Hitachi expects that in the second half of 2005, around 10% of all DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder shipments in Japan will support HD (High Definition) resolution, up from the 3% to 4% registered in 2004. The maker estimates that the shipments of high definition HDD models currently accounts for 5% of the Japanese DVD recorder market, with nearly half of the 5% attributable to Hitachi. Makers also anticipate the lower-priced high definition (Hard Disk Drive) DVD recorders to experience faster penetration than the Blue-Ray Disc models.

 

Matsushita projects the domestic demand for DVD recorders to come to approximately 5.1 million units in 2005, of which 650,000 units, or 13%, will support high definition resolution, and with over half of the 13% being HDD models. The maker expects to ship around 300,000 high definition HDD DVD recorders in 2005, accounting for close to 50% of all such models to be shipped in Japan this year.

 

Around one-fourth to one-third of Sharp's DVD recorder shipments in 2005 will be made up of HD models. Intentions are to boost the market share of its HD DVD recorders to approximately 10%.