Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the nameof an Optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback
ofhigh-
definition video (HD). It uses a blue-violetlaser to read andwrite data so the name Blu-ray is given. Asingle-layer disc can fit 27GB or 2 hours of HDTV or 13 hours of SDTVA dual-layer disc can fit 54GB. The storage capacity to beincreased to 100GB-200GB (25GB per layer) in the future simply by adding morelayers to the discs. It also records with a very high speed. It is resistant to scratches and fingerprints so it do not need cartridge whichcan downsize PC drives and lower their overall media production costs. It will be available in marketuntil 2006-2007. In future the cost will be within 10% of DVDs. It is a major leap forward in videorecording
technology1. Random access, instantly jump to any spoton the disc2. Searching, quickly browse and previewrecorded programs in real-time3. Create play lists, change the order ofrecorded programs and edit recorded video4. Automatically find an empty space to avoidrecording over programs5. Simultaneous recording and playback ofvideo (enables Time slip/Chasing playback)6. Enhanced interactivity, enables moreadvanced programs and games7. Broadband enabled, access web content,download subtitles and extras8. Improved picture, ability to recordhigh-definition television (HDTV)9. Improved sound, ability to recordsurround sound (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc)