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<!-- PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE EDITING THIS PAGE:
This product is called "Blu-ray Disc". Not "Blu-Ray" or "Blue-Ray" (note the capitalization of "ray" and the lack of an "e" in "Blue") Please remember to use the name above and not the incorrect variations mentioned afterward. The only place this should be different is in the DEFAULTSORT, as per WP:SORT-->
{{redirect|Blueray|for the fish|Neoraja caerulea}}
{{Infobox Storage medium
|name = Blu-ray Disc
|logo = [[File:Blu-ray Disc.svg|201px]]
|image = [[File:BluRayDiscBack.png|200px|Reverse side of a Blu-ray Disc]]
|caption =
|type = High-density [[optical disc]]
|designer/creator = [[Sony]]
|encoding = [[MPEG-2]], [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC]], and [[VC-1]]
|capacity = 25&nbsp;[[GigaByte|GB]] (single-layer)<br />50&nbsp;[[GigaByte|GB]] (dual-layer)<br />
|blocksize = 64kb ECC
|read = 400 nm laser: <br />1× @ 36 [[Megabit per second|Mbit/s]] (4.5 [[Megabyte per second|MByte/s]])<br />2× @ 72 Mbit/s (9 MByte/s)<br />4× @ 144 Mbit/s (18 MByte/s)<br />6× @ 216 Mbit/s<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=21958 |title=LG 6× Blu-Ray Burner Available in Korea |publisher=CDRinfo.com}}</ref> (27 MByte/s)<br />8× @ 288 Mbit/s (36 MByte/s)<br />12× @ 432 Mbit/s (54 MByte/s)
|owner/copyright =[[Sony]]
|use = Data storage<br />[[High-definition video]]<br />[[High-definition audio]]<br />[[PlayStation 3]] games
|extended from =
|extended to =
}}
'''Blu-ray Disc''' ('''BD'''), sometimes called "Blu-ray," is an [[optical disc]] [[data storage device|storage]] medium designed to supersede the standard [[DVD]] format. Its main uses are for storing [[high-definition video]], [[PlayStation 3]] video games, and other [[data]], with up to 25 GB per single layered, and 50 GB per dual layered disc. The disc has the same physical dimensions as standard [[DVD]]s and [[CD]]s.

The name ''Blu-ray Disc'' derives from the [[Blue laser|blue-violet laser]] used to read the disc. While a standard [[DVD]] uses a 650&nbsp;[[nanometer]] red laser, Blu-ray uses a shorter [[wavelength]], a 405&nbsp;nm blue-violet laser, and allows for almost six times more data storage than a DVD.

During the [[High definition optical disc format war|format war over high-definition optical discs]], Blu-ray competed with the [[HD DVD]] format. [[Toshiba]], the main company supporting HD DVD, ceded in February 2008, and the [[format war]] ended;<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=2008-02-26}}</ref> in July 2009, Toshiba announced plans to put out its own Blu-ray Disc device by the end of 2009.<ref>[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] page 1, 19 July 2009 Ver. 13S</ref>

Blu-ray Disc was developed by the [[Blu-ray Disc Association]], a group representing makers of consumer electronics, computer hardware, and motion pictures. As of June 2009, more than 1,500 Blu-ray disc titles are available in Australia, 2,500 in Japan, 1,500 in the United Kingdom, and 2,500 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=2008-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/bdhdship/|title=Blu-ray/HD DVD releases in Japan|publisher=AVWatch|accessdate=2008-06-21}}</ref>

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

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

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

The first DVR Blue prototypes were unveiled at the [[CEATEC]] exhibition in October 2000.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,105534-page,1/article.html
|title=Sony Shows 'DVR-Blue' Prototype
|accessdate=2007-10-17
|date=2000-10-11
|work=cdrinfo.com
}}</ref> On February 19, 2002, the project was officially announced as Blu-ray,<ref> {{cite web
|url=http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1952.html
|title=Replacement for DVD unveiled
|accessdate=2007-10-17
|author=Barry Fox
|date=2002-02-19
|work=newscientist.com
}}</ref><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=2009-03-16 |date=2002-05-20 |publisher=Sony}}</ref> and [[Blu-ray Disc Founders]] was founded by the nine initial members.

The first consumer device was in stores on April 10, 2003. This device was the Sony BDZ-S77, a BD-RE recorder that was made available only in Japan. The recommended price was US$3800;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/blu-ray/ |title=SONY BDZ-S77 Recorder Review |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Maxim Liadov |date= |work=digit-life.com}}</ref> however, there was no standard for prerecorded video, and no movies were released for this player. The Blu-ray Disc standard was still years away, as a newer, more secure [[Digital Rights Management|DRM]] system was needed before Hollywood studios would accept it—not wanting to repeat the failure of the [[Content Scramble System]] used on standard DVDs. On October 4, 2004, the 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=2009-03-16 |date=2002-10-04 |publisher=ITWorld}}</ref>

