New Zogby Research: Blu-ray Players Top List Of Gifts Fueling Holiday Excitement

[blu-mike]

Released: December 19, 2008
NEW ZOGBY RESEARCH: BLU-RAY PLAYERS TOP LIST OF GIFTS FUELING HOLIDAY EXCITEMENT

HDTV Consumer Data and Strong Retail Sales Show Momentum for Blu-ray; Hi-Def Player Tops GPS System, Nintendo Wii, and MP3 Player in Recent Survey

Utica, NY (Dec. 19, 2008) – Zogby International today released new survey data showing that among more than a dozen home electronic gift options, High Definition Television (HDTV) owners found a Blu-ray player to be one of the most exciting gifts of the season, second only to another HDTV. Also, according to new statistics from Red Hill, for the week ending December 6, 2008, Blu-ray software sales topped 1.7 million units, nearly 300,000 more units than Black Friday week, accounting for nearly $50 million in consumer spending.

"The survey data and the new retail sales data both show that heading into the heart of the holiday season, Blu-ray’s momentum is undeniably real, "said Blake Thomas of the Tru Blu Group. “With the tough economy, families are focusing more and more on home entertainment options and are increasingly investing in the Blu-ray format.”

The Zogby research was conducted online from December 2-4, 2008 and sampled 1,726 Hi-Def TV Owners. (HDTV) The research found that when asked how excited they would be to receive one of the top home electronics items on the market, respondents were most excited about the prospect of receiving a Blu-ray player as a gift this holiday season, second only to an additional HDTV. Over 30% of respondents stated that they were extremely/very interested in getting a Blu-ray disc player compared to other notable products like a digital camera (28%), a GPS system (27%), the Nintendo Wii (26%), and an MP3 player (22%). Moreover, 18% of respondents indicated they would be most excited to receive a Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), which also plays Blu-ray discs.

The interest and excitement level around Blu-ray comes at a time when consumers are cutting back on entertainment spending outside of the home. In fact, the Zogby research found that 87% of the respondents stated they would be cutting back on out-of-home spending in the upcoming year. Additionally, the respondents indicated that as Blu-ray player prices have fallen as low as $150, they have become a good value for the money.

Two-thirds of Blu-ray households (individuals who currently have a Blu-ray player or Sony PlayStation 3), indicated a desire to purchase a Blu-ray movie for themselves. Also, over 55% of all respondents indicated some interest in purchasing a Blu-ray movie for their family members or friends who own a Blu-ray player or a PS3. Additionally, the research showed that The Dark Knight was the most anticipated Blu-ray release this holiday season, followed by Mamma Mia!, Wall-E, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and Hancock.

According to Warner Brothers, since its release on December 9, The Dark Knight has sold over 1.7 million Blu-ray units – 600,000 alone on the first day – shattering all previous records for hi-def disc sales. The Dark Knight is the best selling Blu-ray title in history and will become the best selling 2008 title overall this week.

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1653

[york weir]

They sold 2 million wii's in November alone. I will be massively impressed when they sell 2 million standalone players in a month. I don't think it's too far off either.

[Twankies08]

Hopefully people won't get shot over them while
leaving the store!!