LOS ANGELES -- The DVD Entertainment Group here recently projected total shipments of nearly 9 million DVD players this year, which would bring the total units shipped since launch to over 14 million, and the total installed base to more than 13 million by the end of the year. These represent over 100 models from 40 different brands.
ectronics milestone of 10% market penetration. And with the introduction of DVD-based game consoles, we anticipate this mass market acceptance to continue to skyrocket."
These projections were based in part upon statistics from the Consumer Electronics Association, Arlington, Va., which reported nearly 2.5 million DVD players shipped in the third quarter, a 120% increase over the same period last year.
In addition, nearly 43 million DVD movies and music videos were shipped during this third quarter, a comparable increase of nearly 150%, according to Group studies compiled by the accounting firm Ernst & Young, New York. At this growth rate, the Group estimated that total software shipments will exceed 230 million this year for more than $4.5 billion in retail sales.
Video Games Ready to Rebound
WASHINGTON -- The Interactive Digital Software Association here announced Nov. 13 that the U.S. computer and video game industry, represented by the trade association, is poised for re-strengthened growth after this "transition year" in which "sales slowed as a new hardware system was launched and consumers awaited additional new console launches."
"As expected, 2000 was a soft year compared to the industry's double-digit growth rates through the mid- and late '90s," said IDSA president Douglas Lowenstein in a statement. "On the other hand, compared to the previous transition year of 1994-1995, the industry proved more resilient and entrenched."
The IDSA predicted 2001 sales growth of at least 11%, and possibly as much as 15% to 20%, figures derived from its survey of top CEOs from companies generating over 75% of annual industry sales.
Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed said that interactive games will become "the most important entertainment art form of the 21st century."
Among the contributing factors cited for this decision were a broadening of demographic appeal, the maturing of technologically sophisticated users, the continuing development of technology to make interactive gaming more realistic.
