Benefits and Features of Blu-ray Disc
» Large Storage Capacity
There are presently two main type of Blu-ray Discs, single layer and dual layer, or BD-25 and BD-50, respectively. A BD-25 can hold up to 25GB (Gigabytes) of data. A BD-50 can hold up to 50GB of data. This translates into approximately 4 hours of HD video (or 11 hours of SD video) on a BD-25.
This unprecedented amount of storage capacity allows for more than just movie content to be put on the disc. There is more room than ever before for deleted scenes, director commentary, multiple languages, bonus material, cast interviews, alternate endings and much more.
» High Resolution Video
When it comes to digital video, picture quality depends on bit rates. DVD's deliver video at an average of about 8 Megabits per second (Mbps). A typical HDTV broadcast from a cable or satellite provider reaches upwards of 10 to 12 Mbps. Blu-ray Disc, however, outperforms them all, delivering up to 48 Megabits per second of rich, high definition video content.
Additionally, Blu-ray Disc can provide full 1080p resolution video to increase the viewing quality even further.
» Superior Audio Experience
Blu-ray Disc has support for up to 7.1 channels of high definition, uncompressed surround sound; with additional support for up to 32 simultaneous streams of audio. This unlocks the door for real-time multi-language support and even user selected audio commentary, all in real-time.
» Increased Interactivity and Navigation
Since Sun-Microsystems cross platform Java software (BD-J) has been added to Blu-ray Disc, an entire software environment has been opened. Java is used to implement interactive menus with increased functionality and interaction with the disc's audio and video content.
Java also allows for integrated games and features like BD Live, which connects the Blu-ray Disc player to the Internet and local networks. With connectivity to the Internet the user has access to not only the content packaged on the disc, but also to live content streamed online.
Imagine being able to have your audience go into a section of your disc that calls up live content from the web and seamlessly integrates with pre-packaged content. Chatting and live interaction between other people currently viewing the same movie will allow for new entertainment or educational experiences like never before possible with any other format.
» Increased Durability
Recent advancements in polymer technology have made the surface of Blu-ray Discs more durable than their CD and DVD counterparts. Replicated BDs use proprietary "hard coating" techniques to add a scratch-resistant layer to the discs and duplicated BD-R and BD-RE used a similar spin-coated protection layer.
back to top
Sources and Links
Official Blu-ray Disc Association Website http://www.blu-raydisc.com
Blu-ray Disc Website http://www.blu-ray.com
Wikipedia, Blu-ray Disc http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc
