After Five Strong Years, DVD Still Growing Fast As It Goes Mainstream New Features Will Drive Sales When DVD was rolled out, some analysts said appeal was limited to small group.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)

Byline: PATRICK SEITZ

The huge success of the digital video disc has boosted Hollywood studios, consumer electronics makers and retailers. The growth of DVD should continue because much of the market has yet to be tapped, say people in the industry.

DVD just recently crossed over from early adopters to the mainstream public.

That will drive strong growth for at least the next four years, said studio executives and other entertainment industry officials at the DVD At Five conference, held Friday near Los Angeles.

And new products such as recordable DVDs, high-definition video discs and DVD music will provide other opportunities for the five-year-old format.

"DVD has gone on to be the fastest-growing consumer technology ever, transforming an entire industry, the video industry, in only five years," said Robert Chapek, president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment, a unit of Walt Disney Co.

At first, many thought DVDs would, like the laser disc, appeal to a small group of consumers. But people underestimated its appeal.