Blu-ray:
The Next Generation in Storage Hardware
Group 6
Will Culberson and Ben Henley
Key Words: Blue-violet laser, high-definition (HD), AACS, and optical disc
Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of a next generation optical disc format. Blu-ray is a new hardware storage device about the same size and shape of a regular DVD. Blu-ray has been developed to enable recording, rewriting, and playback of high-definition video. Blu-ray will also provide a much higher storage capacity than other storage mediums, such as DVDs and flash drives. Blu-ray technology will benefit many businesses and industries with its storage capabilities. The video, film, and entertainment industries will now be able to easily sell and distribute films and games in high-definition video and audio, which has been very difficult in the past. The entertainment industry will not be the only businesses benefiting from Blu-ray. All companies and businesses that require the storage of large amounts of data can easily store much more data on a Blu-ray Disc than previous storage devices.
The name “Blu-ray” comes from the technology used to make the device. Blu-ray technology uses a blue-violet laser to read and write data. The name is a combination of “Blue” (blue-violet laser) and “Ray” (optical ray). This technology was developed due to the need for greater storage capacities and easily storing high-definition video and audio. In the past, it has not been possible to store large amounts of high-definition video on regular DVDs or video cassettes. DVDs and CDs use an infrared red laser to write and record data, but Blu-ray uses a blue-violet laser and a lens with a greater numerical aperture, allowing the laser spot to be focused with greater precision to fit more data on the same size disc. The new format will offer five times more storage capacity than traditional DVDs. A single layer Blu-ray Disc will hold up to 25GB. However, dual and multi-layer discs are going to be available which can store up to 200 GB. As with conventional CDs and DVDs, Blu-ray will provide a broad range of formats including read- only, recordable, and rewritable. The read-only format will be for distributing high-definition movies, games, and software. The recordable format will be used to record high-definition video and computer data storage. The rewritable format will allow users to copy over previously used disc to store new data. The versatility and features of Blu-ray Discs will forever change video and data storage.
The new Blu-ray Discs will greatly impact electronics users around the world. When the features of Blu-ray Discs are compared to traditional DVDs and CDs, it is easy to understand why companies strongly support Blu-ray. On a dual layer Blu-ray Disc, over nine hours of high-definition video or 23 hours of standard-definition video can be stored. Another advantage of Blu-ray technology is the speed at which one can read and write data is greatly increased. Also, the Blu-ray Discs will be the same size and shape of a DVD, but will be much more scratch and fingerprint resistant. The development of new low cost hard-coating technologies has made the discs much more durable and versatile. Consumers will not have to worry about keeping the discs in cartridges or plastic covers. In addition to the hard-coating, a new error correction system will allow users to fix damages to a disc.
As with any new technology, the first generation of Blu-ray products will likely be quite expensive due to low production volumes. However, with all of the advantages of Blu-ray, the demand for the products will become high. As the demand increases, mass production will begin and begin driving prices down. According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the overall cost of manufacturing Blu-ray Disc media will be no more expensive that producing a DVD. Seven major companies have already approved and announced titles for Blu-ray movies, and the new Sony Playstation 3 will use Blu-ray technology. As high-definition televisions become more widely used, the demand and use for Blu-ray technology will become greater.
In addition to the technical advantages of Blu-ray technology, Blu-ray will provide a clearer and more realistic image for viewers. High-definition video offers five times the amount of detail compared to standard-definition video. The new Blu-ray Disc will allow for users to enjoy high- definition quality in every area of entertainment. Blu-ray can be used for recording home video, watching films, and recording hours of television programming in high-definition quality. In the past, it was impossible to record high-definition television with VCRs, and high-definition DVRs are not able to store large amounts high-definition video. Blu-ray technology has now made it possible for consumers to enjoy the quality picture and sound that high-definition provides in every area of video and television.
The Blu-ray Disc format was developed by the Blu-Ray Disc Association (BDA). The BDA is a group of leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers, with more than 170 member companies from all over the world. Major companies such as Apple, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Sony, Samsung, Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Entertainment, and others serve on the board of directors. These companies along with dozens of others are working together to improve Blu-ray products and make them available to the masses.
Many businesses and industries will be impacted by Blu-ray technology. Blu-ray technology is so much greater that DVDs, CDs, and videos, that consumers are going to demand the new products. All major corporations and businesses will now be able to store greater amounts of data on a portable storage device. Business professionals who must travel with multiple files containing large amounts of information can use Blue-ray Discs to easily store all of their data on one small disc. Blue-ray Discs are going to have very far reaching effects in the entertainment industry. Companies will be able to offer a much higher quality product that consumers are going to desire. The quality of high-definition becoming widely available will make DVDs and standard-definition video obsolete. Consumers will begin replacing their old DVD players and VCRs with new Blu-ray players. This will provide great opportunities for businesses to capitalize on a large demand for the new products. Also, entertainment businesses will lose less money from pirating copy written material. All Blu-ray products will contain Advanced Access Content System (AACS) technology that will prevent consumers from ripping or copying discs. Many different businesses around the world will benefit from Blu-ray technology.
In conclusion, Blu-ray Disc technology is a new optical storage device that will have a great impact on businesses around the world. This new device will be used by almost everyone in the future, from home entertainment to large corporations, Blu-ray Discs are going to provide a better way to store data and information and provide a higher quality entertainment experience.
References
Blu-ray Disc Association. (2006). Blu-ray FAQ. (Online), 09-16-06. http://www.blu-ray.com/faq
Blu-ray Disc Association. (2006). Blu-ray. (Online), 09-16-06. http://www.blu-raydisc.com
Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. (2006). Blu-ray Disc. (Online), 09-16-06. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray