DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in display market research and consulting, will feature a panel session on high definition packaged media formats—bringing together executives from both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD camps to address the successes and hurdles of each camp at its upcoming 2007 HDTV Conference on October 10-11, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Moreover, the panel will serve as a platform to address the adoption of next-generation DVDs, regardless of format.According to NPD, next-generation DVD players are forecasted to comprise half of the overall DVD market by 2011.

"DVDs are one of the most successful products ever introduced, and the battle to become the next packaged medium to succeed today’s DVDs has been a passionate, hard-fought effort from both sides.  A year into the clash the outcome remains hazy, as many consumers aren’t even aware there’s a war going on at all. What will accelerate adoption—lower prices, spectacular releases or technology advantages? Will the retailers who have to deal with multiple formats ultimately tip the scales? The DVD format session will likely be one of the highlights of this year’s conference, giving both camps a forum to share their thoughts on why high definition DVDs and their respective technologies will succeed," noted Russ Crupnick, NPD's Vice President, Senior Industry Analyst, Entertainment.

Specifically, the panel will address key issues such as

• How do the sales of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc hardware and software compare?
• Is consumer adoption where the industry expected, and what will it take to motivate more to buy?
• Is the magic bullet for consumers lower player prices, upcoming big titles or convincing them of the benefits of high definition regardless of format?
• Will the Paramount defection prolong the format war?
• Will Warner Bros. follow suit and make a deal with the HD DVD group?
• When will the collective power of the 190 Blu-ray Disc companies actually begin to demonstrate its clout?

April '06: HD DVD beats Blu-ray Disc to the market with the introduction of the industry’s first HD DVD players from Toshiba, selling at $799 and $499

June '06: Blu-ray Disc enters the market, backed by strong financial support and Samsung launches industry’s first Blu-ray Disc DVD player

July '06: HD DVD launches strong ad campaign under the banner "The Look and Sound of Perfect"

November '06: Sony launches Playstation 3 to near euphoric fan reception

June '07: Blockbuster announces Blu-ray Disc exclusivity

July '07: Target announces Blu-ray Disc exclusivity

August '07: Paramount defects from Blu-ray Disc, signs up exclusively with HD DVD

September '07: Toshiba boasts a 54%* market share (year-to-date) in high definition stand alone player sales, followed by all Blu-ray Disc companies at a combined 42% share and the final 3% is held by dual format players

*According to The NPD Group


Both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats have had successes and advantages. HD DVD offers a combo display player for both HD and standard definition DVDs and interactivity is already in the market, while Blu-ray Disc boasts more storage space and benefits from high volume Playstation 3 sales. At the same time, both camps have hurdles to overcome, such as the price of Blu-ray Disc players (from $499) and HD DVD players (from $299), as well as fewer titles available (around 300 each today).

Press Release Source: DisplaySearch.