The global market for both Blu-ray and DVD discs dropped by 4.8 per cent to $482m in 2008, with analyst Screen Digest blaming both the worldwide recession and online piracy for the dip.

Many had hoped that these threats would have been countered by the growing appetite for HD content offered by Blu-ray, but it is now believed that the growth in both downloadable and streamed hi-def video is having an impact on Sony’s technology.

“We expect Blu-ray to account for 6.9 per cent of international video spending this year – assuming there is strong promotional activity,” a Screen Digest report claims.

“Despite consumers' interest in the high definition format and demand for packaged media, the current challenging economic climate means that we don't expect Blu-ray to be driving even minimal sector growth until 2010.”