While its older brother, the DVD, spirals further and further downward, the HD Blu-ray disc is holding strong, and experiencing massive growth in the 3D format. According to a forecast from research firm IHS Screen Digest, worldwide 3D Blu-ray disc spending will reach 7.5 million units this year, an increase of more than 530% over 2010.
The firm also projects that 41 million 3D Blu-rays could be sold in 2014 if current sales trends hold. Granted, the format was brand new last year and massive growth percentages are much easier to attain from a low baseline. Nevertheless, growth upwards of 500% is impressive.
Richard Baxter, a video research analyst with IHS, says there are several reasons for 3D Blu-ray’s growth:
“Consumers are snapping up Blu-ray 3D titles because of a number of positive occurrences in the home 3D segment . . . These developments include increasing consumer awareness of 3D technology, rising 3D hardware sales and an expanding catalog of 3D films for the home environment . . . Meanwhile, the arrival of more Blu-ray 3D titles in retail stores will enhance the technology’s profile among consumers and encourage 3D hardware adoption,” he added. “BD3D-enabled households are also likely to buy more Blu-ray 3D titles if they have a larger slate to choose from.”
While I (and many other consumers) remain disinterested in 3D in the home, these numbers suggest that there are many who disagree. Are you among them, Insiders? Is 3D Blu-ray worth the costs?
(via Home Media Magazine)
It’s like reading the financial news – 4 or 5 articles down from 5 days ago it paints a different picture.
A five-hundred percent increase in nothing is still nothing. 2010 BD3D sales are *deceptive* because many are bundled with BD2D/DVD disks or as a ‘flipper’ hybrid.
BD3D are shackled by a limited install base of compatible players. It will be years before even BD supersedes DVD and if BD3D becomes anything other than a novelty even more years for it to surpass BD sales.
It’s refreshing to know that I could also be a “video research analyst.” I could have come up with those conclusions without looking at any data or doing any “research.”
I myself own a 3d TV, but currently only have Avatar in 3d format since it came with the bundle I purchased. Unlike most people I do think 3d will flourish. I think the picture is spectacular. I love the depth. Avatar looks great and sporting events as well. The only problem is the price of 3d movies. I would only purchase probably my top 5 movies in 3d (they would have to be converted as they were not released in 3d) because the prices are too high. I’m not spending $40-$50 on a movie. Way too much. Regular DVD should always stay as some movies do not need to be in HD format, but the price for those should drop to $10, with regular blue-ray at $20 and then 3d at $30. If 3d movies were at $30 I may buy a few of the really good movies that are made each year.
I don’t have a 3D tv yet but I usually by the editions that include it to save $ and be future proof
We just purchased the new passive technology 3D t.v. produced by LG (uses regular movie theater glasses, not the expensive charging ones). I am hooked!! The 3D adds such a cool dimension to movies and sports via ESPN-3D channel. I heard the latest Harry Potter will be released in HD3D format this summer. As this technology becomes cheaper, and more movies become available, I think this will be even more popular. For now, it is still pretty pricey – but worth it to some.