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Blu-ray
Blu-ray or Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc which results in crystal clear picture, rich beautiful sound and an exciting array of advanced interactive features and bonus content which all combine to offer you an unprecedented high definition (HD) experience.
The name Blu-ray is derived from the blue laser used to read the disc and write data. While a standard DVD uses a 650 nm red laser, Blu-ray uses a shorter wavelength, a 405 nm blue laser that allows for almost six times more data storage than a standard DVD.
What is the difference between Blu-ray and DVDs?
It is expected that Blu-ray will soon replace DVDs. In the US more people are aware of the ultimate experience with Blu-ray. In Trinidad, most people have not yet switched because they are not aware of the difference in their entertainment experience and due to the high prices for all Blu-ray equipment. The TriniTrolley.com Blu-ray Store has the best deals on all Blu-ray content making it more attractive for everyone to make the switch to Blu-ray.
Reasons to Switch:
1. Crystal Clear Picture
Blu-ray Discs have up to six (6) times the picture resolution of a standard DVD. Resolution refers to the number of horizontal lines there are available to fill your screen. Generally, the greater the number the better the picture quality. Blu-ray Discs and players display at 1080p resolution (the highest standard today) whereas a DVD displays 480i.
2. Superior Audio Quality
Blu-ray provides up to 7.1 channels of high definition surround sound which creates a realistic and immersive listening experience whereas DVD uses 5.1 channels which result in loss of sound quality from the original source.
3. Backwards Compatible
All Blu-ray players can play standard DVDs but standard DVD players cannot play Blu-ray Discs. Most players already can read/write CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs using a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical head, so you don’t have to worry about your existing DVD collection becoming obsolete. Be sure to check your Blu-ray player’s specifications before purchasing. In addition, Blu-ray players also “upconvert” or upscale DVDs to a higher resolution (1080p/1080i) making them look even better than before.
4. Growing Selection of Movies
Not all movies have been converted to Blu-ray Discs. This is because all studios have not yet jumped on board the Blu-ray band wagon. However, you can find some of the bestselling movies such as Transformers, Iron Man, Pirates of the Caribbean and 300 in the TriniTrolley.com Blu-ray Store.
5. Many Blu-ray Players to Choose From
TriniTrolley.com carries all the top Blu-ray players such as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and Pioneer. Further, if you already own a PlayStation 3, the console plays both games and Blu-ray Discs. Even more reasons to purchase a PlayStation 3.
6. Seamless Interactivity
Advanced interactive menus allow you to navigate the disc without ever leaving the movie. Internet connectivity will soon deliver new content to enhance your movie experience.
| Parameters |
Blu-ray |
DVD |
| Storage Capacity |
25 GB (Single Layer)
50 Gb (Dual Layer)
|
4.7 GB (Single Layer)
8.5 Gb (Dual Layer)
|
| Laser Wavelength |
405 nm (Blue Laser) |
650 nm (Red Laser) |
| Numerical Aperture (NA) |
0.85 |
0.60 |
|
Disc Diameter
Disc Thickness
|
120 mm
1.2 mm
|
120 mm
1.2 mm
|
|
Protection Layer
Hard Coating
|
0.1 mm
Yes
|
0.6 mm
No
|
| Track Pitch |
0.32 um |
0.74 um |
|
Data Transfer Rate (Data)
Data Transfer Rate (Audio/Video)
|
36.0 Mbps (1x)
54.0 Mbps (1.5x)
|
11.08 Mbps (1x)
10.08 Mbps (<1x)
|
|
Video Resolution (Max)
Video Bit Rate (Max)
|
1920x1080 (1080p)
40.0 Mbps
|
720x480/720x576 (480i/576i)
9.8 Mbps
|
| Video Codecs |
MPEG-2
MPEG-4 AVC
SMPTE VC-1
|
MPEG-2
-
-
|
| Audio Codecs |
Linear PCM
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby True HD
DTS Digital Surround
DTS-HD
|
Linear PCM
Dolby Digital
DTS Digital Surround
-
-
-
|
| Interactivity |
BD-J |
DVD-Video |
Why Should I Upgrade to Blu-ray Discs?
