Blu-ray
What is Blu-ray DVD?
Blu-ray DVD is a next generation optical media format. Each DVD, the same size as a regular DVD, can produce a progressive video image resolution of up to 1920 x 1080 (known as 1080p) for truly stunning visuals. Blu-ray also offers a significantly higher data transfer rate than television HD broadcasts for an improved picture presentation. Currently Blu-ray can store 25GB of data on a single layer which means that dual layer discs can harbour a potential 50GB of HD content. Regular dual layer DVD is only able to present 9GB of SD content.
What audio formats are available on Blu-ray Disc?
Linear PCM (LPCM): this format offers up to 8 channels of uncompressed audio.
Dolby Digital (DD): this format (formerly known as AC3) is currently used on existing DVDs and offers up to 5.1 channel digital surround sound.
Dolby Digital Plus (DD+): an extension of DD, this format offers increased bitrates and 7.1 channel surround sound.
Dolby TrueHD: this format offers lossless audio encoding of up to 8 discrete channels.
DTS Digital Surround: this format offers 5.1-channel surround sound at an increased bitrate to Dolby Digital (DD).
DTS-HD: an extension of DTS, this format offers increased bitrates and up to 8 discrete channels.
Does Blu-ray Disc have Region Coding?
Yes. Imposed by the film studios due to the staggered theatrical release of movies worldwide and to protect exclusive markets, region coding was designed as a method of ensuring discs would be playable only in certain geographical locations. Regions are specified below.
Region A: North America, South America, East Asia except for China
Region B: Europe and Africa
Region C: China, Russia and other countries
What is the new copy protection technology on Blu-ray Disc?
Blu-ray utilises a rigorous content protection system called AACS (Advanced Access Content System) and an additional, unique system called BD+
In simple terms, the AACS protection is incorporated as a part of the content itself and can detect compromised hardware. BD+ allows the Content Protection to be renewed automatically by new discs. This means that if a player has been hacked, it will not remain so indefinitely and the protection can be renewed. Blu-ray also allows discs to be watermarked (BD ROM-Mark) to render piracy extremely difficult.
Can I play Blu-ray Disc on my existing DVD player?
No. To ensure playback you'll need a dedicated Blu-ray player, Sony PlayStation 3 or a BD-Rom drive in your PC.
Can I play DVDs on a Blu-ray player?
Yes. Blu-ray players have been designed to be backwards compatible with regular DVDs so you can continue to enjoy your existing collection. In addition, Blu-ray equipment will allow upscaling of a DVD image up to a resolution 1080i/1080p for maximum visual quality.
Can I play Blu-ray Disc in a HD DVD player?
No. Blu-ray Discs are not compatible with HD DVD machines. Playback of Blu-ray Discs is limited to equipment bearing the Blu-ray Disc logo.
Do I need a new high definition TV to use Blu-ray Disc?
No. Pre-recorded Blu-ray Disc titles will play on any standard definition TV set, even if the video was encoded in High Definition.