is there anything that charts how may blu ray players are sold each year? that would give us a better idea on how many households have a blu ray player (and yes, I would include PS3). My nieghbor has a home theatre in box combo that includes a blu ray player. if they make these combo packages with blu ray, then you can't really say blu ray is just for the niche high-end market.

it didn't have the greatest launch because of recession and HD-DVD war. I was able to snag a samsung bdp1000 in Jan 2008 for only $120 plus 5 free movies. most players at the time were $400 - $800!! it was immediately after warner bros said they were going with blu ray exclusive - i knew then the war was over.

I think the way some people describe blu ray as a niche format can be more applied to home 3D.