Blu-ray Player Sales Up 50% in Black Friday Week

According to The NPD Group, sales volume of Blu-ray players during Black Friday week set a record, with more than 400,000 players sold during the week ended November 28, up more than 50% from the same period last year. Sales of 3D Blu-ray players were also remarkably strong.

The median unit price was $113, down 23% year-on-year.

"It was a boom time for Blu-ray players," said Stephen Baker, VP of industry analysis with NPD. "The real difference this was that the stuff promoted was relatively current product with current features."

Most consumers went for discounted players with BD-Live support, but on the other hand, 15% of the units sold were 3D Blu-ray compatible. Baker said that indicates growing demand for 3D Blu-ray. "Right now you are not seeing a lot of people demanding 3D Blu-ray, but for a slight up-charge they are going to buy one," he explained, and predicted: "Sooner, rather than later, the difference between 3D Blu-ray and Blu-ray is going to be meaningless," he said.