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My favorite is Blu-ray
{{Redirect|Blue ray|the fish of the same name|Neoraja caerulea}}
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{{Infobox storage medium
| name = Blu-ray
| logo = [[File:Blu-ray Disc.svg|230px]]
| image = [[File:BluRayDiscBack.png|200px]]
| caption = Reverse side of a Blu-ray. Unlike CD and DVD, the reflection is more blueish.
| type = [[High-density storage media|High-density]] [[optical disc]]
| encoding = Data encoding: CLV or Zoned CAV pits-and-lands with interleaved error correction code <br/> BDMV Video encoding: [[H.262/MPEG-2 Part 2]]<br />[[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC]]<br />[[VC-1]] [[H.265]]
| capacity = 25&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] (single-layer)<br />50&nbsp;GB (dual-layer)<br/>100/200/300&nbsp;GB ([[#BDXL|BDXL]]) <br/> <small>Up to six layers are possible in a standard form BD.</small>
| blocksize = 2&nbsp;KB sector,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/White_Paper_General_3rd_Dec%202012_20121210.pdf|title=White Paper Blu-ray Disc Format|publisher=[[Blu-ray Disc Association]]|date=December 2012|accessdate=2016-02-21}}</ref> 64&nbsp;KB ECC-block<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sutlib2.sut.ac.th/sut_contents/h95009/data/5643_58.pdf |title=Data |website=sutlib2.sut.ac.th |format=PDF}}</ref>
| dimensions = {{convert|120|mm|lk=on|abbr=on}} diameter<br />1.2&nbsp;mm thickness<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-ray.com/faq/#bluray_vs_dvd_comparison |title=Blu-ray FAQ |publisher=Blu-ray.com |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref><ref group="note">This is the same as previous optical media formats [[compact disc]] and [[DVD]]. Exact composition is different as stated in the body of the article.</ref>
| read = 195-405&nbsp;[[Nanometre|nm]] [[Laser diode|diode laser]], 36 Mb/s
| write = 405&nbsp;nm diode laser at a speed of 16× media rate (as of July 2017)
| released = {{start date and age|2006|6|20|df=yes}}
| owner = [[Sony]] <br> [[Blu-ray Disc Association]]<ref>[http://www.blu-ray.com/faq/#bluray_developers Blu-ray FAQ]. Blu-ray.com. Retrieved on December 22, 2010.</ref>
| use = [[Data storage]]<br />{{nowrap|[[High-definition video]]}}<br />{{nowrap|[[High-resolution audio]]}}<br/>[[Stereoscopy|Stereoscopic 3D]]<br />[[PlayStation 3]] [[List of PlayStation 3 games|games]] <br/>[[PlayStation 4]] [[List of PlayStation 4 games|games]]<br />[[Xbox One]] [[List of Xbox One games|games]]
| extended from = [[DVD]]<br>obsolete rival format [[HD DVD]]
| extended to = [[Archival Disc]]
}}
{{Optical disc authoring}}

'''Blu-ray''' or '''Blu-ray Disc''' ('''BD''') is a [[digital media|digital]] [[optical disc]] [[data storage]] format. It was designed to supersede the [[DVD]] format, and is capable of storing several hours of video in [[HD TV|high-definition]] (HDTV 720p and 1080p) and [[4K resolution|ultra high-definition]] resolution ([[4K resolution|2160p]]). The main application of Blu-ray is as a medium for video material such as [[feature film]]s and for the physical distribution of video games for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Xbox One]]. The name "Blu-ray" refers to the [[blue laser]] (actually a [[Violet (color)|violet]] laser) used to read the disc, which allows information to be stored at a greater density than is possible with the longer-wavelength red laser used for DVDs.

The plastic disc is {{Convert|120|mm|in}} in diameter and {{Convert|1.2|mm|in}} thick, the same size as DVDs and [[Compact disc|CDs]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rda-jsc.org/docs/6JSC-ALA-16-LC-response.pdf |title=6JSC/ALA/16/LC response |date=September 13, 2012 |accessdate=January 29, 2014 |publisher=rda-jsc.org |format=PDF}}</ref> Conventional or pre-BD-XL Blu-ray discs contain 25&nbsp;[[gigabyte|GB]] per layer, with dual-layer discs (50&nbsp;GB) being the industry standard for feature-length video discs. Triple-layer discs (100&nbsp;GB) and quadruple-layer discs (128 GB) are available for ''BD-XL'' re-writer drives.<ref>{{cite web |first=Harry |last=Butler |url=http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2011/02/23/pioneer-bdxl-bdr-206-review/1 |title=Pioneer BDXL BDR-206MBK Review |publisher=bit-tech.net |date=February 23, 2011 |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref>

High-definition (HD) video may be stored on Blu-ray discs with up to 2160p resolution (3840×2160 pixels) and at up to 60 [[Frame rate|frames per second]]. [[DVD-Video]] discs were limited to a maximum resolution of 480p ([[NTSC]], 720×480 pixels) or 576p ([[PAL]], 720×576 pixels).<ref name=dvdfaq>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html#3.4 |title=DVD Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) |work=Jim Taylor |date=27 June 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822172353/http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html#3.4 |archivedate=August 22, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Besides these hardware specifications, Blu-ray is associated with a set of [[multimedia]] formats.

The BD format was developed by the [[Blu-ray Disc Association]], a group representing makers of consumer electronics, computer hardware, and motion pictures. [[Sony]] unveiled the first Blu-ray disc prototypes in October 2000, and the first prototype player was released in April 2003 in Japan. Afterwards, it continued to be developed until its official release on June 20, 2006, beginning the [[high-definition optical disc format war]], where Blu-ray Disc competed with the [[HD DVD]] format. [[Toshiba]], the main company supporting HD DVD, conceded in February 2008,<ref>{{Cite press release |url=http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_02/pr1903.htm |title=Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses |publisher=Toshiba |date=February 19, 2008 |accessdate=February 26, 2008}}</ref> and later released its own Blu-ray Disc player in late 2009.<ref>Yomiuri Shimbun. Page 1. July 19, 2009. Ver. 13S.</ref> According to Media Research, high-definition software sales in the United States were slower in the first two years than DVD software sales.<ref name="sale">{{Cite news |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/02/16/blu-ray-discs-reach-1-5-million-sold-hdm-still-trails-dvds-fir/ |title=Blu-ray discs reach 1.5 million sold, HDM still trails DVD's first two years |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL Inc. |date=February 16, 2008 |accessdate=July 29, 2014}}</ref> Blu-ray faces competition from [[video on demand|video on demand (VOD)]] and the continued sale of DVDs.<ref name=wired2015>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/05/sony-buys-facebook-spinoff-give-new-life-blu-ray/ |title=SONY BUYS A FACEBOOK SPINOFF TO GIVE NEW LIFE TO BLU-RAY |work=Wired |date=27 May 2015}}</ref> Notably, as of January 2016, 44% of U.S. [[broadband]] households had a Blu-ray player.<ref>{{cite web|last=Morris |first=Chris |url=http://fortune.com/2016/01/08/blu-ray-struggles-in-the-streaming-age/ |title=Blu-Ray Struggles in the Streaming Age |publisher=Fortune |date=2016-01-08 |accessdate=2018-10-03}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Blu-ray disc (BD-RE).JPG|thumb|A blank rewritable Blu-ray Disc ([[Blu-ray Disc recordable|BD-RE]])]]

===Early history===
The information density of the [[DVD]] format was limited by the wavelength of the [[laser diode]]s used. Following protracted development, [[blue laser]] diodes operating at 405 [[Nanometre|nanometers]] became available on a production basis, allowing for development of a more-dense storage format that could hold higher-definition media. [[Sony]] started two projects in collaboration with [[Panasonic]], [[Philips]], and [[TDK]],<ref>''[http://inlatest.com/20101102199/bluray-emmy/ Panasonic, Sony, Philips And TDK Awarded Emmy For Blu-Ray Contribution]</ref> applying the new diodes: [[Ultra Density Optical|UDO]] (Ultra Density Optical),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press_Archive/200011/00-54E1/ |title=Sony Develops Next Generation Optical Disk Storage System For the Data Server Market |date=November 1, 2000 |work=[[Sony]] |accessdate=June 15, 2011}}</ref> and DVR Blue (together with [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/31062/new_highcapacity_dvd_to_hold_225gb.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601063200/http://www.pcworld.com/article/31062/new_highcapacity_dvd_to_hold_225gb.html |archivedate=2010-06-01
|title=New High-Capacity DVD to Hold 22.5GB |date=October 5, 2000 |last=Williams |first=Martyn |work=[[PCWorld (magazine)|PCWorld]] |accessdate=June 15, 2011}}</ref> a format of rewritable discs that would eventually become Blu-ray Disc (more specifically, BD-RE). The core technologies of the formats are similar. The first DVR Blue prototypes were unveiled at the [[CEATEC]] exhibition in October 2000 by [[Sony]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=4922 |title=Sony Shows 'DVR-Blue' Prototype |accessdate=October 17, 2007 |date=October 11, 2000 |work=CD R Info}}</ref> A trademark for the "Blue Disc" logo was filed February 9, 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trademarkia.com/blue-disc-b-76207670.html |title=Blue Disc B&nbsp;— Trademark by Blu-ray Disc Association Universal City, CA&nbsp;— Serial Number: 76207670 |accessdate=September 19, 2010 |work=Trademarkia}}</ref> On February 19, 2002, the project was officially announced as Blu-ray Disc,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1952.html |title=Replacement for DVD unveiled |accessdate=October 17, 2007 |first=Barry |last=Fox |date=February 19, 2002 |work=New Scientist}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press_Archive/200205/02-0520E/ |title=Disclosure of Specifications for Large Capacity Optical Disc Recording Format Utilizing Blue-Violet Laser "Blu-ray Disc" Begins |accessdate=March 16, 2009 |date=May 20, 2002 |publisher=Sony}}</ref> and [[Blu-ray Disc Association|Blu-ray Disc Founders]] was founded by the nine initial members.

The first consumer device arrived in stores on April 10, 2003: the Sony BDZ-S77, a US$3,800 BD-RE recorder that was made available only in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pricenfees.com/digit-life-archives/sony-bdz-s77-recorder-review |title=Sony BDZ-S77 Recorder Review |accessdate=October 19, 2007 |first=Maxim |last=Liadov |work=Pricenfees}}</ref> But there was no standard for prerecorded video, and no movies were released for this player. Hollywood studios insisted that players be equipped with [[digital rights management]] before they would release movies for the new format, and they wanted a new DRM system that would be more secure than the failed [[Content Scramble System]] (CSS) used on DVDs. On October 4, 2004, the name "Blu-ray Disc Founders" was officially changed to the [[Blu-ray Disc Association]] (BDA), and [[20th Century Fox]] joined the BDA's Board of Directors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itworld.com/041004foxbluray |title=Fox trots towards Blu-ray |accessdate=March 16, 2009 |date=October 4, 2002 |publisher=ITworld}}</ref> The Blu-ray Disc physical specifications were completed in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/117242/article.html <!-- original URL was: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,117242-page,1/article.html --> |title=New Blu-ray Details Emerge |accessdate=October 17, 2007 |first=Martyn |last=Williams |date=August 5, 2004 |work=PCWorld |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717172217/http://www.pcworld.com/article/117242/article.html |archivedate=2015-07-17 |dead-url=no}}</ref>

In January 2005, [[TDK]] announced that they had now developed an ultra-hard yet very thin polymer coating ("[[Durabis]]") for Blu-ray discs; this was a significant technical advance because a far tougher protection was desired in the consumer market to protect bare discs against scratching and damage compared to DVD, while technically Blu-ray Disc required a much ''thinner'' layer for the denser and higher frequency blue laser.<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=October 18, 2007 |date=January 9, 2005 |work=Phys.Org}}</ref> Cartridges, originally used for scratch protection, were no longer necessary and were scrapped. The BD-ROM specifications were finalized in early 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/06/blu-ray_spec_done/ |title=Blu-ray Disc developers complete specification |accessdate=October 17, 2007 |first=Tony |last=Smith |date=January 6, 2006 |work=The Register}}</ref>

AACS LA, a consortium founded in 2004,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/news/2004/07/64212 |title=Can Odd Alliance Beat Pirates? |accessdate=October 19, 2007 |first=Katie |last=Dean |date=July 15, 2004 |work=Wired}}</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=October 19, 2007 |first=Martyn |last=Williams |date=December 14, 2005 |work=PCWorld}}</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=October 19, 2007 |first=Craig |last=Morris |date=February 14, 2006 |work=Heise |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102222432/http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/69559 |archivedate=November 2, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> At the request of the initial hardware manufacturers, including Toshiba, Pioneer, and Samsung, an interim standard was published that did not include some features, such as 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=October 19, 2007 |first=Melissa J. |last=Perenson |date=March 21, 2006 |work=PCWorld}}</ref>

