Consumers prefer Blu-ray over digital content

A recent survey shows HDTV owners greatly prefer viewing movies on Blu-ray Disc as opposed to streaming content directly to their TV.

The survey of 1,600 HDTV owners conducted by SmithGeiger revealed a 10-to-1 preference for Blu-ray over streaming content, such as Netflix’s growing business.

"The results of this global study clearly show that HDTV owners are enthusiastic about high-definition content and are familiar with a variety of HD delivery systems," said Amy Jo Smith, DEG executive director.  "The researcher further shows that HDTV is transforming the home-entertainment landscape and is paving the way for other emerging platforms such as Blu-ray Disc."

The finding is important as more standalone Blu-ray players and set-top boxes focused on digital content streaming are released, with the cost of the services decreasing.  Paying a monthly subscription fee to Netflix most likely is a cheaper alternative than purchasing Blu-ray discs, especially if you already own the movie on DVD.

Regardless of the survey, streaming content will continue to expand and could become more lucrative, as streaming content offers a wider library of TV episodes and movies available for owners to choose from.

Even at a time when Blu-ray continues to struggle due to economic issues, Blu-ray supporters are preparing for what they hope will be a busy holiday shopping season and good start to 2009.

All of this Blu-ray turmoil comes at a time when movie studios and consumer electronic makers are going to begin a $25 million advertising promotion for Blu-ray.