Why you need to KNOW, about the Blu-ray disc!

Grab an overview of the main benefits that the next-generation, blu-ray format can offer over conventional formats such as, DVD.

The blu-ray format is going to crush the limits of current media substantially which allow you to enjoy a host of great benefits which include:

Improved Capacity,

High-Definition Video,

Enhanced Interactivity,

Enhanced Copy Protection, and

Future Proof.

The dominant benefit is the larger capacity. With 25gb/50gb to use, movie and game studio's will be able to offer much more in terms of extra features and longer gameplay. Lots of new DVD titles require 2 discs for added features whereas only one will be needed for blu-ray..keeping cash in your wallet!

High-Definition (HD) video playback is essential to many gadget buyers. As HD becomes mainstream the ability for disc formats to support it is imperative. Blu-ray provides space for 2hrs/4hrs respectively of HD video (different encodings will allow more and less) with space for interactive features still available.

The enhanced interactivity features are a huge step forward compared to DVD. By incorporating the java platform (called BD-J), blu-ray players have dynamically changing interactive menu's that can be updated via an internet connection built into the player. These updates can include extra subtitles tracks and promotional features not available at purchase ( BD LIVE). This may ultimately eliminate the 'special editions' studios tend to use as users simply download all the extra features.

The enhanced copy protection is one aspect less talked about, however it is very important. Blu-ray utilizes a variety of copy protection methods such as Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Advanced Access Content System (AACS). The DRM method used on Blu-ray is called BD+ which creates dynamically changing keys to protect the discs. This essentially means that if a key is cracked only a portion of the discs are compromised. The AACS can effectively disable players which are deemed 'bad'. i.e. if copied discs are used frequently, the AACS could disable the player for the user and stop it working even if bought by someone else. The final copy protection which may affect you is the Mandatory Managed Copy System (MMCS) which limits users to a set number of copies of discs by making the user register the 'right' to copy the disc.

Lastly the blu-ray disc has been designed to be future proof. This means that by buying all the new equipment needed, you will not need an upgrade in the near future (5 yrs) as these next-gen formats evolve. Also TDK has announced work on a 200gb blu-ray disc (6 x 33gb layers) which will future proof the format even more.

This is just brief overview of the benefits that blu-ray offers. There are many smaller improvements but the benefits listed above are the ones that you are most likely going to affect you.

Please visit our site if you are interested in the LG Blu Ray Player, as we provide info on what real people are buying!