The part of the PlayStation 3 console may be one of the features that makes the console so expensive, but apparently purchasers of the console are embracing the next-generation DVD technology.

According to a new survey, conducted last year by the Entertainment Merchant's Association, a whopping 87 percent of owners use the Blu-ray drive in their lounges.

This new figure, reported this week by Engadget, would seem to allay fears that games players are basically being forced to buy Blu-ray as part of the overall package.

A rival survey released by last year claimed that 60 percent of PS3 owners didn't even know the system played Sony's new media format.

By Luke Guttridge