The DVD market has grown rapidly recently, as demand for VCRs looks like it is becoming obsolete. According to market sources on Sept. 12, sales of DVD players amounted to 230,000 units during the first half of this year, already exceeding 170,000 units of sales recorded in the whole year of 2001. On the other hand, sales of VCRs fell to 270,000 units as this year's sales mark will likely reach a mere 500,000 units. Domestic demand for VCRs fell to 890,000 in 2001 after it peaked to a record 1.04 million units in 2000.

Sales for DVDs outnumbered VCR sales in August in 2002, and will likely reach 600,000 units by year end.

Officials of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. said on Sept. 17 that, "Due to a clearer screen and improved voice function, DVD demand is expected to triple this year, exceeding the VCR market for the first time."