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<!-- PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE EDITING THIS PAGE:
This product is called "Blu-ray Disc". NOT "Blu-Ray" or "Blue-Ray" (note the capitalization of "ray" and the lack of an "e" in "Blu")
Please remember to use the name above and not the incorrect variations mentioned afterward.-->
{{Infobox media
| name = Blu-ray Disc
| logo = [[Image:Blu-ray Disc.svg|201px]]
| image = [[Image:BluRayDiscBack.png|200px|Reverse side of a Blu-ray Disc]]
| caption =
| type = High-density [[optical disc]]
| encoding = [[MPEG-2]], [[H.264|MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)]], and [[VC-1]]
| capacity =
25&nbsp;[[gigabyte|GB]] (single layer),
50&nbsp;GB (dual layer)
| read = 405 nm laser, 1x@36&nbsp;[[Megabit per second|Mbit/s]] & 2x@72&nbsp;Mbit/s & 4x@144&nbsp;Mbit/s & 12x@432&nbsp;Mbit/s<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=21958 |title=LG 6x Blu-ray Burner Available in Korea |publisher=CDRinfo.com}}</ref>
| write =
| standard =
| owner = [[Blu-ray Disc Association]]
| use = Data storage,<br />[[High-definition video]]<br />and [[PlayStation 3]] games
| extended from =
| extended to =
}}
'''Blu-ray Disc''' (also known as '''Blu-ray''' or '''BD''') is an [[optical disc]] [[data storage device|storage]] media format. Its main uses are [[high-definition video]] and [[data]] storage. The disc has the same dimensions as a standard [[DVD]] or [[CD]].

The name ''Blu-ray Disc'' is derived from the blue-violet [[blue laser|laser]] used to read and write this type of disc. Because of its shorter [[wavelength]] (405 [[nanometre|nm]]), substantially more data can be stored on a Blu-ray Disc than on the [[DVD]] format, which uses a red (650&nbsp;nm) laser. A Dual Layer Blu-ray Disc can store 50 [[gigabyte|GB]], almost six times the capacity of a dual-layer DVD.

Blu-ray was developed by the [[Blu-ray Disc Association]], a group of companies representing consumer electronics, computer hardware, and motion picture production. The standard is covered by several patents belonging to different companies. As of March 2007, a joint licensing agreement for all the relevant patents had not yet been finalized.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/Significant-progress-made-toward-creation-of-joint-Blu-ray-Disc-patent-license-Press-Release.html |title=Significant progress made toward creation of joint Blu-ray Disc™ patent license (Press Release) |accessdate=2007-10-17 |author = Seán Byrne |date=2007-02-23 |work = cdrfreaks.com }}</ref>

As of [[February 19]] [[2008]], more than 450<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?show=nowavailable | title=Total available United States releases }}</ref> Blu-ray Disc titles have been released in the [[United States]], and more than 250 in [[Japan]].

Blu-ray was locked in a [[format war]] against [[HD DVD]] until the format emerged as the winner on [[February 19]], [[2008]] when [[Toshiba]] — the main driving force behind HD DVD — announced it would no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders.<ref>http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_02/pr1903.htm</ref> Some analysts believe that Sony's [[PlayStation 3]] video game console played an important role in the format war, believing it acted as a catalyst for Blu-ray Disc, as the PlayStation 3 used a Blu-ray disc drive as its primary source of media-reading technology. They also credited Sony's more thorough and influential marketing campaign.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7252506.stm</ref>

==History==
{{Optical disc authoring}}
[[Image:Blu-ray disc (BD-RE).JPG|right|thumb|200px|A blank rewritable Blu-ray disc (BD-RE)]]

In 1998, commercial [[HDTV]] sets began to appear in the consumer market. However, there was no good, cheap way to record or play HD content. Indeed, there was no medium that could store that amount of data, except JVC's [[D-VHS|Digital VHS]] and Sony's [[HDCAM]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB891992681208651500.html?mod=googlewsj |title= In HDTV Age, Successor to VCR Still Seems to Be a Long Way Off |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Evan Ramstad |date=1998-04-08 |work=online.wsj.com}}</ref> However, it was well known that using lasers with shorter wavelengths would enable optical storage with higher density. When [[Shuji Nakamura]] invented practical [[blue laser|blue laser diodes]], it was a sensation, although a lengthy patent lawsuit delayed commercial introduction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,103862-page,1/article.html |title=Opening the Door for New Storage Options |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Martyn Williams |date=2002-08-12 |work=pcworld.com |publisher=}}</ref>

===Origins===
[[Sony]] started two projects applying the new diodes: [[Ultra Density Optical|UDO]] (Ultra Density Optical) and DVR Blue (together with [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]]), a format of rewritable discs which would eventually become Blu-ray Disc (more specifically, BD-RE).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planetanalog.com/features/OEG20010615S0046 |title=Blue laser bolsters DTV storage, features |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=S.B. Luitjens |date=2001-06-15 |work=planetanalog.com |publisher=}}</ref> The core technologies of the formats are essentially similar.

The first DVR Blue prototypes were unveiled at the [[CEATEC]] exhibition in October 2000.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,105534-page,1/article.html
|title = Sony Shows 'DVR-Blue' Prototype
|accessdate = 2007-10-17
|date=2000-10-11
|work = cdrinfo.com
}}</ref> Because the Blu-ray Disc standard places the data recording layer close to the surface of the disc, early discs were susceptible to contamination and scratches and had to be enclosed in plastic cartridges for protection. In February 2002, the project was officially announced as Blu-ray,<ref> {{cite web
|url = http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1952.html
|title = Replacement for DVD unveiled
|accessdate = 2007-10-17
|author = Barry Fox
|date=2002-02-19
|work = newscientist.com
}}</ref> and the [[Blu-ray Disc Association]] was founded by the nine initial members.

