Hollow victory for Blu-ray?

It's been almost three months since high-definition DVD format Blu-ray won out over rival HD-DVD, but not all retailers are recording a boom in sales.

Statistics released by market research company NPD Group show sales of standalone Blu-ray players in the United States dropped 40 per cent from January to February, and increased by only 2 per cent from February to March.

Sony's Playstation 3 can also play Blu-ray movies, as can combination DVD players and PCs equipped with Blu-ray optical drives.

Dick Smith merchandise manager James Cunnold says the company has not seen the downturn in Blu-ray player sales experienced in the US, as sales have never really taken-off here. But sales have remained quiet since Toshiba said it would cease production of HD DVD devices. "It would appear that Blu-ray players have been purchased by early adopters only."

Mr Cunnold says standalone Blu-ray players will become more attractive as prices drop.

Dick Smith's Blu-ray players currently sell for $700 to $800.

He says Playstation 3s are selling well, with demand exceeding supply and sales of high-definition TVs are also up.

Despite Blu-ray emerging as the future of DVD, sales of non-high-definition DVD players continue to grow, and Dick Smith is selling thousands a month.

Mr Cunnold says DVD players that can upscale standard DVDs to high-definition make up less than 5 per cent of standard DVD player sales, but this percentage is increasing.

Other electronics retailers claim an increase in Blu-ray sales in the last few months.

Noel Leeming product manager Katrina Bui says sales of Blu-ray players and "upgrading" DVD players have improved since the end of the format war.

Sales of high-definition TVs - which have been selling well for years - and standard DVD players have remained steady, she says.

LV Martin chief executive Trevor Douthett also says Blu-ray player sales have increased since February.

Panasonic New Zealand consumer manager Stewart Fowler says people are becoming more aware of the benefits of high-definition, and this is partly due to the fact that Freeview is now broadcasting in high-definition.

He says Panasonic introduced a new Blu-ray player priced at $799 to New Zealand stores in April and uptake of the player has "far exceeded expectations".

- © Fairfax NZ News