4K Blu-ray sales drop 23.4% as interest shifts to digital formats
Sales of 4K Blu-rays have dropped significantly, falling 23.4% year-over-year to about $959 million in 2024. This decline follows a peak of $16 billion in 2005. Major retailers like Best Buy and Target are reducing their physical media offerings. The overall home entertainment market is growing, with spending exceeding $57 billion in 2024, largely due to the rise of subscription streaming services. However, no new 4K Blu-ray players have been announced, indicating a shift away from physical media. Manufacturers are pulling back, and the lack of new hardware suggests a decline in interest. While 4K Blu-rays offer superior quality compared to streaming, the market is increasingly favoring digital formats.