Washington, D.C. (May 26, 2008) -- Blu-ray players will outsell standard-def DVD players by this August, according to several high-end electronics retailers, as reported by Video Business.
The research firm NPD said this month that sales of standalone Blu-ray players (not including Play Station 3 consoles) fell 40 percent from January to February in the U.S. Blu-ray sales increased two percent from February to March.
The sales numbers were disappointing because Toshiba announced in February that it was pulling the plug on Blu-ray's high-def disc rival, HD DVD.
But the retail executives say Blu-ray player sales have been slowed by a lack of supplies, and not a lack of interest from consumers. Ultimate Electronics, Crutchfield and Bjorn's all say demand for Blu-ray players has exceeded demand for the standard-def DVD player since the format war ended.
The executives say Blu-ray makers such as Sony, Panasonic and Samsung will soon launch new players, leading to more supply at retail. Additionally, the new set-tops will likely allow stores to lower prices on current Blu-ray models, which also could trigger more sales.
Rick Souder, executive vice president of merchandise for Crutchfield, tells Video Business that Blu-ray supplies have been low because companies were surprised by the sudden end to the format war.