===Blu-ray Disc format finalized===
The Blu-ray Disc physical specifications were completed in 2004.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,117242-page,1/article.html
|title=New Blu-ray Details Emerge
|accessyear=2007-10-17
|author=Martyn Williams
|date=2004-08-05
|work=pcworld.com
}}</ref> In January 2005, TDK announced that they had developed a hard coating polymer for Blu-ray Discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.physorg.com/news2615.html |title=Exclusive TDK Durabis Coating Technology Makes Cartridge-Free, Ultra-Durable Blu-ray Discs a Reality |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author= |date=2005-01-09 |work=physorg.com |publisher=}}</ref> The cartridges, no longer necessary, were scrapped.
The BD-ROM specifications were finalized in early 2006.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/06/blu-ray_spec_done/
|title=Blu-ray Disc developers complete specification
|accessdate=2007-10-17
|author=Tony Smith
|date=2006-01-06
|work=theregister.co.uk
}}</ref> AACS LA, a consortium founded in 2004,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/news/2004/07/64212 |title=Can Odd Alliance Beat Pirates? |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Katie Dean |date=2004-07-15 |work=wired.com}}</ref> had been developing the DRM platform that could be used to securely distribute movies to consumers. However, the final AACS standard was delayed,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,123924-page,1/article.html |title=Toshiba Hints at HD DVD Delay |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Martyn Williams |date=2005-12-14 |work=pcworld.com}}</ref> and then delayed again when an important member of the Blu-ray Disc group voiced concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/69559 |title=AACS copy protection for Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD delayed again |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Craig Morris |date=2006-02-14 |work=heise.de |publisher=}}</ref> At the request of the initial hardware manufacturers, including Toshiba, Pioneer, and Samsung, an interim standard was published 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=2007-10-19 |author=Melissa J. Perenson |date=2006-03-21 |work=pcworld.com}}</ref>

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

The first Blu-ray Disc titles were released on June 20, 2006. The earliest releases used [[MPEG-2]] video compression, the same method used on standard [[DVD]]s.
The first releases using the newer [[VC-1]] and [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|AVC]] [[codec]]s were introduced in September 2006.<ref>[http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Announcements/Full_Specs_in_for_Warners_Sept_26_Lineup_Studio_to_Go_VC-1_for_Blu-ray/209 Full Specs in for Warner's 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 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=2007-09-15
|date=2006-10-10
|last=Bracke
|first=Peter M.
|work=HighDefDigest.com
}}</ref> The first audio-only release was made in March 2008.<ref>[http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/15039/16063/Thondheimsolistene-Divertimento-first-blu-ray-album.phtml First Blu-ray Music album released], Pocket Lint, May 30, 2008</ref>

The first mass-market Blu-ray Disc rewritable drive for the PC was the BWU-100A, released by [[Sony]] on July 18, 2006.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}} It recorded both single- and dual-layer BD-R as well as BD-RE discs and had a suggested retail price of US $699.

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

The [[DVD Forum]], chaired by [[Toshiba]], was deeply split over whether to develop the more expensive blue laser technology or not. In March 2002, the forum voted to approve a proposal endorsed by [[Warner Bros.]] and other [[film studio|motion picture studios]] that involved compressing HD content onto dual-layer standard [[DVD-9]] discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20020301S0091 |title=Picture's fuzzy for DVD |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Junko Yoshida |date=2002-03-01 |work=eetimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20011212S0060 |title=Forum to weigh Microsoft's Corona as DVD encoder |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Junko Yoshida |date=2001-12-12 |work=eetimes.com |publisher=}}</ref> 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 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=2007-10-18 |author= |date=2002-08-29 |work=pcworld.com}}</ref> It was finally adopted by the DVD Forum and renamed [[HD DVD]] the next year,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2003/11/28/dvd-forum-backs-toshiba-nec-format |title=DVD Forum backs Toshiba-NEC format |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author= |date=2003-11-28 |work=theinquirer.net |publisher=}}</ref> after being voted down twice by DVD Forum members who were also Blu-ray Disc Association members—prompting the U.S. Department of Justice to make preliminary investigations into the situation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6458096.html|title=Opinion: Trust's worth}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6258560.html?q=DVD+Forum+Blu%2Dray|title=Lieberfarb lobs charges at Blu-ray}}</ref>

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=2007-10-18 |author=David Katzmaier |date=2006-06-30 |work=cnet.com |publisher=}}</ref> This changed when the [[PlayStation 3]] was launched, since every PS3 unit also functioned as a Blu-ray Disc player. At [[Consumer Electronics Show|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. By January 2007, Blu-ray discs had outsold HD DVDs,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?article_id=10323 |title=Blu-ray Tips Scales |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Stephanie Prange |date=2007-02-23 |work=homemediamagazine.com |publisher=}}</ref> and during the first three quarters of 2007, BD outsold HD DVDs by about two to one. In a June 28, 2007 press release, Twentieth Century Fox cited Blu-ray Disc's adoption of the BD+ anticopying system as a key factor in 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=2007-06-28 |accessdate=2009-03-23}}</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 |author=Ryan Singel |date=February 26, 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-27}}</ref> In February 2008, Toshiba withdrew its support for the HD DVD format, leaving Blu-ray as the victor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/sep/30/dvd_formats_blu_ray_hd_square_off17561/ |title=DVD formats Blu-ray, HD square off |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Sarah McBride |date=2007-09-30 |work=charleston.net |publisher=}}</ref>