The first consumer devices were in stores on [[April 10]], [[2003]]. This device was the Sony BDZ-S77; a BD-RE recorder that was only made available in Japan. The recommended price was US$3800.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/blu-ray/ |title=SONY BDZ-S77 Recorder Review |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Maxim Liadov |date= |work=digit-life.com}}</ref> However, there was no standard for pre-recorded video and no movies were released for this player. The Blu-ray Disc standard was still years away, since a new and secure [[Digital Rights Management|DRM]] system was needed before Hollywood studios would accept it, not wanting to repeat the failure of the [[Content Scramble System]] for DVDs.

===Competition from HD DVD===
{{main|Comparison of high definition optical disc formats}}
The [[DVD Forum]] (which was chaired by [[Toshiba]]) was deeply split over whether to go with the more expensive blue lasers or not. Although today's Blu-ray Discs appear virtually identical to a standard DVD, when the Blu-ray Discs were initially developed they required a protective caddy to avoid mis-handling by the consumer (early CD-Rs also featured a protective caddy for the same purpose). The Blu-ray prototype's caddy was both expensive and physically different from DVD, posing several problems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1829241.stm |title=Next Generation DVD Born |accessdate=2007-11-04 |date=2002-02-21 |work=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> In March 2002, the forum voted to approve a proposal endorsed by [[Warner Bros.]] and other [[film studio|motion picture studios]] that involved compressing HD content onto dual-layer [[DVD-9]] discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20020301S0091 |title=Picture's fuzzy for DVD |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Junko Yoshida |date=2002-03-01 |work=eetimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20011212S0060 |title=Forum to weigh Microsoft's Corona as DVD encoder |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Junko Yoshida |date=2001-12-12 |work=eetimes.com |publisher=}}</ref> However, in spite of this decision, the DVD Forum's Steering Committee announced in April that it was pursuing its own blue-laser high-definition solution.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=5266&PageNum=2 |title=HD on DVD |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Philip De Lancie |date=2002-06-01 |work=emedialive.com}}</ref> In August, Toshiba and NEC announced their competing standard Advanced Optical Disc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,104570-page,1/article.html |title=Toshiba, NEC Share Details of Blue-Laser Storage |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author= |date=2002-08-29 |work=pcworld.com}}</ref> It was finally adopted by the DVD Forum and renamed [[HD DVD]] the next year,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2003/11/28/dvd-forum-backs-toshiba-nec-format |title=DVD Forum backs Toshiba-NEC format |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author= |date=2003-11-28 |work=theinquirer.net |publisher=}}</ref> after being voted down twice by Blu-ray Disc Association members, prompting the U.S. Department of Justice to make preliminary investigations into the situation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6458096.html|title=Opinion: Trust's worth}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6258560.html?q=DVD+Forum+Blu%2Dray|title=Lieberfarb lobs charges at Blu-ray}}</ref> Three new members had to be invited and the voting rules changed before the vote finally passed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.my-esm.com/story/OEG20031114S0024 |title=High-definition DVD format divides industry into rival camps |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Junko Yoshida and Yoshiko Hara |date=2003-11-14 |work=my-esm.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20031126S0005 |title=HD DVD Format Wins Key Nod From DVD Forum |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Yoshiko Hara |date=2003-11-26 |work=techweb.com}}</ref>

In the meantime, Sony spun off [[Professional Disc for DATA]] from the Blu-ray Disc project. It was essentially Blu-ray Disc with higher-quality media and components. The devices were too expensive for the consumer mass market. Instead, it was aimed at the professional data storage space market as a replacement for their line of 5.25" [[Magneto-optical drive|MO]] drives. It was announced in October 2003, with the first devices shipping in December of the same year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvd-recordable.org/Article890-mode=thread-order0-threshold0.phtml |title=Sony to Launch 23GB Optical Disc |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author= |date=2003-10-21 |work=dvd-recordable.org }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theregister.com/2003/12/02/sony_ships_bluray_23gb_storage/ |title=Sony ships blu-ray 23GB storage system |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Tony Smith |date=2003-12-02 |work=theregister.co.uk |publisher=}}</ref>.

Blu-ray and HD DVD shared most of the same methods of encoding media onto disks with each other, using the same methods of encoding media onto disks as well as the default method of digital rights management, [[Advanced Access Content System|AACS]]. Blu-ray discs have a higher storage capacity than HD DVD discs had (50&nbsp;GB vs. 30&nbsp;GB) and Blu-ray discs also have higher bandwidth (48Mbit/sec vs. 30Mbit/sec), while including more DRM in the specification. AACS encryption is mandatory for Blu-ray but optional for HD DVD.[http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=9453]

On [[19 February]], [[2008]], Toshiba announced it was ending production of HD DVD devices <ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7252172.stm |title=Toshiba drops out of the HD DVD war |accessdate=2008-02-19 |author=BBC News |date=2008-02-19}}</ref>, allowing Blu-ray Disc to become the industry standard for high-density optical disks. Universal Studios, the sole major movie studio to back HD-DVD since inception, shortly after Toshiba's announcement said, "while Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray." <ref>http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1007</ref>

===Attempts to avoid a format war===
{{main|High definition optical disc format war}}
In an attempt to avoid a costly format war, the Blu-ray Disc Association and DVD Forum attempted to negotiate a compromise in early 2005. One of the issues was that Blu-ray's supporters wanted to use a Java-based platform for interactivity ([[BD-J]]), while the DVD Forum was promoting Microsoft's "iHD" (which became [[HDi Interactive Format|HDi]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800364355_499495_f3313299.HTM |title=Sides close to deal on HD disk format |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Junko Yoshida |date=2005-04-19 |work=eetasia.com |publisher=}}</ref> A much larger issue, though, was the physical formats of the discs themselves; the Blu-ray Disc Association's member companies did not want to risk losing billions of dollars in royalties as they had done with standard DVD.<ref name="stalemate">{{cite web |url=http://www.internetnews.com/storage/article.php/3671091 |title=Who Is Drawing Out The High-Def DVD Stalemate? |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Andy Patrizio |date=2007-04-12 |work=internetnews.com |publisher=}}</ref> An agreement seemed close, but negotiations proceeded slowly and ultimately stalled.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8e6df286-c670-11d9-b69b-00000e2511c8.html |title=Sony-Toshiba DVD format talks stall |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Michiyo Nakamoto |date=2005-05-17 |work=ft.com |publisher=}}</ref>

On [[August 22]] [[2005]], the Blu-ray Disc Association and DVD Forum announced that the negotiations to unify their standards had failed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/08/22/afx2188394.html |title=Sony, Toshiba fail to unify DVD format - report |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author= |date=2005-08-22 |work=forbes.com |publisher=}}</ref> Rumours surfaced that talks had stalled; publicly, the same reasons of physical format incompatibility were cited.<ref name="stalemate"/> In the end of September, Microsoft and Intel jointly announced their support for HD DVD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/n6BNgaGjf2Pdrz/Microsoft-Intel-Back-Toshibas-HD-DVD.xhtml |title=Microsoft, Intel Back Toshiba's HD-DVD |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Susan B. Shor |date=2005-09-27 |work=ecommercetimes.com |publisher=}}</ref> [[Hewlett Packard]] (HP) made a last ditch attempt to broker a peace between the Blu-ray Disc Association and Microsoft by demanding that Blu-ray association adopt Microsoft's [[HDi Interactive Format|HDi]] instead of its own Java solution and threatening to support HD DVD instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2144325/hp-calls-changes-blu-ray |title=HP calls for changes to Blu-ray |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Ken Young |date=2005-10-20 |work=vnunet.com}}</ref> However, the Blu-ray Disc group did not accept HP's proposal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,175904,00.html |title=Blu-ray Won't Bow to HP's Demands |accessdate=2007-10-19 |date=2005-11-17 |work=foxnews.com}}</ref>

===Blu-ray Disc format finalized===
The Blu-ray Disc physical specifications were finished in 2004.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,117242-page,1/article.html
|title = New Blu-ray Details Emerge
|accessyear = 2007-10-17
|author = Martyn Williams
|date=2004-08-05
|work = pcworld.com
}}</ref> In January 2005, TDK announced that they had developed a hard coating polymer for Blu-ray Discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.physorg.com/news2615.html |title=Exclusive TDK Durabis Coating Technology Makes Cartridge-Free, Ultra-Durable Blu-ray Discs a Reality |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author= |date=2005-01-09 |work=physorg.com |publisher=}}</ref> The cartridges, no longer necessary, were scrapped.
The BD-ROM specifications were finalized in early 2006.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/06/blu-ray_spec_done/
|title = Blu-ray Disc developers complete specification
|accessdate = 2007-10-17
|author = Tony Smith
|date=2006-01-06
|work = theregister.co.uk
}}</ref> AACS LA, a consortium founded in 2004,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/news/2004/07/64212 |title=Can Odd Alliance Beat Pirates? |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Katie Dean |date=2004-07-15 |work=wired.com}}</ref> had been developing the DRM platform that could be used to securely distribute movies to consumers. However, the final AACS standard was delayed,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,123924-page,1/article.html |title=Toshiba Hints at HD DVD Delay |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Martyn Williams |date=2005-12-14 |work=pcworld.com}}</ref> and then delayed again when an important member of the Blu-ray Disc group voiced concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/69559 |title=AACS copy protection for Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD delayed again |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Craig Morris |date=2006-02-14 |work=heise.de |publisher=}}</ref> At the request of the initial hardware manufacturers, including Toshiba, Pioneer and Samsung, an interim standard was published which did not include some features, like managed copy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,124961-page,1/article.html |title=Burning Questions: No Copying From First High-Def Players |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Melissa J. Perenson |date=2006-03-21 |work=pcworld.com}}</ref>

===Launch and Sales developments===
The first BD-ROM players were shipped in the middle of June 2006, though HD DVD players beat them in the race to the market by a few months.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,189960,00.html
|title= Toshiba Starts Selling HD DVD Players in Japan
|accessdate=2007-10-17
|author=
|date=2006-03-31
|work= foxnews.com
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,1977327,00.asp
|title= Samsung Ships the First Blu-ray Player
|accessdate=2007-10-17
|author= Dan Costa
|date=2006-06-15
|work= pcmag.com
}}</ref>

The first Blu-ray Disc titles were released on [[June 20]] [[2006]]. The earliest releases used [[MPEG-2]] video compression, the same method used on [[DVD]]s.
The first releases using the newer [[VC-1]] and [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|AVC]] [[codec]]s were introduced in September 2006.<ref>[http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Announcements/Full_Specs_in_for_Warners_Sept_26_Lineup_Studio_to_Go_VC-1_for_Blu-ray/209 Full Specs in for Warner's Sept 26 Lineup; Studio to Go VC-1 for Blu-ray?], BLU-RAY NEWS, High-Def Digest, [[30 August]] [[2006]]</ref> The first movies using dual layer discs (50&nbsp;GB) were introduced in October 2006.<ref> {{cite web
| url = http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/click.html
| title = Click: Blu-ray Disc review
| accessdate = 2007-09-15
|date=2006-10-10
| last = Bracke
| first = Peter M.
| work = HighDefDigest.com
}}</ref>

The first mass-market Blu-ray rewritable drive for the PC was the BWU-100A, released by [[Sony]] on [[July 18]] [[2006]]. It recorded both single and dual layer BD-R as well as BD-RE discs and had a suggested retail price of US$699.

