Germany recorded a five-fold increase in Blu-ray player sales in the first three months of 2009, compared to the same period last year, according to Bundesverband Audiovisuelle Medien (BVV) – Germany’s National Association for Audiovisual Media.

BVV recorded a five-fold increase in Blu-ray player sales in the first three months of 2009, compared to the same period last year. Some 1.1 million disc were sold between January and March, 402% more than during the same period last year.

Revenues from the sale of Blu-ray discs also rose as DVD revenues began to slip. Blu-ray movie revenues rose 267% to 23 million euros, while DVD sales revenues slipped 5% to 280 million euros. The average price of a Blu-ray title dropped from €27.75 in 2008 to €20.30 in 2009.

“Already, we have passed the critical point for mass market adoption with 1.3 million PlayStation 3 consoles and about 70,000 BD-Live-capable players sold in Germany”, said Hans Henseleit, CEO of Enteractive – a pionner Blu-ray authoring house.

"For the home entertainment industry, the biggest period is by far the fourth quarter, we can expect nine-figure sales revenues, despite aggressive pricing by retailers," said BVV spokesperson Oliver Trettin.

Story filed 18.05.09