Blu-Ray DVD players and recorders will represent the largest segment of Internet Protocol (IP) enabled consumer electronics, according to MultiMedia Intelligence. The connected DVD equipment segment will reach nearly 50 million units by 2012, the report says. This fact is particularly impressive as these Blu-Ray device volumes are in addition to video game consoles, where Blu-Ray DVD is integrated into Sony’s PS3.

Adoption of IP interfaces is progressing across a variety of consumer electronics devices, including video game consoles, TVs, DVD equipment, audio equipment, as well as cable, telco, and satellite set-top boxes. Total annual shipments of IP-Enabled Consumer Electronics devices reached 64 Million units in 2007. Currently video game consoles represent the largest segment. However, next generation Blu-Ray DVD equipment is already integrating Internet connectivity to enhance interactivity and online applications.

"The end of the format war between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD promises to accelerate shipment volume of Blu-Ray DVD equipment." according to Mark Kirstein, President of MultiMedia Intelligence. "As a result, Blu-Ray DVD equipment could become the largest volume segment of IP-Enabled Consumer devices even sooner than 2012."

The complete report is available over at http://multimediaintelligence.com.