In-Stat: Blu-ray Chips Ride High

The transition from DVD to Blu-ray players and recorders is creating a substantial opportunity for Blu-ray semiconductor companies, according to In-Stat.

Blu-ray player semiconductor content overtook DVD player semiconductor content for the first time in 2009, and is projected to account for nearly three quarters of the combined Blu-ray/DVD player semiconductor revenues by 2013.

“Semiconductors for DVD equipment continue to lead in unit volume,” said Michelle Abraham, In-Stat analyst, in a statement. “However, the higher priced semiconductors in Blu-ray equipment propelled Blu-Ray semiconductor revenue ahead of DVD for the first time in 2009.”

In-Stat’s research "Worldwide Blu-ray and DVD Player Semiconductors" found:

• The worldwide DVD player semi market will decline nearly 40 percent between 2009 and 2013 to $355 million.
• The average semiconductor cost per unit of Blu-ray equipment in 2009 is nearly 8 times that of DVD equipment. However, the average Blu-ray semiconductor cost will drop nearly 70 percent by 2013.
• The leading providers of MPEG ICs for DVD and Blu-ray equipment include Broadcom, MediaTek, NEC, Sigma Designs, Sunplus and Zoran.