But of the $10.8 billion that consumers paid to buy tapes and discs, the studios pocketed a full 75 percent - or $8.2 billion.

More DVD players, of course, means more people buying discs.

You don't mention the levy charged in some countries when you buy blank discs or tapes.

Mr. Curry once bought compact discs and submitted the expense as a work dinner, the person said.

"I used the cards to pay for meals, buy compact discs, or if I saw something in the mall."

It is still possible to buy discs for the 24 1/2 inch diameter Polyphon.

The drawback is that you can only record to each disc once, which means you need to buy new discs regularly.

One observer remarked that young people did not buy discs as they can get the photographs easily from the internet.

Many obstacles must be overcome before consumers routinely download music instead of buying compact discs.

But because there is no foreseeable end to the format fight, shoppers are expected to shy away from buying the machines and discs.