Consumers more aware of HD-DVD over Blu-ray Disc

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. The NPD Group reported that about half (52%) of current HDTV owners are familiar with the availability of high-definition DVD players, but only 11% expressed strong intentions to buy one in the next six months. Seventy-three percent of HDTV owners reported that their current traditional-format DVD player still works well for them, so they do not need to replace it; while 62% said they are waiting for the prices of high-definition players to fall.

The study found that while most consumers are very familiar with HD-DVD format, many are unfamiliar with its rival format, Blu-ray Disc. According to the study, 29% of respondents were aware of HD-DVD, compared with 20% being aware of Blu-ray Disc. Consumers who purchased a Blu-ray Disc player reported that they did so because they believed it was superior to HD-DVD; while those who purchased an HD DVD player did so because the price was lower than a Blu-ray Disc player.

"The format war continues to be a primary operative issue when it comes to determining the long-term viability for high-definition DVD technology," said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis and consumer electronics. "However, there are other more basic short-term obstacles blocking acceptance. As HDTV penetration continues to grow, manufacturers and studios will need to do a better job imparting the benefits of these formats to a consumer base that still reports a high satisfaction with the current DVD standard."