Home Theater Group Backs Blu-ray

The Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA) formally announced Monday that it would make Blu-ray its exclusive format choice for high-def disc players.

The $500 million buying group for A/V specialty dealers and installers is comprised of 63 home theater retailers, each boasting at least $5 million in annual sales.

Industry trade magazine TWICE reports that HTSA made the decision after an an internal study revealed that 92 percent disc player sales by HTSA members were in Blu-ray players, with the balance comprised mostly of dual-format players.

The group said it expected its Blu-ray support to "strengthen retailer commitment to providing more BD-based devices to meet growing consumer demand."

In a statement, Jay Vandenbree, president of consumer sales for Sony Electronics hailed the group's decision, saying "at a time when ever-changing technology tests just how much one can know about everything, HTSA has chosen Blu-Ray Disc as the format they support. I think it speaks volumes when support comes from those who specialize in home theater, and are closest to the consumer."