===Launch and sales developments===
The first BD-ROM players (Samsung BD-P1000) were shipped in mid-June 2006, though [[HD DVD]] players beat them to 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=October 17, 2007 |date=March 31, 2006 |work=foxnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,1977327,00.asp |title=Samsung Ships the First Blu-ray Player |accessdate=October 17, 2007 |first=Dan |last=Costa |date=June 15, 2006 |work=PCMag.com}}</ref> The first Blu-ray Disc titles were released on June 20, 2006: ''[[50 First Dates]]'', ''[[The Fifth Element]]'', ''[[Hitch (film)|Hitch]]'', ''[[House of Flying Daggers]]'', ''[[Underworld: Evolution]]'', ''[[XXX (2002 film)|xXx]]'' (all [[Sony]]), ''[[Twister (1996 film)|Twister]]'' ([[Warner Bros.]]), and [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer|MGM]]'s ''[[The Terminator]]''.<ref>[http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Sony/Disc_Announcements/Sony_Rearranges_Blu-ray_Release_Schedule/107 Sony Rearranges Blu-ray Release Schedule]. High-Def Digest, June 15, 2006.</ref> The earliest releases used [[MPEG-2]] video compression, the same method used on standard DVDs. The first releases using the newer [[VC-1]] and [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|AVC]] formats 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 September 26 Lineup; Studio to Go VC-1 for Blu-ray?], BLU-RAY NEWS, High-Def Digest, August 30, 2006.</ref> The first movies using 50&nbsp;GB dual-layer discs were introduced in October 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/click.html |title=Click: Blu-ray Disc review |accessdate=September 15, 2007 |date=October 10, 2006 |last=Bracke |first=Peter M.
|work=High-Def Digest}}</ref> The first audio-only albums were released in May 2008.<ref>[http://www.2l.no/pages/album/068.html Trondheimsolistene – in folk style], 2L the Nordic sound website May 2008, [[Trondheim Soloists]] Wiki</ref><ref>[http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/272252/htf-blu-ray-audio-review-nine-inch-nails-ghosts-i-iv HTForum] web review, [http://ghosts.nin.com/main/order_options Ghosts I-IV Deluxe Edition Package (HALO Twenty Six DE)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817054254/http://ghosts.nin.com/main/order_options |date=August 17, 2011 }} NIN order site May 1, 2008 [[Ghosts I–IV|Ghosts I-IV]] Wiki</ref>

The first mass-market Blu-ray Disc rewritable drive for the PC was the BWU-100A, released by Sony on July 18, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/computer_peripheral/storage_sol_others/release/23478.html |title=Sony Unveils First Blu-Ray Disc Drive Burner |publisher=Sony |date=July 18, 2006 |accessdate=January 22, 2010}}</ref> It recorded both single and dual-layer BD-Rs as well as BD-REs and had a suggested retail price of US $699. {{As of|June 2008}}, more than 2,500 Blu-ray Disc titles were available in Australia and the United Kingdom, with 3,500 in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?show=nowavailable |title=Now Available |publisher=Blu-ray.com |accessdate=October 22, 2008}}</ref> In Japan, {{as of|July 2010|lc=on}}, more than 3,300 titles have been released.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/bdhdship/ |title=Blu-ray/HD DVD releases in Japan |publisher=AV Watch |accessdate=August 26, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828181018/http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/bdhdship/ |archivedate=August 28, 2008 |df=mdy }}</ref>

===Competition from HD DVD===
{{Main|High-definition optical disc format war}}

The [[DVD Forum]], chaired by [[Toshiba]], was split over whether to develop the more expensive blue laser technology. In March 2002 the forum approved a proposal, which was endorsed by [[Warner Bros.]] and other [[film studio|motion picture studios]]. The proposal involved compressing [[high-definition video]] onto dual-layer standard [[DVD-9]] discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20020301S0091 |title=Picture's fuzzy for DVD |accessdate=October 19, 2007 |first=Junko |last=Yoshida |date=March 1, 2002 |work=EE Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20011212S0060 |title=Forum to weigh Microsoft's Corona as DVD encoder |accessdate=October 19, 2007 |first=Junko |last=Yoshida |date=December 12, 2001 |work=EE Times}}</ref> In spite of this decision, however, the DVD Forum's Steering Committee announced in April that it was pursuing its own blue-laser high-definition video solution. 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=October 18, 2007 |date=August 29, 2002 |work=PCWorld |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106000320/http://www.pcworld.com/article/id%2C104570-page%2C1/article.html |archivedate=November 6, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It was finally adopted by the DVD Forum and renamed [[HD DVD]] the next year,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1044249/dvd-forum-backs-toshiba-nec-format |title=DVD Forum backs Toshiba-NEC format |accessdate=October 18, 2007 |date=November 28, 2003 |work=The Inquirer |publisher=Incisive Financial Publishing Limited}}</ref> after being voted down twice by DVD Forum members who were also Blu-ray Disc Association members—a situation that drew preliminary investigations by the [[United States Department of Justice|U.S. Department of Justice]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6458096.html |title=Opinion: Trust's worth |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804053736/http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6458096.html |archivedate=4 August 2007 |date=6 Jul 2007 |last=Sweeting |first=Paul}}</ref>

HD DVD had a head start in the high-definition video market, as Blu-ray Disc sales were slow to gain market share. The first Blu-ray Disc 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=October 18, 2007 |first=David |last=Katzmaier |date=June 30, 2006 |work=CNET}}</ref>

The appearance of the Sony [[PlayStation 3]], which contained a Blu-ray Disc player for primary storage, helped support Blu-ray.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml?xml=/connected/2008/02/23/dlclaud123.xml |title=Blu-ray Wins&nbsp;— Telegraph |date=February 23, 2008 |publisher=The Telegraph (UK) |accessdate=February 23, 2008 |location=London |first=Claudine |last=Beaumont |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226094151/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fconnected%2F2008%2F02%2F23%2Fdlclaud123.xml |archivedate=February 26, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Sony also ran a more thorough and influential marketing campaign for the format.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7252506.stm |title=How the PS3 led Blu-ray's triumph |publisher=BBC News |first=Will |last=Smale |date=February 19, 2008 |accessdate=February 26, 2008}}</ref> [[AVCHD]] camcorders were also introduced in 2006. These recordings can be played back on many Blu-ray Disc players without re-encoding but are not compatible with HD DVD players. 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=October 18, 2007 |first=Stephanie |last=Prange |date=February 23, 2007 |work=Home Media Magazine |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114230056/http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?article_id=10323 |archivedate=November 14, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and during the first three quarters of 2007, BD outsold HD DVD by about two to one. At [[International CES|CES 2007]], Warner proposed [[Total Hi Def]]—a hybrid disc containing Blu-ray on one side and HD DVD on the other, but it was never released.

In a June 28, 2007, press release, Twentieth Century Fox cited Blu-ray Disc's adoption of the BD+ anticopying system as key to their decision to support the Blu-ray Disc format.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bdplusllc.com/news |title=BD+ Technologies Launches Content Protection Licensing Program |publisher=BD+ Technologies, LLC |date=June 28, 2007 |accessdate=March 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/02/how-crypto-won.html |title=How Crypto Won the DVD War |publisher=Wired |first=Ryan |last=Singel |date=February 26, 2008 |accessdate=February 27, 2008}}</ref>
On January 4, 2008, a day before [[International CES|CES]] 2008, [[Warner Bros.]] (the only major studio still releasing movies in both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc format) announced that it would release only in Blu-ray Disc after May 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last=Carnoy |first=David |title=Warner goes Blu-ray exclusively, delivering crushing blow to HD DVD |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9840585-1.html |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc |accessdate=January 4, 2008}}</ref> This effectively included other studios that came under the Warner umbrella, such as [[New Line Cinema]] and [[HBO]]—though in Europe, HBO distribution partner, the [[BBC]], announced it would, while keeping an eye on market forces, continue to release product on both formats. This led to a chain reaction in the industry, with major U.S. retailers such as [[Best Buy]], [[Walmart]], and [[Circuit City Stores|Circuit City]] and Canadian chains such as [[Future Shop]] dropping HD DVD in their stores. A then major European retailer, [[Woolworths Group|Woolworths]], dropped HD DVD from its inventory.<ref name=woolsworth>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2008/01/consumers-analysts-retailers-give-hd-dvd-the-cold-shoulder.ars |title=Consumers, analysts, retailers give HD DVD the cold shoulder |first=Eric |last=Bangeman |publisher=Ars Technica |date=January 29, 2008 |accessdate=October 27, 2010}}</ref> [[Netflix]] and [[Blockbuster LLC|Blockbuster]]—major [[Video rental shop|DVD rental]] companies—said they would no longer carry HD DVD.

Following these new developments, on February 19, 2008, Toshiba announced it would end production of [[HD DVD]] devices,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7252172.stm |title=Toshiba drops out of the HD DVD war |accessdate=February 19, 2008 |publisher=BBC News |date=February 19, 2008}}</ref> allowing Blu-ray Disc to become the industry standard for high-density optical discs. [[Universal Studios]], the sole major movie studio to back HD DVD since its inception, said shortly after Toshiba's announcement: "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 Disc."<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bluray20feb20,0,5286548.story?page=2 |title=Blu-ray winner by KO in high-definition war |accessdate=February 22, 2008 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=February 20, 2008 |first1=Dawn C. |last1=Chmielewski |first2=Bruce |last2=Wallace |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324113847/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bluray20feb20%2C0%2C5286548.story?page=2 |archivedate=March 24, 2008 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Paramount Pictures, which started releasing movies only in HD DVD format during late 2007, also said it would start releasing in Blu-ray Disc. Both studios announced initial Blu-ray lineups in May 2008. With this, all major Hollywood studios supported Blu-ray.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2118265320080221 |title=All Hollywood studios now lined up behind Blu-Ray |publisher=Reuters (the Hollywood Reporter) |accessdate=February 21, 2008 |date=February 21, 2008}}</ref>

===Future scope and market trends===
{{Update|date=April 2018}}
According to Media Research, high-definition software sales in the US were slower in the first two years than DVD software sales.<ref name="sale"/> 16.3 million DVD software units were sold in the first two years (1997–98) compared to 8.3 million high-definition software units (2006–07).<ref name="sale"/><ref name="sale2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/NECoxHEGdHLwGG |title=High-Definition Sales Far Behind Standard DVD's First Two Years |work=MovieWeb |publisher=Watchr Media |date=February 20, 2008 |accessdate=June 15, 2011 |last=Gallagher |first=Brian}}</ref> One reason given for this difference was the smaller marketplace (26.5 million HDTVs in 2007 compared to 100 million SDTVs in 1998).<ref name="sale2"/> Former HD DVD supporter [[Microsoft]] did not make a Blu-ray Disc drive for the [[Xbox 360]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9893090-7.html|title=Report: Microsoft says no Blu-ray for Xbox 360 |publisher=[[CNET]] |date=March 18, 2008 |accessdate=March 31, 2008 |last=Ricciuti |first=Mike}}</ref> The 360's successor Xbox One features a Blu-ray drive, as does the PS4, with both supporting 3D Blu-ray after later firmware updates.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lawler |first=Richard |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/07/23/ps4-blu-ray-3d/ |title=PS4 will add Blu-ray 3D support next week |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL Inc. |date=July 23, 2014 |accessdate=July 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lawler |first=Richard |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/07/18/xbox-one-august-update-friend-feed-blu-ray-3d/ |title=Xbox One's next update makes it easier to keep up with friends, and play Blu-ray 3D |publisher=Engadget.com |date=July 23, 2014 |accessdate=July 24, 2014}}</ref>

Shortly after the "format war" ended, Blu-ray Disc sales began to increase. A study by The [[NPD Group]] found that awareness of Blu-ray Disc had reached 60% of U.S. households. Nielsen VideoScan sales numbers showed that for some titles, such as 20th Century Fox's ''Hitman'', up to 14% of total disc sales were from Blu-ray, although the average Blu-ray sales for the first half of the year were only around 5%. In December 2008, the Blu-ray Disc version of ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' sold 600,000 copies on the first day of its launch in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.<ref name="DarkKnightDay">{{Cite news|url=http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/High-Def_Disc_Sales/Warner/Disc_Sales:_Dark_Knight_Tops_600K_On_Release_Day/2324 |title=Disc Sales: 'Dark Knight' Tops 600K On Release Day |publisher=High-Def Digest |date=December 11, 2008 |accessdate=February 17, 2009}}</ref> A week after the launch, ''The Dark Knight'' BD had sold over 1.7 million copies worldwide, making it the first Blu-ray Disc title to sell over a million copies in the first week of release.<ref name="DarkKnightWeek">{{Cite news |url=http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Sales/Disc_Sales:_Dark_Knight_Blu-ray_Breaks_1M_First-Week_Barrier/2341 |title=Disc Sales: 'Dark Knight' Blu-ray Breaks 1M First-Week Barrier |publisher=High-Def Digest |date=December 17, 2008 |accessdate=February 17, 2009}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" | style="float: right;margin: 0 0 15px 15px"
|+ Blu-ray Disc sales in United States and Canada
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Cumulative sales (millions)
|-
| 2006 || style="text-align:center;" | 1.2<ref name="2009sales">{{Cite news |url=http://www.degonline.org/pressreleases%5C2009%5CREVISED_FINAL_Q409.pdf |title=DEG Year-end 2009 Home Entertainment Report |publisher=The Digital Entertainment Group |date=January 7, 2010 |accessdate=March 17, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816043215/http://www.degonline.org/pressreleases/2009/REVISED_FINAL_Q409.pdf |archivedate=August 16, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
|-
| 2007 || style="text-align:center;" | 19.2<ref name="2009sales"/>
|-
| 2008 || style="text-align:center;" | 82.9<ref name="2009sales" />
|-
| 2009 || style="text-align:center;" | 177.2<ref name="2009sales"/>
|-
| 2010 || style="text-align:center;" | 350<ref name="2010sales">{{Cite news |url=http://www.degonline.org/pressreleases\2011\f_Q410.pdf |title=DEG Year-end 2010 Home Entertainment Report |publisher=The Digital Entertainment Group |date=January 6, 2011 |accessdate=September 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905001824/http://www.degonline.org/pressreleases/2011/f_Q410.pdf# |archive-date=September 5, 2011 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
|}
According to [[Singulus Technologies]] AG, Blu-ray is being adopted faster than the DVD format was at a similar period in its development. This conclusion was based on the fact that Singulus Technologies has received orders for 21 Blu-ray dual-layer machines during the first quarter of 2008, while 17 DVD machines of this type were made in the same period in 1997.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.infoniac.com/hi-tech/blu-ray-is-being-adopted-much-faster-than-dvd.html |title=Blu-ray is Being Adopted Much Faster Than DVD 11 Years Ago |publisher=InfoNIAC.com |date=June 9, 2008 |accessdate=June 9, 2008}}</ref> According to GfK Retail and Technology, in the first week of November 2008, sales of Blu-ray recorders surpassed DVD recorders in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20081210121641_Sales_of_Blu_Ray_Disc_Recorders_Leave_Behind_Sales_of_DVD_Recorders_in_Japan.html |title=Sales of Blu-ray Disc Recorders Leave Behind Sales of DVD Recorders in Japan |work=xbitlabs.com |date=December 10, 2008 |accessdate=January 16, 2009 |last=Shilov |first=Anton |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218173208/http://xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20081210121641_Sales_of_Blu_Ray_Disc_Recorders_Leave_Behind_Sales_of_DVD_Recorders_in_Japan.html |archivedate=December 18, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> According to the Digital Entertainment Group, the number of Blu-ray Disc playback devices (both set-top box and game console) sold in the U.S. had reached 28.5 million by the end of 2010.<ref name="2010sales"/>

