Blu-ray Players Now in 17% of US Households

The number of US households with at least one Blu-ray Disc player (standalone or PS3) has doubled since 2008, reaching 17% in July, according to a new report drafted by market study company Centris. More than 25% OF HDTV households own a Blu-ray player, up from 15% two years ago. Standalone players have also caught up with the PlayStation 3: the percentage of households that watch discs on a Blu-ray player and on the PS3 is 45% and 47%, respectively.

However, the report still states that for Blu-ray player to grow significantly, its ownership base will have to move well beyond the PS3 platform.

Blu-ray is the format of choice for younger, wealthier households with children.

Blu-ray households rent or purchase more optical discs than DVD-only households, although they still rent or purchase more DVD than Blu-ray. They are also more likely to have broadband connections, watch more VOD movies and download more movies than DVD homes.