HD DVD had a head start in the high definition video market and Blu-ray sales were slow at first. The first Blu-ray player was perceived as expensive and buggy, and there were few titles available.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/samsung-bd-p1000/4505-6463_7-31799185.html#more |title=Samsung BD-P1000 Review |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=David Katzmaier |date=2006-06-30 |work=cnet.com |publisher=}}</ref> This changed when [[PlayStation 3]] launched, since every PS3 unit also functioned as a Blu-ray player. By January 2007, Blu-ray discs had outsold HD DVDs,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?article_id=10323 |title=Blu-ray Tips Scales |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Stephanie Prange |date=2007-02-23 |work=homemediamagazine.com |publisher=}}</ref> and during the first three quarters of 2007, BD outsold HD DVDs by about two to one.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/sep/30/dvd_formats_blu_ray_hd_square_off17561/ |title=DVD formats Blu-ray, HD square off |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Sarah McBride |date=2007-09-30 |work=charleston.net |publisher=}}</ref>

===Ending of the format war===
On [[19 February]] [[2008]] [[Toshiba]], by then the last major supporter of the [[HD DVD]] format, announced that it would be ceasing production of Blu-ray's competitor.<ref name=toshibadrophddvd>{{cite news|url= http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_02/pr1903.htm|title=Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses|publisher=Toshiba Press Department|date=2008-02-19|accessdate=2008-02-19}}</ref>

==Disc structure==
===Laser and optics===

Like its rival format [[HD DVD]], Blu-ray uses a "blue" (technically [[blue laser|violet]]) [[laser diode|laser]] operating at a [[wavelength]] of 405 [[Nanometre|nm]] to read and write data. Conventional [[DVD]]s and [[Compact disc|CD]]s use red and near infrared lasers at 650 nm and 780 nm respectively.

The blue-violet laser's shorter wavelength makes it possible to store more information on a 12 cm CD/DVD sized disc. The minimum "[[spatial resolution|spot size]]" on which a laser can be focused is limited by [[diffraction]], and depends on the wavelength of the light and the [[Numerical aperture (microscopy)|numerical aperture]] of the [[lens (optics)|lens]] used to focus it. By decreasing the wavelength, increasing the numerical aperture from 0.60 to 0.85 and making the cover layer thinner to avoid unwanted optical effects, the laser beam can be focused to a smaller spot. This allows more information to be stored in the same area. In addition to the optical improvements, Blu-ray Discs feature improvements in data encoding that further increase the capacity. (See ''[[Compact disc]]'' for information on optical discs' physical structure.)

===Hard-coating technology===
Because the Blu-ray data layer is closer to the surface of the disc, compared to the [[DVD]] standard, it was at first more vulnerable to scratches. The first discs were housed in cartridges for protection. Advances in [[polymer]] technology eventually made the cartridges unnecessary.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/faq/#bluray_cartridge
|title= Blu-ray FAQ
|accessdate=2007-10-17
|author=
|date=2007-02-31
|work= http://www.blu-ray.com/
}}</ref>

[[TDK Corporation|TDK]] was the first company to develop a working scratch protection coating for Blu-ray discs. It was named [[Durabis]]. In addition, both Sony and Panasonic's replication methods include proprietary hard-coat technologies. Sony's rewritable media are sprayed with a scratch-resistant and antistatic coating. [[Verbatim Corporation|Verbatim]]'s recordable and rewritable Blu-ray Disc discs use their own proprietary hard-coat technology called ScratchGuard.

==Recording speed==
{| class="wikitable"
!Drive speed
!colspan="2"|Data rate
!colspan="2"|Write time for Single/Dual Layer Blu-ray Disc
|-
|1X||36 Mbit/s||4.5 MB/s||1 h 30 min.||3 h.
|-
|2X||72 Mbit/s||9 MB/s||45 min.||1 h 30 min.
|-
|4X||144 Mbit/s||18 MB/s||23 min.||45 min.
|-
|6X||216 Mbit/s||27 MB/s||15 min.||30 min.
|-
|8X (Theoretical)||288 Mbit/s||36 MB/s||12 min.||23 min.
|-
|12X (Theoretical)||432 Mbit/s||54 MB/s||8 min.||15 min.
|}

== Software standards ==
===Codecs===
[[Codec]]s are [[data compression|compression]] schemes that store audio and video more efficiently, either giving longer play time or higher quality per megabyte. There are both [[Lossy compression|lossy]] and [[Lossless data compression|lossless]] compression techniques.

The BD-ROM specification mandates certain codec compatibilities for both hardware decoders (players) and the movie-software (content). For video, all players are required to support [[MPEG-2]], [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264/AVC]], and [[SMPTE]] [[VC-1]]. MPEG-2 is the codec used on regular [[DVD]]s, which allows [[backwards compatibility]]. H.264/AVC was developed by [[MPEG]] and [[Video Coding Experts Group|VCEG]] as a modern successor of MPEG-2. VC-1 is another MPEG-4 derivative codec mostly developed by Microsoft. BD-ROM titles with video must store video using one of the three mandatory codecs. Multiple codecs on a single title are allowed.

The choice of codecs affects the producer's licensing/royalty costs, as well as the title's maximum runtime, due to differences in compression efficiency. Discs encoded in MPEG-2 video typically limit content producers to around two hours of high-definition content on a single-layer (25&nbsp;GB) BD-ROM. The more advanced video codecs (VC-1 and H.264) typically achieve a video runtime twice that of MPEG-2, with comparable quality.

For audio, BD-ROM players are required to support [[Dolby Digital|Dolby Digital AC-3]], [[Digital Theater System|DTS]], and [[Linear pulse code modulation|linear PCM]]. Players may optionally support [[Dolby Digital Plus]], and [[Lossless data compression|lossless]] formats [[Dolby TrueHD]] and [[DTS HD]]. BD-ROM titles must use one of the mandatory schemes for the primary soundtrack. A secondary audiotrack, if present, may use any of the mandatory or optional codecs.<ref>[http://www.dolby.com/assets/pdf/tech_library/DPlus_TrueHD_whitepaper.pdf Dolby Audio Coding for Future Entertainment Formats](PDF)</ref>

For users recording [[digital television]] programming, the recordable Blu-ray Disc standard's datarate of 54&nbsp;Mbit/s is more than adequate to record high-definition broadcasts from any source ([[IPTV]], cable/satellite, or terrestrial). For Blu-ray Disc movies the maximum transfer rate is 48&nbsp;Mbit/s (1.5x) (both audio and video payloads together), of which a maximum of 40&nbsp;Mbit/s can be dedicated to video data. This compares favorably to the maximum of 30.24&nbsp;Mbit/s in HD DVD movies for audio and video data.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videohelp.com/hd|title=What is Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD?|accessdate=2008-02-16}}</ref>

===Java software support===
{{main|BD-J}}
At the 2005 [[JavaOne]] trade show, it was announced that [[Sun Microsystems]]' [[Java platform|Java]] cross-platform software environment would be included in all Blu-ray Disc players as a mandatory part of the standard. Java is used to implement interactive menus on Blu-ray Discs, as opposed to the method used on [[DVD]] video discs, which uses pre-rendered MPEG segments and selectable subtitle pictures, which is considerably more primitive and less seamless. Java creator [[James Gosling]], at the conference, suggested that the inclusion of a [[Java Virtual Machine]] as well as network connectivity in BD devices will allow updates to Blu-ray Discs via the Internet, adding content such as additional subtitle languages and promotional features that are not included on the disc at pressing time. This Java Version is called [[BD-J]] and is a subset of the [[Globally Executable MHP]] (GEM) standard. GEM is the world-wide version of the [[Multimedia Home Platform]] standard.

===Region codes===
[[Image:Blu-ray regions without key.png|thumb|400px|right|Regions for Blu-ray standard<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Section-13470/Section-14003/Section-14006/Index.html
| title = Blu-ray Disc for Video
| language =
| accessdate = 2007-01-14
| year = 2006
}}</ref>
{{legend|#ffa208|Region A}}
{{legend|#77b830|Region B}}
{{legend|#ce5dff|Region C}}]]

Blu-ray discs may be encoded with a region code, intended to restrict the area of the world in which they can be played; similar in principle to the [[DVD region code]]s, although the used geographical regions differ. Blu-ray players sold in a certain region should only be able to play discs encoded for that region. The purpose of this system is to allow [[film studio|motion picture studios]] to control the various aspects of a release (including content, date, and, in particular, price) according to the region. Discs may also be produced without region coding, so they can be played on all devices. Unlike standard DVDs, there is currently no way to bypass a region code.

{| class="wikitable"
! Region code !! Area<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11392
| title = The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc (BD) FAQ: What is Regional Playback Control?
| language =
| accessdate = 2006-08-29
| year = 2006
}}</ref>
|-
|align="center" | A || [[North America]], [[Central America]], [[South America]], [[Japan]], [[Taiwan]], [[North Korea]], [[South Korea]], [[Hong Kong]], and [[Southeast Asia]].
|-
|align="center" | B || [[Europe|Most of Europe]], [[Greenland]], [[French overseas departments and territories|French territories]], [[Middle East]], [[Africa]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]], plus all of [[Oceania]].
|-
|align="center" | C || [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Nepal]], [[Mainland China]], [[Pakistan]], [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Belarus]], [[Central Asia|Central]], and [[South Asia]].
|-
|}

This arrangement places the countries of the major Blu-ray manufacturers (Japan, Korea, Malaysia) in the same region as the U.S., thus ensuring early releases of U.S. content to those markets. As of early 2008, about two-thirds of all released discs were region-free.<ref name="bluraystats">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/ |title=www.blu-raystats.com |accessdate=2008-01-12 | quote=Region Free: 67.71%}}</ref>

===Digital rights management ('''DRM''')===
The Blu-ray Disc format employs several layers of [[Digital rights management]].<ref name="dellbd-romprotection">{{cite web |url=http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/vectors/brcp.pdf |title=Blu-ray Disc™ Next-Generation Optical Storage: Protecting Content on the BD-ROM |accessdate=2007-05-03 |publisher=[[DELL]] |format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/downloadablefile/5th_japan_05-13343.pdf |title=Overview of BD-ROM security |accessdate=2007-05-03 |author=AJIMA, Kosuke |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-03-29 |year=2006 |month=March |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association Content Protection Group}}</ref>

'''[[Advanced Access Content System]]''' (AACS) is a standard for [[content distribution]] and [[digital rights management]]. It is developed by AS Licensing Administrator, LLC (AACS LA), a [[consortium]] that includes [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]], [[Intel]], [[Microsoft]], [[Matsushita]] (Panasonic), [[Warner Bros.]], [[IBM]], [[Toshiba]] and [[Sony]].

Since appearing in devices in 2006, several successful attacks have been made on the format. The first known attack relied on the [[trusted client]] problem. In addition, decryption keys have been extracted from a weakly protected player ([[WinDVD]]). However, even though [[History of attacks against Advanced Access Content System|some AACS cryptographic keys have been compromised]], new releases will use new, uncompromised keys.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aacsla.com/press/|title=RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF ATTACKS ON AACS TECHNOLOGY|publisher=AACS|date=[[April 16]], [[2007]]|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

'''[[BD+]]''' was developed by Cryptography Research Inc. and is based on their concept of [[Self-Protecting Digital Content]].<ref>[http://www.cryptography.com/technology/spdc/bluray.html Content Protection - BD+ and Blu-ray<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> BD+ is effectively a small [[virtual machine]] embedded in authorized players. It allows content providers to include executable programs on Blu-ray Discs. Such programs can:<ref name="dellbd-romprotection"/>
* examine the host environment, to see if the player has been tampered with. Every licensed playback device manufacturer must provide the BD+ licensing authority with memory footprints that identify their devices.

* verify that the player's keys have not been changed.
* execute native code, possibly to patch an otherwise insecure system.
* transform the audio and video output. Parts of the content will not be viewable without letting the BD+-program unscramble it.

