In recent weeks, there has been a wave of hand-wringing and even finger-pointing over the decline in DVD sales.

Some have aimed their ire at DVD rental, especially Redbox, as having a negative impact on the market for purchasing DVDs. But the answer to what is causing the decline in DVD sales is much more complicated.

Without a doubt, the primary culprit in the decline of DVD sales is the poor economy, which is forcing consumers to reduce purchases of everything -- even essentials.

Secondarily, after 12 years of filling their shelves with billions of dollars of DVDs, consumers are feeling a natural saturation in a maturing market.

Third, many consumers are wondering what is next, whether Blu-ray, internet delivery or other advances in technology. This uncertainty is causing them to delay their purchases of the old standard-definition DVDs.

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