Over the past few days, the web has been abuzz with rumors that Sony’s last Blu-ray Disc factory is to close. Has this really sounded the death knell for physical media? Not entirely, since the shutdown only concerns recordable discs…
From innovation to discontinuation
Launched in the early 2000s as the successor to the DVD, Blu-ray offers far superior storage space and high-definition image quality. With an initial capacity of 25 GB on a single layer, expandable to 50 GB on dual-layer discs, Blu-ray quickly won over movie and video game fans, not least thanks to its adoption by Sony’s PlayStation 3.
Despite its pioneering role, consumer habits have evolved. The advent of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ has reduced demand for physical media. The convenience of instant access to a vast catalog of content without tangible supports has attracted a wide audience. At the same time, the development of cloud storage and high-capacity external hard drives offered practical alternatives to optical disk storage. As a result, demand for recordable discs has fallen sharply. According to a survey by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), sales of Blu-ray recording and playback equipment fell from 6.78 million units in 2011 to 1.21 million in 2023, a drop of over 80%.
The end of an era for Sony
Faced with a gradually declining market, Sony decided in mid-2024 to cease production of Blu-ray recordable discs for the consumer market. Until then, the Japanese giant had continued manufacturing for specific commercial customers. However, the inevitable has now happened: the firm announced the closure of its last Blu-ray recordable disc production site in February, signaling its withdrawal from this market segment. This decision also extends to the cessation of production of other formats such as MiniDisc and MiniDV, which were, to everyone’s amazement, still in the brand’s catalog.
It’s worth noting that pre-recorded Blu-rays for films and series are still produced and commercially available, enabling fans of physical media to continue enjoying their favorite content.
Is Blu-ray finished for good?
Sony’s discontinuation of Blu-ray Disc recordable production does not mean the immediate end of the format. Blu-ray does not belong exclusively to Sony, but is managed by the Blu-ray Disc Association, a consortium of companies responsible for developing the format and assigning the associated licenses. As a major player, however, Sony’s decision could prompt other manufacturers to reconsider their Blu-ray strategy. LG, for example, had already ceased production of Blu-ray players last December.
These developments could accelerate the transition to fully digital storage solutions, to the detriment of moviegoers attached to the unrivaled quality of physical media, both in terms of resolution and sensory experience.
