The story goes back to the early 80s when the earliest forms of Compact Discs or CDs were first introduced. The introduction of CDs was a giant leap in that era, as they were far superior to any other form of media at that time. The CDs offered more storage spaces and provided better sound quality. It thus became an instant hit with recordable, pre-recorded and rewritable media. CDs of that time had a storage capacity of 650 MB.



However, nothing can stop the evolution of technology. The need to have devices that were even more compact and could carry higher quality images was felt. The change was inevitable. Thus, DVDs came into existence as early as 90s.The DVDs had far more storage capacity when compared to traditional CDs. DVDs also offered superior quality, high definition video distribution and recording. These features however, couldn't stop further technological evolution. The next generation media by the name Blu-ray disc was born. This evolution took place in the mid 90s with the introduction of HDTV sets. Consumers using these media felt there was no other media in comparison with these discs, as none of them could store HD codecs.

The first set of blue laser diodes were invented by Shuji Nakamura. These diodes used lasers with shorter wavelengths and were able to create optical storage of higher capacity.

Blu-ray discs in comparison with DVDs

In terms of physical size, Blu-ray discs and DVDs are both quite similar. But, the former is capable of storing and reading much more data. This is because it uses blue laser instead of red ones as used by DVDs. Each of these disc formats has their own backers. Behind Blu-ray stands Dell, Sony, HP, Panasonic, Hitachi, Philips, Samsung and backing for DVDs comes from NEC, Toshiba and other major studios like Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios.

In terms of storage space, Blu-ray scores higher than DVDs. The former offers 25 GB for single-layer and 50 GB for dual-layer. The latter offers only 15 GB for single-layer and 30 GB for dual-layer. Holding 25 GB of data in a single layer is undoubtedly the strongest playing card for the Blu-ray. The dual-layer Blu-ray disc is capable to capture a full 1080p high definition image. It has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels as compared to 720 by 480 pixels of a standard DVD. The bandwidth of a Blu-ray is far higher as compared to that of DVD. Furthermore, if your DVD goes obsolete, you don't have to worry one bit. This is because Blu-ray's have the capability to play DVDs.

Considering all these salient features, future looks bright for Blu-ray. The Blu-ray players and discs will be there for a long time to come or until another invention will sweep us off our feet. Until then, we can enjoy the indispensable features of Blu-rays.