If you own an HDTV or have ever seen the amazing high-definition (HD) video on an HDTV, then you would know how incredibly sharp the picture is and how vivid the colours are. In a nutshell, HD offers five times the amount of detail compared to standard-definition (SD). The underlying issue with today's DVDs is that they only support SD and don't have the necessary storage capacity to satisfy the needs of HD. This is why Blu-ray is far superior since it offers up to 50GB of storage capacity and enables playback, recording and rewriting of HD in all of the HD resolutions including 1080p. The format also supports high-definition audio formats and lossless audio.
In addition to the greater video and audio quality, the extra storage capacity also means there will be plenty of room for additional content and special features. This combined with the new BD-J interactivity layer adopted by Blu-ray will bring the menus, graphics and special features to a whole new level. For example, you will be able to bring up the menu system as an overlay without stopping the movie, and you could have the director of the movie on the screen explaining the shooting of a scene while the scene is playing in the background. The advanced interactivity combined with the networking features of Blu-ray will also allow content producers to support new innovative features such as downloading extras, updating content via the web, and watching live broadcasts of special events. Blu-ray guarantees to offer consumer the ultimate unprecedented movie experience.
Blu-ray FAQ
1. What do I need to watch a Blu-ray Disc high definition movie?
You will need several items:
- An HDTV (preferably 1080p resolution)
- HDMI cables (for the best picture quality)
- A Blu-ray Disc player or PlayStation 3 (Blu-ray discs do not play on DVD players)
- Blu-ray movies
- Surround Sound Speakers (5.1 or 7.1 channel)
- High-quality analog cables or digital optical cables
2. Where can I get these items at the best prices?
You can get the entire above-mentioned items on TriniTrolley.com at the best prices.
3. Can I play standard DVDs on a Blu-ray Disc Player?
Yes you can. Your DVDs will play on all existing Blu-ray Disc players and the players will also upscale your DVDs to look even better. We recommend that you confirm your Blu-ray player’s compatibility by checking the specifications.
4. Will the PlayStation 3 play my Blu-ray movies?
Of course! The PS3 includes a built-in Blu-ray drive that plays Blu-ray discs. TriniTrolley.com also has the optional accessories required to create the ultimate experience.
5. Are Blu-ray movies available in full frame?
Blu-ray movies are packaged in the original theatrical aspect ratio, which is widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio). Since all HDTVs are also widescreen format, generally your movies will fill up the screen. There are some situations where you will see small black bars on the top and bottom of your screen but rest assured they are significantly smaller than the bars you would see when watching a widescreen movie on a standard definition TV.
6. Can I play my Blu-ray Discs on a DVD player?
No. Blu-ray Discs play only on Blu-ray players, PlayStation 3 consoles or Blu-ray drives for computers and will not play on standard DVD players.
7. If I play my DVDs on an HDTV, will the picture be in HD?
No it won’t. Playing a DVD on an HDTV will still produce a standard definition picture since DVDs are in standard definition. In order for your movie to be in HD, you will need a Blu-ray player, HDMI or DVI cables from your player to your HDTV and the movie to be on a Blu-ray Disc in order to see a high definition picture.
8. Do I need the internet to watch Blu-ray movies?
No, an internet connection is not required to watch Blu-ray movies.
9. How much video can fit on a Blu-ray Disc?
Over 9 hours of high-definition (HD) video on a 50GB disc.
About 23 hours of standard-definition (SD) video on a 50GB disc.
10. What audio codecs will Blu-ray support?
Linear PCM (LPCM) - up to 8 channels of uncompressed audio. (mandatory)Dolby Digital (DD) - format used for DVDs, 5.1-channel surround sound. (mandatory)
Dolby Digital Plus (DD+) - extension of Dolby Digital, 7.1-channel surround sound. (optional)
Dolby TrueHD - lossless encoding of up to 8 channels of audio. (optional)
DTS Digital Surround - format used for DVDs, 5.1-channel surround sound. (mandatory)
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio - extension of DTS, 7.1-channel surround sound. (optional)
DTS-HD Master Audio - lossless encoding of up to 8 channels of audio. (optional)
Please be guided as this simply means that Blu-ray players and recorders will have to support playback of these audio codecs, it will still be up to the movie studios to decide which audio codec(s) they use for their releases.
So make the switch today or upgrade your Blu-ray collection by visiting our TriniTrolley.com Blu-ray Store. For more answers to your Blu-ray questions, please email us at support@trinitrolley.com.
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