The name Blu-ray is derived from the blue-violet colored laser that is inside whatever Blu-ray device you’re using. The laser in Blu-ray is capable of reading and writing information to disc but not just regular information; information that is a step above the quality that can be achieved with high definition.
What exactly is blu-ray? Blu-ray technology, which is contained on an optical density disk, can best be defined as an optical disc storage media format. Although the same size as a DVD or CD, the blu-ray format fits up to 50 GB of data on a single disc, which is well over 5 times as much as a dual layer DVD or CD or 10 times as much as a single layer DVD or CD.
The history of the blu-ray goes back to 1998 when HDTV technology became available on the public market. Phillips and Sony companies responded to the need for media that would allow recording on discs for HDTV. The result was blu-ray, but not before a couple of other media formats that were designed paved the way. The first blu ray devices were available for purchase in 2003.In 2002 the official blu ray project was created by the blu ray disk association, made up of 9 members. The blu ray disk association was designed to represent computer hardware, motion picture production and consumer electronics.
The standard size blu ray disk is 12 cm. The mini size blu ray disk is 8 cm. Although the mini disk is more than half the size of the standard size, the layer capacity in single and dual for the mini disk is far less than half as much. Although blu ray doesn’t make television yet, the blu ray DVD player takes your HD TV viewing experience to a another level. In September of this year, there were more than 850 blu ray disk titles released in the US and over 500 in Japan.
Before blu ray became the reigning champion of high definition, it had to face some stiff competition from HD TV. But when PlayStation 3(PS3) came out, equip to function as a blu ray disk player the tables turned. In the end of the competition between HD TV and blu ray, HD TV manufacturer Toshiba decided to discontinue production of HD devices. As a result of Toshiba decision blu ray captured the attention of many US retailers including Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Circuit City; all of whom decided to drop their HD DVD products. Blu ray technology has since become the industry standard. Proof of blu ray’s success can be noted by the fact that blu ray is now used and supported in all major Hollywood studios.
So if you have been considering blu ray technology there is no time like the present. You may be surprised to find that your movie and television viewing experiences are as brilliant and enjoyable as going to the movies or watching and event in person. Try blu ray and see.
