LG Electronics on December 11, 2024, discontinued all Blu-ray and UHD players, marking a significant shift in the home media landscape.
This move follows a long-term decline in physical media sales as consumers increasingly move towards streaming services. LG’s last Blu-ray models, the UBK80 and UBK90, were introduced in 2018; since then, no new players have been launched.
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The end of an era
LG’s departure from the Blu-ray market is part of a broader trend; major companies like Samsung and Oppo have already exited this space.
According to FlatpanelsHD, LG Korea may resume production if demand returns, but the stock will be sold until exhausted. Consumers now choose digital streaming over physical discs, which explains the decision.
The founder of LG, Koo In-Hwoi, established the company in 1958 with a vision for innovation in electronics. Over the decades, LG has become synonymous with quality home entertainment products.
However, as streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ dominate the market, traditional formats like Blu-ray are losing their appeal. Blu-ray sales peaked in 2017 at approximately $4.7 billion but have declined sharply.
Implications for home media
This discontinuation raises concerns about the future of physical media ownership. As LG steps back from Blu-ray production, consumers may find it increasingly difficult to access their favourite films without relying on streaming platforms that often rotate their content.
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It can be discouraging for collectors and movie fans who value the tangible quality of CDs and the unique features they often include when options for physical media are eliminated.
Despite this setback for Blu-ray fans, other manufacturers like Sony and Panasonic still offer players, albeit many models are several years old.
Along with players, systems are being made with less reliance on physical media. For example, Sony’s PS5 Pro does not have a disc drive by default.
As technology evolves, consumers are left to ponder whether they will see a revival of physical formats or if they must fully embrace digital alternatives.