Cheap Blu-Ray Coming?

Since its well-publicized birth and child-star upbringing, Blu-ray technology, both players and discs, have been on the pricey side. Yet despite the price tag, early adopters, big spenders and the entertainment-indulgent were willing to pay the price of enhanced video and the equipment necessary to play it. Now, however, in an economic climate that has consumer electronics and entertainment industries reeling alongside its consumers, the push to make the technology affordable has gone from “potential direction” to “survival necessity”.



In a recessionary concession that could possibly ensure long-term affordability, Blu-ray proponents Panasonic, Phillips and Sony have announced plans to form a single licensing entity for Blu-ray titles. The move could reduce retail prices on Blu-ray discs by as much as 40%. The 3 consumer electronics manufacturers also anticipate the release of Blu-ray player licensing that falls near $10 and 11-15 cent prices for blank discs.

While these plans address questions Blu-ray adopters and hold-outs have been asking for years, the time-frame necessary to consolidate licensing and manufacture economical players could prove problematic depending on the length or nature of the electronics manufacturers and their current licensing entity. Moreover, given the reported losses and anticipated performance levels for Panasonic, Phillips and Sony, failing to execute even the earliest stages of the plan by end of Q3 or early Q4 could prove disastrous.

For more information, see the Blu-ray player review site. For more tech news, check out the TTR Tech News Blog:

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