Blu-rays, also known as Blu-ray discs, are a digital, optical storage medium developed as the high-definition successor to the DVD; they offer a significantly higher data rate and storage capacity than their predecessor. As a result, Blu-rays can store movies with much higher resolution and deliver exceptionally high picture quality on compatible screens. If you decide to replace your “old” DVD player with a Blu-ray player, you’ll benefit from the fact that they are backward-compatible and can still play DVDs without any problems. Blu-ray has also prevailed in the format war against its competitors, HD DVD and VMD, which is why production and further development of the competing HD DVD technology were discontinued as early as 2008. The word “Blu-ray” comes from the English-speaking world and means “blue ray,” referring to the blue light emitted by the laser used in Blu-ray devices. The purpose of Blu-ray is quite simple:
- The format is significantly larger, which is why far more data fits on a single disc (up to 128 GB of data can now fit on a single disc)
- This should make the image sharper and more vibrant
- At 36 Mbit/s, the transfer rate is significantly higher than that of its predecessor, the DVD
The only requirement for fully enjoying the benefits of Blu-ray discs is that you own an HD TV. Without one, you can still use them, but you won't be able to appreciate the higher quality.
In addition to better picture quality, there's also better sound
Another major advantage of Blu-ray is that it also supports next-generation audio formats that come directly from the studios without any loss of quality. For example, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD offer 100 percent lossless audio data compression, allowing up to 8 surround channels to be included on a single audio track at full CD bandwidth and higher quality. But don’t worry: Of course, all existing digital formats are also available on Blu-ray discs and can be played back on your existing stereo or home theater system. Many Blu-ray players seamlessly replace an existing DVD player.
Many new features
Compared to their predecessors, DVD players, Blu-ray players also offer a wide range of new, interactive features that ultimately benefit the user. These include:
- a menu navigation system with absolutely no transitions
- Support for picture-in-picture features
- A wide variety of additional information available online via BD-Live and Blu-ray Magic
- Interactive bonus content thanks to BD-Java
Last but not least, Blu-ray also brings the thrill of the big movie screen right into your own home. Amid a Europe-wide craze, various 3D movies began to take the theaters by storm a few years ago. We’re talking about impressive three-dimensional effects that, with the Blu-ray 3D standard and compatible devices, transform watching a movie at home into a special experience. With Blu-ray 3D, you’re no longer just sitting in front of the screen—you’re right in the middle of the movie. However, you’ll also need a 3D-capable TV that supports this playback.
The World of Blu-ray on blu-rayler.de
At blu-rayler.de, you can find everything that’s happening, evolving, and making waves in the world of Blu-ray. An almost endless list of movies covers everything the Blu-ray film world currently has to offer; a special price tracker provides information on price trends in this sector; and in the forum, numerous experts are on hand to easily answer your specific questions. Furthermore, the site features information and games for the PS3. Under the “News” tab, you’ll be kept up to date regularly, so starting today, you’ll never miss any major updates or developments. Membership and registration on blu-raler.de are free—all it takes is a quick registration process in just a few steps. If you want to get a head start in the world of tomorrow and join the ranks of Blu-ray enthusiasts, this website is definitely a win-win for you!