If a playback device manufacturer finds that its devices have been hacked, it can potentially release BD+-code that detects and circumvents the vulnerability. These programs can then be included in all new content releases.

The specifications of the BD+ virtual machine are only available to licensed device manufacturers. A list of licensed adopters is available from the [http://www.bdplusllc.com/home/list_of_adopters_content_participants_and_eligible_code_developers BD+ website].

BD+ was made available for content publishers in June 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=268 |title=BD+ Goes Live |accessdate=2007-11-02 |author=Josh |date=2007-06-19 |work=blu-ray.com |publisher=}}</ref> The first titles using BD+ were released in October the same year. Players from Samsung and LG had problems playing back those titles until the manufacturers updated their firmware, but this problem was later identified as being related to BD-Java use, not BD+.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071007-new-blu-ray-discs-with-bd-drm-failing-to-play-on-some-devices.html |title=New Blu-ray discs with BD+ DRM failing to play on some devices |accessdate=2007-11-02 |author=Jeremy Reimer |date=2007-10-07 |work=arstechnica.com}}</ref> BD+ was reported to have been circumvented by the developers of the program [[AnyDVD]] as of version 6.1.9.6 beta.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/11/07/slysofts-latest-anydvd-beta-cracks-bd/ |title=SlySoft's latest AnyDVD beta cracks BD+ |accessdate=2007-11-07 |author=Darren Murph |date=2007-11-07 |work=engadgethd.com |publisher=}}</ref>. However, such claims were found to be erroneous.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/bd-has-not-been-compromised-yet/ |title=BD+ has not been compromised, yet |accessdate=2008-01-09 |author=Ben Drawbaugh |date=2008-01-09 |work=engadgethd.com |publisher=}}</ref>

'''[[ROM-Mark|BD-ROM Mark]]''' is a small amount of cryptographical data that is stored physically differently from normal Blu-ray Disc data. Bit-by-bit copies that do not replicate the BD-ROM Mark are impossible to decode. A specially licensed piece of hardware is required to insert the ROM-mark into the media during replication. Through licensing of the special hardware element, the BDA believes that it can eliminate the possibility of mass producing BD-ROMs without authorization.

==Player profiles==
The BD-ROM specification defines four profiles of Blu-ray Disc players; in addition to the three listed in the table below, there is a fourth audio-only profile that does not require video decoding or [[BD-J]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmorepublic.com/media/blu-ray-profiles-everything-you-wanted-know-1270 |title=Blu-ray profiles, everything you wanted to know |accessdate=2007-12-19 |author= |date=2007-12-17 |work= |publisher=}}</ref> All the video-based profiles are required to have a full implementation of [[BD-J]], but with varying levels of hardware support.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emedialive.com/articles/readarticle.aspx?articleid=11397#iij |title=The Authoritative BD FAQ: II. Physical, Logical, and Application Specifications |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Hugh Bennett |date=2006-06-01 |work=emedialive.com |publisher=}}</ref>
! BD-Video (Grace Period Profile – Profile 1.0)
! Bonus View (Final Standard Profile – Profile 1.1)
! BD-Live (Profile 2.0)
|-
| Built-in persistent memory
| 64 KB
| 64 KB
| 64 KB
|-
| Local storage capability{{ref|profiles_table_note_a|[a]}}
| –
| 256 MB
| 1 GB
|-
| Secondary video decoder ([[Picture-in-picture|PiP]])
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|-
| Secondary audio decoder{{ref|profiles_table_note_b|[b]}}
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|-
| [[Virtual file system]]
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|-
| Internet connection capability
| No
| No
| Mandatory
|}
{{note|profiles_table_note_a}}'''a''' This is used for storing audio/video and title updates. It can either be built in memory or removable media, such as a memory card or USB flash memory.

{{note|profiles_table_note_b}}'''b''' A secondary audio decoder is typically used for interactive audio and commentary

On [[November 1]] [[2007]], the Grace Period Profile was superseded by "Bonus View" as the minimum profile for new players released to the market.<ref name="BonusView">{{cite web|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6495668.html|title=Blu-ray Disc Assn. promotes new Bonus View}}</ref> With the exception of the PlayStation 3, profile 1.0 players cannot be upgraded to be Bonus View compliant.<ref>[http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9808376-1.html Does Blu-ray Profile 1.1 make past players obsolete?]</ref> On [[December 17]], [[2007]], the PlayStation 3 became Bonus View 1.1 compliant through PlayStation 3 System Software version 2.10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/12/17/firmware-update-v210/| title=Firmware Update (v2.10)| publisher=Sony| first=Eric| last=Lempel| date=[[2007-12-17]]| accessdate=2007-12-18}}</ref>

When software authored with interactive features dependent on "Bonus View" hardware capabilities are played on profile 1.0 players some features may not be available or may offer limited capability. Profile 1.0 players will still be able to play the main feature of the disc, however.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Joshua_Zyber/High-Def_FAQ:_Blu-ray_Profiles_Explained/1186| title=High-Def FAQ: Blu-ray Profiles Explained| first=Joshua| last=Zyber| publisher=highdefdigest.com| date=[[2007-11-23]]| accessdate=2007-12-18}}</ref>

The first BD Live titles ([[War (film)|War]] and [[Saw IV]]) were released by Lionsgate in January 2008, despite the fact that no players existed to play the web-enhanced content.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6509942&industryid=47211|title=Lionsgate to bow first BD-Live titles in January}}</ref> BD Live (Profile 2.0) players are expected to be released in early 2008. Various reports have indicated that the PS3 will be updated to support the specification, taking full advantage of the player's [[Ethernet]] and [[Wifi]] connectivity and hard drive storage space.

==Backward compatibility==
While it is not compulsory for manufacturers, the Blu-ray Disc Association recommends that Blu-ray Disc drives should be capable of reading standard DVDs for [[backward compatibility]]. For instance, Samsung's first Blu-ray Disc drive can read CDs, regular DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs. All other Blu-ray Disc players that have been released so far are also capable of DVD playback though some early Blu-ray Disc players and drives did not support CD playback.

