DVD Piracy On Rise; Young Men Leading Culprits

stack of dvdsDespite the growth of new high-definition Blu-Ray DVD technology, old-fashion standard-definition DVD piracy continues to climb.

According to one media consultant/researcher, Futuresource Consulting, about one-third DVD users have admitted to making copies of pre-recorded DVDs in the last six months, including many big blockbusters. A majority of the recording is coming from young men, ages 18-24. This activity is up from about 25% in 2007.

The company says if DVD users were unable to make copies, just about two-thirds would have made some of these DVD purchases. But those respondents added that they would buy those titles only if they were on sale or at a promotional price.

The study notes that in the last six months, DVD copiers in the U.S. have copied an average of 12 titles; 13 titles have been copied in the UK. Results from the Futuresource come from a sample size of 3,613 in the U.S. and 1,718 in the U.K.

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DVD copying is still illegal, yet the study notes the number of people admitting to copying prerecorded DVDs has increased since 2007.

DVD revenues from standard-definition films and TV shows have been declining for sometime, the study says, while new HD Blu-ray technology will make up some of that difference.

The study says there is still a danger of priacy, and studios should look to protect their content on new DVDs and alternative distribution channels.

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