be roughly three million standalone Blu-ray players sold in 2008. ( A standalone player is one that just plays Blu-ray and standard-def DVDs, as opposed to a PlayStation 3, which is a gaming console and Blu-ray player.)
But thanks to lower prices and positive word of mouth, Blu-ray player sales will really start to boom next year. Combining the PS3 and standalone Blu-ray players, more than 25 million U.S. homes will have Blu-ray capability by the end of 2009. At that point, it will be p to the studios to set the discs at attractive prices; if they do, Blu-ray will be on its way to replacing the standard-def DVD.
More Predictions Coming!
Until then, also see:
Swanni Predicts: Blu-ray In 2009
Swanni Predicts: NBC's Ratings Keep Falling Due to HD
Swanni Predicts: CBS to Promote Julie Chen At All Costs
Swanni Predicts: Home 3-D Fails In 2009
Comment on this article!
For instance, I first said in October 2006 that the Sony-backed Blu-ray would defeat the Toshiba-supported HD DVD format. (Last February, Toshiba pulled the plug on HS DVD, ceding victory to Blu-ray.) And in December 2007, I predicted that Warner Bros. would surprise the industry by supporting Blu-ray over HD DVD in early 2008. (The studio made my prediction come true at the January 2008 Consumer Electronics Show.)
So, I thought you would find it interesting to hear my predictions for Blu-ray in 2009. And here's number two:
8-10 Million Standalone Blu-ray Players Sold
By most estimates, there will be roughly three million standalone Blu-ray players sold in 2008. ( A standalone player is one that just plays Blu-ray and standard-def DVDs, as opposed to a PlayStation 3, which is a gaming console and Blu-ray player.)
But thanks to lower prices and positive word of mouth, Blu-ray player sales will really start to boom next year. Combining the PS3 and standalone Blu-ray players, more than 25 million U.S. homes will have Blu-ray capability by the end of 2009. At that point, it will be p to the studios to set the discs at attractive prices; if they do, Blu-ray will be on its way to replacing the standard-def DVD.
More Predictions Coming!
Until then, also see:
Swanni Predicts: Blu-ray In 2009
Swanni Predicts: NBC's Ratings Keep Falling Due to HD
Swanni Predicts: CBS to Promote Julie Chen At All Costs
Swanni Predicts: Home 3-D Fails In 2009
Comment on this article!
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Phillip Swann is
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in
dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox
News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
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