In a news release that conflicts with earlier reports concerning the typical use of the PS3, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) has announced that Blu-ray disc sales have taken off in Europe.

Earlier this week there was news suggesting that only a small percentage of PS3 owners are taking advantage of its multi-media functions, preferring to just play games on the console, but we’re now being told that the PS3 is responsible for a surge in disc sales.

A report by Tech Digest says that more than 180,000 SPHE films have now been sold in Europe which, according to Sony, means a 1000% plus increase since the PS3 launched in March.

Sony has also said that their own discs account for over 50% of all Blu-ray discs sold in the UK, France and Spain.

"The launch of the PS3 had a tremendous impact on Blu-ray software sales across the board". said Matt Brown, executive VP at Sony Pictures.

"Recent sales figures are a clear indication that the PS3 is seen as an entertainment device."