Blu-ray disc is a high density optical disc which may look similar to the conventional compact discs and DVDs. However, the technology of the Blu-ray disc differs largely. In fact, the name Blu-ray is derived from the blue laser light that is used to read data on this disc. The first Blu-ray prototype was released in 2000 while the prototype player was released three years later. It took further three years to release this technology into the market, officially.
The Blu-ray concept was originally proposed and developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association. Unlike the conventional DVDs or CDs, this Blu-ray disc has a capacity of about 25 GB. The dual layered Blu-ray disc have double the capacity of about 50 GB. Even triple and quadruple layered Blu-ray discs are developed. However, they are not widely used. This additional capacity of these Blu-ray discs are due to its high density storage facility. The conventional DVDs and CDs uses a red laser, whose wavelength is longer than the blue laser used for reading Blu-ray discs. These discs could be played only on a Blu-ray disc compatible player. Along with a 1080p High Definition Television, all the pixels of the video resolutions would be highly precise and sharp. In fact, buying a Blu-ray player is the best choice for watching High Definition content on your HDTV. To mention, Blu-ray players are capable of playing DVDs and Compact discs too. In some countries like United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, etc., a number of feature films are available in Blu-ray discs. If you are planning a buy a Blu-ray player very soon, you may consider the following things before you buy. These might help you to select a future proof model as well.
Things to consider
1. Before you opt to buy a new Blu-ray player you must understand that HD DVD is quite different from Blu-ray technology. Initially when Blu-ray concept was developed, this HD DVD technology became a fierce competitor. However, they were less popular and fairly used. Though Blu-ray had topped this technology, these players and HD DVDs are still available in some countries. Be aware about the differences between these two players. All Blu-ray players need a visual screen like the television with which you can view your videos. You may even listen to audios with the Blu-ray players, but still you need a visual screen. You may connect the Blu-ray player to a normal Cathode-ray tube televisions. But note that only if your television possess a High Definition feature, you may enjoy the high definition content of Blue-ray discs. A HD television would have a 1080p resolution and it could be accessed by means of a High Definition Multi-media Interface shortly known as HDMI. This port helps you to connect your Blu-ray player with the HD television.
2. The most important advantage of Blu-ray players are its versatility to play conventional DVDs and CDs. You may even play audio discs to listen your favorite music. This feature helps us to use our old collections of music and movies without buying them in the Blu-ray editions. Otherwise, with the introduction of this Blu-ray technology, these conventional DVDs and CDs would have become obsolete by now. Blu-ray discs can also be used as a storage device and could be used in play stations as well. Some players are even capable of streaming video and audio content directly from the internet through the Ethernet port.
3. Blu-ray players offer various connections to make your viewing experience comfortable. Some players include HDMI cables within the base package however, some others don’t. Apart from the HDMI port, these players have composite, S-Video and component video outputs. Regarding the audio, they possess an analog stereo, digital optical and digital co-axial outputs. A 2.0 channel or a 7.1 surround sound channel is available as analog outputs in most of the Blu-ray players. However, you must read the player’s specifications to know about the available surround sound channels. If your television is compatible to play 3d content, then you may use 3d Blu-ray discs available, thus making the choice of Blu-ray technology future-proof.
4. Blu-ray players are available from various brands in the market. One could get a brand new player for as low as $150. However, the high end models might even costs about $8000. Depending on your affordability, you may choose the right device. A normal Blu-ray player could be bought for $200 with the major features. Do look for the player’s compatibility with the triple and quadruple layered Blu-ray discs. Most of these players could enable this feature by updating its firmware. Though this feature have not become popular these days, you might require them in the upcoming years. It is clear that the Blu-ray technology would enthrall us with its high quality digital viewing experience, right from our homes.
