Audio Video News

Blu-ray disc production is up sharply over the past year. Within four more years it is expected to rise to billions of units.

Futuresource, a research firm, says that BD production is likely to hit 400 million discs in 2010, a 60 percent increase from 2009. By 2014, two billion discs are likely to be shipped worldwide.

The analysts say growing ownership of players and falling disc prices have both played a role in Blu-ray's current growth. They say 3D is likely to give it an additional boost. In particular, the expiration of Panasonic's Avatar exclusive in February 2012 will give the format a shot in the arm.

As for our old friend DVD, its sales are projected to drop by $4.6 million between 2009 and 2014, according to In-Stat, another research firm. In-Stat confirms the expected rise in Blu-ray sales but adds that gains in the new format will not be enough to offset declines in the old one.

See news.com and Futuresource press release. Also see news.com and In-Stat press release.