Physical media has taken another hit as LG is exiting the Blu-Ray player market. According to FlatpanelsHD, the company has already ceased production, meaning any remaining units are only available for purchase while inventory lasts. LG hasn’t produced a new Blu-Ray player since debuting its UBK80 and UBK90 models back in 2018. These players have now been scrubbed from LG’s website, making third-party retailers the only option for interested buyers. In fact, trying to visit LG’s Blu-Ray & DVD player page now causes a redirection to the landing page for LG’s 4K TVs.
Redbox shuts down remaining DVD kiosks in another death knell for physical media
Interestingly, LG Korea made a statement to FlatpanelsHD that leaves the door open for a comeback. According to the publication, “LG Korea stopped short of confirming a definitive global exit from the optical disc player market, leaving the door open for a return if demand picks up.”
LG’s decision is consistent with the trend of manufacturers slowly exiting the physical media space, with several major brands such as Sony and Panasonic not releasing a new optical disc drive in over five years.