Blu-ray faces competition from [[video on demand]]<ref>{{cite news |first1=Matt |last1=Richtel |first2=Brad |last2=Stone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/technology/05bluray.html |title=Blu-ray’s Fuzzy Future |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 5, 2009 |accessdate=June 15, 2011}}</ref> and from new technologies that allow access to movies on any format or device, such as [[Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem]] or Disney's [[Keychest]].<ref>Ryan Nakashima. [https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091214/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_blu_christmas Hollywood hopes an ensemble cast boosts Blu-ray]. [[Associated Press]]. December 14, 2009. Retrieved December 14, 2009.</ref> Some commentators have suggested that renting Blu-ray will play a vital part in keeping the technology affordable while allowing it to move forward.<ref name="renting-blu-ray">{{Cite news|url=http://www.choosedvdrental.co.uk/dvd-rental-guide/articles/which-dvd-rental-sites-offer-blu-ray-rental.html |title=U.S. Which UK DVD Rental Sites Offer Blu-Ray Rental? |work=choosedvdrental.co.uk |date=January 7, 2009 |accessdate=October 28, 2009 |last=Kukiewicz |first=Julia}}</ref> In an effort to increase sales, studios are releasing movies in combo packs with Blu-ray Discs and DVDs as well as [[Digital copy|digital copies]] that can be played on computers and mobile devices. Some are released on "flipper" discs with Blu-ray on one side and DVD on the other. Other strategies are to release movies with the special features only on Blu-ray Discs and none on DVDs.

====Beyond Blu-ray Disc====
[[File:Blu-ray keep case.jpg|thumb|212x212px|Blu-ray case—often blue-colored]]
The [[Holographic Versatile Disc]] (HVD), described in the ECMA-377 standard, has been in development by The Holography System Development (HSD) Forum using a green writing/reading laser (532&nbsp;nm) and a red positioning/addressing laser (650&nbsp;nm). It is to offer MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC (H.264), [[HEVC]] (H.265), and VC-1 encoding, supporting a maximum storage capacity of 6TB.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.optware.co.jp/english/what_040823.htm |title=What's New |date=2004-08-23 |accessdate=2004-10-09 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041009144100/http://www.optware.co.jp/english/what_040823.htm |archivedate=October 9, 2004 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> No systems corresponding to the [[Ecma International]] HVD standard have been released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/Maxell+focuses+on+holographic+storage/2100-1015_3-5973868.html |date=2005-11-28 |work=CNET News.com |title=Maxell focuses on holographic storage |accessdate=2007-05-28}}</ref> Because the Blu-ray Disc format is upgradable it poses challenges to the adoption of the HVD format. [[4K resolution|4K]] Blu-ray discs and players became available in the first quarter of 2016, having a storage capacity of up to 100&nbsp;GB.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/blurayplayers/ultra-hd-blu-ray-players-probably-wont-arrive-until-2016|title=Ultra HD Blu-ray Players Probably Won't Arrive Until 2016|publisher=Consumer Reports|last=Wilcox|first=James K.|date=October 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/11/11/9713580/4k-uhd-blu-rays-announced-release-date|title=The first 4K Blu-rays are coming early next year, but they all really suck|first=Chris|last=Welch|date=November 11, 2015|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref>

====Ongoing development====
{{update|date=April 2018}}
[[File:Blu-ray 200GB.png|thumb|Front of an experimental 200&nbsp;GB rewritable Blu-ray Disc]]

Although the Blu-ray Disc specification has been finalized, engineers continue to work on advancing the technology. By 2005, quad-layer (128&nbsp;GB) discs had been demonstrated on a drive with modified optics<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tdk.com/procommon/press/article.asp?site=con&recid=3 |title=TDK Announces 100GB Blue Laser Disc Technology |publisher=TDK |accessdate=September 27, 2007 |year=2005 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071106052909/http://www.tdk.com/procommon/press/article.asp?site=con&recid=3 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate=November 6, 2007}}</ref> and standard unaltered optics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=19493 |title=Hitachi Demos Four-Layer Blu-ray Disc Playback |publisher=cdrinfo.xom}}</ref> Hitachi stated that such a disc could be used to store 7&nbsp;hours of 32&nbsp;Mbit/s video (HDTV) or 3&nbsp;hours and 30&nbsp;minutes of 64&nbsp;Mbit/s video ([[ultra-high-definition television]]). In August 2006, [[TDK]] announced that they had 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 press release|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=November 27, 2006|date=August 31, 2006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20061216235637/http://www.tdk.com/procommon/press/article.asp?site=con&recid=127#|archive-date=December 16, 2006|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Also, behind closed doors at [[International CES|CES]] 2007, [[Ritek]] revealed that they had successfully developed a high-definition optical disc process that extends the disc capacity to ten layers, which increases the capacity of the discs to 250&nbsp;GB. However, they noted that the major obstacle is that current read/write technology does not allow additional layers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5656 |title=Three HD Layers Today, Ten Tomorrow |accessdate=April 24, 2007 |date=January 10, 2007 |last=Yam |first=Marcus |work=DailyTech |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515105730/http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5656# |archive-date=May 15, 2007 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[JVC]] has developed a three-layer technology that allows putting both standard-definition DVD data and HD data on a BD/(standard) DVD combination.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kallender |first=Paul |title=JVC Develops Dual Blu-ray-DVD Disc |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/119057/article.html |publisher=IDG News Service |accessdate=Dec 28, 2004}}</ref> This would have enabled the consumer to purchase a disc that can be played on DVD players and can also reveal its HD version when played on a 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=May 30, 2006 |year=2006 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20060818093830/http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/press/2004/bd-dvd.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate=August 18, 2006}}</ref> Japanese optical disc manufacturer Infinity announced the first "hybrid" Blu-ray Disc/(standard) DVD combo, to be released February 18, 2009. This disc set of the TV series "Code Blue" featured four hybrid discs containing a single Blu-ray Disc layer (25&nbsp;GB) and two DVD layers (9&nbsp;GB) on the same side of the disc.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.slashgear.com/worlds-first-hybrid-blu-ray-dvd-disk-title-released-in-japan-1927170/ |title=World’s first hybrid Blu-ray / DVD disk title released in Japan |accessdate=June 15, 2011 |last=Lim |first=Daniel |work=Slashgear.com |date=December 19, 2008}}</ref>

In January 2007, [[Hitachi]] showcased a 100&nbsp;GB Blu-ray Disc, consisting 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' |date=January 11, 2007 |last=Harada |first=Mamoru |work=Techon.nikkebp.co.jp |accessdate=June 15, 2011}}</ref> Unlike [[TDK]]'s and [[Panasonic]]'s 100&nbsp;GB discs, they claim this disc is readable on standard Blu-ray Disc 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>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/126871/hitachi-showcases-100gb-bluray-disc.html |title=Hitachi showcases 100GB Blu-Ray disc |date=October 3, 2007 |last=Turton |first=Stuart |work=[[PC Pro]] |accessdate=June 15, 2011}}</ref>
In December 2008, [[Pioneer Corporation]] unveiled a 400&nbsp;GB Blu-ray Disc (containing 16 data layers, 25&nbsp;GB each) that will be compatible with current players after a firmware update. Its planned launch was in the 2009–10 time frame for ROM and 2010–13 for rewritable discs. Ongoing development was underway to create a 1&nbsp;[[Terabyte|TB]] Blu-ray Disc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://digitimes.com/news/a20081201PD212.html |title=Pioneer showcases 16-layer 400GB optical disc |accessdate=June 13, 2011 |last1=Hwang |first1=Adam |first2=Jimmy Hsu |last2=Taipei |work=Digitimes.com |date=December 1, 2008}}</ref>

At CES 2009, Panasonic unveiled the DMP-B15, the first portable Blu-ray Disc player, and [[Sharp Corporation|Sharp]] introduced the LC-BD60U and LC-BD80U series, the first LCD HDTVs with integrated Blu-ray Disc players. Sharp has also announced that they will sell HDTVs with integrated Blu-ray Disc recorders in the United States by the end of 2009. Set-top box recorders were not being sold in the U.S. for fear of unauthorized copying. However, personal computers with Blu-ray recorder drives were available. On January 1, 2010, Sony, in association with Panasonic, announced plans to increase the storage capacity on their Blu-ray Discs from 25&nbsp;GB to 33.4&nbsp;GB via a technology called i-MLSE ([[Maximum likelihood]] Sequence Estimation). The higher-capacity discs, according to Sony, would be readable on existing Blu-ray Disc players with a firmware upgrade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=3977 |title=FSony, Panasonic Propose Blu-ray Capacity Increase |work=Blu-ray.com |date=January 4, 2010 |accessdate=January 8, 2010 |last=Dreuth |first=Josh}}</ref> This technology is later used on BDXL discs.<ref>{{cite web|title=BD-R white paper, 5th ed, Oct 2010|url=http://blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/BD-R_physical_specifications-18326.pdf|accessdate=21 April 2018}}</ref>

On July 20, 2010, the research team of Sony and Japanese Tohoku University announced the joint development of a blue-violet laser,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201007/10-0720E/index.html |title=Joint development of the world's first blue-violet ultrafast pulsed semiconductor laser |accessdate=July 20, 2010 |date=July 20, 2010}}</ref> to help create Blu-ray discs with a capacity of 1 TB using only two layers (and potentially more than 1 TB with additional layering). By comparison, the first blue laser was invented in 1996, with the first prototype discs coming four years later.
{{anchor|4K}}
[[File:4K Blu Ray early Best Buy release.jpg|thumb|Early 4K Blu-ray release at [[Best Buy]]. A 4K Blu-ray Disc player was also released.]]

On January 7, 2013, Sony announced that it would release "Mastered in 4K" Blu-ray Disc titles which are sourced at [[4K resolution|4K]] and encoded at 1080p.<ref name=SonyMastered4K2013JanuaryEngadget>{{cite news |title=Sony to launch 4K digital distribution network this summer, 'mastered in 4K' Blu-ray discs |author=Richard Lawler |publisher=[[Engadget]] |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sony-4k-distribution-service/ |date=January 7, 2013 |accessdate=May 30, 2013}}</ref> "Mastered in 4K" Blu-ray Disc titles can be played on existing Blu-ray Disc players and have a larger [[color space]] using [[xvYCC]].<ref name=SonyMastered4K2013JanuaryEngadget/><ref name=SonyMastered4K2013MayCNET>{{cite news |title=Sony 'mastered in 4K' Blu-rays a mixed blessing |author=Seamus Byrne |publisher=[[CNET]] |url=http://www.cnet.com.au/sony-mastered-in-4k-blu-rays-a-mixed-blessing-339344100.htm |date=May 1, 2013 |accessdate=May 30, 2013}}</ref> On January 14, 2013, Blu-ray Disc Association president, Andy Parsons, stated that a task force was created three months prior to conduct a study concerning an extension to the Blu-ray Disc specification that would add the ability to contain 4K Ultra HD video.<ref name=PCWorld2013JanuaryBDA4KUltraHD>{{cite news |title=Blu-ray looks ahead to 4K |author=Melissa J. Perenson |publisher=PC World |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2024919/blu-ray-looks-ahead-to-4k.html |date=January 14, 2013 |accessdate=January 17, 2013}}</ref><ref name=Expertreviews2013JanuaryBDA4KUltraHD>{{cite news |title=Ultra HD Blu-ray discs being researched by the BDA |author=Gareth Halfacree |publisher=expertreviews.co.uk |url=http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/blu-ray-players/1297180/ultra-hd-blu-ray-discs-being-researched-by-the-bda |date=January 16, 2013 |accessdate=January 17, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118042748/http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/blu-ray-players/1297180/ultra-hd-blu-ray-discs-being-researched-by-the-bda |archivedate=January 18, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

On August 5, 2015, The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) announced it will commence licensing the Ultra HD Blu-ray format starting August 24, 2015. The Ultra HD Blu-ray format delivered high dynamic range content that significantly expanded the range between the brightest and darkest elements, expanded color range, high frame rate (up to 60fps) and up to 3840×2160 resolution, object-based sound formats, and an optional "digital bridge" feature. New players were required to play this format, which were able to play both DVDs, traditional Blu-rays and the new format. New Ultra HD Blu-ray discs hold up to 66&nbsp;GB and 100&nbsp;GB of data on dual- and triple-layer discs, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blu-ray Disc Association to Commence Licensing of Ultra HD Blu-ray |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150805005853/en/Blu-ray-Disc-Association-Commence-Licensing-Ultra-HD |website=Business Wire |publisher=agent@blu-raydisc.info}}</ref>

