Blu ray is now the film connoisseurs format of choice for watching movies as a more genuine and faithful rendition of exactly how directors want their films to be seen. Additionally, many film buffs are choosing Blu ray as a way to ‘futureproof’ their collections. But what are the differences between this new format and the existing DVD format? Fundamentally the difference is a greater level of detail and the capacity of the Blu ray disc to hold far more information than its predecessor.

The development of Blu ray has meant cooperation between the most powerful technological companies in the world. Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and Sharp are only a small selection of the manufacturers who have chosen to back this new movie disc format. There is an essential difference between Blu ray and regular DVD in terms of the discs and the way in which they are read. The new format, rather than using a regular laser utilises a blue violet reading system; showing the origins of the new format’s name. This system utilises a shorter reading frequency than predecessors and subsequently means that the capacity of the discs to hold information is considerably increased. Additionally while regular DVDs are typically single layered, a Br disc can be single, double, or even triple layered, further increasing the data holding capacity. The layers are important as each pertains to a storage facility. For instance; a single layer disc can hold around twenty five gigabytes whilst a double layered holds fifty.

Blu ray was launched in 2006 and from the outset was involved in a bitter battle with another format. This format was HD DVD and was backed by the Toshiba Company. Both new formats were created in order to give users a far more realistic high definition viewing experience although after a period of intense marketing it was Blu ray that won out as the HD disc format of choice. This battle resembled the battles of the eighties between Beta max and VHS. The reason Br won the battle was due to the large level of backers; not only did it have the support of the majority of large technology companies, but also had backing from six of the eight largest Hollywood movie studios such as Disney, Buena Vista and Warner Brothers. While the issue of the next generation format was contentious for a time, with the variety and power of the Blur ray backers, its victory was almost inevitable.

Since the format war ended Blu ray has been selling well although critics are quick to point out its slow encroachment into the market. This however is a symptom of any new format, the technology is still relatively expensive and until more houses own a Br player, sales will not achieve levels similar to regular DVDs. The slow start of Blu ray however is misleading; a recent report found that the sales of Br discs, when compared to the sales of DVD early in its development are actually higher in relative terms. As the HD revolution in television and film continues, this is only set to continue.

With the backing of so many high profile movie studios and leaders in the world of technology the future of Blu ray is somewhat assured. Undoubtedly advances will be made increasing the capacity of discs and the reading speed of players. For those who want an unrivalled movie viewing experience however, there is no alternative to this new format.

About the author of this article:

technology expert thomas pretty looks at how blu ray discs are set to revolutionise the way movies are viewed in the domestic sphere.