Q - What is Blu-ray?
A - Blu-ray is the next generation of high density video and data storage technology. Its optical disc format provides the latest and best high-def experience.
Q - Why is it called Blu-ray?
A - The name came from the fact that the laser beam used to read and write the Blu-ray discs is blue instead of the older red format used for CDs and DVDs. The name Blu-ray was not misspelled, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) dropped the “E” on purpose, which causes some confusion on first time buyers and people searching the web.
Q - What is the difference between Blu-ray disc and DVD?
A - They are both the same physical size however there are some major differences in storage capacity, interactivity and disc resistance.
Storage capacity:
Single-layer can hold 25GB. Dual-layer versions of the discs that can hold 50GB.
Capacity could be increased as additional layers are added (there have been announcements of 100 GB (four-layer) discs and Sony has been conducting laboratory work with a 200 GB disc)
This added capacity makes more customer features and benefits possible in the future, which shows that Blu-ray is the format for the long term
The storage capacity of a Blu-ray disc is 5 to 10 times larger than a DVD. The new blue ultraviolet laser beam allows for a much smaller focus which in return enables the recording of smaller and higher density pits on the disc.
Interactivity:
Blu-ray disc’s interactivity is what many developers had only dreamt of until now. It is capable of Picture in Picture (PiP), graphical enhancements and multi-languages for on-screen display. Multi-layered displays enable users to interact with on-disc content - such as pop-up menus, graphics, director’s commentary and bonus material - even as the main movie is playing.
Disc Resistance:
Blu-ray discs have a better resistance against scratches and fingerprints due to developments in hard-coating technology.
Q - What home theater equipment is needed for optimal Blu-ray Disc performance?
A - For the optimal Blu-ray Disc performance, your entertainment system should include:
- Blu-ray Disc Player (Blu-ray Discs will not play on standard DVD players)
- HDTV with 720p, 1080i or higher resolution
- Surround sound speaker system—5.1 channel or 7.1 channel
- HDMI connector cables
- High-quality analog cables or digital optical cables
Q - Will a Blu-ray Disc work in my current DVD player?
A - No, it will not. Your player must be Blu-ray capable since Blu-ray Discs use an ultraviolet beam to read the data on its disc. A Blu-ray Disc will only work with Blu-ray players or Blu-ray compatible units such as the Playstation3.
Q - Will Blu-ray Disc system play my existing DVDs and CDs?
A - The Blu-ray Disc system uses the same 12 cm and 8 cm disc sizes to support backward compatibility with your CDs and DVDs and other optical disc formats so most likely most Blu-ray Disc hardware products will play your existing DVDs and CDs.
Q - Who developed Blu-ray?
A - The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) developed the Blu-ray format. Blu-ray Disc Association is a group of more than 180 companies representing consumer electronics, computer hardware, and motion picture production.
Q - What’s the difference between Blu-ray and HD-DVD?
A - Blu-ray and HD-DVD are two different disc storage media formats. As of February 19, 2008, Toshiba — the main company supporting HD DVD — announced it would no longer develop, manufacture or market HD DVD players and recorders. This announcement basically ended the Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD war and Blu-ray is now considered the High def successor to the DVD technology.
Q - Why is Blu-ray better than DVD?
A - Blu-ray delivers a true High Definition experience. A Blu-ray disc, at 1080p, viewed on a 1080p capable TV is extraordinary, sharp picture and amazing audio. The greater video and audio quality are not all, the extra storage capacity allows for more content and special features. Another great advantage is the new BD-J interactivity layer adopted by Blu-ray, which will allow you much more interactivity on special features and extras. Bellow you will find the technical differences.
Q - How much video can you fit on a Blu-ray Disc?
A - A Blu-ray Disc can hold about 9 hours of high-definition (HD) or about 23 hours of standard-definition (SD) video on a 50GB disc. TDK has announced an experimental Blu-ray Disc capable of holding 200 GB of data on a single side (six 33 GB data layers).
Popularity: 2% [?]