==Physical media==
[[File:Comparison disk storage.svg|thumb|300px|Comparison of several forms of disc storage showing tracks (not to scale); green denotes start and red denotes end.<br /><nowiki>*</nowiki> Some CD-R(W) and DVD-R(W)/DVD+R(W) recorders operate in ZCLV, CAA or CAV modes.]]
[[File:Comparison CD DVD HDDVD BD.svg|thumb|300px|Comparison of various optical storage media<!-- parameters: track pitch (p), pit width (w) and minimum length (l), and laser spot size (⌀) and wavelength (λ). -->]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!rowspan="2"| Type
!rowspan="2"| Diameter<br />(cm)
!rowspan="2"| Layers
!colspan="4"| Capacity
|-
! [[Byte]]s
|-
| Standard disc size, single layer || style="text-align:right;" | 12 || style="text-align:right;" | 1 || style="text-align:right;" | 25,025,314,816
|-
| Standard disc size, dual layer || style="text-align:right;" | 12 || style="text-align:right;" | 2 || style="text-align:right;" | 50,050,629,632
|-
| Standard disc size, XL 3 layer<ref name=bdxl_capacity>{{cite web |url=http://www.hughsnews.ca/faqs/authoritative-blu-ray-disc-bd-faq/9-disc-capacity |title=9. Disc Capacity |work=hughsnews.ca |accessdate=October 28, 2015}}</ref> || style="text-align:right;" | 12 || style="text-align:right;" | 3 || style="text-align:right;" | 100,103,356,416
|-
| Standard disc size, XL 4 layer<ref name=bdxl_capacity/> || style="text-align:right;" | 12 || style="text-align:right;" | 4 || style="text-align:right;" | 128,001,769,472
|-
| Mini disc size, single layer || style="text-align:right;" | 8 || style="text-align:right;" | 1 || style="text-align:right;" | 7,791,181,824
|-
| Mini disc size, dual layer || style="text-align:right;" | 8 || style="text-align:right;" | 2 || style="text-align:right;" | 15,582,363,648
|}

===Laser and optics===
While a [[DVD]] uses a 650&nbsp;[[Nanometre|nm]] red laser, Blu-ray Disc uses a 405&nbsp;nm "[[blue laser|blue]]" [[laser diode]]. Although the laser is called "blue", its color is actually in the [[Violet (color)|violet]] range. The shorter wavelength can be focused to a smaller area, thus enabling it to read information recorded in pits that are less than half the size of those on a DVD, and can consequently be spaced more closely, resulting in a shorter track pitch, enabling a Blu-ray Disc to hold about five times the amount of information that can be stored on a DVD. The lasers are GaN ([[gallium nitride]]) laser diodes that produce 405&nbsp;nm light directly, that is, without [[Second-harmonic generation|frequency doubling]] or other [[Nonlinear optics|nonlinear optical]] mechanisms.<ref>[http://www.sony.net/Products/SC-HP/laserdiodewld/tec/index03.html 3. Laser Diodes for Blu-ray Discs], Sony, says Blu-ray Disc laser diodes use GaN</ref> Conventional DVDs use 650&nbsp;nm red lasers, and [[Compact Disc|CDs]] use 780&nbsp;nm near-infrared lasers.

The minimum "[[Angular 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]] 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, designers can cause the laser beam to focus on a smaller spot, which effectively allows more information to be stored in the same area.<ref name="BDF physical format whitepaper">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/BD-ROMwhitepaper20070308-15270.pdf |format=PDF |title=White paper, Blu-ray Disc, 1.C Physical Format Specifications for BD-ROM, 5th Edition |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=September 27, 2011 |date=March 2007}}</ref> For a Blu-ray Disc, the spot size is 580&nbsp;nm.<ref name="spot_size">{{cite web |title=Influence of Pit-Shape Variation on the Decoding Performance for Two-Dimensional Optical Storage (TwoDOS) |url=http://ese.wustl.edu/~jao/magneticpubs/icc_pits_paper.pdf |first1=Naveen |last1=Singla |first2=Joseph A. |last2=O’Sullivan |accessdate=September 25, 2011 |format=PDF |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011091430/http://www.ese.wustl.edu/~jao/magneticpubs/icc_pits_paper.pdf |archivedate=October 11, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> This allows a reduction of the pit size from 400&nbsp;nm for DVD to 150&nbsp;nm for Blu-ray Disc, and of the track pitch from 740&nbsp;nm to 320&nbsp;nm.<ref name="BDF physical format whitepaper"/> See ''[[compact disc]]'' for information on optical discs' physical structure. In addition to the optical improvements, Blu-ray Discs feature improvements in data encoding that further increase the amount of content that can be stored.<ref name="encoding">{{Cite thesis |title=Design and Analysis of Parity-Check-Code-Based Optical Recording Systems |url=http://alexandria.tue.nl/extra2/200710217.pdf |format=PDF |first=Kui |last=Cai |year=2007 |accessdate=September 18, 2011 |chapter=Introduction |pages=1-16}}</ref>

===Hard-coating technology===
Since the Blu-ray Disc data layer is closer to the surface of the disc compared to the [[DVD]] standard, it was more vulnerable to scratches in early designs.<ref name="BDF general whitepaper">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/general_bluraydiscformat-15263.pdf |format=PDF |title=White paper, Blu-ray Disc Format, General |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Founders |accessdate=April 16, 2009 |date=August 2004}}</ref> The first discs were therefore housed in [[caddy (hardware)|cartridges]] for protection, resembling [[Professional Disc]]s introduced by Sony in 2003. Using a cartridge would increase the price of an already expensive medium, so designers chose hard-coating of the pickup surface instead. [[TDK]] was the first company to develop a working scratch-protection coating for Blu-ray Discs, naming it [[Durabis]]. In addition, both Sony's and Panasonic's replication methods include proprietary hard-coat technologies. Sony's rewritable media are spin-coated, using a scratch-resistant and antistatic coating. [[Mitsubishi Kagaku Media|Verbatim]]'s recordable and rewritable Blu-ray Discs use their own proprietary technology, called Hard Coat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.verbatim.com/subcat/optical-media/blu-ray/ |title=Blank Blu-ray Media: Blu ray Recordable (BD-R, BD-R LTH) / Rewritable (BD-RE) Discs, Blu-ray DVD |publisher=Verbatim |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref>

The Blu-ray Disc specification requires the testing of resistance to scratches by [[Abrasion (mechanical)|mechanical abrasion]].<ref name="BDF physical format whitepaper"/> In contrast, DVD media are not required to be scratch-resistant, but since development of the technology, some companies, such as Verbatim, implemented hard-coating for more expensive lines of recordable DVDs.

===Drive speeds===
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0;"
|+ BD drive speeds
! rowspan="2"|Drive speed
! colspan="2"|Data rate
! colspan="2"|~Write time (minutes)
|- style="text-align:center;"
![[Mbit/s]]!![[MB/s]]!!Single-Layer!!Dual-Layer
|- style="text-align:center;"
|1×||36 ||4.5 ||90||180
|- style="text-align:center;"
|2×||72 ||9 ||45 ||90
|- style="text-align:center;"
|4×||144 ||18 ||22.5 ||45
|- style="text-align:center;"
|6×||216 ||27 ||15 ||30
|- style="text-align:center;"
|8× ||288 ||36 ||11.25 ||22.5
|- style="text-align:center;"
|10× ||360 ||45 ||9 || 18
|- style="text-align:center;"
|12×
||432 ||54 ||7.5 ||15
|- style="text-align:center;"
|14×
||504 ||63 ||6.5 ||13
|- style="text-align:center;"
|16×
||576 ||72 ||5.7 ||11.5
|}

The table shows the speeds available. Even the lowest speed (1×) is sufficient to play and record real-time 1080p video; the higher speeds are relevant for general data storage and more sophisticated handling of video. BD discs are designed to cope with at least 5000rpm of rotational speed.

The usable data rate of a Blu-ray Disc drive can be limited by the capacity of the drive's data interface. With a [[USB 2.0]] interface, the maximum exploitable drive speed is 288&nbsp;[[Mbit/s]] or 36&nbsp;[[MB/s]] (also called 8× speed).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.everythingusb.com/hi-speed-usb.html#8 |title=USB 2.0, Hi-Speed USB FAQ |publisher=Everythingusb.com |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref> A [[USB 3.0]] interface (with proper cabling) does not have this limitation,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.everythingusb.com/superspeed-usb.html |title=SuperSpeed USB 3.0 FAQ |publisher=Everythingusb.com |date=November 17, 2008 |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref> nor do even the oldest version of [[Serial ATA]] (SATA, 150 MB/s)<ref name="SATA1a">{{cite web
| url = http://storusint.com/pdf/storage_protocols/sata/serialata10a.pdf
| title = Serial ATA: High Speed Serialized AT Attachment
| date = January 7, 2003 | accessdate = 2016-02-21
| publisher = Serial ATA Working Group
| website = www.serialata.org
}}</ref> nor the latest [[Parallel ATA]] (133 MB/s) standards. Blu-ray drives that are integrated into a computer (as opposed to physically separate and connected via a cable) typically have a SATA interface.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computershopper.com/components/howto/how-to-install-a-blu-ray-burner |title=How To Install A Blu-ray Burner |publisher=ComputerShopper.com |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref>

===Packaging===
Pre-recorded Blu-ray Disc titles usually ship in packages similar to but slightly smaller (18.5&nbsp;mm shorter and 2&nbsp;mm thinner: 135&nbsp;mm × 171.5&nbsp;mm × 13&nbsp;mm<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cd-info.com/packaging/blu-ray-cases/index.html |title=Blu-ray Case Information |publisher=cd-info.com |accessdate=November 22, 2012}}</ref>), as well as more rounded than a standard [[DVD]] [[Optical disc packaging#Keep case|keep case]], generally with the format prominently displayed in a horizontal stripe across the top of the case (translucent blue for Blu-ray video discs, clear for Blu-ray 3D video releases, red for PlayStation 3 Greatest Hits Games, transparent for regular PlayStation 3 games, transparent dark blue for PlayStation 4 games, transparent green for Xbox One games and black for Ultra HD Blu-ray video releases). Warren Osborn and The Seastone Media Group, LLC created the package that was adopted worldwide following the Blu-ray versus HD DVD market adoption choice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com.ar/patents/US20060124479 |title=Blu-ray Case Patent |publisher=cd-info.com |accessdate=June 18, 2015}}</ref> Because of the fact that Blu-ray cases are smaller than DVD cases, more Blu-Rays than DVDs can fit on a [[Shelf (storage)|shelf]], making Blu-ray an arguably better choice for situations with limited storage space.

===Variants===

====Mini Blu-ray Disc====
The "Mini Blu-ray Disc" (also, "Mini-BD" and "Mini Blu-ray") is a compact 8-centimetre-diameter (~3&nbsp;in) variant of the Blu-ray Disc that can store 7.8&nbsp;GB of data in its single layer configuration, or 15.6&nbsp;GB on a dual layer disc.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blu-ray Disc – The Scoop |url=http://www.acronova.com/blog/blu-ray-disc/ |publisher=Acronova Technologies Inc}}</ref> It is similar in concept to the [[MiniDVD]] and [[Mini CD|MiniCD]]. Recordable (BD-R) and rewritable (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.au/en_AU/newsroom/verbatim-to-launch-world-s-first-mini-blu-ray-media
|title = Verbatim to Launch World’s First Mini BD Media
|deadurl = yes
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130424094148/http://www.verbatim.com.au/en_AU/newsroom/verbatim-to-launch-world-s-first-mini-blu-ray-media
|archivedate = April 24, 2013
|df = mdy-all
}}</ref>

====Blu-ray Disc recordable====
{{Main|Blu-ray Disc recordable}}
"[[Blu-ray Disc recordable]]" (BD-R) refers to two [[optical disc]] formats that can be recorded with an [[optical disc drive|optical disc recorder]]. BD-Rs can be written to once, whereas Blu-ray Disc Recordable Erasable (BD-REs) can be erased and re-recorded multiple times. The current practical maximum speed for Blu-ray Discs is about 12× (54&nbsp;MB/s).<ref>{{cite web|title=Blu-Ray FAQ|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/faq|accessdate=21 April 2018}}</ref>{{rp|at=1.7}} Higher speeds of rotation (10,000+ rpm) cause too much wobble for the discs to be written properly,{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} as with the 20× (27.7&nbsp;MB/s) and 52× (7.8&nbsp;MB/s) maximum speeds, respectively, of standard [[DVD]]s and [[Compact Disc|CDs]]. Since September 2007, [[Blu-ray Disc recordable|BD-RE]] is also available in the smaller 8&nbsp;cm Mini Blu-ray Disc 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, August 3, 2007.</ref>

On September 18, 2007, [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]] and [[Mitsubishi]] codeveloped BD-R LTH ("Low to High" in groove recording), which features an [[organic compound|organic]] dye recording layer that can be manufactured by modifying existing CD-R and DVD-R production equipment, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=21422 |title=Pioneer and Mitsubishi Develop Low cost BD-R Discs Using Organic Recording Layers |publisher=CDRInfo.com}}</ref> In February 2008, [[Taiyo Yuden]], Mitsubishi, and [[Hitachi Maxell|Maxell]] released the first BD-R LTH Discs,<ref>[http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=22521 Taiyo Yuden, Mitsubishi and Maxell Release First LTH BD-R Discs] cdrinfo.com</ref> and in March 2008, Sony's PlayStation 3 officially gained the ability to use BD-R LTH Discs with the 2.20 firmware update.<ref>[http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/13371.cfm PS3 firmware update v2.20 available&nbsp;– added support for LTH BD-R] afterdawn.com</ref> In May 2009 Verbatim/Mitsubishi announced the industry's first 6X BD-R LTH media, which allows recording a 25&nbsp;GB disc in about 16 minutes.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS108367+21-May-2009+BW20090521 Verbatim/MKM certified BD-R LTH type media makes performance leap to 6X] reuters.com</ref> Unlike with the previous releases of 120&nbsp;mm [[optical disc]]s (i.e. [[compact disc|CDs]] and standard [[DVD]]s), Blu-ray recorders hit the market almost simultaneously with Blu-ray's debut.

