Comparing DVD to Blu-ray

Blu-ray is a next-generation product about to explode into the mainstream. The blu-ray format was developed to enable recording, rewriting, and playback of High Definition (HD) video. It can also store large amounts of data. Blu-ray offers more storage capacity than traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single disc. Blu-ray camcorders are already on the market and expected to be the leading camcorder media within a few years. The discs can hold up to 50GB of video files if the disk is dual-layer.

Blu-ray was developed by a consortium of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer, and media manufacturers. Companies leading the way on blu-ray include Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sony, and TDK. The extra capacity of blu-ray offers the consumer an unprecedented HD experience. The current disc technologies such as DVD, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and HD-DVD were made to read and write data with a red laser. Blu-ray uses a blue-violet laser instead. The blue laser has a short wavelength of only 405 nanometers-much shorter wavelength than a red laser. This makes it possible for a blu-ray laser to focus with even greater precision and transmit more information along the beam. Many blu-ray players are able to read traditional DVDs and CDs using a special filter or a second red laser. However, DVD players cannot be modified to read blu-ray disks.

Movie studios are now using Blu-ray as the successor to the DVD format. The five leading studios, including Disney, Fox, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM are using Blu-ray as their preferred home release format. The cost to manufacture the Blu-ray disc will be no more than the expense of manufacturing a DVD. It is expected that Blu-ray will replace the DVD. Blu-ray does not have a hard cover like a DVD; however, the development of the new low cost hard-coating technologies will make DVD's obsolete. The discs are even more resistant to scratches and fingerprints, preserving the same look and feel as when they were first bought.

Blu-ray disc is the correct spelling of the product, which is the trademark used for resale to the consumer. The name Blu-ray derived from the underlying technology, which utilizes the blue- violet ray instead of the red laser. The term "Ray" derived from the optical ray, which together is "Blu-ray." Blu-ray disc holds over 9 hours of high-definition video on a 50GBdisc and about 23 hours of standard-definition video. Blu-ray will not require an Internet connection for basic playback, but for value-added features such as downloading, watching recent movie trailers, and web browsing, an internet connection will be required. As blu-ray players become more widely embraced, the technology will drop in cost, bringing it into the mainstream.