Some analysts believe that Sony's [[PlayStation 3]] video game console played an important role in the format war, believing that it acted as a catalyst for Blu-ray Disc, as the PlayStation 3 used a Blu-ray Disc drive as its primary information storage medium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml?xml=/connected/2008/02/23/dlclaud123.xml|title=Blu-ray Wins&nbsp;— Telegraph|date=2008-02-23|publisher=Telegraph (UK)|accessdate=2008-02-23}}</ref> They also credited Sony's more thorough and influential marketing campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7252506.stm |title=How the PS3 led Blu-ray's triumph |publisher=BBC News |author=Will Smale |date=February 19, 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-26}}</ref>

===End of the format war and future prospects===
On January 4, 2008, a day before [[Consumer Electronics Show|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. 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]], [[Wal-Mart]], and [[Circuit City]] and Canadian chains such as [[Future Shop]] dropping HD DVD in their stores. A former major European retailer, [[Woolworths]]{{dn}}, dropped HD DVD from its inventory.{{fact|date=November 2009}} [[Netflix]] and [[Blockbuster Inc.|Blockbuster]]—major [[DVD rental]] companies—said they would no longer carry HD DVDs. 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=2008-02-19 |publisher=BBC News |date=February 19, 2008}}</ref> allowing Blu-ray Disc to become the industry standard for high-density optical disks. [[Universal Studios]], the sole major movie studio to back HD DVD since 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=2008-02-22 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=2008-02-20}}</ref> Paramount Studios, 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 now support Blu-ray.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2118265320080221 |title=All Hollywood studios now lined up behind Blu-Ray |publisher= Reuters (The Hollywood Reporter)|accessdate=2008-02-21}}</ref>

According to Adams Media Research, high-definition software sales were slower in the first two years than standard DVD software sales.<ref name="salescomparison">{{cite news |url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6532685.html |title=High-def discs lag standard, but gaining momentum |publisher=videobusiness.com |date=2008-02-15 |accessdate=2008-12-28}}</ref> 16.3 million standard 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="salescomparison"/><ref name="salescomparison2">{{cite news |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/NECoxHEGdHLwGG |title=High-Definition Sales Far Behind Standard DVD's First Two Years |publisher=MovieWeb.com |date=February 20, 2008 |accessdate=2008-12-28}}</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="salescomparison"/><ref name="salescomparison2"/> Former HD DVD supporter [[Microsoft]] has stated that they are not planning to make a Blu-ray Disc drive for the [[Xbox 360]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9893090-7.html|title=Report: Microsoft says no Blu-ray for Xbox 360|publisher=[http://www.news.com/ CNet]|date=2008-03-18|accessdate=2008-03-31}}</ref>

Blu-ray Disc began making serious strides as soon as the format war ended. Nielsen VideoScan sales numbers showed that with some titles, such as 20th Century Fox's ''Hitman'', up to 14% of total disc sales were from Blu-ray, although the average for the first half of the year was around 5%. Shortly after the format war ended, a study by The NPD Group found that awareness of Blu-ray Disc had reached 60% of U.S. households. In December 2008, the Blu-ray Disc of ''[[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=highdefdigest.com |date=2008-12-11 |accessdate=2009-02-17 }}</ref> A week after 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=highdefdigest.com |date=2008-12-17 |accessdate=2009-02-17 }}</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=2008-06-09}}</ref> And the other key equipment supplier for optical disc [[Anwell Technologies Limited]] had shipped its Blu-ray disc production equipment to Frankfurt for the largest trade show in the world - MEDIA-TECH Expo in May 2008 and they received new order for the Blu-ray production line also. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nextinsight.com.sg/content/view/353/60/ |title= Taking flight with Blu-ray and solar energy |publisher=NextInsight |format=html |date=2008-05-16 }}</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 news |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 |publisher=xbitlabs.com |date=2008-12-10 |accessdate=2009-01-16 }}</ref> According to the Digital Entertainment Group, the total number of Blu-ray Disc playback devices (both set-top box and game console) had reached 9.6 million by the end of 2008.<ref name="2008sales">{{cite news |url=http://www.storagenewsletter.com/news/optical/deg-us-blu-ray-player-sales-approach-10-million |title=U.S. Blu-Ray Player Sales Approach Ten Million |publisher=storagenewsletter.com |date=2009-02-16 |accessdate=2009-02-17 }}</ref> According to Swicker & Associates, Blu-ray Disc software sales in the United States and Canada were 1.2 million in 2006, 19.2 million in 2007, and 82.4 million in 2008.<ref name="2008sales"/> 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? |publisher=choosedvdrental.co.uk |date=2009-01-07 |accessdate=2009-10-28 }}</ref>