====BD9 and BD5====
The BD9 format was proposed to the Blu-ray Disc Association by [[Warner Home Video]] as a cost-effective alternative to the 25/50&nbsp;GB BD-ROM discs. The format was supposed to use the same codecs and program structure as Blu-ray Disc video but recorded onto less expensive 8.5&nbsp;GB dual-layer DVD. This red-laser media could be manufactured on existing DVD production lines with lower costs of production than the 25/50&nbsp;GB Blu-ray media.<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=October 18, 2007 |date=April 11, 2006 |work=cdrinfo.com}}</ref>

Usage of BD9 for releasing content on "pressed" discs never caught on. With the end of the format war, manufacturers ramped production of Blu-ray Discs and lowered prices to compete with DVDs. On the other hand, the idea of using inexpensive DVD media became popular among individual users. A lower-capacity version of this format that uses single-layer 4.7&nbsp;GB DVDs has been unofficially called BD5. Both formats are being used by individuals for recording high-definition content in Blu-ray format onto recordable DVD media.<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)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.hdtvtotal.com/module-pagesetter-viewpub-tid-1-pid-1051.html |title=Mini Blu-ray Disc: Guide for mini-Blu-ray-Disc Authoring |accessdate=August 19, 2007}}</ref> Despite the fact that the BD9 format has been adopted as part of the BD-ROM basic format, none of the existing Blu-ray player models explicitly claim to be able to read it. Consequently, the discs recorded in BD9 and BD5 formats are not guaranteed to play on standard Blu-ray Disc players. [[AVCHD]] and [[AVCREC]] also use inexpensive media like DVDs, but unlike BD9 and BD5 these formats have limited interactivity, codec types, and data rates. As of March 2011, BD9 was removed as an official BD-ROM disc.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/White_Paper_General_3rd_Dec%202012_20121210.pdf |title=White Paper Blu-ray Disc Format General, 3rd Edition |accessdate=October 9, 2013 |format=PDF}}</ref>

====BDXL====
[[File:SHARP BD-XL 100GB TRIPLE LAYER.jpg|thumb|100&nbsp;GB BDXL triple-layer disc by [[Sharp Corporation|Sharp]]]]

The BDXL format allows 100&nbsp;GB and 128&nbsp;GB write-once discs,<ref name="bdxlihbd1">{{cite web |url=http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Industry_Trends/BDXL/BDXL_Spec_Upgrades_Blu-ray_Storage_to_128GB/4493 |title=BDXL Spec Upgrades Blu-ray Storage to 128GB |accessdate=April 6, 2010 |date=April 6, 2010}}</ref><ref name="bdxlihbd2">{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytech.com/Bluray+Disc+Association+Unveils+128GB+Specification/article18059.htm |title=Blu-ray Disc Association Unveils 128GB Specification |accessdate=April 6, 2010 |date=April 6, 2010 |last=McGlaun |first=Shane |work=DailyTech.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201223314/http://www.dailytech.com/Bluray+Disc+Association+Unveils+128GB+Specification/article18059.htm# |archive-date=December 1, 2011 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and 100&nbsp;GB rewritable discs for commercial applications. It was defined in June 2010.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} BD-R 3.0 Format Specification (BDXL) defined a multi-layered disc recordable in BDAV format with the speed of 2× and 4×, capable of 100/128&nbsp;GB and usage of UDF2.5/2.6.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/r3-spec.php |title=R3 Format Specification (BDXL) |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 18, 2010}}</ref> BD-RE 4.0 Format Specification (BDXL) defined a multi-layered disc rewritable in BDAV with the speed of 2× and 4×, capable of 100&nbsp;GB and usage of UDF2.5 as file system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/re4-spec.php |title=RE4 Format Specification (BDXL) |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 18, 2010}}</ref>

====IH-BD====
The IH-BD (Intra-Hybrid Blu-ray) format includes a 25&nbsp;GB rewritable layer (BD-RE) and a 25&nbsp;GB write-once layer (BD-ROM), designed to work with existing Blu-ray Discs.<ref name="bdxlihbd1" /><ref name="bdxlihbd2" />

==Data format standards==

===Filesystem===
Blu-ray Disc specifies the use of [[Universal Disk Format]] (UDF) 2.50 as a convergent-friendly format for both PC and consumer electronics environments. It is used in the latest specifications of BD-ROM, BD-RE, and BD-R.<ref name="r2" /><ref name="re3" /><ref name="bd-books" /> In the first BD-RE specification (defined in 2002), the BDFS (Blu-ray Disc File System) was used. The BD-RE 1.0 specification was defined mainly for the [[digital recording]] of [[high-definition television]] (HDTV) [[Terrestrial television|broadcast television]]. The BDFS was replaced by UDF 2.50 in the second BD-RE specification in 2005, in order to enable interoperability among consumer electronics Blu-ray recorders and [[personal computer]] systems. These [[optical disc recording technologies]] enabled PC recording and playback of BD-RE.<ref name="bd-books" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/re1-spec.php |title=RE1 Format Specification |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 11, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701055209/http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/re1-spec.php |archivedate=July 1, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/re2-spec.php |title=RE2 Format Specification |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 11, 2010}}</ref> BD-R can use UDF 2.50/2.60.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/r3-spec.php |title=R3 Format Specification (BDXL) |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 10, 2010}}</ref>

The Blu-ray Disc application for recording of [[digital broadcasting]] has been developed as ''System Description Blu-ray Rewritable Disc Format part 3 Audio Visual Basic Specifications'' (BDAV). The requirements related with [[computer file]] system have been specified in ''System Description Blu-ray Rewritable Disc Format part 2 File System Specifications version 1.0'' (BDFS).<ref name="filesystem" /> Initially, the BD-RE version 1.0 (BDFS) was specifically developed for recording of digital broadcasts using the Blu-ray Disc application (BDAV application). But these requirements are superseded by the ''Blu-ray Rewritable Disc File System Specifications version 2.0'' (UDF) (a.k.a. ''RE 2.0'') and ''Blu-ray Recordable Disc File System Specifications version 1.0'' (UDF) (a.k.a. ''R 1.0''). Additionally, a new application format, BDMV (''System Description Blu-ray Disc Prerecorded Format part 3 Audio Visual Basic Specifications'') for High Definition Content Distribution was developed for BD-ROM. The only file system developed for BDMV is the ''System Description Blu-ray Read-Only Disc Format part 2 File System Specifications version 1.0'' (UDF) which defines the requirements for UDF 2.50.<ref name="bd-books" /><ref name="filesystem" />

===Application format===
* BDAV or BD-AV (Blu-ray Disc Audio/Visual):<ref name="bd-books">{{cite web |url=https://www.blu-raydisc.info/docs/Spec_Info/AllBooksDec2009.pdf |format=PDF |title=Blu-ray: All Books: As of December 2009 |accessdate=June 10, 2010 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721185754/http://www.blu-raydisc.info/docs/Spec_Info/AllBooksDec2009.pdf |archivedate=July 21, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="filesystem">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/3_filesystem-15265.pdf |title=White Paper: Blu-ray Disc Format: 3. File System Specifications for BD-RE, R, ROM, August 2004 |accessdate=June 10, 2010 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/r1-spec.php |title=R1 Format Specification |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 10, 2010}}</ref><ref name="bd-books2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/docs/Spec_Info/Specification%20Book%20Chart.pdf |format=PDF |title=Blu-ray: All Books: As of June 2010 |accessdate=June 18, 2010 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref> a consumer-oriented Blu-ray video format used for audio/video recording (defined in 2002).
* BDMV or BD-MV (Blu-ray Disc Movie):<ref name="r2" /><ref name="re3" /><ref name="bd-books" /><ref name="filesystem" /><ref name="bd-books2010" /><ref name="dvddemystified-bdmv">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=ikxuL2aX9cAC&lpg=PT348&dq=bd-mv%20dvd%20demystified&pg=PT347#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=DVD Demystified: BD-MV |author1=Jim Taylor |author2=Mark R. Johnson |author3=Charles G. Crawford |accessdate=June 10, 2010|isbn=9780071423960|date=November 21, 2005}}</ref> a Blu-ray video format with menu capability commonly used for movie releases.
* BDMV Recording specification (defined in September 2006 for BD-RE and BD-R).<ref name="re3" /><ref name="bd-re3">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/BD-RE_Part3_V3.0_WhitePaper_080406-15915.pdf |title=White Paper: Blu-ray Disc Rewritable Format: Audio Visual Application Format Specifications for BD-RE Version 3.0 |date=March 2008 |accessdate=June 10, 2010 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref>
* RREF (Realtime Recording and Editing Format): a subset of BDMV designed for real-time recording and editing applications.<ref name="bd-re3" />
* HFPA ([[High Fidelity Pure Audio]]): A high definition audio disc using the Blu-ray format

===Directory and file structure===
All BDMV application files are stored under a "BDMV" directory.<ref name="bdav-videohelp" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/Downloadablefile/BD-ROM-AV-WhitePaper_100604%281%29-15916.pdf |format=PDF |title=White paper, Blu-ray Disc Format, 2.B Audio Visual Application, Format Specifications, for BD-ROM Version 2.4, May 2010 |accessdate=June 10, 2010 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/bdj_gem_application_definition-15496.pdf |format=PDF |title=Application Definition, Blu-ray Disc Format, BD-J Baseline Application and Logical Model Definition for BD-ROM, March 2005 |accessdate=June 10, 2010 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref name="aacs-bd-r">{{cite web |url=http://www.aacsla.com/specifications/AACS_Spec_BD_Recordable_Final_0.951.pdf |format=PDF |title=Advanced Access Content System (AACS) Blu-ray Disc Recordable Book, Revision 0.951 |date=September 28, 2009 |accessdate=June 10, 2010 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref>
* BDMV directory: contains the PLAYLIST, CLIPINF, STREAM, AUXDATA and BACKUP directories.
** PLAYLIST directory: contains the Database files for Movie PlayLists.
*** xxxxx.mpls files: store information corresponding to Movie PlayLists. One file is created for each Movie PlayList. The filenames of these files are in the form "xxxxx.mpls", where "xxxxx" is a 5-digit number corresponding to the Movie PlayList.
** CLIPINF directory: contains the Database files for Clips.
*** zzzzz.clpi files: store Clip information associated with a Clip AV stream file. The filenames of these files are in the form "zzzzz.clpi", where "zzzzz" is a 5-digit number corresponding to the Clip.
** STREAM directory: contains AV stream files.
*** zzzzz.m2ts file: contains a BDAV MPEG-2 transport stream. The names of these files are in the form "zzzzz.m2ts", where "zzzzz" is a 5-digit number corresponding to the Clip. The same 5-digit number "zzzzz" is used for an AV stream file and its associated Clip information file.
*** SSIF directory: If used, Stereoscopic Interleaved files shall be placed under this directory.
**** zzzzz.ssif file: is a Stereoscopic Interleaved file that is composed from two BDAV MPEG-2 transport streams. Both of the streams include an MPEG-4 MVC view video stream for left eye or right eye respectively. This file is used only when 3D video is played back. The 5-digit number "zzzzz" is the same as the number used for the AV stream file "zzzzz.m2ts" that includes the MPEG-4 MVC Base view video stream.
** AUXDATA directory: contains Sound data files and Font files.
*** sound.bdmv file: stores data relating to one or more sounds associated with HDMV Interactive Graphic streams applications. This file may or may not exist under the AUXDATA directory. If it exists, there shall be only one sound.bdmv file.
*** aaaaa.otf file: stores the font information associated with Text subtitle applications. The names of these files are in the form "aaaaa.otf", where "aaaaa" is a 5-digit number corresponding to the Font.
** BACKUP directory: contains copies of the "index.bdmv" file, the "MovieObject.bdmv" file, all the files in the PLAYLIST directory and all files in the CLIPINF directory.
** index.bdmv file: stores information describing the contents of the BDMV directory. There is only one index.bdmv file under the BDMV directory.
** MovieObject.bdmv file: stores information for one or more Movie Objects. There is only one MovieObject.bdmv under the BDMV directory.

