Samsung Says Blu-Ray Has Five Years Left

Samsung has low expectations for the PlayStation 3's disc format, estimating its lifespan to be about five more years.

It was a happy day for Sony when Microsoft announced it was dropping HD-DVD support, ending the high-definition disc war, but Samsung, a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, doesn't believe Sony can enjoy victory for long.

"I think it [Blu-ray] has 5 years left, I certainly wouldn't give it 10," stated Andy Griffiths, director of consumer electronics at Samsung UK.

Despite a predicted short life-cycle, Griffiths expects 2008 will be the format's most successful year as prices for players drop.

"It's going to be huge", he added. "We are heavily back-ordered at the moment."

Instead of focusing on the disc technology, Samsung has been experimenting with OLED screen lighting, a more vivid and adaptable competitor to larger LCD screens.

"We will launch the OLED technology when it's at a price that will be appealing to the consumer, unfortunately that's not yet," explained Griffiths, predicting that the right time should be about 2010.

"In 2012 we will be in a true HD world. Everything from your television to your camcorder will be offering you pictures in high-definition, and we plan to offer you that HD world from all angles."

Source: Pocket-Lint via Joystiq