Sony Spate of Good News Justifies Tech Strategy, Says Indie Expert
Stock jump, new Dubai investment shows Sony's Blu-Ray, PS3, HD strategies finally paying off, according to Erick Hansen, chairman of independent Blue Ray Technologies.
Spokane, WA (PRWEB) November 30, 2007 -- Sony's recent spate of good news -- a stock jump (14.7 percent over four days in Japan), news that Dubai International Capital LLC had bought a "substantial" stake in the company, and reports that its Blu-Ray discs had captured 73% of the European market and passed the one million unit sales mark there -- all add up to one thing, says DVD pioneer and Blue Ray Technologies head Erick Hansen.
"The consumers have spoken. Blu-ray is far and away the winner. Besides the one million Blu-ray movies sold in Europe, PS3 game discs produced for sale there exceeds 21 million, according to the Blu-Ray Disc Association," Hansen said of the consumer impact.
"These economic indicators show Sony's Blu-Ray, PS3 and overall High Definition tactics are finally paying off after years of heavy investment," said Hansen. "The synergy between its HD TVs, games and Blu-ray evidently make sense now to the financial community and savvy investors. You buy a razor and you're going to want some blades. And vice versa.
"Dubai apparently believes that Sony is a good strategic investment right now. That Sony's drive to be a leader in digital delivery will work," Hansen continued. "Kagan Research and other predicting that by 2010, there will be 97 million HD TV sets sold reaching 82% of total TV households. Many consumers are going to want their movies and games in the true HD 1080p format, the Blu-Ray standard. And every component has come down in price, making it more affordable than ever."
Hansen pointed out that news of the 1 millionth Blu-ray Disc sale in Europe was met with pleasure in many of the leading Hollywood studios. Bob Chapek, Worldwide President, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment issued a statement that he believes that this news is the prelude for an exponential growth period in BD sales.
"Blu-ray will inevitably prevail because Blu-ray delivers what consumers want: True High Definition picture without compromise, the best sound quality, the best choice in content, the most in special features, and of course the most disc storage capacity. No tradeoffs. No compromises," commented Chapek.
"Furthermore, the Blu-ray disc royalty becomes significant and could be worth billions. My company is independent, yet Sony and Philips control the patent pool and get a piece of every disc we make."
Hansen is well situated to observe the ups and downs of Sony's efforts. He's been through several hardware/software wars and manufactured the first DVD movies and games in the 90s. The outspoken executive made headlines recently for branding rival formats HD-DVD's payour of $150 million to Paramount for exclusivity to the studio's titles "desperate" and now calls the 720p screen format "antique and obsolete."
Blue Ray Technologies (www.blueraytechnologies.com) recently completed its $12 million plant in downtown Spokane, WA, and produced the first run of true indie Blu-ray discs in the U.S. following an arrangement with Sabic Innovative Plastics, formerly GE Plastics. The advanced, eco-friendly plant is the first of its kind in the world.
# # #
|