===Media format===

====Container format====
Audio, video, and other streams are [[Multiplexing|multiplexed]] and stored on Blu-ray Discs in a [[Digital container format|container format]] based on the [[MPEG transport stream]]. It is also known as [[BD-AV|BDAV MPEG-2 transport stream]] and can use filename extension [[.m2ts]].<ref name="bdav-videohelp">Videohelp.com [http://www.videohelp.com/hd What is Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD?] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5icX0gHtz?url=http://www.videohelp.com/hd |date=2009-07-29 }}, Retrieved on July 26, 2009.</ref><ref name="bda-av" /> Blu-ray Disc titles authored with menus are in the BDMV (Blu-ray Disc Movie) format and contain audio, video, and other streams in BDAV container.<ref name="bdvm">AfterDawn.com [http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/terms/bd-mv.cfm Glossary – BD-MV (Blu-ray Movie) and BDAV container] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5icX48JmH?url=http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/terms/bd-mv.cfm |date=2009-07-29 }}, Retrieved on July 26, 2009.</ref><ref name="bdav">AfterDawn.com [http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/terms/bdav.cfm Glossary – BDAV container], Retrieved on July 26, 2009.</ref> There is also the BDAV (Blu-ray Disc Audio/Visual) format, the consumer oriented alternative to the BDMV format used for movie releases. The BDAV format is used on BD-REs and BD-Rs for audio/video recording.<ref name="bdav" /> BDMV format was later defined also for BD-RE and BD-R (in September 2006, in the third revision of BD-RE specification and second revision of BD-R specification).<ref name="r2">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/r2-spec.php |title=R2 Format Specification |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 10, 2010}}</ref><ref name="re3">{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format-spec/re3-spec.php |title=RE3 Format Specification |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=June 10, 2010}}</ref>

Blu-ray Disc employs the MPEG transport stream recording method. That enables transport streams of digital broadcasts to be recorded as they are broadcast, without altering the format.<ref name="bda-bdre">Blu-ray Disc Association (March 2008) [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/BD-RE_Part3_V2.1_WhitePaper_080406-15271.pdf BD-RE – Audiovisual Application Format Specification for BD-RE 2.1] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5idsN03Hs?url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/BD-RE_Part3_V2.1_WhitePaper_080406-15271.pdf |date=2009-07-30 }} (PDF), [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/en/Technical/TechnicalWhitePapers/BDRE.html Technical White Papers – BD RE], Retrieved on July 28, 2009.</ref> It also enables flexible editing of a digital broadcast that is recorded as is and where the data can be edited just by rewriting the playback stream. Although it is quite natural, a function for high-speed and easy-to-use retrieval is built in.<ref name="bda-bdre" /><ref name="bda">Blu-ray Disc Association (August 2004) [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/general_bluraydiscformat-15263.pdf Blu-ray Disc Format, White paper] (PDF) Page 22, Retrieved on July 28, 2009.</ref> Blu-ray Disc Video use MPEG transport streams, compared to DVD's [[MPEG program stream]]s. An MPEG transport stream contains one or more MPEG program streams, so this allows multiple video programs to be stored in the same file so they can be played back simultaneously (e.g. with "[[picture-in-picture]]" effect).

====Codecs====
The BD-ROM specification mandates certain codec compatibilities for both hardware decoders (players) and movie software (content).<ref name="bda-av">{{Cite journal |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/2b_bdrom_audiovisualapplication_0305-12955-15269.pdf |title=White paper Blu-ray Disc Format – 2.B Audio Visual Application Format Specifications for BD-ROM |format=PDF |page=15 |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |date=March 2005 |accessdate=July 26, 2009 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/en/Technical/TechnicalWhitePapers/BDROM.html |title=Technical White Papers&nbsp;— BD ROM |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=January 19, 2010}}</ref> [[Windows Media Player]] does not come with the codecs required to play Blu-ray discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-pictures/windows-7-media-player-will-not-play-back-bluray/36f826cd-db66-45e7-bfad-1ad7f37f42af |title=Microsoft Community |publisher=Microsoft |work=microsoft.com |accessdate=October 28, 2015}}</ref>

=====Video=====
Originally BD-ROMs stored video up to 1920×1080 pixel resolution at up to 60 (59.94) [[Field (video)|fields]] per second. Currently with UHD BD-ROM videos can be stored at a maximum of 3840×2160 pixel resolution at up to 60 (59.94) frames per second, progressively scanned. While most current Blu-ray players and recorders can read and write 1920×1080 video at the full 59.94p and 50p progressive format, new players for the UHD specifications will be able to read at 3840×2160 video at either 59.94p and 50p formats.

<!--The formatting of the following chart has been extensively discussed on the talk page. Please go there before editing.-->
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Supported video formats<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blu-raydisc.com/assets/Downloadablefile/BD-ROM-AV-WhitePaper_110712.pdf |format=PDF |title=White Paper: Blu-ray Disc Read-Only Format: 2.B Audio Visual Application Format Specifications for BD-ROM Version 2.5 |date=July 2011 |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=July 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/Downloadablefile/BD-ROM_Part3_V3.0_WhitePaper_150724.pdf |format=PDF |title=White Paper: Blu-ray Disc Read-Only Format (Ultra HD Blu-ray): Audio Visual Application Format Specifications for BD-ROM Version 3.0 |date=July 2015 |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=October 7, 2016}}</ref>
|-
! Format !! style="width: 200px;" | Resolution and<br />frame rate !! style="width: 100px;" | Display aspect ratio
|-
| rowspan="6" | 4K UHD {{ref|video_table_note_a|[a]}}
| 3840×2160 60p || 16:9
|-
| 3840×2160 59.94p || 16:9
|-
| 3840×2160 50p || 16:9
|-
| 3840×2160 25p || 16:9
|-
| 3840×2160 24p || 16:9
|-
| 3840×2160 23.976p || 16:9
|-
| rowspan="4" | HD {{ref|video_table_note_a|[a]}}
| 1920×1080 60p || 16:9
|-
| 1920×1080 59.94p || 16:9
|-
| 1920×1080 50p || 16:9
|-
| 1920×1080 25p || 16:9
|-
| rowspan="12" | HD
| 1920×1080 59.94i {{ref|video_table_note_b|[b]}} || 16:9
|-
| 1920×1080 50i {{ref|video_table_note_b|[b]}} || 16:9
|-
| 1920×1080 24p || 16:9
|-
| 1920×1080 23.976p || 16:9
|-
| 1440×1080 59.94i {{ref|video_table_note_b|[b]}}{{ref|video_table_note_c|[c]}} || 16:9 {{ref|video_table_note_d|[d]}}
|-
| 1440×1080 50i {{ref|video_table_note_b|[b]}}{{ref|video_table_note_c|[c]}} || 16:9 {{ref|video_table_note_d|[d]}}
|-
| 1440×1080 24p {{ref|video_table_note_c|[c]}} || 16:9 {{ref|video_table_note_d|[d]}}
|-
| 1440×1080 23.976p {{ref|video_table_note_c|[c]}} || 16:9 {{ref|video_table_note_d|[d]}}
|-
| 1280×720 59.94p || 16:9
|-
| 1280×720 50p || 16:9
|-
| 1280×720 24p || 16:9
|-
| 1280×720 23.976p || 16:9
|-
| rowspan="2" | SD
| 720×480 59.94i {{ref|video_table_note_b|[b]}} || 4:3 or 16:9 {{ref|video_table_note_d|[d]}}
|-
| 720×576 50i {{ref|video_table_note_b|[b]}} || 4:3 or 16:9 {{ref|video_table_note_d|[d]}}
|}

{{note|video_table_note_a}}a Only supported on UltraHD Blu-Ray with [[High Efficiency Video Coding|HEVC video compression standard]].<br />
{{note|video_table_note_b}}b [[Interlaced video|Interlaced]] formats are listed in [[Field (video)|fields]] per second.<br />
{{note|video_table_note_c}}c MPEG-2 at 1440×1080 was previously not included in a draft version of the specification from March 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/2b_bdrom_audiovisualapplication_0305-12955-15269.pdf |format=PDF |title=White Paper: Blu-ray Disc Format: 2.B Audio Visual Application Format Specifications for BD-ROM |date=May 2005 |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association |accessdate=November 30, 2008}}</ref><br />
{{note|video_table_note_d}}d These resolutions are stored [[Anamorphic format|anamorphically]], i.e. they are stretched to the display aspect ratio by the player or display.

For video, all players are required to process [[H.262/MPEG-2 Part 2]], [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10: AVC]], and [[Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers|SMPTE]] [[VC-1]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/117681/bluray_disc_to_support_mpeg4_vc1.html |title=Blu-ray Disc To Support MPEG-4, VC-1 |accessdate=June 15, 2011 |last=Williams |first=Martyn |date=September 2, 2004 |website=[[PCWorld (magazine)|Pcworld.com]]}}</ref> BD-ROM titles with video must store video using one of the three mandatory formats; multiple formats on a single title are allowed. Blu-ray Disc allows video with a [[color depth|bit depth]] of 8-bits per color [[YCbCr]] with 4:2:0 [[chroma subsampling]].<ref name=AudioholicsHDMIApril2008>{{cite news |title=HDMI Enhanced Black Levels, xvYCC and RGB |first=Clint |last=DeBoer |publisher=[[Audioholics]] |url=http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/hdmi-black-levels-xvycc-rgb |date=April 16, 2008 |accessdate=June 2, 2013}}</ref><ref name=TelairityDigitalColorCodingPDF>{{cite news |title=Digital Color Coding |publisher=Telairity |url=http://www.telairity.com/assets/downloads/Digital%20Color%20Coding.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=June 2, 2013}}</ref> The choice of formats affects the producer's licensing/royalty costs as well as the title's maximum run time, 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 formats (VC-1 and MPEG-4 AVC) typically achieve a video run time twice that of MPEG-2, with comparable quality.

MPEG-2 was used by many studios (including [[Paramount Pictures]], which initially used the [[VC-1]] format for [[HD DVD]] releases) for the first series of Blu-ray Discs, which were launched throughout 2006.<ref>[http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?ReleaseDate=2006 Statistics Page]. Blu-rayStats.com. Retrieved on December 22, 2010.</ref> Modern releases are now often encoded in either MPEG-4 AVC or VC-1, allowing film studios to place all content on one disc, reducing costs and improving ease of use. Using these formats also frees a lot of space for storage of bonus content in HD ([[1080i]]/[[1080p|p]]), as opposed to the [[Standard-definition television|SD]] ([[480i]]/[[480p|p]]) typically used for most titles. Some studios, such as [[Warner Bros.]], have released bonus content on discs encoded in a different format than the main feature title. For example, the Blu-ray Disc release of ''[[Superman Returns]]'' uses VC-1 for the feature film and MPEG-2 for some of its bonus content.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehdroom.com/news/Superman_Returns_Review_Blu-ray/2505 |title=Superman Returns Review (Blu-ray)|accessdate=October 27, 2011 |last=Fitzgerald |first=Shawn |date=April 23, 2008 |work=TheHDRoom}}</ref> Today, Warner and other studios typically provide bonus content in the video format that matches the feature.

=====Audio=====
For audio, BD-ROM players are required to implement [[Dolby Digital]] (AC-3), [[DTS (sound system)|DTS]], and [[Linear pulse-code modulation|linear PCM]]. Players may optionally implement [[Dolby Digital Plus]] and [[DTS (sound system)|DTS-HD High Resolution Audio]] as well as [[Lossless audio|lossless]] formats [[Dolby TrueHD]] and [[DTS-HD Master Audio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.twice.com/article/CA6323699.html |work=TWICE.com |title=1st HD DVD Players To Decode All Mandatory, Optional Audio Codecs |accessdate=June 15, 2011 |last=Palenchar |first=Joseph |date=April 10, 2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409074432/http://www.twice.com/article/CA6323699.html |archivedate=April 9, 2009}}</ref> 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.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Specification of BD-ROM Primary audio streams<ref name="BDWhite2010">{{Cite journal |url = http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/Downloadablefile/BD-ROM-AV-WhitePaper_100423-17830.pdf |format = PDF |title = White paper Blu-ray Disc Format |date=April 2010 |publisher = Blu-ray Disc Association }}</ref>
|-
! !! [[Linear pulse-code modulation|LPCM]] (uncompressed) !! [[Dolby Digital]] !! [[Dolby Digital Plus]] !! [[Dolby TrueHD]] (lossless) !! DTS Digital Surround !! [[DTS-HD Master Audio]] (lossless) !! [[Dynamic Resolution Adaptation|DRA]] !! DRA extension
|-
| Max. bitrate || 27.648&nbsp;Mbit/s || 640&nbsp;kbit/s || 4.736&nbsp;Mbit/s || 18.64&nbsp;Mbit/s || 1.524&nbsp;Mbit/s || 24.5&nbsp;Mbit/s || 1.5&nbsp;Mbit/s || 3.0&nbsp;Mbit/s
|-
| Max. channel || '''8'''&nbsp;(48&nbsp;[[Hertz|kHz]], 96&nbsp;kHz), '''6'''&nbsp;(192&nbsp;kHz) || 5.1 || 7.1 || '''8'''&nbsp;(48&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz), '''6'''&nbsp;(192&nbsp;kHz) || 5.1 || '''8'''&nbsp;(48&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz), '''6'''&nbsp;(192&nbsp;kHz) || 5.1 || 7.1
|-
| Bits/sample || 16, 20, 24 || 16, 24 || 16, 24 || 16, 24 || 16, 20, 24 || 16, 24 || 16 || 16
|-
| Sample frequency || 48&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz, 192&nbsp;kHz || 48&nbsp;kHz || 48&nbsp;kHz || 48&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz, 192&nbsp;kHz || 48&nbsp;kHz || 48&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz, 192&nbsp;kHz || 48&nbsp;kHz || 48&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz
|}

====Bit rate====
For users recording [[digital television]] programming, the recordable Blu-ray Disc standard's initial data rate of 36&nbsp;Mbit/s is more than adequate to record high-definition broadcasts from any source ([[IPTV]], cable/satellite, or terrestrial). BD Video movies have a maximum data transfer rate of 54&nbsp;Mbit/s, a maximum AV bitrate of 48&nbsp;Mbit/s (for both audio and video data), and a maximum video bit rate of 40&nbsp;Mbit/s. This compares to HD DVD movies, which have a maximum data transfer rate of 36&nbsp;Mbit/s, a maximum AV bitrate of 30.24&nbsp;Mbit/s, and a maximum video bitrate of 29.4&nbsp;Mbit/s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videohelp.com/hd |title=What is Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD? |accessdate=February 16, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5icX0gHtz?url=http://www.videohelp.com/hd |archivedate=July 29, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref>

===Java software interface===
{{Main|BD-J}}
At the 2005 [[JavaOne]] trade show, it was announced that [[Sun Microsystems]]' [[Java edition|Java]] cross-platform software environment would be included in all Blu-ray Disc players as a mandatory part of the standard.<ref name="2005JavaOne">{{cite web |last1=Foote |first1=Bill |last2=Moll |first2=Erik |title=Java Technology Goes to the Movies: Java Technology in Next-Generation Optical Disc Formats |publisher=2005 JavaOne conference, Session TS-7091 |url=http://www.jovial.com/slides/2005_TS-7091_Foote_Moll_DF.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=September 18, 2011}}</ref> Java is used to implement interactive menus on Blu-ray Discs, as opposed to the method used on [[DVD]]-video discs. DVDs use pre-rendered MPEG segments and selectable subtitle pictures, which are considerably more primitive and rarely seamless. At the conference, Java creator [[James Gosling]] suggested that the inclusion of a [[Java virtual machine]], as well as network connectivity in some BD devices, will allow updates to Blu-ray Discs via the Internet, adding content such as additional subtitle languages and promotional features not included on the disc at pressing time.<ref name="cnet_nextgen_dvd">{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/Java-to-appear-in-next-gen-DVD-players/2100-1046_3-5766409.html |title=Java to appear in next-gen DVD players |last1=Shankland |first1=Steven |date=June 26, 2005 |publisher=[[CNET]]}}
</ref> This Java Version is called BD-J and is built on a profile of the [[Globally Executable MHP]] (GEM) standard; GEM is the worldwide version of the [[Multimedia Home Platform]] standard.

