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Blu-ray outselling HD-DVD in Europe

By Stevie Smith Nov 28, 2007, 10:58 GMT

While supporters of the high-definition Blu-ray disc format have long since claimed that sales of Blu-ray movies in North America are outstripping those attributed to format rival HD-DVD, the European territories have invariably provided a modicum of balance to the argument, with HD-DVD often performing better than Blu-ray across the pond – but not any more it would seem. Citing industry figures attributed to disc sales, Blu-ray offers that it is outperforming HD-DVD in Europe. Credit: Blu-ray.

Citing industry figures attributed to disc sales, Blu-ray offers that it is outperforming HD-DVD in Europe. Credit: Blu-ray.Specifically, according to a report published by news agency Reuters, Blu-ray is now claiming that the last twelve months has seen the fall of the European market to the ongoing spread of the Sony Corp-backed HD format, with Toshiba Corp’s HD-DVD languishing far behind on the sales front.The Blu-ray disc association released a statement this week citing industry sales performance data that points to Blu-ray sales in Europe having moved to the 21 million marker across the region. However, it is worth noting that, of those 21 million sales, only 1 million is attributed to actual Blu-ray movie sales. The remaining figure falls to Blu-ray (videogame) disc sales via the PlayStation 3, which has an in-built Blu-ray player.That being said, sales data offered up by Media Control GfK International highlights that 73 percent of HD movie discs bought across Europe in 2007 have been of the Blu-ray variety, with a mere 27 being offered up via HD-DVD. If accurate, those figures sit more favourably beside HD performance numbers associated with the two-to-one movie disc sales enjoyed by Blu-ray over HD-DVD in the United States from January through to October.Of the two HD formats, Sony’s Blu-ray is presently saddled with considerably more expensive hardware that likely appeals to enthusiasts, while Toshiba’s HD-DVD continues to offer itself as a more consumer and pocket-friendly option. Both formats are dropping in price, but HD-DVD players are on sale in the U.S. for a little under $200 USD, while Blu-ray players remain closer to $400 USD. Several leading retailers recently sold HD-DVD players for below $100 USD for a limited time, marking a notable spike in sales of HD hardware.Analysts have offered that, despite any hardware quality and disc storage differences that may set Blu-ray apart from HD-DVD, the ultimate factor in deciding which format eventually emerges as the market victor could well rely on little more than pricing.

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