According to the In-Stat, igh-volume shipments of Blu-ray players, most of which feature network connectivity, are finally making inroads into the broader disc player and recorder market. By 2013, Blu-ray player shipments will still lag slightly behind the 90 million DVD player unit shipments. However, higher average selling prices will put Blu-ray player revenue at more than four times as large as DVD player revenue.

“In North America, significant price drops of Blu-ray players drove unit shipments to triple in 2009,” says Michelle Abraham, In-Stat analyst. “The cost differential between standard definition DVD and Blu-ray is becoming much smaller and new features such as IP/network connectivity are becoming increasingly important. Blu-ray is finally starting to make significant advances market.”

Recent research by In-Stat found that shipments of network-enabled Blu-ray players/recorders will approach 80 million units by 2013. Eighteen percent of US survey respondents with at least some interest in purchasing a Blu-ray player cited cost as a barrier. But prices should continue to decline.

Blu-ray is gaining traction. So, c'mon, Apple, make it possible for us to enjoy Blu-ray discs on our Macs. And -- dare I hope? -- our Apple TVs.