JSchneier
12-11-2009, 08:38 PM
In anticipation of the holidays, Crowdgather has embarked on a campaign to highlight different technologies. In particular, we are focusing on Blu-ray technology and how that is changing the face of the movie world. Here is some interesting information that we have found out:
What is Blu-ray
Also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), it is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting, and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as to store large amounts of data.
Why "Blu-ray"
Blu-ray Discs are read by a blue laser beam, instead of the red which is currently used for CDs and DVDs. Improvements in lens technology have made it possible to more tightly focus a laser beam, allowing for smaller and denser pits to be recorded to disc. As a result, Blu-ray Disc offers a five to ten times increase in capacity over standard DVDs. (Oh, and the omission of an "e" at the end of "Blu" is not an error but a requirement for trademark purposes.)
Who came up with Blu-ray?
The format has its roots in a Sony initiative (joined in part by Pioneer) from a decade ago that would evolve into the Blu-ray Disc. In 2000, a consortium of leading consumer electronics firms would form the Blue-ray Disc Founders (now the Blue-ray Disc Association or BDA) and launched the format. Initial supporters included Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic, Philips, 20th Century Fox, LG Electronics Inc., Thomson Multimedia, Hitachi, Samsung, Sharp, TDK Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Dell Inc. BDA has over 180 member companies around the world, with a Board of Directors that include the above mentioned as well as Apple Computer, Inc., Matsushita, Sun Microsystems, Walt Disney Pictures, and Warner Bros. Entertainment.
What is Blu-ray
Also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), it is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting, and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as to store large amounts of data.
Why "Blu-ray"
Blu-ray Discs are read by a blue laser beam, instead of the red which is currently used for CDs and DVDs. Improvements in lens technology have made it possible to more tightly focus a laser beam, allowing for smaller and denser pits to be recorded to disc. As a result, Blu-ray Disc offers a five to ten times increase in capacity over standard DVDs. (Oh, and the omission of an "e" at the end of "Blu" is not an error but a requirement for trademark purposes.)
Who came up with Blu-ray?
The format has its roots in a Sony initiative (joined in part by Pioneer) from a decade ago that would evolve into the Blu-ray Disc. In 2000, a consortium of leading consumer electronics firms would form the Blue-ray Disc Founders (now the Blue-ray Disc Association or BDA) and launched the format. Initial supporters included Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic, Philips, 20th Century Fox, LG Electronics Inc., Thomson Multimedia, Hitachi, Samsung, Sharp, TDK Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Dell Inc. BDA has over 180 member companies around the world, with a Board of Directors that include the above mentioned as well as Apple Computer, Inc., Matsushita, Sun Microsystems, Walt Disney Pictures, and Warner Bros. Entertainment.