Sony Ends Blu-ray Media Production After 18 Years

Sony has announced the closure of its last recordable Blu-ray media production facility, ending nearly two decades of Blu-ray manufacturing. The decision, set to take effect in February 2025, comes as streaming services and cloud storage dominate, drastically reducing the demand for physical optical media. This move also affects MiniDiscs, MD data for recording, and MiniDV cassettes.

Launched in 2006, Blu-ray emerged victorious over HD DVD due to Sony’s strategic partnerships with film studios and the integration of Blu-ray technology in the PlayStation 3. Despite its decline, optical media remains a reliable option for long-term data storage. While Sony exits the market, competitors like Pioneer focus on archival Blu-ray discs designed for up to 100 years of use. Researchers are also exploring innovative solutions like glass-based storage with lifespans of up to 5,000 years.