Can someone explain blu-ray to me?

[The Backlash Cometh]

Here's the reason for asking the question. I make family DVDs. Just simple videos burned to disk with a movie maker software and standard computer. Nothing fancy or HD quality. Just regular run of the mill.

So, does blu-ray make those kinds of DVDs obsolete? Or is this only going to impact the Hollywood Movie market?

[hobbit709]

1. Difference in wavelength of laser diode

Blu-ray uses a blue light laser which is much higher in frequency, thereby much shorter wavelength. This burns the "holes" that are the bits of data much smaller so that more of them can be put on the same size disk. DVD and CD use red/infrared laser light which has a lower frequency and longer wavelength making bigger holes. This means that instead of 4.5Gb for a single layer DVD, you can put 25Gb of data on the disk. The Blu-ray will read DVD's and CD's just fine. Just means that if you make backups of your data, you won't need as many disks. Hollywood will use it to pack even more coming attractions, added features, etc. on the disk. Your home videos, unless you got enough cash to go for a HD camera will be just fine.

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. Thanks, hobbit.

Of all the forums I've ever been in, this one provides the most succinct info.

[Uncle Sinister]

3. I would add that Blu-Ray will EVENTUALLY make dvd's obsolete, but

we're looking at a minimum of 5 years before they really phase out dvd recorders and players. (and even then the players will remain backwards-compatible) Just too huge an installed base of dvd players and recorders.

At least it's official that it will be Blu-Ray, HD is dead. Ignore the current crop of $50 HD players, unless you want an ironic $50 door-stop.

Expect Blu-Ray players at $200 by this Christmas, $100 the year after. And still all they'll give us to watch is stinkin' re-runs of America's Next Top Model. :mad:

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. This just has to do with the disk format, right?

When you say "HD is dead." that has nothing to do with HD tv, right?

[RoyGBiv]

5. Yes ...

The two competing formats for high definition disc technology were Blu Ray and HD-DVD. HD-DVD is dead.

Sony is getting its revenge for Betamax, it seems. :)

[MyNameGoesHere]

6. No streaming content will make DVD's

obsolete. Blu-Ray is a DVD format. Now when you can access any program or media in the world from a media device then DVD's will be dead. Then the next wonderful thing will come along. And btw a Bio memory stick was just successfully tested. The capacity on this thing could make all mechanical media obsolete soon. they say 5 years till production.