==Technical specifications==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Type
! Physical size
! Single layer capacity
! Dual layer capacity
|-
| Standard disc size || 12&nbsp;cm || 25&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] / 23866 [[Mebibyte|MiB]] / 25025314816 [[Byte|B]] || 50&nbsp;GB / 47732 MiB / 50050629632 B
|-
| Mini disc size || &nbsp;8&nbsp;cm || 7.8&nbsp;GB / 7430 MiB / 7791181824 B || 15.6&nbsp;GB / 14860 MiB / 15582363648 B
|}

High-definition video may be stored on Blu-ray ROM discs with up to 1920×1080 pixel resolution at up to 60 frames per second [[interlace]]d or 24 frames per second [[Progressive scan|progressive]]:<ref>{{cite web
|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
|date=2005-05
|author=Blu-ray Disc Association
|accessdate=2008-11-30}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Resolution !! Frame rate !! Aspect ratio !! Codec
|-
| 1920×1080 || 59.94-i, 50-i || 16:9 || &nbsp;
|-
| 1920×1080 || 24-p, 23.976-p || 16:9 || &nbsp;
|-
| 1440×1080 || 59.94-i, 50-i || 16:9 || MPEG-4 AVC / SMPTE VC-1 only
|-
| 1440×1080 || 24-p, 23.976-p || 16:9 || MPEG-4 AVC / SMPTE VC-1 only
|-
| 1280×720 || 59.94-p, 50-p || 16:9 || &nbsp;
|-
| 1280×720 || 24-p, 23.976-p || 16:9 || &nbsp;
|-
| 720×480 || 59.94-i || 4:3/16:9 || &nbsp;
|-
| 720×576 || 50-i || 4:3/16:9 || &nbsp;
|}

===Laser and optics===
Blu-ray Disc uses a "blue" (technically [[blue laser|violet]]) [[laser diode|laser]], operating at a [[wavelength]] of 405 [[Nanometre|nm]], to read and write data. The diodes are InGaN (Indium Gallium Nitride) lasers that produce 405nm [[photons]] directly, that is, without [[frequency doubling]] or other [[nonlinear optics|nonlinear optical]] mechanisms. Conventional [[DVD]]s and [[Compact Disc|CD]]s use red and near-infrared lasers, at 650&nbsp;nm and 780&nbsp;nm, respectively.

The blue-violet laser's shorter wavelength makes it possible to store more information on a 12&nbsp;cm CD/DVD-size disc. The minimum "[[spatial resolution|spot size]]" on which a laser can be focused is limited by [[diffraction]], and depends on the wavelength of the light and the [[Numerical aperture (microscopy)|numerical aperture]] of the [[lens (optics)|lens]] used to focus it. By decreasing the wavelength, increasing the numerical aperture from 0.60 to 0.85, and making the cover layer thinner to avoid unwanted optical effects, the laser beam can be focused to a smaller spot. This allows more information to be stored in the same area. For Blu-ray Disc, the spot size is 580 [[Nanometre|nm]]. In addition to the optical improvements, Blu-ray Discs feature improvements in data encoding that further increase the capacity. (See ''[[Compact Disc]]'' for information on optical discs' physical structure.)

===Hard-coating technology===
Since the Blu-ray Disc data layer is closer to the surface of the disc compared to the [[DVD]] standard, it was at first more vulnerable to scratches.<ref name="BDF general whitepaper">{{cite web
|url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/general_bluraydiscformat-15263.pdf
|title=White paper, Blu-ray Disc Format, General
|author=Blu-ray Disc Founders
|accessyear=2009-04-16
|date=2004-08}}</ref> The first discs were housed in [[caddy (hardware)|cartridges]] for protection, resembling [[Professional Disc]]s introduced by Sony in 2003.

Using a cartridge would increase price of already expensive media, so hard-coating of the pickup surface was chosen instead. [[TDK Corporation|TDK]] was the first company to develop a working scratch-protection coating for Blu-ray Discs. It was named [[Durabis]]. In addition, both Sony and Panasonic's replication methods include proprietary hard-coat technologies. Sony's rewritable media are spin-coated, using a scratch-resistant and antistatic coating. [[Verbatim Corporation|Verbatim's]] recordable and rewritable Blu-ray Discs use their own proprietary hard-coat technology, called ScratchGuard.

All Blu-Ray Disc media are required to use hard-coating.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}} 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 lineups of recordable DVDs.

===Recording speed===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
!colspan="1" rowspan="2"|Drive speed
!colspan="2" rowspan="1"|Data rate
!colspan="2" rowspan="1"|Write time for Blu-ray Disc (minutes)
|-align="center"
|[[Data rate units#Megabit per second|Mbit/s]]||[[Data rate units#Megabyte per second|MB/s]]||Single-Layer||Dual-Layer
|-align="center"
|1×||36 ||4.5 ||90||180
|-align="center"
|2×||72 ||9 ||45 ||90
|-align="center"
|4×||144 ||18 ||23 ||45
|-align="center"
|6×||216 ||27 ||15 ||30
|-align="center"
|8× ||288 ||36 ||12 ||23
|-align="center"
|12×<ref>[http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/20563-pioneer-launches-12x-blu-ray-burner.html Pioneer launches 12x Blu-ray burner]</ref>
||432 ||54 ||8 ||15
|}

