PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Acer has announced at this years IFA that it will be joining the Blu-ray Disk Association, and will be fitting Blu-ray drives to its PCs next year – most likely its high-end models, including, most likely, Gateway models.
"With increasing demand and expectation for richer media content, Acer is adding Blu-ray Disc technology into our notebooks," said Campbell Kan, Vice President, Mobile Computing Business Unit, Acer.
The Blu-ray camp are clearly pleased; "We’re delighted to welcome Acer to the Blu-ray Disc Association," said Victor Matsuda, chairman of the BDA’s Global Promotions Committee.
Figures published recently by the Blu-ray Disk Association and Gfk shows that Blu-Ray now hold 94 per cent of the high definition DVD market within Europe.
In Other Blu-Ray news, Sony has announced that it expects its total Blu-ray unit sales to breach the 1 million barrier in North America by the fourth quarter. European sales have broken the 250,000 mark.
"These sales milestones across the world illuminate the positive reception from retailers and consumers alike for Blu-ray," said David Bishop, president, worldwide for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. "Our strong fourth-quarter line-up will underscore the confidence in this format."