Sales of consumer DVD recorders will surpass DVD players in 2006, with devices using the DVD-Ram format making up the majority of sales to consumers, according to consumer research group Understanding & Solutions (U&S). The company said that over 40 million DVD recorders will be sold around the world in 2006, and that sales of DVD-Ram units this year will grow by 116 per cent over 2003, continuing to outstrip other formats in sales.

U&S claimed that DVD-Ram currently maintains a 55 per cent share of the DVD recorder deck market in the US, Japan and western Europe, holding roughly twice the share of the next most popular format.

"DVD-Ram recorders continue to outstrip other formats in sales," said David Millar, principal consultant at U&S, in a statement.

The Ram Promotion Group (RPG) suggested the research shows that "when consumers consider purchasing a DVD recorder, they will most often vote for the very flexible DVD-Ram format with their pocketbooks".

The RPG claimed that specific features unique to DVD-Ram - such as on-disc editing and worry-free recording made possible because of DVD-Ram's built-in error/defect management - as key to the format's success.

In addition to consumer recorders, RPG members also offer recordable DVD drives for PCs, DVD camcorders, DVD/VCR recorders, and home theatre systems with built-in DVD recorders.