===Player profiles===
The BD-ROM specification defines four Blu-ray Disc player profiles, including an audio-only player profile (BD-Audio) that does not require video decoding or [[BD-J]]. All of the video-based player profiles (BD-Video) are required to have a full implementation of BD-J.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="3"|Feature
! rowspan="2"|BD-Audio
! colspan="4"|BD-Video
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="width:150px;"| ''Grace Period''{{ref|profiles_table_note_d|[d]}}
| style="width:150px;"| ''Bonus View''
| style="width:150px;"| ''BD-Live''{{ref|profiles_table_note_e|[e]}}
| style="width:150px;"| ''Blu-ray 3D''
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="width:100px;"| Profile 3.0{{ref|profiles_table_note_c|[c]}}
| Profile 1.0
| Profile 1.1
| Profile 2.0
| Profile 5.0
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Built-in persistent memory
| Unneeded
| 64 KB
| 64 KB
| 64 KB
| 64 KB?
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Local storage capability{{ref|profiles_table_note_a|[a]}}
| Unneeded
| Optional
| 256 MB
| 1 GB
| 1 GB
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Secondary video decoder ([[Picture-in-picture|PiP]])
| ''No video''
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Secondary audio decoder{{ref|profiles_table_note_b|[b]}}
| Optional
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Virtual file system]]
| Unneeded
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Internet connection capability
| No
| No
| No
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|}
<small>{{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.<br />
{{note|profiles_table_note_b}}b A secondary audio decoder is typically used for interactive audio and commentary.<br />
{{note|profiles_table_note_c}}c Profile 3.0 is a separate audio-only player profile. The first Blu-ray Disc album to be released was ''Divertimenti'', by record label Lindberg Lyd, and it has been confirmed to work on the PS3.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2008052914313262368505 |title=Music on Blu-ray |accessdate=June 26, 2008 |first=Christian |last=Lysvåg |publisher=Music Information Centre Norway |date=May 29, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/05/29/first-blu-ray-record-divertimenti-released/ |title=First Blu-ray record, Divertimenti, released |date=May 28, 2008 |accessdate=July 5, 2008 |first=Joshua |last=Fruhlinger |publisher=engadget}}</ref><br />{{note|profiles_table_note_d}}d Also known as Initial Standard profile.<br />
{{note|profiles_table_note_e}}e Also known as Final Standard profile.</small>

On November 2, 2007, the Grace Period Profile was superseded by Bonus View as the minimum profile for new BD-Video players released to the market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6495668.html |title=Blu-ray Disc Assn. promotes new Bonus View |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218181606/http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6495668.html |archivedate=18 December 2008 |last=Ault |first=Susanne |date=7 Oct 2007}}</ref> When Blu-ray Disc software not authored with interactive features dependent on Bonus View or BD-Live hardware capabilities is played on Profile 1.0 players, it is able to play the main feature of the disc, but some extra features may not be available or will have limited capability.<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=November 23, 2007 |accessdate=December 18, 2007}}</ref>

====BD-Live====
The biggest difference between Bonus View and BD-Live is that BD-Live requires the Blu-ray Disc player to have an Internet connection to access Internet-based content. BD-Live features have included Internet chats, scheduled chats with the director, Internet games, downloadable featurettes, downloadable quizzes, and downloadable movie trailers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1219/tinkerbell.html |title=Tinker Bell (Blu-ray) |first=Peter |last=Bracke |publisher=highdefdigest.com |date=October 28, 2008 |accessdate=February 14, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1437/hellboyii.html |title=Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Blu-ray) |first=Joshua |last=Zyber |publisher=highdefdigest.com |date=November 11, 2008 |accessdate=February 14, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1738/kungfupanda.html |title=Kung Fu Panda (Blu-ray) |first=Kenneth |last=Brown |publisher=highdefdigest.com |date=November 9, 2008 |accessdate=February 14, 2009}}</ref> While some Bonus View players may have an Ethernet port, it is used for firmware updates and is not used for Internet-based content.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.docs.sony.com/release/specs/BDPBX1_mksp.pdf |format=PDF |title=Sony BDP-BX1 player specifications |date=August 5, 2009 |accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref> In addition, Profile 2.0 also requires more local storage in order to handle this content.

Profile 1.0 players are not eligible for Bonus View or BD-Live compliant upgrades and do not have the function or capability to access these upgrades, with the exception of the latest players and the [[PlayStation 3]]. Internet is required to use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9808376-1.html |title=Blu-ray Profile 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 explained--Ask the Editors |work=[[CNET]] |last=Moskovciak |first=Matthew |date=September 9, 2008 |accessdate=June 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/samsungs-already-awesome-hd-disc-hybrid-bd+up5000-upgraded-to-profile-11-bye-bye-format-bitching-314480.php |title=Samsung’s Already Awesome HD Disc Hybrid BD-UP5000 Upgraded to Profile 1.1 (Bye Bye Format Bitching) |work=[[Gizmodo]].com |date=October 24, 2007 |last=Rothman |first=Wilson |accessdate=June 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/profile_1_1 Profile 1.1], afterdawn.com, December 22, 2010.</ref>

===Region codes===
[[File:Blu-ray-regions with key.svg|thumb|400px|Regions for the Blu-ray Disc standard:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blu-raydisc.com/en/Technical/FAQs/Blu-rayDiscforVideo.aspx |title=Blu-ray Disc for Video |accessdate=September 14, 2009}}</ref><div style="font-size:110%;">
{{legend|#ffa208|Region A/1}}
{{legend|#77b830|Region B/2}}
{{legend|#ce5dff|Region C/3}}</div>]]

As with the implementation of [[DVD region code|region codes for DVDs]], Blu-ray Disc players sold in a specific geographical region are designed to play only discs authorized by the content provider for that region. This is intended to permit content providers (motion picture studios, [[television production company]] etc.) to enact regional [[price discrimination]] and/or [[exclusive license|exclusive]] [[content licensing]]. According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, all Blu-ray Disc players and Blu-ray Disc-equipped computer systems are required to enforce regional coding. However, content providers need not use region playback codes.<ref>[http://us.blu-raydisc.com/#/pages/faq "How does regional coding work in the computer space?"] us.blu-raydisc.com FAQ Retrieved October 24, 2009.</ref> Some current estimates suggest 70% of available [movie] Blu-ray Discs from the major studios are region-code-free and can, therefore, be played on any Blu-ray Disc player, in any region.<ref>[http://regionfreemovies.com/ "Latest Confirmed Region Free Blu-Rays"]. Retrieved October 24, 2009.</ref>

Movie distributors have different region coding policies. Among major U.S. studios, [[Walt Disney Pictures]], [[Warner Bros.]], [[Paramount Pictures]], [[Universal Studios]], and [[Sony Pictures Entertainment|Sony Pictures]] have released most of their titles region-free.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=Warner |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Warner |accessdate=August 13, 2008}}</ref><ref>although titles released by Warner's [[New Line Cinema]] division were initially region-coded, but subsequently have been released without region-coding. Titles released by other labels on behalf of New Line are still subject to region-coding.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=Paramount |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Paramount |accessdate=August 13, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=Universal |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Universal |accessdate=August 13, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=Sony |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Sony |accessdate=August 13, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=Disney |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Disney |accessdate=August 13, 2008}}</ref> [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer|MGM]] and [[Lions Gate Entertainment]] have released a mix of region-free and region-coded titles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=MGM |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics MGM |accessdate=January 26, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=Lionsgate |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Lionsgate |accessdate=August 13, 2008}}</ref> [[20th Century Fox]] has released most of their titles region-coded.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=Studio&Studio=Fox |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics 20th Century Fox |accessdate=August 13, 2008}}</ref> Vintage film restoration and distribution company [[The Criterion Collection]] uses US region coding in all Blu-ray releases, with their releases in the UK market using UK region coding.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.criterion.com/help#q20 |title=Help - The Criterion Collection (20.) |accessdate=February 19, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.criterion.com/help#q11 |title=Help - The Criterion Collection (11.) |accessdate=February 19, 2017}}</ref>

The Blu-ray Disc region coding scheme divides the world into three regions, labeled A, B, and C.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Region code
! Area
|-
| {{Visible anchor|A}} {{Anchor|Region A}}
| The [[Americas]] and their [[Dependent territory|dependencies]], [[Taiwan]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Macau]], [[Japan]], [[Korea]] and [[Southeast Asia]]; excludes instances that fall under Region C
|-
| {{Visible anchor|B}} {{Anchor|Region B}}
| [[Africa]], [[Middle East]], [[Western Asia|Southwest Asia]], most of [[Europe]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and their [[Dependent territory|dependencies]]; excludes instances that fall under Region C
|-
| {{Visible anchor|C}} {{Anchor|Region C}}
| [[Central Asia]], [[mainland China]], [[Mongolia]], [[Indian subcontinent|Indian Subcontinent,]] [[Belarus]], [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Moldova]], and their [[Dependent territory|dependencies]]
|-
| {{Visible anchor|FREE}} {{Anchor|Region FREE}}
| rowspan="2" | Informal term meaning "worldwide". Region free is not an official setting; discs that bear the region FREE symbol either have no flags set or have all three flags set. Discs with no flags set may not play in some non-compliant players.
|-
| ABC {{Anchor|Region ABC}}
|}

In circumvention of region coding restrictions, stand-alone Blu-ray Disc players are sometimes modified by third parties to allow for playback of Blu-ray Discs (and DVDs) with ''any'' region code.<ref>[http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/26/first-region-free-blu-ray-players-available/ "First Region Free Blu-ray Players Available"] engadgethd.com. Retrieved October 24, 2009.</ref> Instructions ("hacks") describing how to reset the Blu-ray region counter of computer player applications to make them multi-region indefinitely are also regularly posted to video enthusiast websites and forums. Unlike DVD region codes, Blu-ray region codes are verified only by the player software, not by the [[Regional Playback Control|optical drive's firmware]].

The latest types of Blu-Ray players, suitable for [[UltraHD]] content, is region-free.<ref>{{cite web|title=Region-Free 4k UHD Blu-ray Players: Fact or Fiction?|url= http://www.220-electronics.com/blog/region-free-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-players-fact-fiction/|publisher=220 Electronics|accessdate=18 June 2017}}</ref>

===Digital rights management===
The Blu-ray Disc format employs several layers of [[digital rights management]] (DRM) which restrict the usage of the discs.<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=May 3, 2007 |publisher=[[Dell]] |format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/downloadablefile/5th_japan_05-13343.pdf |format=PDF |title=Overview of BD-ROM security |accessdate=May 3, 2007 |last=Ajima |first=Kosuke |date=March 29, 2006 |publisher=Blu-ray Disc Association Content Protection Group |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070307102259/http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/downloadablefile/5th_japan_05-13343.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate=March 7, 2007}}</ref> This has led to extensive criticism of the format by organizations [[Digital rights management|opposed to DRM]], such as the [[Free Software Foundation]],<ref name="fsf">{{cite web |url=http://www.fsf.org/news/blu-ray |title=Don't buy HD-DVD or Blu-ray disks |date=March 24, 2006 |accessdate=September 6, 2010 |first=Matt |last=Lee |publisher=FSF}}</ref> and consumers because new releases require player firmware updates to allow disc playback.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://consumerist.com/2013/09/06/samsungs-disposable-blu-ray-player-wont-play-new-blu-rays/ |title=Samsung’s Disposable Blu-Ray Player Won’t Play New Blu-Rays |date=September 6, 2013 |accessdate=December 16, 2013 |first=Laura |last=Northrup |publisher=Consumerist}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/avatar-blu-rays-have-some-buyers-seeing-red-16828 |title=‘Avatar’ Blu-rays Have Some Buyers Seeing Red |date=April 29, 2010 |accessdate=December 16, 2013 |first=Brent |last=Lang |publisher=The Wrap}}</ref>

====High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection====
Blu-ray equipment is required to implement the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection ([[High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection|HDCP]]) system to encrypt the data sent by players to rendering devices through physical connections. This is aimed at preventing the copying of copyrighted content as it travels across cables. Through a [[Flag (computing)|protocol flag]] in the media stream called the [[Image Constraint Token]] (ICT), a Blu-ray Disc can enforce its reproduction in a lower resolution whenever a full HDCP-compliant link is not used. In order to ease the transition to high definition formats, the adoption of this protection method was postponed until 2011.<!-- It's already mid-2012, has the ICT protection method been adopted on a wide scale yet? --><ref name="aacs_adopters">{{cite web |title=Advanced Access Content System ("AACS") Adopter Agreement |url=http://www.aacsla.com/license/AACS_Adopter_Agrmt_090619.pdf |format=PDF |date=June 2009 |accessdate=October 13, 2011}}</ref>

====Advanced Access Content System====
[[File:AACS dataflow.svg|thumb|The AACS decryption process]]

The [[Advanced Access Content System]] (AACS) is a standard for [[Digital distribution|content distribution]] and [[digital rights management]]. It was developed by AS Licensing Administrator, LLC (AACS LA), a [[consortium]] that includes [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]], [[Intel]], [[Microsoft]], [[Panasonic]], [[Warner Bros.]], [[IBM]], [[Toshiba]], and [[Sony]]. Since the appearance of the format on devices in 2006, [[AACS encryption key controversy#TIMELINE|several successful attacks]] have been made on it. The first known attack relied on the [[trusted client]] problem. In addition, decryption keys have been extracted from a weakly protected player ([[WinDVD]]). Since keys can be revoked in newer releases,<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=January 14, 2008}}</ref> this is only a temporary attack, and new keys must continually be discovered in order to decrypt the latest discs.

