Beyond Blu-ray: How Magnetar Helps Dealers Serve a Growing Niche

Magnetar is urging custom integrators to reevaluate the role of physical media in home theater systems, highlighting a growing opportunity in a segment many dealers have dismissed. According to company president Rob Jones, many integrators overlook the fact that a significant number of their clients still maintain physical media libraries and are settling for subpar playback solutions. Magnetar positions itself not as a basic Blu-ray player, but as a universal media solution capable of handling nearly every disc and digital format available, including 4K UHD, SACD, DVD-A, CD, MKV, and MP3.

Jones identifies a persistent gap in dealer awareness and client engagement. Many dealers fail to ask clients about their media collections, missing out on potential upgrade paths and added revenue. Magnetar’s platform addresses these needs by delivering broad format compatibility and high-quality performance, especially for customers left unsupported following Oppo’s exit from the market. While Magnetar does not self-identify as a replacement for Oppo, the brand has gained that reputation organically from the industry and end users.

There’s also a misconception that Magnetar competes with solutions like Kaleidescape. Instead, the company views its product as a complementary tool, particularly for clients who want to access physical media and stored file formats that aren’t supported by server-based systems. Magnetar’s devices also appeal to clients who want premium playback experiences without the full financial commitment of a Kaleidescape system.

Despite industry narratives suggesting physical media is in decline, Magnetar points to data showing a strong and resilient market segment. Sales of disc players and collector’s edition releases continue to grow, especially among performance-driven enthusiasts. By reframing their approach and asking more targeted questions, dealers can uncover meaningful opportunities in this overlooked category and provide more complete home entertainment solutions to their clients.