2. How Blu-Ray Discs Work Encodes data onto a disc by creating pits with a laser that can be read as binary code, just like CDs and DVDs. Uses 405nm blue (actually violet) laser, while DVDs use 650nm and CDs use 780nm red lasers. The smaller wavelength laser allows pits to be much smaller and closer together, allowing much more data to be recorded in the same area.

3. How Blu-Ray Discs Work Cont. Data is recorded closer to the surface, eliminating problems of birefringence and disc tilt Hard coating on surface to protect from scratches and fingerprints

4. Background Created by Sony and introduced in 2002, they went on the market in 2006. Had big competition from Toshiba's HD-DVDs: Based on similar technology, Have slightly smaller storage size, Their players can also play normal DVDs Blu-ray won the format war this spring, but still not very popular Prices too high Most people satisfied with DVDs Blu-ray are finally gaining popularity this fall, Prices starting to go down, to under $300 by the holiday season More blu-ray movies being released.

5. Benefits of Blu-ray Discs Durable and Accurate Increased storage capacity 5 to 10 x more storage space then a DVD More convenient when burning large amount of information Better resolution and sound quality 5 x better resolution then a DVD User friendly Easy transition from DVD to Blu-Ray

6. Criticisms of Blu-ray Discs HD-DVDs provide comparable storage and could be manufactured with the same equipment used to produce DVDs, saving on costs. Blu-ray players are significantly more expensive than HD-DVD players. HDTV required to fully utilize HD content on Blu-ray DVDs are still good enough First generation technology is prone to bugs and glitches Blu-ray discs have playback problems due to an issue with the Sony BDP-S1 players’ handling of BD-J, the interactive Blu-ray Java specifications. Through the use of better codec technology, the space on Blu-Ray discs is not actually needed for high-definition movies.

7. Opinion We support the use of Blu-ray technology because its large capacity will be necessary to satisfy the ever growing demand for data storage as HD content becomes more prevalent and publishers include more features. However, we recommend waiting until second generation players are released and prices drop. Also, HD-DVD already lost.