==Software standards==
===Codecs===
The [[BD-ROM]] specification mandates certain codec compatibilities for both hardware decoders (players) and movie software (content).
====Video====
For video, all players are required to support [[MPEG-2 Part 2]], [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC]], and [[SMPTE]] [[VC-1]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/117681/bluray_disc_to_support_mpeg4_vc1.html|publisher=PCWorld|title=
Blu-ray Disc To Support MPEG-4, VC-1|accessdate=2009-01-29}}</ref> MPEG-2 is the codec used on regular [[DVD]]s, which allows [[backwards compatibility]]. MPEG-4 AVC was developed by [[MPEG]] and [[Video Coding Experts Group|VCEG]]. VC-1 is a codec that was mainly developed by [[Microsoft]]. BD-ROM titles with video must store video using one of the three mandatory codecs; multiple codecs on a single title are allowed.

The choice of codecs affects the producer's licensing/royalty costs as well as the title's maximum 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 codecs (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]] codec for [[HD DVD]] releases) for the first series of Blu-ray discs, which were launched throughout 2006.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}} 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 codecs also frees a lot of space for storage of bonus content in HD ([[1080i]]/[[1080p|p]]), as opposed to the [[Standard Definition|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 codec 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 bonus content.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}} Today, Warner and other studios typically provide bonus content in the video codec that matches the feature.

====Audio====
For audio, BD-ROM players are required to support [[Dolby Digital]] (AC-3), [[DTS Coherent Acoustics|DTS]], and [[Linear pulse code modulation|linear PCM]]. Players may optionally support [[Dolby Digital Plus]] and [[Digital Theater System#DTS-HD High Resolution Audio|DTS-HD High Resolution Audio]] as well as [[Lossless data compression|lossless]] formats [[Dolby TrueHD]] and [[DTS-HD Master Audio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.twice.com/article/CA6323699.html|publisher=TWICE|title=1st HD DVD Players To Decode All Mandatory, Optional Audio Codecs | accessdate=2009-01-29}}</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.

====Bitrate====
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 Mbit/s, a maximum AV bitrate of 48&nbsp;Mbit/s (for both audio and video data), and a maximum video bitrate of 40&nbsp;Mbit/s. This compares to HD DVD movies, which have a maximum data transfer rate of 36 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=2008-02-16}}</ref>

===Container Format===
Audio, video and other streams are [[multiplexed]] and stored on Blu-ray Video discs in a [[container format (digital)|container format]] based on the [[MPEG-2]] [[Transport stream]]. It is also known as [[Transport_stream#Modifications_of_transport_stream_specification_for_random-access_media_.28M2TS.29|BDAV MPEG-2 transport stream]] and can use filename extension [[.m2ts]].<ref name="bda-av">Blu-ray Disc Association (March 2005) [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/2b_bdrom_audiovisualapplication_0305-12955-15269.pdf BD ROM - Audio Visual Application Format Specifications] (PDF) Page 15, Retrieved on 2009-07-26</ref><ref name="bdav-videohelp">Videohelp.com [http://www.videohelp.com/hd What is Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD?], Retrieved on 2009-07-26</ref> Blu-ray Disc Video titles authored with menu support 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], Retrieved on 2009-07-26</ref><ref name="bdav">AfterDawn.com [http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/terms/bdav.cfm Glossary - BDAV container], Retrieved on 2009-07-26</ref> There is also the BDAV (Blu-ray Audio/Visual) disc format, the consumer oriented alternative to the BDMV discs made for movie releases. BDAV disc format is used on BD-RE and BD-R discs for audio/video recording.<ref name="bdav" /> Blu-ray employs the MPEG-2 transport stream recording method. That enables transport streams of digital broadcasts to be recorded as they are 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] (PDF), [http://www.blu-raydisc.com/en/Technical/TechnicalWhitePapers/BDRE.html Technical White Papers - BD RE], Retrieved on 2009-07-28</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 2009-07-28</ref> Blu-ray Disc Video use MPEG-2 transport streams, compared to DVD's [[program stream]]s. 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).

===Java software support===
{{Main|BD-J}}
At the 2005 [[JavaOne]] trade show, it was announced that [[Sun Microsystems]]' [[Java platform|Java]] cross-platform software environment would be included in all Blu-ray Disc players as a mandatory part of the standard.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}} 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.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}} This Java Version is called [[BD-J]] and is a subset of the [[Globally Executable MHP]] (GEM) standard; GEM is the worldwide version of the [[Multimedia Home Platform]] standard. Most Blu-ray Discs that have BD-J menus do not allow a Blu-ray Disc player to automatically resume a movie from the point at which it was stopped.

