Blu-ray technology was developed for the purposes of recording, rewriting and the playback of high definition video (HD). It is possible to store a large capacity of data on the Blu-ray disc (5 times more than the traditional DVD), 25GB for a single layer and 50GB for a dual layer disc.

The extra capacity, combined with advanced video and audio codecs, means that Blu-ray presents you with an unprecedented HD experience. Thanks to the extra space, Blu-ray discs can also offer advanced interactive features and exciting bonus content. The discs are also highly dirt and scratch resistant.

The secret to the ultimate in high definition lies in the laser used to read and write data from and to the disc. Current optical discs, for example the CD, DVD and DVD-RAM, read and write data with the use of a red laser. Blu-ray technology uses a blue-violet laser, hence its name. The main reason for this is that the blue-violet laser has a shorter wavelength of 405nm, whereas the read laser’s wavelength is 650nm. This means that the blue-violet laser can focus with greater precision when reading or writing data.

Blu-ray DVD players are available from many popular manufacturers, for example Sony, Samsung, Sharp, LG, Phillips, Panasonic and Pioneer. Apart from these quality brands, Blu-ray is used in the Playstation 3 gaming station. Recently, a number of laptop computers have also started to incorporate the Blu-ray disc player as well as producing Blu-ray drives for desktop computers.

For you to enjoy all of the benefits that Blu-ray technology has to offer, you will need a number of things. These are a HDTV and HDMI cables, to ensure that you get the best picture quality. On top of this of course, you will need Blu-ray discs and a Blu-ray player. It is still possible for you to play normal DVDs on a Blu-ray player, but note that you will only get the standard DVD’s quality, and not the enhanced quality of a Blu-ray disc. Also, you are unable to play Blu-ray discs on anything other than on a Blu-ray player.

Blu-ray is a glimpse of what the future of home entertainment has to offer and industry expectations of Blu-ray is that it will replace the standard DVD. Also, since its introduction, the Blu-ray technology has continually advanced and there is no sign of stopping.

Whether you wish to keep to date with the latest media technologies, or if you want the very best of home entertainment, you need Blu-ray. What are you waiting for? Get Blu-ray today!