Computer Bytes - No. 32 I am going to digress slightly this week to write about Blu-ray. There have been a lot of discussions about Blu-ray versus High Definition. What exactly is Blu-ray and which format should I invest in if I am looking to purchase a DVD player. Based on the news stories presently being reported, it would seem that the Blu-ray would be the path to take. There are retail stores that have plans to only sell Blu-ray players and equipment in the future while some of the larger movie rental stores are saying they will no longer offer HD DVDs. Much like the VHS vs. Betamax in the 1980's, it would appear that Blu-ray is going to come out the winner in this contest. Blu-ray or Blu-ray Disc (BD) is an optical disc format making use of a violet-blue laser to read and write data. The HD DVD format uses a red laser to perform the same functions. The fact that a blue laser is used translates to a shorter wavelength resulting in a more precise achievement of the action taken. The BD format was developed by some of the world's leading electronic and computer manufacturers to allow the playing, writing and storing of huge amounts of data in a smaller amount of space. With up to five times the storage available on a BD disc the consumer is offered an unparalleled experience when watching movies. Blu-ray is currently the favorite format of more than a hundred of the world's leading electronic manufacturers including Sony. The Play Station 3 manufactured by Sony has the capability of playing Blu-ray DVDs adding greatly to its popularity. The Blu-ray format is also being supported by many of the major movie studios who have plans to release their new movies in the Blu-ray format. You will no doubt be able to find the older movies released in the HD format being converted to Blu-ray in the not too distant future. Both Blu-ray and HD DVDs offer superior quality pictures, however, they are not compatible. Even some of the older HD DVDs will not play on the newer DVD players. For your money, BD offers unbelievable quality that becomes obviously apparent when you view the crisp, clear pictures for the first time. If you are in the market for a new DVD player, consider Blu-ray. You will want to research its benefits and requirements beyond this article making sure it will be compatible with your current television set. You may find Blu-ray to be a little more expensive initially to purchase and set up, but the quality you will enjoy is by far exceptional to anything I've ever seen, and in my opinion, well worth it. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.