===Region codes===
[[File:Blu-ray regions with key.png|thumb|400px|right|Regions for the Blu-ray standard:<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.blu-raydisc.com/en/Technical/FAQs/Blu-rayDiscforVideo.html
|title=Blu-ray Disc for Video
|language=
|accessdate=2009-09-14
|year=
}}</ref><div style="font-size:110%;">
{{legend|#ffa208|A/1: The [[Americas]], and their [[Dependent territory|dependencies]], [[East Asia]] (except [[Mainland China]] and [[Mongolia]]), [[Southeast Asia]].}}
{{legend|#77b830|B/2: [[Africa]], [[Southwest Asia]], [[Europe]] (except [[Belarus]], Russia and [[Ukraine]]), [[Oceania]], and their [[Dependent territory|dependencies]].}}
{{legend|#ce5dff|C/3: [[Central Asia]], [[East Asia]] ([[Mainland China]] and [[Mongolia]] only), [[South Asia]], central [[Eurasia]] (including [[Russia]]), and their [[Dependent territory|dependencies]].}}</div>
]]
As with the implementation of [[DVD region codes|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, etc.) the ability to support product differences in content, price, release date, etc., by region. According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, "all Blu-ray Disc players...(and) Blu-ray Disc-equipped computer systems are required to support regional coding." However, "Use of region playback codes is optional for content providers..."<ref>[http://us.blu-raydisc.com/#/pages/faq "How does regional coding work in the computer space?"] us.blu-raydisc.com FAQ retrieved 2009-Oct-24</ref> Some current estimates suggest 70% of available Blu-ray (movie) 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"] accessed 2009-10-24</ref>

Movie studios have different region coding policies. Among major U.S. studios, [[Paramount Pictures]] and [[Universal Studios]] have released all of their titles region-free.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=RegionFree&Studio=Paramount |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Paramount |accessdate=2008-08-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=RegionFree&Studio=Universal |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Universal |accessdate=2008-08-13}}</ref> [[Sony Pictures]] and [[Warner Bros.]] have released most of their titles region-free.<ref>although titles released by Warner's [[New Line]] 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=RegionFree&Studio=Sony |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Sony |accessdate=2008-08-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=RegionFree&Studio=Warner |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Warner |accessdate=2008-08-13}}</ref> [[Lionsgate]] and [[Walt Disney Pictures]] have released a mix of region-free and region-coded titles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=RegionFree&Studio=Lionsgate |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Lionsgate |accessdate=2008-08-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php?OrderBy=RegionFree&Studio=Disney |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics Disney |accessdate=2008-08-13}}</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=RegionFree&Studio=Fox |title=Blu-ray Disc Statistics 20th Century Fox|accessdate=2008-08-13}}</ref>

The Blu-ray Disc region coding scheme divides the world into 3 regions, labelled 'A', 'B' and 'C'.
*Region A includes most North, Central and South American and Southeast Asian countries plus Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.
*Region B includes most European, African and southwest Asian countries plus Australia and New Zealand.
*Region C contains the remaining central and south Asian countries including China and Russia.

In attempts to circumvent region coding restrictions, stand-alone Blu-ray Disc players are sometimes modified by third parties to allow for playback of Blu-ray (and DVD) discs 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"] www.engadgethd.com, Accessed 2009-10-24</ref> Instructions ('hacks') describing how to reset the Blu-ray region counter of some computer BD Disc player applications to make them multi-region indefinitely are also regularly posted to video-enthusiast websites and fora. Unlike DVD region codes, Blu-ray region codes are verified only by the player software, NOT by the drive and the computer operating system. The code is stored in a file of the player program or in the registry. In stand-alone players, it is part of the firmware.

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

====AACS====
The [[Advanced Access Content System]] (AACS) is a standard for [[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 Corporation|Panasonic]], [[Warner Bros.]], [[IBM]], [[Toshiba]], and [[Sony]].

Since appearing in devices in 2006, several successful attacks have been made on the format. The first known attack relied on the [[trusted client]] problem. In addition, decryption keys have been extracted from a weakly protected player ([[WinDVD]]). 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=2008-01-14}}</ref> this is only a temporary attack, and new keys must continually be discovered in order to decrypt the latest discs. This [[Cat and mouse|cat-and-mouse game]] has gone through several cycles, and as of August 2008, all [[Security of Advanced Access Content System#Media key block renewals|current AACS decryption keys]] are available on the Internet.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}}

====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.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}}

The specifications of the BD+ virtual machine are available only to licensed device manufacturers. A list of licensed commercial adopters is available from the [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. Versions of BD+ protection have been circumvented by various versions of the [[AnyDVD]] HD program. Another program known to be capable of circumventing BD+ protection is [[DumpHD]] (versions 0.6 and above, along with some supporting software), which is available with freeware license and known to be compatible with MacOS X, Linux, Windows and other platforms running Java.<ref> [http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=123111) Doom9.org]</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. Bit-by-bit copies that do not replicate the BD-ROM Mark are impossible to decode.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} A specially licensed piece of hardware is required to insert the ROM-mark into the media during replication. Through licensing of the special hardware element, the BDA believes that it can eliminate the possibility of mass producing BD-ROMs without authorization.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}}

