Blu-rays

Up until the recent year, the name Blue Ray may have provoked images of a delicate bird. Now when hearing the name , Blu-ray, you immediately associate it with the next-generation optical disc format, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD). A group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson) formed the BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) and developed this new media format.

This new format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. This extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio offers a heightened high-definition sensory experience. Current optical disc technologies such as DVDs rely on a red laser to read and write data; whereas, the Blu-ray format uses a blue-violet laser.

Thus far, seven of the eight major movie studios have adopted the new technology as a successor to today's DVDs. Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM have already released titles in the Blu-ray format. Check out this link for a listing of Blu-ray movies.

If you’re glued to your PC or laptop most of the time, you may be wondering if there are plans for this Blu-ray technology to be integrated with personal computing. Here’s the good news…there are plans to support the new format with two of the world’s largest PC manufacturer’s: HP and Dell.

I must say that the Blu-ray experience is not all hype. While shopping this past weekend, I came across a television that was playing a movie in Blu-ray. Without delay I was awestruck at the amazing clarity and sharpness that this format provides. Visit your nearest electronic retail store and check it out for yourself. Enjoy and stay connected!