DVD sales up 57% in the first half of 2003

August 4, 2003

While the record industry is complaining about big losses, the DVD industry is raving about their results. DVD sales went up 57% in the first half of 2003. Important factor in the growth of sold discs is the amount of DVD players that has been sold. Over 10.3 million DVD players have been sold so far this year in North Amercia.

During the first six months of 2003, a phenomenal 427.2 million DVD units were shipped to retailers, representing a 57 percent leap compared with the same period a year ago, according to the DVD Entertainment Group, an industry trade association.

"This is a freight train that can't be stopped," DVD Entertainment Group President Bob Chapek said. "We are enjoying the momentum and looking to the future for continued growth with an eye toward what is next."

Currently about 1 out of 2 people in the United States own a DVD player, with over 66 million players sold in the past six years. It is estimated that about 1.8 billion DVD discs have been sold since the launch of the DVD in 1997.

Source: AZcentral.com