==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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmorepublic.com/media/blu-ray-profiles-everything-you-wanted-know-1270 |title=Blu-ray profiles, everything you wanted to know |accessdate=2007-12-19 |author= |date=2007-12-17 |work= |publisher=}}</ref> All three of the video-based player profiles (BD-Video) are required to have a full implementation of [[BD-J]], with varying levels of hardware support.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="3"|Feature
! rowspan="2"|BD-Audio
! colspan="3"|BD-Video
|-align="center"
| width="150"| ''Grace Period'' {{ref|profiles_table_note_d|[d]}}
| width="150"| ''Bonus View''
| width="150"| ''BD-Live''{{ref|profiles_table_note_e|[e]}}
|-align="center"
| width="100"| Profile 3.0 {{ref|profiles_table_note_c|[c]}}
| Profile 1.0
| Profile 1.1
| Profile 2.0
|-align="center"
| Built-in persistent memory
| No
| 64 KB
| 64 KB
| 64 KB
|-align="center"
| Local storage capability{{ref|profiles_table_note_a|[a]}}
| No
| Optional
| 256 MB
| 1 GB
|-align="center"
| Secondary video decoder ([[Picture-in-picture|PiP]])
| No
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|-align="center"
| Secondary audio decoder{{ref|profiles_table_note_b|[b]}}
| No
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|-align="center"
| [[Virtual file system]]
| No
| Optional
| Mandatory
| Mandatory
|-align="center"
| Internet connection capability
| No
| No
| No
| 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=2008-06-26 |author=Christian Lysvåg |publisher=Music Information Centre Norway |date=2008-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/29/first-blu-ray-record-divertimenti-released/ |title=First Blu-ray record, Divertimenti, released |date-2008-05-28 |accessdate=2008-07-05 |author=Joshua 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 1, 2007, the Grace Period Profile was superseded by Bonus View as the minimum profile for new BD-Video players released to the market.<ref name="BonusView">{{cite web|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6495668.html|title=Blu-ray Disc Assn. promotes new Bonus View}}</ref> 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=2007-11-23|accessdate=2007-12-18}}</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 (usually via a standard Ethernet RJ-45 network port) 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=2008-10-28 |accessdate=2009-02-14 }}</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=2008-11-11 |accessdate=2009-02-14 }}</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=2008-11-09 |accessdate=2009-02-14 }}</ref> Note that while some Bonus View players may have an Ethernet port, these are used for firmware updates and are not used for internet-based content.{{citation needed|date=November 2009}} In addition, Profile 2.0 also requires more local storage in order to handle this content.

With the exception of the LG-BH100, the LG-BH200, the [[PlayStation 3]], and the Samsung BD-UP5000, Profile 1.0 players cannot be upgraded to be Bonus View or BD-Live compliant.<ref>[http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9808376-1.html Does Blu-ray Profile 1.1 make past players obsolete?] from cnet.com</ref><ref>[http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/samsungs-already-awesome-hd-disc-hybrid-bd+up5000-upgraded-to-profile-11-bye-bye-format-bitching-314480.php Samsung's Already Awesome HD Disc Hybrid BD-UP5000 Upgraded to Profile 1.1] from gizmodo.com</ref><ref>http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/terms/profile_1_1.cfm Afterdawn.com</ref>

==Backward compatibility==
Though not compulsory, the Blu-ray Disc Association recommends 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=2009-01-25}}</ref> A few early Blu-ray Disc players released in 2006 could play standard 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=2008-08-30}}</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=2007-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://hometheater.about.com/od/blurayandhddvd/p/sonybluraybdps1.htm
|title=Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Profile
|accessdate=2008-09-17}}</ref>

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

Also, behind closed doors at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] 2007, [[Ritek]] 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 support the additional layers.<ref> {{cite web
|url=http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5656
|title=Three HD Layers Today, Ten Tomorrow
|accessdate=2007-04-24
|date=2007-01-10
|last=Yam
|first=Marcus
|work=DailyTech
}}</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. If successfully commercialized, this would enable the consumer to purchase a disc that can be played on current 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=2006-05-30
|year=2006
}}</ref> Japanese optical disc manufacturer Infinity announced the first "hybrid" Blu-ray Disc/(standard) DVD combo, to be released February 18, 2009. "Code Blue" will feature four hybrid discs containing a single Blu-ray Disc layer (25GB) and two standard DVD layers (9 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=2009-02-18
|year=2009
}}</ref>

In January 2007, [[Hitachi, Ltd.|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'
|accessdate=2008-01-06
}}</ref> Unlike [[TDK]] 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>[http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/126871/hitachi-showcases-100gb-bluray-disc.html Hitachi unveils 100 GB Blu-ray disc]</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 is in the 2009–10 time frame for ROM and 2010–13 for rewritable discs. Ongoing development is under way to create a 1&nbsp;[[Terabyte|TB]] Blu-ray Disc as soon as 2013.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://digitimes.com/news/a20081201PD212.html
|title=Pioneer showcases 16-layer 400GB optical disc
|accessdate=2008-12-02
}}</ref>

At CES 2009, Panasonic unveiled the DMP-B15, the first portable Blu-ray Disc player, and 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.

