About Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc is a next generation disc format developed by Sony. Built from the ground up, Sony wanted its format to be more than simply an extension of the DVD format. Blu-ray supports three video codecs (AVC, VC-1 & MPEG-2), a plethora of audio codecs, and approximately six times the storage capability of standard definition DVD.
Blu-ray has two layers of interactivity: a basic layer called HDMV and a more advanced layer called BD-J. HDMV authoring has some similarities to standard definition authoring but also allows for advanced features such as pop-up menus and high quality subtitles. BD-J is built using the Java platform and offers a wide range of advanced features including network access and interactive applications. Initially, most Blu-ray titles coming out of Hollywood were authored using HDMV, however, the hardware support has progressed to the point where BD-J is being incorporated into more and more Hollywood discs.
Blu-ray Disc can be burned onto writable media called BD-R. Because the media and burners are readily available, Blu-ray is a good option for small runs of titles and controlled uses such as tradeshows and demonstrations.
