Blu-ray discs have many times the capacity of conventional DVDs. The additional capacity enables better sound and picture quality; however, these improved features have not compelled consumers to switch out their old DVD players for new Blu-ray players that are needed for movie viewing on Blu-ray discs.
”We expected Blu-ray disc players to be more popular than they are,” says Harri Lounatvuori, chairman of the Finnish Home Electronics Association.
Electronics stores say Blu-ray technology hasn’t caught on because people don’t understand the difference between regular DVDs and high-definition movies.
Video rental stores say Blu-ray discs are sitting in shelves collecting dust.
“We haven’t taken in more Blu-ray movies because many people don’t have the players to play the discs,” says Hans Ehrnrooth, chairman of the Makuuni video rental chain.
While it seems as if Blu-ray technology is a niche market in Finland, televisions that employ high-definition technology are increasingly becoming standard fixtures in homes.
For now retailers are hoping Blu-ray disc players will fly out of videophile obscurity to become one of this Christmas season's hot ticket items.