Elecom, a well-known Japanese manufacturer, has announced its complete withdrawal from the Blu-ray drive market, ceasing production of all nine external USB Blu-ray models. This decision reflects a significant shift as they will halt sales of these products by June 30, with availability dependent on existing stock levels.
This move is particularly noteworthy for anyone currently considering buying an external Blu-ray drive. Given that Elecom is a prominent player in this category, their exit may signal declining consumer demand and affect ongoing purchases. If you’re looking to invest in a Blu-ray drive, it’s worth reassessing your options, as the market landscape will be changing rapidly with fewer manufacturers left to choose from.
Currently, the external Blu-ray drive market does have alternatives, although options are narrowing. For instance, LG and Buffalo still offer drives, with Buffalo maintaining limited availability in the U.S. at prices starting around $99. Those considering these drives might appreciate LG’s historical reliability and user-friendly software solutions. However, it’s important to note that even these brands are trending away from Blu-ray products, which raises questions about the long-term viability of such investments.
Potential buyers need to consider their actual need for Blu-ray functionality. If you primarily use digital formats for media, investing in an external Blu-ray drive may not be the best choice, especially with the industry leaning toward digital streaming solutions. However, if archiving important data or accessing a specific Blu-ray library is essential for you, then some of the remaining options could still be worth investigating. Just keep in mind that as manufacturers exit this segment, support and compatibility may become issues in the near future.
Source:
news.mydrivers.com
