Many manufacturers believe now is the time to jump in and produce Blu-ray related content or products. Now also Pioneer announced to introduce Blu-ray recorders in Japan by the end of this year's shopping season. After the Japanese launch we will slowly see overseas releases.

Sharp will help Pioneer with developing Blu-ray recorders since they are an important shareholder, and have experience with developing Blu-ray products. A price for the product is yet to set say company spokesmen, but many expect a high price.

The reason behind Blu-ray releases in Japan is a forecast from the Fuji Chimera Research Institute, saying that Blu-ray recorder demand in Japan will jump 18 fold to 3.6 million by 2012.