{{As of|2008|April}}{{update after|2009|10|1}}, a joint licensing agreement for Blu-ray Disc has not yet been finalized.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ip.philips.com/articles/latestnews_newscenter/20080402PhilipsintroducespatentlicensesforBlurayDisc.html |title=Philips introduces patent licenses for Blu-ray Disc (Press Release) |accessdate=2008-04-20 |date=2008-04-02 }}</ref> A joint licensing agreement would make it easier for companies to get a license for Blu-ray Disc without having to go to each individual company that owns a Blu-ray Disc patent. For this reason, a joint licensing agreement was eventually made for DVD by the [[DVD6C|DVD6C Licensing Agency]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvd6cla.com/news_19990611.html |title=DVD Patent Licensing Program Announced by Six Companies |date=1999-06-11 |accessdate=2008-06-21}}</ref>

The Blu-ray Disc Association has 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 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=2009-05-20 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref>

==Variants==
===Mini Blu-ray Disc===
The "Mini Blu-ray Disc" (also, "Mini-BD" and "Mini Blu-ray") is a compact 8&nbsp;cm (~3in)-diameter variant of the Blu-ray Disc that can store approximately 7.5 GB of data. It is similar in concept to the [[MiniDVD]] and [[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/news/news_detail.cfm?news_id=26ADC32F-1143-3415-5F8FFB8D7D07B77E
|title=Verbatim to Launch World’s First Mini BD Media
}} </ref>

===Blu-ray Disc recordable===
{{Main|Blu-ray Disc recordable}}
"Blu-ray Disc recordable" refers to two [[optical disc]] formats that can be recorded with an [[optical disc recorder]]. BD-R discs can be written to once, whereas BD-RE can be erased and re-recorded multiple times. The current practical maximum speed for Blu-ray Discs is about 12×. Higher speeds of rotation (10,000+ rpm) cause too much wobble for the discs to be read properly, as with the 20× and 52× maximum speeds, respectively, of standard [[DVD]]s and [[Compact Disc|CDs]].

Since September 2007, [[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, 2007-08-03.</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 [[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 gained official support for 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 25GB disc in about 16 minutes.<ref>[http://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 the previous releases of 120&nbsp;mm [[optical disc]]s (i.e., [[CD]]s 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 25/50GB 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 9GB dual-layer DVD disc. This red-laser media could be manufactured on existing DVD production lines with lower costs of production than the 25/50GB 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=2007-10-18 |date=2006-04-11 |work=cdrinfo.com}}</ref>

Usage of BD9 for releasing content on "pressed" discs has never caught on. After the end of the format war, major producers ramped up the production of Blu-Ray discs and lowered their prices to the level of DVD discs. 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 4.5GB DVD discs has been unofficially called BD5. Both formats are being used by individual users 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=2007-08-19 }} </ref>

Despite the fact that the BD9 format has been adopted as part of the BD-ROM basic format, none of existing Blu-Ray player models supports it explicitly. As such, 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 DVD discs, but unlike BD9 and BD5 these formats have limited interactivity, codec types, and data rates.

===AVCHD===
{{Main|AVCHD}}
AVCHD has been originally developed as a high definition format for consumer [[tapeless]] [[camcorder]]s. Derived from the Blu-ray Disc specification, AVCHD uses lower data rate, simpler interactivity and cheaper media. AVCHD specification allows recording AVC-encoded video onto DVD discs, as well as onto other types of [[random access]] media like [[Secure Digital card|SD]]/[[Secure Digital card#SDHC|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>

Being primarily an acquisition format, AVCHD can also be used for [[AVCHD#AVCHD as a distribution_format|distribution]] of high definition video using inexpensive media like conventional DVD discs and flash memory cards. Many Blu-Ray Disc players support AVCHD playback from DVD discs. Many Panasonic and JVC HD television sets and Blu-Ray Disc players support AVCHD playback from SDHC memory cards.

===AVCREC===
{{Main|AVCREC}}
AVCREC uses BDAV container to record high definition content on conventional DVD discs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-raydisc.info/format_spec/avcrec_specs.php |title=AVREC Format Specifications }} </ref> Presently AVCREC is tightly integrated with Japanese [[ISDB]] broadcast standard and is not marketed outside of Japan. AVCREC is used primarily in set-top digital video recorders and in this regard is comparable to [[HD DVD#HD REC|HD REC]].

==See also==
{{Portal|Blu-ray}}
* [[Optical_disc_authoring#Blu-ray_Disc|Blu-ray Disc authoring]]
* [[Blu-ray Disc recordable]]
* [[Comparison of high definition optical disc formats]]

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

==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.html Blu-ray Disc Association's Technical White Papers]
* [http://www.blu-raydisc.info/ Blu-ray Disc License Web Site]
* [http://www.aacsla.com/home AACSLA.com]

{{Audio format}}
{{Video storage formats}}
{{HighDefinitionMedia}}
{{High-definition}}

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[[Category:High-definition television]]
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[[Category:2006 introductions]]
[[Category:Java platform]]

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Revision as of 02:44, 12 November 2009

Blu-Ray is a piece of crud!

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