Sony will stop shipping all Blu‑ray Disc Recorders in February 2026 and has confirmed there will be no successor model. This means existing units can still be used, but once stock runs out you won’t be able to buy a new recorder. Users are now encouraged to shift to streaming services, smart‑TV DVRs, or external storage solutions.
Why Sony is ending Blu‑ray recorders
Steady decline of physical media
Since on‑demand streaming took off, sales of discs have dropped year after year. In Japan, fewer than 10 percent of households still record broadcast TV onto discs, making the market too small to justify continued production.
Cost of support outweighs demand
Maintaining hardware, firmware updates, and after‑sales service for a shrinking user base has become a financial burden. Sony’s statement was blunt: there is no successor model, and no plans for a hybrid or cloud‑based replacement.
Impact on consumers
If you own a Sony recorder, you can keep using it while you have discs and a functioning unit. However, buying a fresh replacement will be impossible after the current inventory disappears, and spare parts will become scarce.
What you should do now
- Back up important recordings to an external hard drive or network‑attached storage.
- Consider a streaming box with built‑in DVR capabilities for future TV time‑shifting.
- Stock up on Blu‑ray discs if you still value physical media for movies or archival purposes.
Industry shift toward streaming
Manufacturers are redirecting resources to streaming sticks, smart‑TV integration, and cloud DVR services. Broadcasters like NHK are already offering hybrid over‑the‑air and internet models, reducing the need for traditional disc recorders.
Broader market trends
Home‑theater installers and AV retailers report a short‑term surge in BDR sales as consumers clear out inventory, followed by a rapid pivot to streaming devices and soundbars. The move signals that the home‑entertainment ecosystem is consolidating around internet‑based delivery.
What this means for you
Whether you’re comfortable with streaming or prefer the reliability of a disc, the choice is yours. If you choose streaming, upgrade to a smart‑TV or a dedicated box that offers cloud DVR. If you cherish physical media, make sure you have enough discs now and think about a high‑capacity external drive for future recordings.
