Vast majority uninterested in Blu-ray and HD-DVD

August 16, 2005

Jupiter Research has just published a study that confirms what many have been saying here for months. That most people are not ready to make the jump to the next generation formats and very few have the equipment required to enjoy high definition content. What we may not have seen yet are some real figures. Jupiters study shows us that a staggering 94% do not plan on buying new or upgraded DVD players to take advantage of Blu-ray or HD-DVD. In addition, only 11 percent of online households even have HD-capable televisions or set-top boxes.

Furthermore, the research company took a swipe at both camps by warning them to drop the hype as the savvy consumer wont fall for it. The thing that will cause a consumer to become interested in a newer format is based on two hard facts: Backwards compatibility (the ability of the newer format to play in the existing customers equipment) and low prices.

Here is a quote from the Jupiter research paper entitled: Next-Generation DVD: Conflicting Formats Will Create Confusion and Slow Adoption.

"Historically, consumers have resisted investing in format shifts. The release of multiple HD media formats at high prices adds to consumer confusion and ultimately slows adoption of any format," said Joni Blecher, associate analyst at JupiterResearch. "Although there is consumer interest in the improved viewing experience that's offered by HD, it's not enough to spark a media format shift at present. As a result, consumer electronics manufacturers and media companies will have a difficult time garnering adoption for any single next-generation HD format, let alone two competing versions," added Blecher.

I happen to be in the minority and do have the television equipment and the set-top box for HD content. Yet, it is true that if there are two conflicting formats and they are both very expensive and neither is backward compatible, I will be hesitant to abandon the DVD. It's good enough for me.

Source: Tekrati