====BD+====
[[BD+]] was developed by [[Cryptography Research|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-->] from cryptography.com</ref> BD+, effectively a small [[virtual machine]] embedded in authorized players, 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.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=2010169663 |status=application |title=Systems and Methods for Detecting Authorized Players |pubdate=July 1, 2010 |fdate=January 22, 2009 |assign1=CYBERLINK CORPORATION}}</ref> The specifications of the BD+ virtual machine are available only to licensed device manufacturers. A list of licensed commercial adopters is available from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20071106054231/http://www.bdplusllc.com/home/list_of_adopters_content_participants_and_eligible_code_developers BD+ website].

The first titles using BD+ were released in October 2007. Since November 2007, versions of BD+ protection have been circumvented by various versions of the [[AnyDVD]] HD program.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/11/07/slysofts-latest-anydvd-beta-cracks-bd/ |title=SlySoft's latest AnyDVD beta cracks BD+ |date=November 7, 2007 |accessdate=July 21, 2010 |first=Darren |last=Murph |publisher=engadget}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/slysoft-cracks-blu-ray-bd-encryption/1542 |title=SlySoft cracks Blu-ray BD+ encryption |date=March 19, 2008 |accessdate=July 21, 2010 |first=Adrian |last=Kingsley-Hughes}}</ref> Other programs known to be capable of circumventing BD+ protection are [[DumpHD]] (versions 0.6 and above, along with some supporting software),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=123111 |title=DumpHD – a HD-DVD / Blu-Ray Decrypter – Doom9's Forum |work=doom9.org |accessdate=October 28, 2015}}</ref> [[MakeMKV]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/145794/2010/01/bluray_ripping.html |title=Blu-ray ripping on the Mac |date=January 20, 2010 |accessdate=July 21, 2010 |first=Jonathan |last=Seff |publisher=Macworld}}</ref> and two applications from DVDFab (Passkey and HD Decrypter<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lifehacker.com/5559007/the-hassle+free-guide-to-ripping-your-blu+ray-collection |title=The Hassle-Free Guide to Ripping Your Blu-Ray Collection |date=June 9, 2010 |accessdate=July 21, 2010 |first=Whitson |last=Gordon |publisher=Lifehacker}}</ref>).

====BD-ROM Mark====
[[ROM Mark|BD-ROM Mark]] is a small amount of cryptographic data that is stored separately from normal Blu-ray Disc data, aiming to prevent replication of the discs. The cryptographic data is needed to decrypt the copyrighted disc content protected by AACS.<ref name="aacs-bd">{{cite web |url=http://www.aacsla.com/specifications/AACS_Spec_BD_Prerecorded_0.912.pdf |format=PDF |title=Advanced Access Content System (AACS) Blu-ray Disc Pre-recorded Book, Revision 0.912 |date=July 27, 2006 |accessdate=October 11, 2011 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/65pUFUykV?url=http://www.aacsla.com/specifications/AACS_Spec_BD_Prerecorded_0.912.pdf |archivedate=March 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A specially licensed piece of hardware is required to insert the ROM Mark into the media during mastering. During replication, this ROM Mark is transferred together with the recorded data to the disc. In consequence, any copies of a disc made with a regular recorder will lack the ROM Mark data and will be unreadable on standard players.

==Backward compatibility==
The Blu-ray Disc Association recommends but does not require that Blu-ray Disc drives be capable of reading standard DVDs and CDs, for [[backward compatibility]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/en/Technical/FAQs/Blu-rayDiscFormat.html|title=Can Blu-ray Disc products play DVD and CD?|accessdate=January 25, 2009}}</ref> Most Blu-ray Disc players are capable of reading both CDs and DVDs; however, a few of the early Blu-ray Disc players released in 2006, such as the [[Sony BDP-S1]], could play DVDs but not CDs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluraydiscplayers.org.uk/blu-ray-and-hd-dvd-players/lg-bh100-blu-ray-hd-dvd-player/ |title=LG BH100 Blu-Ray/HD DVD player |accessdate=August 30, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/pioneer-bdp-hd1/4505-6463_7-31637888.html?tag=rnav |title=Pioneer BDP-HD1 |accessdate=February 23, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://hometheater.about.com/od/blurayandhddvd/p/sonybluraybdps1.htm |title=Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player&nbsp;— Product Profile |accessdate=September 17, 2008}}</ref> In addition, Blu-ray players cannot play [[HD DVD]]s, and HD DVD players cannot play Blu-ray discs. Some Blu-ray players can also play [[Video CD]]s, and all 4K Blu-ray players can play regular Blu-ray Discs, and most can play DVDs and CDs. The PlayStation 4 does not support CDs.

==Variations==

===High Fidelity Pure Audio (BD-A)===
{{Main|High Fidelity Pure Audio}}

High Fidelity Pure Audio (HFPA) is a marketing initiative, spearheaded by the [[Universal Music Group]], for audio-only Blu-ray optical discs. Launched in 2013 as a potential successor to the [[compact disc]], it has been compared with [[DVD-A]] and [[Super Audio CD|SACD]], which had similar aims.

===AVCHD===
{{Main|AVCHD}}

[[File:Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-Ray Player.jpg|thumb|350px|A [[Panasonic]] Blu-Ray player DMP-BD60 (late 2009) compatible with AVCHD]]
AVCHD was originally developed as a high definition format for consumer [[tapeless]] [[camcorder]]s. Derived from the Blu-ray Disc specification, AVCHD shares a similar [[random access]] directory structure but is restricted to lower audio and video bitrates, simpler interactivity, and the use of AVC-video and Dolby AC-3 (or linear PCM) audio. Being primarily an acquisition format, AVCHD playback is not recognized by all devices that play Blu-ray Disc. Nevertheless, many such devices are capable of playing AVCHD recordings from removable media, such as DVDs, [[Secure Digital|SD]]/[[Secure Digital|SDHC]] memory cards, "[[Memory Stick]]" cards, and [[hard disk drive]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avchd-info.org/press/index.html |title=AVCHD Information Web Site press releases}}</ref>

===AVCREC===
{{Main|AVCREC}}

AVCREC uses a BDAV container to record high definition content on conventional DVDs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format_spec/avcrec_specs.php |title=AVREC Format Specifications |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317015922/http://blu-raydisc.info/format_spec/avcrec_specs.php |archivedate=March 17, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref> Presently AVCREC is tightly integrated with the Japanese [[ISDB]] broadcast standard and is not marketed outside of Japan. AVCREC is used primarily in set-top [[digital video recorder]]s and in this regard is comparable to [[HD DVD#HD REC|HD REC]].

===Blu-ray 3D===
[[File:Blu ray 3d (logo).svg|thumb|upright=0.5|The Blu-ray 3D logo]]

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) created a task force made up of executives from the film industry and the consumer electronics and IT sectors to help define standards for putting [[3D film]] and [[3D television]] content on a Blu-ray Disc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/05/20/bda_taskforce/ |title=Blu-ray brains create 3D taskforce |publisher=reghardware.co.uk |date=May 20, 2009 |accessdate=May 23, 2009}}</ref> On December 17, 2009, the BDA officially announced 3D specs for Blu-ray Disc, allowing backward compatibility with current 2D Blu-ray players.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hd-report.com/2009/12/18/3d-specs-finalized-for-blu-ray-to-hit-market-next-year/ |title=3D specifications finalized for Blu-ray, to hit market next year |publisher=HD Report |date=December 17, 2009 |accessdate=December 17, 2009 |last=Chabot |first=Jeff}}</ref> The BDA has said, "The Blu-ray 3D specification calls for encoding 3D video using the "Stereo High" profile defined by [[Multiview Video Coding]] (MVC), an extension to the ITU-T H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) codec currently implemented by all Blu-ray Disc players. MPEG4-MVC compresses both left and right eye views with a typical 50% overhead compared to equivalent 2D content, and can provide full 1080p resolution backward compatibility with current 2D Blu-ray Disc players."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091217005371&newsLang=en |title=Blu-ray Disc Association Announces Final 3D Specification |publisher=Business Wire |date=December 17, 2009 |accessdate=December 18, 2009}}</ref> This means the MVC (3D) stream is backward compatible with H.264/AVC (2D) stream, allowing older 2D devices and software to decode stereoscopic video streams, ignoring additional information for the second view.

Sony added Blu-ray 3D support to its [[PlayStation 3]] console via a [[PlayStation 3 system software|firmware upgrade]] on 21 September 2010.<ref name="3.50">{{cite web |title=PS3 System Software Update (ver 3.50) |accessdate=September 21, 2010 |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/09/21/ps3-system-software-update-ver-3-50}}</ref> The console had previously gained 3D gaming capability via an update on 21 April 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/04/21/ps3-3-30-system-software-update/ |title=PS3 goes 3D on 10 June [2010] |work=[[PlayStation Blog]] |last=Lempel |first=Eric |accessdate=June 14, 2011 |date=April 21, 2010}}</ref> Since the version 3.70 software update on August 9, 2011, the PlayStation 3 can play DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio while playing 3D Blu-ray.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/08/09/ps3-system-software-update-v3-70/ |title=PS3 System Software Update (v3.70) |work=[[PlayStation Blog|PlayStation.Blog]] |last=Lempel |first=Eric |accessdate=November 2, 2011 |date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> [[Dolby TrueHD]] is used on a small minority of Blu-ray 3D releases, and [[Bitstream format|bitstreaming]] implemented in slim PlayStation 3 models only (original "fat" PS3 models decode internally and send audio as [[LPCM]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/5342470/so-the-ps3-slim-can-bitstream-dolby-truehd-and-dts+hd-master-audio-after-all |title=So, The PS3 Slim Can Bitstream Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio After All? |last1=Allen |first1=Danny |date=August 21, 2009 |publisher=[[Gizmodo]] |accessdate=June 28, 2012}}</ref> As of 2018, most major home entertainment studios, such as [[Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment|Walt Disney Studios]], [[Sony Pictures]], etc. have discontinued the Blu-ray 3D format in North America and other regions.

===Ultra HD Blu-ray===
{{Main article|Ultra HD Blu-ray}}
Ultra HD Blu-ray is a new disc format, incompatible with existing Blu-ray Disc players, that supports 60fps [[4K resolution|4K]] [[Ultra-high definition television|UHD]] video encoded in [[High Efficiency Video Coding|HEVC]] with 10-bit [[high dynamic range|HDR]] and a wider color gamut.

==See also==
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* {{Portal inline|size=tiny|Blu-ray}}
* [[2D plus Delta]]
* [[Optical disc authoring#Blu-ray Disc|Blu-ray Disc authoring]]
* [[Blu-ray Disc recordable]]
* [[D-VHS]]
* [[Comparison of high definition optical disc formats|Comparison of high-definition optical disc formats]]
* [[Comparison of video player software#Optical media ability|Comparison of video player software: Optical media ability]], for a list of software BD video players
* [[Digital 3D]] and [[3D television]]
* [[Disk-drive performance characteristics]]
* [[Format war]]
* [[HD DVD]]
* [[High-definition optical disc format war]]
* [[High-definition television]]
* [[List of Blu-ray 3D releases]]
* [[List of Blu-ray disc manufacturers]]
* [[List of Blu-ray player manufacturers]]
* [[W-VHS]]
{{div col end}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group="note"}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Blu-ray Disc}}
* [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/ Blu-ray Disc Association]
* [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/en/Technical/TechnicalWhitePapers/General.aspx Blu-ray Disc Association's Technical White Papers]
* [http://www.blu-raydisc.info/ Blu-ray Disc License Office]
* [http://www.aacsla.com/home AACS LA]

{{Blu-ray}}
{{Video storage formats}}
{{High definition media}}
{{High-definition}}
{{Stereoscopy}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Audiovisual introductions in 2006]]
[[Category:2006 in technology]]
[[Category:Articles with images not understandable by color blind users]]
[[Category:Audio storage]]
[[Category:Blu-ray Disc| ]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2006]]
[[Category:Consumer electronics]]
[[Category:High dynamic range]]
[[Category:High-definition television]]
[[Category:Home video]]
[[Category:Japanese inventions]]
[[Category:Java platform]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Rotating disc computer storage media]]
[[Category:Sony hardware]]
[[Category:Television terminology]]
[[Category:Video game distribution]]
[[Category:Video storage]]

Revision as of 21:45, 12 January 2019

My favorite is Blu-ray

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