Blu-ray (BR) technology is a type of optical media (disc) format used to store high-definition video and audio files. To fully understand the essence of this technology, you should understand the main nuances:
For CDs and DVDs, red or infrared light is used to get information from them. But the blue-violet laser has a shorter wavelength, which allows you to significantly increase the focus and “examine” those parts of the disk that the red beam was not able to see.
In view of the possibility to place more information on a disc of the same size as a DVD (physical), it was possible to achieve Full-HD resolution. These are films that have impressive clarity, overall quality of the video stream, and even sound.
With HDTV and a good sound system, it’s possible to take the movie experience to the next level:
- the quality of details on the screen has improved a lot;
- previously blurred objects in the background have clear outlines;
- the sound has become indistinguishable from the real thing: interference and poor quality are a thing of the past;
- the number of FPS (frames per second) was increased from 24 to 60.
With such image quality and smooth video, Blu-ray instantly became the leader and is unparalleled. Even high-quality satellite television is unable to provide content of this level.
Due to the ability to read previously inaccessible information departments, a BR disc can accommodate 5 times more data than a DVD and 8 times more if the disc is double-layered.
With all these indicators, the whole picture opens up: Blu-ray technology allows you to get the highest quality image and sound in all existing parameters. However, the use of BR technology is not always exclusively beneficial.
Advantages and disadvantages
Everything in our world has its pros and cons, and Blu-ray is no exception. The list of undoubted advantages includes:
- availability for placement of a large amount of information (up to 4 hours of high-definition video);
- the amazing quality of video and audio streams;
- more reliable and accurate reading of information;
- additional interactive features;
- backward compatibility (for Blu-ray players);
- use of modern coding algorithms;
- picture-in-picture function.
These and other advantages of this technology are described in this video.
However, there are some disadvantages associated with this format:
Blu-ray players can play DVD and CD movies without any problems. But on a standard DVD player, you will never be able to watch a movie in Blu-ray quality. The way information is read by such a player is simply not suitable for this format.
Therefore, it is not enough to buy a disc – you also need a BR player and let’s not forget, the prices for it are very significant.
How to digitize a DVD or Blu-ray movie?
If you have a sizable collection of DVDs and Blu-ray discs gathering dust, you might want to consider digitizing them so you can watch them on your phone, computer, or tablet—anywhere, anytime.
The truth is that copying a DVD or Blu-ray movie and transferring it to your computer (also known as “ripping”) will only bring you advantages, and it is also easier than you think.