The Blu-ray Disc (BD) is a next generation optical disc format for storing a large amount of data using a short wavelength blue laser to read and write. Like DVD, there are a number of BD standards, such as read only BD-ROM, recordable BD-R and rewritable BD-RE. The single largest feature of BD is its high-density data storage capacity of 25GB* per layer on one side. This lets you store many hours of content, such as movies with HD resolution and high-quality music with loss-less audio compression. BD also features a high-performance interactive function that uses Java™, called BD-J, to deliver a new video experience to users not offered by conventional video media. With many motion picture production companies and electronics, PC and gaming manufacturers expressing their support for BD, new hardware and software products are expected to hit the market soon.

The structure of the BD-Video Disc

The Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc with the same dimensions as the DVD disc: 12cm in diameter and 1.2mm in thickness. By using a combination of the 405-nm-wavelength blue-violet laser, which is a shorter wavelength than the red laser used by DVD, and a high-density objective lens with a numerical aperture of 0.85, BD uses a laser beam spot that is only about 1/5 the size used by DVD. Thanks to these technologies, a single-layer BD-Video disc can store five times more data than a DVD disc.

Specifications	DVD	BD-Video Disc
Laser Wavelength	650nm	405nm
Numerical Aperture (NA)	0.6	0.85
Disc Diameter	120mm	120mm
Disc Thickness	1.2mm	1.2mm
Protection Layer	0.6mm	0.1mm
Track Pitch	0.72mm	0.32mm
Capacity (Single Layer)	4.7GB	25GB
Capacity (Dual Layer)	8.5GB	50GB
Data Transfer rate	10.08Mbps	48Mbps

Blu-ray has 5x more storage capacity than DVD. This provides more space for content and higher quality video and audio.

Seamless menus allow you to navigate the disc without ever leaving the movie. Immerse yourself in your favorite films like never before with advanced interactive features. In the future, Internet connectivity will deliver new content and enhance your film experience.

Backwards compatible.

All existing Blu-ray Disc players will play your standard DVD collection without a problem. And with built-in 1080p video upscaling, they'll look even better.

Up to 6x better picture resolution than DVD, for the ultimate in high definition video.

7.1 channels of lossless high definition audio, for a superior listening experience.

After one look you'll know this is as good as it gets. Blu-ray Disc's Full HD 1080p resolution produces over 2 million pixels per frame to produce a razor-sharp picture with unmatched depth and clarity. That's six times the picture data contained on DVDs, which are encoded at only 480p.

More bits.

In the digital world, picture quality is not just about resolution, but also about bit rates. The higher the bit rate, the more data that is processed, typically resulting in higher video quality. DVDs have a maximum video bit rate of about 10 megabits per second (Mbps). In comparison, Blu-ray Disc is capable of video bitrates up to an incredible 40 Mbps. The bottom line, higher bit rates allow for the least amount of data compression for HD video that looks closest to the original video source.

Treat yourself to 7.1 channels of enveloping surround sound that is true to the original master recording, bit-for-bit. By taking advantage of the latest HD audio surround formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio, Blu-ray Disc creates the feeling of a state-of-the-art movie theater in your living room. This level of realism simply isn't possible with DVD's conventional 5.1 audio.

More Capacity.

Blu-ray Disc has 5x more storage capacity than DVD, which allows more content to fit on the disc. The extra storage capacity also means more room for special features like interactive games, deleted scenes, director commentary and more.

• HDTV (preferably 1080p)
• HDMI cable for the best picture quality
• Burner with the capability of Blu-ray disc playback
• Blu-ray player or PLAYSTATION3
• Blu-ray movies

Yes, your DVDs will play on all existing Blu-ray Disc players.

I already watch movies in HD on cable or satellite. Wouldn't watching movies on Blu-ray Disc be the same thing?

No. In comparison to high definition cable or satellite, Blu-ray offers you full 1080p video (versus 720p or 1080i) with substantially higher bitrates. The result is the best quality video and audio for your HDTV.

What if I already own an HDTV that's 720p, do I need to buy a 1080p HDTV if I want to watch Blu-ray Disc movies?

No. While your 720p won't maximize the native 1080p picture of your Blu-ray Disc, the high definition picture produced by your Blu-ray Disc player will maximize the quality of your 720p HDTV.

If I play a DVD on an HDTV, won't the picture be HD?

No. Playing a DVD on an HDTV results in an upconverted standard definition picture, since DVDs are encoded in standard definition. You need a Blu-ray Disc player, HDMI or DVI cable from your player to your HDTV, and high definition content from a Blu-ray Disc in order to see a high definition picture.

No. An upscaling DVD simulates a 1080p picture by doubling the number of lines displayed on your HDTV. Since the content on the DVD is not high definition, it will not match the picture quality or clarity of true 1080p source content on a Blu-ray Disc.

Will the PLAYSTATION3 play Blu-ray Disc movies?

Yes, the PLAYSTATION 3 includes a built-in Blu-ray Disc drive that plays Blu-ray Discs. Additionally a standard remote control similar to a DVD remote can be purchased separately.

Can I play a Blu-ray Disc on a DVD player?

No. Blu-ray Disc play on Blu-ray Disc players, PLAYSTATION 3, or Blu-ray Disc drives for computers and will not play on DVD players.

Are Blu-ray Disc movies available in full frame?

Blu-ray Disc movies are delivered in the original theatrical aspect ratio, which is widescreen. Since all HDTVs are also widescreen format, generally your movies will fill up the screen. However, depending on the film, sometimes you will see small black bars on the top and bottom of your screen, but significantly smaller than you would see when watching a widescreen movie on a standard definition TV.