==Ongoing development==
[[Image:Blu-ray 200GB.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Front side of an experimental Blu-ray Disc]]
Although the Blu-ray Disc specification has been finalized, engineers continue working to advance the technology. Quad-layer (100&nbsp;GB) discs have been demonstrated on a drive with modified optics (TDK version) and standard unaltered optics ("Hitachi used a standard drive.").<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.tdk.com/procommon/press/article.asp?site=con&recid=3
| title = TDK ANNOUNCES 100GB BLUE LASER DISC TECHNOLOGY
| language =
| accessdate = 2007-09-27
| year = 2005
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=19493
| title = Hitachi Demos Four-Layer Blu-ray Disc Playback
}}</ref>
Hitachi stated that such a disc could be used to store 7 hours of 32 Mbit/s video (HDTV) or 3.5 hours of 64 Mbit/s video ([[Digital cinema|Cinema 4K]]). Furthermore [[TDK]] announced in August 2006 that they have created a working experimental Blu-ray Disc capable of holding 200&nbsp;GB of data on a single side, using six 33&nbsp;GB data layers.<ref name="TDK200GB_announcement">{{cite web
| url = http://www.tdk.com/procommon/press/article.asp?site=con&recid=127
| title = TDK ANNOUNCES BLUE LASER DISC TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT 200&nbsp;GB CAPACITY
| publisher = TDK
| accessdate = 2006-11-27
| date = [[August 31]] [[2006]]
}}</ref>

Also behind closed doors at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] 2007, [[Ritek]] has revealed that they had successfully developed a High Definition optical disc process that extends the disc capacity of both competing formats to 10 layers. That increases the capacity of the discs to 250&nbsp;GB for Blu-ray compared to 150&nbsp;GB for HD DVD using the same process. However, they noted that the major obstacle is that current reader and writer technology does not support the additional layers.<ref> {{cite web
| url = http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5656
| title = Three HD Layers Today, Ten Tomorrow
| accessdate = 2007-04-24
|date=2007-01-10
| last = Yam
| first = Marcus
| work = DailyTech
| language = English
}}</ref>

[[JVC]] has developed a three layer technology that allows putting both standard-definition DVD data and HD data on a BD/DVD combo. If successfully commercialized, this would enable the consumer to purchase a disc which could be played on current DVD players, and reveal its HD version when played on a new BD player.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/press/2004/bd-dvd.html
| title = Blu-ray/ DVD Combo ROM Disc Technology
| accessdate = 2006-05-30
| year = 2006
}}</ref> This hybrid disc does not appear to be ready for production and no titles have been announced that would utilize this disc structure.

In January 2007, [[Hitachi]] showcased a 100&nbsp;GB Blu-ray Disc, which consists of four layers containing 25&nbsp;GB each.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070111/126348/
| title = Hitachi Demonstrates 4 Layer BD Playback Using 'Standard Drive'
| accessdate = 2008-01-06
}}</ref> Unlike [[TDK]] and [[Panasonic]]'s 100&nbsp;GB discs, they claim this disc is readable on standard Blu-ray drives that are currently in circulation, and it is believed that a firmware update is the only requirement to make it readable to current players and drives.<ref>[http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=559 Hitachi Develops 100GB Blu-ray disc]</ref>

== Variants ==
===Mini Blu-ray Disc===
{{see also|MiniDVD}}

The '''Mini Blu-ray Disc''' (also, '''Mini-BR''' and '''Mini Blu-ray''') is a compact 8cm (~3in) diameter variant of the Blu-ray Disc that can store approximately 7.5GB of data. It is similar in concept to the [[MiniDVD]].

Recordable (BD-R) and rewriteable (BD-RE) versions of Mini Blu-ray Disc have been developed specifically for compact camcorders and other compact recording devices.<ref name="Verbatim_MiniBR">{{cite web
| url = http://www.verbatim.com/news/news_detail.cfm?news_id=26ADC32F-1143-3415-5F8FFB8D7D07B77E
| title = Verbatim to Launch World’s First Mini BD Media
| format = HTML
| language = english
}} </ref>

=== BD9 / BD5 Blu-ray Disc ===
{{see also|HD DVD#3x DVD|l1=3x DVD}}

'''BD9''' and '''BD5''' are unofficial lower capacity variants of the Blu-ray Disc that contain Blu-ray compatible video and audio streams contained on a conventional [[DVD]] (650 nm wavelength / red laser) optical disc. Such discs offer the use of the same advanced compression technologies available to Blu-ray discs (including MPEG4-AVC/H.264, SMPTE-421M/VC-1 and MPEG2) while utilizing lower cost legacy media. BD9 utilizes a standard 8152MB DVD9 dual-layer disc while BD5 utilizes a standard 4483MB DVD5 single-layer disc.<ref name="Doom9_BDAuth">{{cite web | url = http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=134402 | title = Quick Blu-ray content (BD, BD-5 and BD-9) authoring guide (PS3+PowerDVD) | format = HTML | language = English }} </ref>

Given that Blu-ray Discs are assumed to have a minimum transfer rate of 30.24 Mbit/s, BD9/BD5 discs must be spun at a high rate of speed, equivalent to a 3× DVD [[DVD#Speed|drive speed]] or greater.

BD9 and BD5 discs can be authored using home computers for private showing using standard DVD&plusmn;R recorders. AACS digital rights management is optional.

The BD9 format was originally proposed by Warner Home Video, as a cost-effective alternative to regular Blu-ray discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=16769 |title= BD9 Licensing Further Delays The Launch of Blu-ray Burners |accessdate=2007-10-18 |date=2006-04-11 |work=cdrinfo.com}}</ref> It is similar to HD DVD's [[HD DVD#3x DVD|3x DVD]].

