Sweden’s Blu-ray Forum launches BD3D retailer certification scheme

Last year we brought you news that Sweden’s Blu-ray Forum and HDTV Forum had teamed up with electronics association ‘Elekronick Branschen’ to create an education programme for retailers on all aspects of Blu-ray. With the aim of training staff to a high level of knowledge on HD and Blu-ray Disc technology, the scheme has successfully certified 74% of stores in Sweden so far.

But it doesn’t stop there. Keen to keep in touch with the very latest advancements, the scheme is expanding to include a brand new section devoted to 3D Blu-ray Disc technology. Retailers that succeed in this new part of the certification programme receive the pictured badge and door sticker, so consumers know they can expect good service from knowledgeable staff.

Given a significant rise in the popularity of 3D in 2010, and with 3D BD players and offerings like ‘A Christmas Carol 3D’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland 3D’ hitting the shelves come Christmas, this is great news for retailers and consumers alike, and Swedish shoppers can be confident their questions on BD3D will be answered quickly and effectively.

On its completion in Sweden, the full programme will be rolled out in other Scandinavian countries, starting with Denmark. If you would like more information on the scheme, please contact the Blu-ray Forum.

Scandinavian BD certification scheme helps retailers improve tech knowledge

For the uninitiated, or those unfamiliar with technology, the world of HD and Blu-ray Disc can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important that retailers themselves understand all the technical terms associated with HD and BD, so they can educate their customers and let them make informed decisions.

In Sweden, the Blu-ray Forum and the HDTV Forum teamed up with the local electronics association to create a new joint certification program for retailers, which tests participants on their technical knowledge. Successful entrants receive a badge and door sticker for their store, giving customers greater confidence in their staff.

The certification programme was launched in June and has so far been a great success, with a wide range of retailers lining up to take part. So far, over 300 retail stores and 1,000 sales reps have been certified and it is hoped that 1,500 sales reps can be successfully trained by the end of October.

After phase one is completed, a second phase will be rolled out to the other Scandinavian countries, starting with Denmark.