BLU-RAY vs. HD DVD

Blu-Ray and HD (High Definition) DVD have been strong competitors since the first launch of HD DVD in 2006, by Toshiba. In this dual, Blu-Ray seems to have conquered. HD DVD formatting is no longer being produced, as per Toshiba. The discs and players have been abandoned, due to the popularity of the new and improved Blu-Ray technology.

Blu-Ray has been an up and coming piece of technology that many individuals are talking about, but very little know much about. Most people do understand that Blu-Ray involves DVD’s and television visuals. The new technology also involves that of computer systems. Blu-Ray, also known as Blu-Ray Disc (BD), is actually a technological format that allows for consumers to have a unique high definition visual experience. In taking what used to be a single disc format, and now layering disks, there is an increase in GB storage capacity.

This idea was originally developed by Shuji Nakamura. His notion for using blue laser digital coding was a breakthrough. A lawsuit regarding the patent of this new idea eliminated the initial introduction, although the idea was re-developed later into DVD players, laptops and desktops. In computers, Blu-Ray wanted to use a Java based script, while HD DVD creators decided to use iHD, by Microsoft. Both systems had their own pros and cons.

This new Blu-Ray formatting now allows for up to six times the storage capacity of a normal DVD, whereas the HD DVD could only support up to three and a half or four times the original layering capabilities. This means that more information can be stored on a disc regarding each image seen by the consumer. More information per image, reads clearer to the naked eye.

Blu-Ray actually received its name from the laser that is used to project the image. Originally a red laser was used with past-version DVD players, and their projections onto average DVDs. This red laser had a longer wave length, which created a semi-inaccurate reading of the disc. Now, a blue laser exists with a shorter wavelength to read and write data through the new system; hence the name, Blu-Ray. This shorter laser creates a more precise reading of the disk, giving a more accurate and clear picture for the viewer. Both HD DVD and Blu-Ray used this bluish-violet ray in their equipment.

The idea of Blu-Ray was developed by the Blu-Ray Disc Association. This group already produced electronics, and gadgets for consumers over the years. The first Blu-Ray disc released was 50 First Dates. As of June 2009 over 1,400 discs in Blu-Ray were offered in places such as Australia, and the UK. As of mid-2010 over 3,000 discs have also been released with Blu-Ray capabilities, just in Japan alone.

The DVD Forum, which created the HD DVD, could not compete with such an offering and popularity span. In mid-2008 Toshiba announced that their HD DVD developed flicks, Twister and P.S. I Love You, would be their last.

Several discs that were still in the making, by Toshiba, were never released via HD DVD. Blu-Ray now carries over 4,000 titles and has their products in over 200 large electronic corporations world-wide.

In a battle of Blu-Ray verses HD DVD, Blu-Ray technology remains and continues to be developed. It will be interesting to see what technology strikes the electronics world next.

Brandon Snow is a marketing associate at Cash Your Tech where you can sell electronics fast and get top dollar for them. Sell your old electronics, sell iPhone, other cell phones, laptops, or consoles and Cash Your Tech will get you money for your used electronics. For more information please visit cashyourtech.com.