LG has officially ended its production of Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray players. Farewell to the UBK80 and UBK90 models, released in 2018, which will only be available until current stocks run out. This isn’t exactly shocking news, but it’s certainly a blow for those who still cherish physical media. With the rise of streaming services and other major companies like Oppo (in 2018) and Samsung (in 2019) backing away from discs, LG is now joining the list of brands stepping away from Blu-ray technology, and the trend is becoming quite noticeable.
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A Clear Trend
It’s been evident for some time: Blu-ray player sales have been plummeting for years. As streaming platforms become ubiquitous, consumer habits are shifting. Why bother with physical discs when everything is just a click away? LG has thus decided to halt a product line that has been stagnant since 2018. The South Korean manufacturer has left a slight possibility open, hinting it might reconsider if there’s a resurgence in demand. But frankly, it looks more like a final goodbye.
This withdrawal is among several troubling signs for physical formats. For instance, the American retail giant Best Buy has stopped selling Blu-ray and DVDs this year, and some gaming consoles like the Xbox Series X now offer versions without optical drives as a cost-saving option that also saves space on consumers’ shelves. Blu-ray is clearly losing ground.
Yet, There’s Hope
Despite these challenges, Blu-ray enthusiasts are not giving up. Why? Because the quality is unmatched. Unlike often compressed and artifact-ridden streaming services, a 4K Blu-ray delivers uncompromised picture and sound quality: vibrant colors, flawless audio dynamics (hello Dolby Atmos), and no interruptions due to unstable internet connections. No streaming service, not Netflix or Disney+, can match this quality.
Thankfully, brands like Panasonic and Sony are still holding the fort. They continue to offer high-end players, such as the Panasonic DP-UB9000, which remains a flagship model for purists. But let’s be honest: these products are targeted at a niche market and can be quite expensive. For those with tighter budgets, the options are dwindling.
The Future: Between Nostalgia and Uncertainty
So, is it really the end for discs? Not just yet. Some fans of high-quality audio and video still gravitate towards Blu-rays, especially as streaming service prices climb and their quality can falter. But as more brands abandon the format, Blu-ray could become a luxury only affordable to a select group of enthusiasts. In any case, if you’re planning to purchase an LG player, you might want to act quickly—soon, there won’t be any left.