During our trip to Europe's biggest consumer electronics show (IFA) last week, we had a chance to listen to the latest developments in the Blu-ray market with representatives from Disney, Sony and Amazon all present.
Together, they head the BDA – Blu-ray Disc Association – or 'BD Taskforce' which they sometimes called themselves. Sounds a bit Team America to us, but these are the key facts that we pulled out as they spoke about Blu-ray in 2009.
We should also point out the event was chaired by Victor Matsuda (above) global promotions committee chair of the BDA.
- By the end of the year, 150 different players will be available to buy in Europe
- 62% of all BD movies are on 50GB discs, rather than 25GB discs. 100GB discs expected next year.
- BD to account for 33% of film market in 2012, BDA research shows, but DVD stil dominant at 45%. They reckon online and mobile video will account for 9% and 4% respectively.
- Europe's first £80 BD player expected at Christmas, though there's no mention of who will make it.
- 2011 is the date standalone players are expected to outstrip those of PlayStation 3 – though since IFA, PS3 sales have rocketed thanks the PS3 Slim and the recent price cut...
- 50GB is enough space to house a 3D film, though extras will need an extra disc
- Amazon says the key to BD success is new content on disc, over DVD to justify price premium - though the DVD vs BD price premium is expected to fall to below 25% by Christmas. So if your DVD costs £14, a BD version should be around £18.
- 3D Blu-ray discs will carry 2D versions of the film, suggests Matsuda
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