BDA Taskforce is go! | What Hi-Fi?

During our trip to Europe's biggest consumer electronics show (IFA) last week, we had a chance to listen to the latest developments in the Blu-ray market with representatives from Disney, Sony and Amazon all present.

Together, they head the BDA – Blu-ray Disc Association – or 'BD Taskforce' which they sometimes called themselves. Sounds a bit Team America to us, but these are the key facts that we pulled out as they spoke about Blu-ray in 2009.

We should also point out the event was chaired by Victor Matsuda (above) global promotions committee chair of the BDA.

By the end of the year, 150 different players will be available to buy in Europe
62% of all BD movies are on 50GB discs, rather than 25GB discs. 100GB discs expected next year.
BD to account for 33% of film market in 2012, BDA research shows, but DVD stil dominant at 45%. They reckon online and mobile video will account for 9% and 4% respectively.
Europe's first £80 BD player expected at Christmas, though there's no mention of who will make it.
2011 is the date standalone players are expected to outstrip those of PlayStation 3 – though since IFA, PS3 sales have rocketed thanks the PS3 Slim and the recent price cut...
50GB is enough space to house a 3D film, though extras will need an extra disc
Amazon says the key to BD success is new content on disc, over DVD to justify price premium - though the DVD vs BD price premium is expected to fall to below 25% by Christmas. So if your DVD costs £14, a BD version should be around £18.
3D Blu-ray discs will carry 2D versions of the film, suggests Matsuda