Explanation of the Two Major Formats: Blu-ray Disc or Advanced Optical Disc

The gradual evolution of the optical disc technologyBlu-ray discs is expected to drive the growth of the
saw the arrival of the DVDs. DVDs changed thehome theater segments to further unprecedented
entire entertainment experience. People could watchheights.
the latest blockbusters from the comfort of theirAdvanced Optical Discs
homes with their latest high definition DVD players,Yet another technology, or format to be precise,
with unmatched picture quality and audio output.which is giving the Blu-ray format a good run for its
DVDs are everywhere, so too are DVD players. Youmoney, is the Advanced Optical Disc (AOD) format.
have the high definition DVD players with all sorts ofIt has been created by Toshiba in collaboration with
features. The future lies with emerging technologiesNEC. Even though it is considered the main rival to
like Blu-ray and advanced optical discs.the Blu-ray format, ironically, it is being supported by
Blu-ray Discsthe DVD forum that includes nine members, who are
Blu-ray, popularly known as BD or blue-ray discs, is a'Blu-ray disc founders.' While a single layered disc using
next-generation optical disc that has been developedthis technology holds around 15 GB of data, a double
by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). The grouplayered disc would hold 30 GB of data. One can
consists of leading consumer electronics giants, PCcompress 20 GB of data in the recordable version.
and media manufacturers, like Philips, Samsung, Sony,This format too uses the blue laser, the difference
Sharp, HP, Hitachi and Panasonic, to name a few. Thebeing the higher compression of the video stream.
format enables recording, rewriting and playback ofOne major advantage of the AOD format over the
high definition video (HD). One major advantage thatBlu-ray format is the fact that the AOD format will
the technology has over conventional DVDs is that itcost you less. Although not a great deal is known
allows for more storage capacity. It can hold up toabout the format as yet, if one were to go by the
25GB on a single layered disc and 50GB on aToshiba-NEC team, then the players would be smaller
dual-layer disc. The technology also incorporatesthan the ones using Blu-ray format.
advanced video and audio codes for the ultimate highCapable of playing high definition DVD, some models
definition viewing experience. The name Blu-ray isusing the AOD format from Toshiba have already hit
used because the format uses a blue-violet laser,the markets. They are roughly priced around
instead of a red laser as in the case of traditional$500-$800. Details available on the progression of the
DVDs.technology are sketchy, however, during this point in
Another major advantage with Blu-ray format lies intime.
the fact that the entire technology is backwardsIndustry Trends
compatible. You can now play your old CDs andIndustry analysts believe that the Blu-ray format
DVDs through a BD/DVD/CD compatible unit. Thewould hold sway over the masses in the near future.
blue-violet laser has a shorter wavelength than a redThere are other related technologies which are also
laser, which enables it to focus on a disc area withtrying to break in, like the Holographic Versatile Disc
greater precision. The data is also packed on the(HVD) technology. This technology is still at a
surface of a disc more tightly. This explains the disc'sresearch stage and claims to have greatly increased
capability to store more data, even though it is ofstorage capacity than both Blu-ray and HD DVD
the same size as a traditional CD.formats.
The technology is supported by some of the world'sResearchers are also working on many other
leading manufacturers. In fact, many major movietechnologies. Some of them are claiming to be
studios have already announced titles with Blu-ray inworking on a technology with a storage capacity that
them. Warner, Disney, Sony, MGM, and Paramountis, believe it or not, 100 times that of a DVD. The
are among the leading studios who have embracedtechnology involves making disks with a
the format. Some of the famous titles include moviesthree-dimensional structure rather than the traditional
such as Desperado, Fantastic Four, Hero, Kill Bill, andtwo dimensional DVDs. With data storage and
Lethal Weapon. Sony has in fact come out with aprotection assuming importance, research on various
mass produced model, which has already hit thelines is being carried out. Most of these research
market. Several other leading brands have alsoactivities have the potential to revolutionize the home
announced their intentions to launch models with thetheater market.
Blu-ray format.With convergence of various features being the
The Blu-ray movie codes are different from that oftrend nowadays, there are several models of DVD
DVD region codes. So you have North America,players already available in the market, which have
South America, Japan, and East Asia excluding Chinagaming options apart from playing DVDs. The
forming the Region 1, followed by Europe and Africaincreasing popularity of home theater systems is
forming the Region 2. China, India, and Russia makedriving the research in this field.
up Region 3.Movie makers too are increasingly dependent on
One major disadvantage with Blu-ray format is thatdigital formats for both film making and projection.
many standard DVD players are unable to read theDigital video and audio outputs are considered far
discs. This problem is being rectified in the form ofmore superior to the existing traditional methods, and
backward compatible players though. The growth ofoffer viewers an enhanced movie experience.