When was Blu-ray Disc introduced?

The Blu-ray Disc specification was officially announced in February 2002.

Blu-ray Disc recorders were first launched in Japan in 2003 and appeared globally in early 2006.

What does the name Blu-ray Disc mean?

The name Blu-ray Disc refers to the blue laser that is used to read from and
record to a Blu-ray Disc. In comparison to a red laser, as used in DVD and CD,
a blue laser allows for a much higher density and hence larger storage capacity.

What Blu-ray Disc variants are available?

As with CD and DVD, Blu-ray Disc media comes in pre-recorded, recordable and rewritable variants.
The pre-recorded disc ( BD ROM )
The recordable disc ( BD RE )
The rewritable disc ( BD RE )

What is the capacity of a Blu-ray Disc?

All three Blu-ray Disc types come in two versions: single layer and double layer.
*A double layer disc may hold up to twice the amount of data or video compared to a single layer disc,
and uses two independent layers placed on one side of the disc to store its information
*A single-layer disc holds up to 25 GB, while a double-layer disc holds up to 50 GB of data,
without the need to flip the disc.

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

No. As DVD players use a red laser to read the information from a disc,
they are not capable of reading the very fine pits of a Blu-ray Disc,
which requires a blue laser. Furthermore, DVD-Video players lack the advanced technology
to decode the High Definition picture from a Blu-ray Disc.

What is the quality of Blu-ray Disc video?

Blu-ray Disc offers HDTV video quality that far surpasses any other medium or broadcast format
available today.
With full HD video , no other format can match Blu-ray Disc's video quality.

Do I need an HDTV to use Blu-ray Disc?

In order to view a Blu-ray Disc, you need a TV that is HD-Ready, that is: equiped with an HDMI input
port.

BD vs. DVD
Just as DVD meant a 5 to 10 time increase in storage capacity compared to CD,
Blu-ray Disc will increase DVD capacity by 5 to 10 times. This is due, among other reasons,
to the usage of a blue instead of a red laser and improved lens specifications, allowing for a much
smaller focus
laser beam which enables the recording of much smaller and higher density pits on the disc.