===AVCREC===
{{see also|HD DVD#HD REC|l1=HD REC}}

'''AVCREC''' is an official <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format_spec/avcrec_specs.php | title = AVREC Format Specifications | format = HTML | language = English }} </ref> lower capacity variant of the Blu-ray Disc used for storing Blu-ray compatible content on conventional DVD discs. It is being promoted for use in camcorders, distribution of short HD broadcast content and other cost-sensitive distribution needs. It is similar to [[HD DVD#HD REC|HD REC]] for HD DVD.

Note that AVCREC is not the same as [[AVCHD]] content stored on DVD. The latter is a media independent format that originated prior to the release of Blu-ray Disc.

===Blu-ray Disc recordable===
{{main|Blu-ray Disc recordable}}
[[Blu-ray Disc]] recordable refers to two [[optical disc]] formats that can be recorded with an [[optical disc recorder]]. '''BD-R''' discs can be written to once, whereas '''BD-RE''' can be erased and re-recorded multiple times. As of January 2008, BD-R/RE drives up to 6x speed are available from retailers for about US$450,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isorm.com/product_info.php?products_id=2661 |title=LG GGW-H20L Super Multi Blu-ray Disc Rewriter 6X SATA 4MB w/ Software Black HD Player - Retail|accessdate=2008-01-18 |publisher=isorm.com}}</ref> and 4x single-layer BD-R discs, with a capacity of 25 GB, can be found for around US$12. The theoretical maximum speed for Blu-ray Discs is about 12x as the speed of rotation (10,000 rpm) causes too much wobble for the discs to be read properly, similar to the 20x and 52x respective maximum speeds of [[DVD]]s and [[Compact Disc|CD]]s.

Since September 2007, Blu-ray BD-RE Rewritable Discs were also available in the smaller 8 cm Mini Blu-ray Disc diameter size.<ref name="Verbatim_MiniBR"/><ref>[http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070803/137462/ Hitachi First in Industry to Release Blu-ray Disc Camcorder] Naoki Asakawa, Nikkei Electronics, Nikkei Business Publications, [[2007-08-03]]</ref>

===HD DVD/Blu-ray hybrid discs===
Warner Brothers officially announced [[Total Hi Def]] at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES 2007]]. Total Hi Def hybrid discs support both HD DVD and Blu-ray, HD DVD on one side (up to two layers) and Blu-ray on the other side (up to two layers). However, in November 2007, Warner Brothers put development of the Total HD discs on hold for an indefinite amount of time.<ref>[http://www.engadgethd.com/tag/totalhd Posts tagged Totalhd at Engadget HD<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The project was finally cancelled in January 2008 when Warner declared that they were dropping HD DVD in favor of publishing exclusively on Blu-ray — thus eliminating the need for a hybrid disc. Warner also cited a lack of interest from fellow studios to publish on hybrid discs, as all but one studio, [[Paramount Pictures]], were exclusive to either Blu-ray or HD DVD and when Paramount became HD DVD exclusive in August 2007 they left Warner as the only major studio publishing on both discs.

==See also==
* [[Blu-ray Disc Association]]
* [[List of Blu-ray Disc devices]]
* [[Format war]]
* [[Professional Disc for DATA]] (PDD or ProDATA)
* [[High definition optical disc format war]]
* [[Comparison of high definition optical disc formats]]
* [[Laserdisc#MUSE LD|MUSE LD]] — an earlier optical disc which contained analog HDTV signals
* [[D-VHS]] — a tape-based format that allows recording of 720 or 1080 high-def DTV, while remaining compatible with older VHS libraries
* [[Blu-ray Disc recordable]]
* [[Optical disc]]

=== Alternative disc technologies ===
* [[HD DVD]]
* [[AVCHD]]
* [[Digital Multilayer Disk]] — the successor technology to [[Fluorescent Multilayer Disc]]
* [[Enhanced Versatile Disc]] (EVD)
* [[Forward Versatile Disc]] (FVD) — [http://www.boser.com.tw/news/20041227.htm Taiwanese backed] red laser format
* [[Fluorescent Multilayer Disc]]
* [[Holographic Versatile Disc]] — standards with 200 and 300&nbsp;GB storage are under development
* [[3D optical data storage]] — a next-generation technology expected to provide TB-capacity discs
* [[PH-DVD]]
* [[Protein-coated disc]]
* [[Tapestry Media]]
* [[Ultra Density Optical]]
* [[Versatile Multilayer Disc]]
* [[LS-R]] — a "layer selection" technology allowing the stacking of very large numbers of DVD-like data layers in a single disc.
* [[Professional Disc for DATA]] (PDD or ProDATA)

==External links==
{{commonscat|Blu-ray Disc}}
{{Portal|Blu-ray}}
* [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/ Blu-ray Disc Association]
* [http://www.blu-raydisc.info/ Blu-ray Disc License Web Site]
* [http://www.aacsla.com/home AACS LA]
* [http://panasonic.net/blu-ray/index.html Panasonic Blu-ray Portal Site]
* [http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/BluRay PlayStation.com: Blu-ray Disc Technology]
* [http://www.dolby.com/ Dolby Laboratories]
* [http://www.dtsonline.com/ DTS]
* [http://www.hdmi.org/ HDMI Licensing]
* [http://www.blu-ray.com/ Blu-ray.com — News, Reviews and Discussion Forums]
* [http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11392 The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc FAQ] by Hugh Bennett
* [http://www.digital-digest.com/highdefdvd/faq.html The High Definition DVD FAQ] FAQ for Blu-ray, HD DVD, EVD, FVD...
* [http://www.hidefdvd.com/browse-studio-bluray.htm Studios Currently Supporting Blu-ray]
* [http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=37872 The History Of the Format War(From Forum of blu-ray.com)]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Home_video}}

{{HighDefinitionMedia}}

[[Category:Blu-ray Disc| ]]
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[[Category:High-definition television]]
[[Category:Video storage]]
[[Category:2006 introductions]]
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