What does Blu-ray mean?
Blu-ray or Blu-ray disc (BD) is the next-generation optical disc format. Blu-ray got its name from the blue-colored laser beam generated by a blue laser diode that reads the data on the Blu-ray disc. This blue-colored laser enables about five times more data storage than is possible on a standard DVD. The single-layered Blu-ray disc allows 25 GB of data storage, and a dual-layered Blu-ray disc allows 50 GB storage space.
HD compatibility:
Because of the employment of the Blu-ray laser, writing data on a Blu-ray disc is more precise. This creates a platform for HD data storage as Blu-ray discs can accommodate HD codec with ease.
Acceptance as industry choice:
The real Blu-ray revolution happened when Warner Bros. announced that it would release its forthcoming movies only in Blu-ray after May 2008. After this announcement, other production companies such as New Line Cinema and HBO also joined the Blu-ray trend. BBC followed soon after, and by February 2008, major HD DVD player manufacturers announced plans to discontinue production of HD DVD players, thereby eliminating all possible competition that Blu-ray could face in the future. Soon thereafter, other giant production houses such as Universal Studios and Paramount Studios announced their lineup of Blu-ray movies for the year.
Industry backing and future prospects:
Blu-ray is presently supported by over 200 world-leading electronics manufacturers, personal computer manufacturers, record companies, video gaming, and music companies. The Blu-ray format is also unanimously supported by all Hollywood studios.
The consortium developing Blu-ray disc technology is constantly innovating to bring out more sophisticated products. After introducing writable Blu-ray discs and re-writable multi-use formats, plans are underway to introduce Blu-ray Discs capable of supporting 3D content and also for storing up to 200 GB of data on a single side.
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