Sony: Blu-ray set-top players out-selling HD DVD
UPDATE: Sony confirms Blu-ray's lead position
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 9/5/2007
SEPT. 5 | DENVER—Blu-ray Disc set-top players within the last nine weeks have begun out-selling HD DVD set-top players on a unit basis, according to recent NPD Group research cited by Sony Electronics.
Sony touted the reversal of HD DVD’s long-running stand-alone dominance during its Wednesday press conference at CEDIA.
The most recent data from the NPD Group shows that standalone BD players now exceed 50% of all high-definition players sold.
Sony VP Chris Fawcett said the change occurred mostly due to the introduction of Sony’s $499 player. And according to NPD, today's number one Blu-ray set-top brand in the U.S. is this entry-level Sony model.
In attempt to fight this revelation, Toshiba spokespeople pointed out Thursday that year-to-date through July Toshiba HD DVD players enjoyed a 55% market share. Collectively, Blu-ray players cornered a 42% share, and dual format players held a 3% share.
According to a Toshiba statement, "While the competition may claim leadership based on one month of data, Toshiba has had continued sales leadership in every month since the original HD DVD players launched 17 months ago."
