Hi-definition discs to boost manufacturing after sales jump

A massive increase in the sale of Blu-ray and HD DVD discs and players may lead to an increase in high definition disc manufacturing.

Following Warner Bros. decision to become Blu-ray exclusive last month, HD DVD has decided to drop the prices of its players to become more competitive and the move has lead to a boost in disc sales, with the demand set to contribute to a massive manufacturing increase.

Paul Erickson, director of DVD and HD market research, underlined the growing sales in an interview with Video Business.

He told the publication: "There is a much larger spike at the end of the year for next-generation DVD due to strong performances by both formats for November and December, as well as heavy competition-driven promotions for both Black Friday and the December holiday season."

Meanwhile, Sony has developed a new Blu-ray laser module, just three millimetres thick, which could bring cheaper Blu-ray players to the market and improve the manufacturing process.