BLU-RAY DISC TECHNOLOGY

Blu-Ray Disc: Latest Optical Disc Format Explained


Just when we think technology can't get any better, along comes something to prove us wrong! If you've heard the latest commercials for new DVD's or CD's and they mention something called "Blu-Ray" or "Blu-Ray Disc", you're probably wondering just what this is. Briefly, this is the latest optical disc format which has been developed by the Blu-Ray Association, or "BDA." This association is made up of the major players in the electronics world, including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sony, and many more. This format was developed for recording, rewriting and playback in high-definition video, and for increased storage capabilities on DVD's and CD's. This format stores more than five times the data as the current technology. Called "Blu-Ray" because of the blue-violet laser used (rather than the traditional red laser), the blu-ray laser can focus the laser with more pinpoint accuracy, allowing data to be packed more tightly so that more data can fit on a disc. This article will explain more about the technology and how it is being used to enhance our entertainment enjoyment.


Blu-Ray Disc Uses

You're probably wondering just how you can make use of this new technology, among other things. You'll find this in many entertainment devices, such as dvd's and cd's. You'll even find it in some of the game systems. Here's more information on each device that Blu-Ray is available in. You'll note that the prices are a lot higher than current technology. Unless you have to be the first person on your block to have own one, you'd do well to wait a bit before purchasing one. As technology improves and more players hit the market, prices will drop.

  • Blu-Ray Players
    To play the blu-ray dvd's and cd's, you'll need something to play them on. Blu-ray player manufacturers include JVC, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony. There are many others entering the market as well. At the time this article was researched and written, Samsung had several models available, ranging in price from $488 to around $1,000. Sony's prices range from about $450 to $700 for their several models.
  • Blu-Ray Recorders
    Some companies are just beginning to release blu-ray recorders at the time this article is being written. According to PC World, Sharp's entry into the blu-ray recording market will be in December 2007, in Japan. It's initial cost will be around $3,050. Matsushita (Panasonic) released a model in July 2007. Other makers only have prototype models at this time. Watch for more manufacturers to release blu-ray recorders in the near future.
  • Games and Game Players
    Sony Playstation 3 is currently the only game maker using this technology, although other makers were expected to enter the market soon at the time this article was written.. Still a little spendy, we checked prices at Walmart.com and found prices between $400 and $500 for the Sony Playstation3. Many games are being released as you read this, just in time for Christmas. Prices average around $60 each game at Amazon.com

  • Music
    More music titles are being added to the list of blu-ray music cd's. We found the best prices at Amazon.com. A few titles that were available at the time this article was written include cd's by Tony Bennett, AC/DC, U2, Led Zeppelin, and more--too many to name here. More will be added. At Amazon.com the prices for blu-ray cd's weren't too awfully more expensive than the standard ones.
  • Movies
    This category is where you will see the majority of the blu-ray media. At the time this article was written, six of the eight major motion picture studios were committed to blu-ray, including Disney, MGM, Lionsgate, 20th Century, Sony and Warner. The other two, Universal and Paramount, haven't joined yet, but they may do so in the future. You will find blu-ray movies available in every genre (comedy, action, drama, etc.) with more being added all the time. At Amazon.com you can order blu-ray movie titles for very little more than standard dvd's. And at blu-ray.com you can get a list of available dvd's as well the upcoming releases.

Final Thoughts

This is all pretty new technology, and as with all new technology, it's quite expensive at first. Waiting a while before buying blu-ray players and recorders should see improvements in technology and lower prices too. The cd's and dvd's may come down in price as well, although currently they aren't much more expensive than standard ones.

Oh, and one other piece of good news! Blu-ray technology is what is called "backwards-compatible." This means that you don't have to start your movie and music collection all over again like we did to replace the VHS format. While the effects won't be the same, your standard cd's and dvd's will play on the new blue-ray disc players. How could you go wrong?

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes