Blu-ray Technical Information
BD-ROM discs (replicated) from Dischromatics are the next generation of optical media and initially has a capacity of 25GB for single layer disc and 50GB for double layer discs. However due to the way the discs have been developed there is in fact a possibility to increase this capacity to 200GB by using 8 layers!!! The increase in capacity is due to the way the data is contained on the disc itself. On a CD or DVD the data tracks are more spaced out to allow for reading with a red laser. However the BD discs are read using a blue laser (hence the name) which has a shorter wavelength and therefore a smaller "spread" on the discs surface meaning that tracks of data can be more tightly packed together, thus increasing the capacity. This data is protected by a specially developed hard scratchproof coating (as opposed to the original plastic casing) as a slight scratch would destroy far more information on a Blu-ray disc than on a DVD or CD. Blu-ray is the next logical step for optical media following on from CDs and DVDs. Demand from different sectors of the industry (gaming/movie producers etc) means that DVD capacity is being stretched to the limit. Indeed, film studios often supply sets of two DVD-9s to give space to "extras" such as bonus features, deleted scenes, soundtracks etc and Surround "cinema" sound Dolby 7.1 will be supported. This is due to the fact that data requires far less compression to fit onto a Blu-ray Disc compared to a DVD and that more advanced Codecs will be supported. Blu-ray Discs will also enable movies to be supplied in 1920 x 1080 "Full HD" format (HD Ready is 1280 x 720), in either progressive or interlaced format (standard definition, or SD, television is currently broadcast in interlaced format where 2 images fit together to form 1, hence the blurring effect when a video is paused, progressive format however allows for a single image to be transmitted thereby eliminating the blurred effect when pausing).Key Features of Blu-ray
- Amazing high-definition picture quality and incredible surround sound
- 25GB capacity per layer (maximum 8 layers, although only 2 initially)
- Supports HD-TV, advanced Codecs and Dolby Surround 7.1
- Supports Interlaced and Progressive images
- Compatible with Playstation 3
- Blu-ray players connect to the internet and have a hard drive for storage
- Interactive gaming, access to downloadable bonus content
AACS copy-protection.
