LG has officially announced its exit from the Blu-Ray player market, ending production of models such as the UBK80 and UBK90 UHD. This move mirrors earlier decisions by Oppo in 2018 and Samsung in 2019, driven by declining sales of physical media and the challenges of global distribution.
In a statement to FlatpanelsHD, LG Korea confirmed the decision, stating it is definitive for now, though the company has left the door open to reconsider if consumer demand justifies a return. Current inventory will remain available for purchase, but once sold out, no new models will be produced.
It’s worth noting that LG hasn’t introduced any new Blu-Ray player models since the launch of the UBK80 and UBK90 in 2018. Similarly, while companies like Panasonic and Sony still manufacture Blu-Ray players, they too have refrained from releasing new models for years, reflecting the gradual decline of the optical disc market.
The Blu-Ray market is no longer the same.
LG’s decision to leave the Blu-Ray player market isn’t surprising when considering the steady decline in disc sales over recent years. Unlike DVDs, which enjoyed widespread popularity, Blu-Ray technology never achieved the same level of mainstream success, making LG’s choice more understandable.
This trend is largely driven by the growing dominance of streaming platforms. Major content producers like Disney and Warner Bros. are shifting their focus away from physical media to prioritize direct-to-streaming releases. Disney, for instance, ceased distributing films and series on physical media in markets like Brazil as far back as 2020, signaling the broader industry to move away from discs altogether.
How to play Blu-Ray?
With LG stepping away from the Blu-Ray player market, only a few key players, like Panasonic and Sony, will continue producing widely available models. Meanwhile, niche brands like Reavon and Magnetar cater to a smaller, high-end audience with premium devices.
For many, gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X serve as alternatives, as they come equipped with Blu-Ray readers that double as media players for watching films and series. However, concerns are growing that future versions of these consoles might exclude disc drives altogether, as seen with the disc-less PS5 Pro. Such a shift could further shrink the already dwindling Blu-Ray market.
