Sony: Blu-ray growing in developing markets
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 8/13/2007
AUG. 13 | Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is touting Blu-ray Disc strength in developing markets, noting that format title sales in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Eastern Europe, South Africa and the Middle East now account for 10% of the company’s overall business.
Individually, South Africa represents the largest share of these markets’ Blu-ray sales, with more than 15,000 units shipped to the country to date.
|
|
Sony launched software in these territories in April.
The studio said it is the only Blu-ray title supplier for many of these markets, but Sony believes additional format backers will roll out product soon.
“It is extremely positive to see an increase in volume of Blu-ray software sales in these markets where piracy has previously ravaged the DVD business,” said T. Paul Miller, senior VP of international at SPHE.
Top-selling Blu-ray titles in these emerging global markets are Casino Royale, Ghost Rider, Open Season, Kung Fu Hustle, Black Hawk Down, XXX and Stealth.
Matt Brown, executive VP of international at SPHE, added, “This news underscores not only the demand for premium content in these markets but also the need for a home entertainment format with an impenetrable content protection system like Blu-ray’s.”
