HD-DVD takes early lead, but Playstation 3 could give Blu-ray an advantage

The inclusion of Blu-ray players in Playstation 3 game consoles could propel the format into the lead
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North America will account for more than 60 percent of all HDTVs shipped in 2006 and represents an important market for new HD consumer optical formats, according to ABI Research.

With Toshiba’s first to market shipment of HD-DVD players this month — four months ahead of Sony’s scheduled Blu-ray format release — HD-DVD’s entry and lower price point is likely to give it a leg up on the competition in the short run, according to the research organization.

However, “complicating factors,” could change the equation. ABI Research’s Consumer Electronics Research Service estimates that Blu-ray players will account for 30 percent of the global high definition DVD player market. However, PlayStation 3, Sony’s next-generation game console, will play Blu-ray discs when launched. With expected large sales volume, Playstation 3 could tip the balance in favor of Blu-ray, according to ABI Research.

For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.

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