WHAT IS BLU-RAY?

Blu-ray (BR) is the next generation optical disc format that will eventually take over from the Digital Video Disc (DVD). The standard was jointly developed by the Blu-ray disc associated (BDA). The BDA is made up of over 170 world’s leading consumer electronics, personal computer (PC) and media manufacturers and is seen by many as the natural successor to the DVD format.

The BDA boasts of companies like Samsung, Sony, Pioneer, Apple, Panasonic and Thomson in its alliance.

The Blu-ray is named after the type of laser used to read or write data on the disc. While the DVD uses a red laser to read or write data the blu-ray disc (BD) uses a blue-violet laser (blue-ray) instead. The blue-violet laser has a shorter wavelength than the red laser. This reduces the footprint of the laser beam, hence making it possible for more data to be packed within a given area.

This is the reason why BDs even though they are of the same size as DVDs, hold more data than DVDs.

The major advantage (if not the only advantage) of the BD over the DVD is its higher storage capacity. The BD offers about 5 times more storage space than traditional DVD and can hold up to 25 GB on a single layer disc and 50 GB on a double layer disc. Blu-ray will be backward compatible with CDs and DVDs through the use of BD/DVD/CD compatible pick-up unit.
This technology will definitely increase storage space for your media. It will also be useful in the storage of High-Definition (HD) contents for mass distribution. It can also compete with hard drives in the storage space for PCs.

BD is set to take over from the DVD with major movies studios announcing titles on BD. New feature films are now available in both BD and DVD.