Blu-ray recorders are being discontinued
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Sony has announced the complete end of sales of Blu-ray recorders worldwide. The production process will be completed by the end of February, and the devices will disappear from store shelves after the stock is sold out. No new models will be released.
These devices, which made it possible to record TV shows and other content on Blu-ray discs in high definition, effectively conclude a history that began in 2003 with the launch of the first Blu-ray recorder. They were very popular at the time, providing HD quality recording capabilities.
The changing technology landscape
In recent years, data storage has shifted massively to cloud services, and video content to streaming platforms. This trend has had a significant impact on the demand for Blu-ray recorders, whose supply has been steadily decreasing. The importance of the devices has disappeared, especially considering that the supply of recordable Blu-ray discs has also shrunk.
The last Blu-ray recorder model shown by Sony was released in early 2024. After the decision to discontinue the devices, no new products were announced in this category.
Restructuring of Sony’s optical media division
This trend is being phased out gradually. Already in June 2024, Sony reduced the number of employees by 40% in its optical media division, which was engaged in the research and development of Blu-ray technology. In January 2025, it was announced that BD-R and BD-RE recordable discs would end production after 18 years. Now, in February 2025, the production of Blu-ray discs is completely stopped.
Models such as BDZ-ZW1900 (year 2024), as well as BDZ-FBT4200, BDZ-FBT2200 and BDZ-FBW2200, which were launched a year earlier, will gradually disappear from the market.
Blu-ray players remain
This change does not apply to Blu-ray players intended for playback. For example, the model UBP-X700/K released last year continues to be available for sale. It is a simplified version of the previous model UBP-X700 (2018), which lacks Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect and screen mirroring functions, but has an Ethernet connection for software updates. The 2019 model UBP-X800M2 with extended network capabilities is also available for sale.
The Blu-ray market is shrinking, leaving few retailers
The Blu-ray market has been shrinking for a long time. Previously, manufacturers such as Oppo and Samsung have taken out their players. LG did it in 2024, Reavon went out of business last year, and Pioneer announced its exit from optical disc drive production. Only Sony and Panasonic remain among the big brands still offering Blu-ray players. Alternatives have come in the form of expensive models such as the Magnetar UDP900MKII or UDP800MKI, as well as premium solutions from the Chinese brand Pannde.
date:2026-02-11 21:24:00
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