According to a new study by consumer electronics shopping market research
site
Retrevo
, almost 40 percent of the
most popular DVD player models on the market heading into the holiday
shopping season are actually Blu-ray players, compared with only 15 percent
this time last year, and player pricing has fallen an average of 35 percent.
However, to further increase awareness drive sales, other steps are needed
from player vendors and manufacturers.
The suggestions by Retrevo include:
- Lower prices further: The study found that 34 percent of the
respondents said $150 was the most they'd pay for a player (ideally, a Profile
2.0 one).
-
Increase consumer education: approximately 49 percent of those
recently surveyed by Retrevo Pulse said they had never seen a movie in Blu-ray
high definition. A further 18 had, but still said they "would need some good
arguments in favor of Blu-ray."
-
Target marketing efforts at specific demographic segments: 62
percent of those over 35, and 26 percent of those aged 25 to 34, thought
regular DVDs are all they need. A clear marketing challenge is to raise
awareness among seniors.
-
Ensure the availability of Blu-ray Disc software, where possible
"Right now, Blu-ray is one of the only ways to deliver FullHD, 1080p
programming and HD audio to the increasing numbers of HDTVs showing up in
living rooms all around the world," the Retrevo report concluded. "Lower prices
and some good old fashioned marketing could turn the tide in Blu-ray's favor."