Sony: Blu-ray player sales short of expectations

21 Nov 08 19:51 by Randomus in category Uncategorized To news archive

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Sony still believes standalone Blu-ray players will be one of the most popular consumer electronics sold this holiday shopping season, but said sales will not reach earlier expectations.

Sony previously expected to sell 5 million units, with most of the number expected to be sold in the United States. The format is about 10 percent off what Sony executives and others thought they would be able to manage this year, with the cost of Blu-ray movies also causing the format to struggle.

Another problem facing the Blu-ray camp is the expensive movie discs, which often cost $30 each. Current Blu-ray player owners have been hesitant to expand their movie collection because Blu-ray movies cost $10+ more than regular DVDs they may already own.

Oddly enough, some executives in Hollywood said Blu-ray movie sales have been struggling due to high Blu-ray player prices — which have been steadily dropping — instead of focusing on the movies.

Even though the global economy crunch is one of the leading factors behind lowered expectations, Sony and other Blu-ray manufacturers could receive a late boost as consumers find cheaper deals for the high-definition players prior to Christmas.

Leading up to Christmas, it’s now possible to find entry level Blu-ray players for under $200, with higher-end models breaking the $300 barrier for the first time in the format’s short history. Consumers patiently waiting to hop on the Blu-ray bandwagon should be able to find good standalone player deals on Black Friday — one week away — and during the entire month heading towards Christmas.

As more consumers begin to adopt digital streaming, the time window for Blu-ray to keep attracting new buyers may be shorter than originally expected, analysts have warned.

15 Comments

guest: Posts: 15288; Posted on: 21 Nov 08 20:39

The only people to blame for this are Sony themselves. They have been almost dictator-like in refusing Chinese companies to manufacture Blu-ray players that could have reduced the pric to the magical sub-$200 mark a long time ago.

That, couple with the fact that they haven't enamored themselves to the public by being strict with their pricing structure, has seen them lose ground when in fact they should have been charging ahead.

I recall when the HD-DVD format folded and Sony execs were smugly anticipating a huge growth in Blu-ray use because of it. Funny how things work out, isn't it?

Danny Brown.

Crabbyappleton: Posts: 5757; Posted on: 21 Nov 08 21:50

Well, we will see how well they sell in the coming months when the players are going for 99 dollars and the discs for 15.... You can already get a Bluray player for free if you buy a decent set.

I predict we will see bargain prices similar to what I mention above by Feb 09. They have to kill DVD or they lose everything and they have to do it soon. They are in a format war with DVD now- in case they haven't figured that out yet.

guest: Posts: 15288; Posted on: 22 Nov 08 23:20

Sony actually admitting they are going to have some problem selling Blu-ray players is not surprising at all. I'm kind of surprised they had the balls to say those things publicly.

shaolin007: Posts: 883; Posted on: 23 Nov 08 01:59

When economist are saying that this could be the worst holiday shopping season in 15 years or more, even lower prices aren't going to save it. When they are saying that unemployment is going to hit 9% in the next 3 months, don't be surprised if people don't spend their money on a Bluray player. Their projection that their sales are 10 percent off is low balling it I think. I think it will be worse than what they are thinking.

applegodel8: Posts: 151; Posted on: 23 Nov 08 05:21

this manufacture in china thing is dumb, it should be illegal to manufacture there, their economy is booming while the US is dieing. China is the cause of this worlds financial problems, and the stuff that comes from there is crap and doesnt last. i would rather spend $200 and know i am going to have it for a 5 -10 years instead of paying $50 and get a year out of it if im lucky.

shaolin007: Posts: 883; Posted on: 23 Nov 08 18:11

Oh China is hurting too. This is a world wide recession. Markets across the globe are suffering.

Randomus: Posts: 1917; Posted on: 23 Nov 08 19:45

Just like some of you, I think this 10 percent prediction by the Sony execs is a bit too optimistic for my tastes.

Even though more and more people are buying HDTVs, I'm not entirely convinced a lot of those same people are buying 1080p TVs and are ready to get rid of their DVD players at the moment -- the price cut simply isn't enough.

Maybe if this whole $25M marketing thing was launched earlier and consumers actually saw some advertising or something about it, then it could help make a difference.

guest: Posts: 15288; Posted on: 24 Nov 08 14:08

I think Sonys biggest problem here is the cost of media, I've got a Blu-ray coming for Xmas - just thought I'd have a play. So far thought I've bought all the Xmas seasons new releases on DVD, no point in paying that huge premium for Blu-ray. The picture may well be better - but I'm still not paying more than 15 quid for a movie. For now I'll let it upscale my DVDs.

DukeNukem: Posts: 1003; Posted on: 25 Nov 08 14:36

I think Sony's biggest problem here is they're scheming, lying, treacherous, corporate scum who make substandard quality products.

Oh, I know. I was surprised when I found out too.

guest: Posts: 15288; Posted on: 27 Nov 08 13:03

good point. I agree that until Sony, and the 'impoverished' movie studios, reduce the cost of the movies, uptake will be slow.

guest: Posts: 15288; Posted on: 27 Nov 08 20:42

and i think your problem is that you're very disillusioned!!

i bet its because you own an xbox360!

i think you're quite sad that you keep trying to flame sony! were one of their walkmans or vcr's dropped on your head at a young age?

DukeNukem: Posts: 1003; Posted on: 28 Nov 08 04:49

Don't tell me, let me guess. You own stock in Sony? You're a Sony fanboy? You just bought a PS3 and need to defend your purchase?

No, I don't play console games. If you don't like what I say about Sony then I think you'd better turn to another channel now. Oh, and Steve, tell your mom I said hi.

steveo119: Posts: 291; Posted on: 28 Nov 08 20:13

er...so you must have had your pc crashed by DRM? you bought a betamax? and no, i won't bow to your anti-sony religion! i have'nt got stock in sony(and i'm immature?), and i have had my ps3 since launch, because i could see potential in it as a HD media player, as well as a games machine.

oh....don't take my mom into this.....idiot!

applegodel8: Posts: 151; Posted on: 28 Nov 08 21:09

you 2 need to get a room

DukeNukem: Posts: 1003; Posted on: 28 Nov 08 21:25

Well, I'm too smart to let DRM get onto my PC. No, I never had Betamax. You're right, I shouldn't have brought your mom into this. For that comment I apologize unreservedly.

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Sony: Blu-ray player sales short of expectations

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