[Callum]

Blu-ray player sales will overtake DVD within four years, according to a report.

Research company In-Stat claimed that 105 million high definition players will be sold in 2015, while DVDs will see a decline, Home Media Magazine reports.

The market analyst also predicted the demise of DVD recorders within the next three years, suggesting that many customers may even turn their backs on physical media formats entirely.

"Blu-ray recorders will replace DVD recorders," said Norm Bogen, vice president of digital entertainment with In-Stat. "Many consumers of recorders will even drop the physical disk media option altogether and instead opt for a player with a large hard drive, or digital media storage."

Panasonic and other companies have already picked up on the trend. The manufacturer recently announced a range of HDD recorders that also offer video on demand services.

In-Stat's data also suggests that DVD recorders may continue to sell in Japan, despite Blu-ray player sales being highest in the territory. However, the format is losing out to China Blue High-Definition in the Chinese market.

North America accounted for 38% of global Blu-ray player shipments last year.

I have a Blu-ray player and although I do think the quality is a lot better on there, I can't see myself getting rid of my DVD players anytime soon.