Untap your bluray to it utmost

We are all aware of the many advances in technology which have been introduced to us in the past few decades and the different ways in which these have enriched our lives. When it comes to field of media, this is a change which has evolved the way in which we can not only store and view data, but also the way in which we can view different forms of entertainment.

For many decades, we have enjoyed viewing different forms of visual media in a variety of different ways. During the 1970s, we were introduced to the VHS (Video Home System) which not only allowed us to view manufactured films and television programmes, but also provided us with the ability to record programmes, etc from our televisions directly to a hard copy in the form of a video cassette. Although an innovative idea at the time, this created a range of issues such as the vulnerability of the tape which could lead to distorted or lost data. As we approached the millennium, these issues were soon resolved in the invention of the Digital Versatile Disc, or DVD which was brought to our attention during the mid nineties. Although originally not accepted by everyone due to the higher price of this format compared to the VHS format, DVDs allowed us to not only view visual entertainment from a smaller product in the form of a disc, but also opened up other watching experiences in the form of widescreen imagery and bonus features. In all, providing the consumer with more for their money compared to the traditional VHS format.

The introduction of DVDs has exploded into a huge empire due the additional extras which are provided to the consumer, as well as the advantage it gives to the manufacturers in terms of how many they are able to produce in a short space of time. Taking into consideration extra footage released by the film companies which has resulted in ‘Special Editions’ been released, the DVD format has created a goldmine within the field of entertainment. However, the ways in which DVD have evolved from the VHS has also benefitted homeowners everywhere. DVD recording has replaced the traditional VHS recording, allowing us to not only record multiple films and television programmes, but also allow us to easily and quickly remove unwanted data without jeopardising any existing data on the discs. However, as further advances in technology have been realised, the ingenuity of the DVD is soon becoming something of the past.

We are aware of the newest craze within DVD replication and printing in the Blu-ray format. Designed in order to keep up with the advances made with high definition viewing, Blu-ray or blue-violet laser discs, use not only a shorter wavelength than DVD discs, but also allow for up to ten times more data to be stored on to them compared to the DVD. Although these are slightly more expensive that DVDs generally seem to be on the market at the moment, this newer format allows the viewer to be provided with only the best quality in viewing, showing us just how far we have come in terms of technology. For many, it can be confusing as to which form we should stick with, especially as many may have only just come to terms with the concept of DVD. However, when you take into consideration the quality and size of data which can be stored onto these discs, it shows how much you really are getting for your money. Regardless of whether you are a novice or are well aware of these advances, the level of realism and richness which comes from the image quality is something which cannot be denied.

Whether this new format will last the test of time is something which can only be determined by the consumers who purchase these discs and the experts. However, when you think about the advances which have been made since that very first VHS, it is clear to see that as we expect more from other areas, Blu-ray has the potential to become something bigger than we ever thought possible.

By: Jonathan V Moore