Everyone involved in Blu-ray is enjoying a pretty nice 2008 so far, and it’s only through just about three months.

The latest numbers from HMR Research show that sales of the high-def DVDs in the United States recently passed the 9 million mark, and that a third of those sales have come this year alone. The great pace puts Blu-ray on track for over 15 million sales this year, the research estimates.

It’s been a little more than a month since the HD DVD camp waved the white surrender flag, and first-week sales of Oscar-winner “No Country For Old Men” topped 68,000 to help Blu-ray jump the 9 mil figure.

So how much is having a clear singular high-def DVD choice, as well as perhaps a resurgent interest in the good movies making their way to the Blu-ray format affecting consumers? Previously, the best first-week sales averaged between 10,000 and 30,000 copies, but the Coen’ brothers’ flick definitely drummed up some excitement. Blu-ray reviews have also been very favorable in terms of audio and video transfer, which perhaps is helping lead folks to see what the high-def fuss is about.

This comes as costs for Blu-ray hardware continue to hover around $400 while good deals on the software seem to abound.

Do you think prices on players will soon drop a little? Have you been more inclined to budget a Blu-ray player into your spending now that you know it’s the format of choice? Are you intrigued by the increasing selection of titles available? Let us know your thoughts on Blu-ray now that it has a virtual competition-free month under its belt.

Via: High-Def Digest

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!