LG makes some of the best home entertainment solutions like smart TVs, projectors, soundbars, and not to forget Blu-Ray players, which you might have to forget very soon. It’s been a while since LG released a new Blu-Ray player, and a report by FlatpanelsHD indicates that the company, a key player in the Blu-Ray market, is stepping away from physical media. If you’ve been eyeing an LG Blu-Ray player, now might be your last chance to grab one.
This move signals a broader industry trend towards digital media. While Blu-Ray discs remain a popular format for movies, tech giants are increasingly prioritising digital distribution. For instance, Sony’s PS5 Pro comes sans a Blu-Ray drive now, although one can retrofit if needed, while the new variant of the Xbox Series X has gone fully digital.
The convenience of affordable, high-speed internet has made digital media seem like the superior choice. Digital formats often come with slightly lower upfront costs and instant accessibility. However, there’s a hidden catch: ownership.
Platforms like Steam have clarified that when a user buys a game on its platform, they don’t actually own it—they are merely licensing it, and this could be revoked at the company’s discretion. Similarly, streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video frequently remove content without notice, leaving subscribers with little recourse. In contrast, owning a movie on a Blu-Ray disc guarantees lifelong access..
Historically, we have seen such moves from the music industry, where vinyl and CDs have been replaced by subscription-based streaming. Most consumer tech brands don’t want to sell you a product upfront, rather, they would be happy to offer it at a discount and then charge a recurring subscription.
As LG exits the Blu-Ray market, it’s likely other manufacturers will follow, leaving physical media enthusiasts with fewer options. For those who value tangible ownership, this might be the last call to invest in a Blu-Ray player before the format fades into obscurity.
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