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Blu-Ray Disc Players Introduction

The first Blu-ray disc players were launched in the UK in 2006 and the range available is predicted to expand dramatically as the Blu-ray disc gradually replaces the DVD.

What is a Blu-ray Disc Player?

The Blu-ray disc player is a new type of audio-visual equipment specifically designed to play Blu-ray discs.

The Blu-ray disc is a new optical disc format designed to ultimately replace the DVD. Developed by a group of leading consumer electronics companies, including household names such as Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson, the Blu-ray disc uses a blue-violet laser to read and write data rather than the red laser used when reading and writing CDs and DVDs.

The blue-violet laser can be focused on data more accurately because it has a shorter wavelength than the red laser, and so Blu-ray discs can store up to five times the amount of data that can be stored on CDs or DVDs. A single-layered Blu-ray disc can store up to 25GB of data, and a dual-layered Blu-ray disc can store up to 50GB of data.

A 50GB Blu-ray disc can hold over nine hours of high-definition video content or around 23 hours of standard definition video content, meaning that it has the capacity to store far more special features and content than a DVD, and it can also support more interactive menus and graphics.

This extra storage capacity also means that the Blu-ray disc can support high-definition (HD) audio and visual formats, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite movies in HD. The Blu-ray disc is also more scratch-resistant than a DVD as it’s hard-coated, so your discs should last longer.

Blu-ray disc players are also backwards-compatible, so you’ll still be able to play your old DVD collection – you won’t need to replace all your movies overnight!

Advantages of a Blu-ray Disc Player

• Better picture and sound quality – Blu-ray discs can support HD recordings, so a Blu-ray disc player will allow you to make the most of your HD-ready TV.
• Extra features – a Blu-ray disc player will allow you to enjoy the special features that are likely to be included on Blu-ray disc versions of your favourite films thanks to the extra storage capacity offered by this disc format.
• Backwards compatible – Most models of Blu-ray disc player allow you to play all your old DVDs as well as new Blu-ray discs, so you won’t have to replace your collection of movies immediately.
• Durable discs – Blu-ray discs have a hard coating, so they are more scratch-resistant and durable than DVDs.
• Better menus and graphics – The extra storage capacity offered by Blu-ray discs means that Blu-ray disc players offer far more complex and interactive graphics and on-screen menus than those offered by DVD players.

Disadvantages of a Blu-ray Disc Player

• Price – The biggest disadvantage of the Blu-ray disc player is that it costs far more than a DVD player. However, as the Blu-ray disc player has only just been launched in the UK, it’s likely that models will become far cheaper in the future as the format becomes more popular. You can also find some great deals on Blu-ray disc players by shopping around online. Visit our Where to Buy section for details of some of the leading online retailers.
• Need for an HDTV – You’ll need an HD-ready TV in order to use your new Blu-ray disc player, so if you don’t already have an HDTV, you will need to buy one. However, HD-ready televisions are becoming less expensive to buy as they become more mainstream. Check out our New TV Guide - HDTV Information for more information.
• Limited choice – As the Blu-ray disc player has only recently been launched in the UK, there are only a few brands and models to choose from. However, it’s likely that many other leading companies will launch models in the near future.
• Lack of recording capability – At the moment, there are no Blu-ray Disc recorders on the market, although there are plans to launch a range of these in the future. If you want to buy a piece of equipment to record your favourite TV programmes, take a look at our page on DVD recorders instead.

Further Information

You can also find some hints and tips on what to look for when choosing a Blu-ray disc player in our How to Choose section.

If you want to buy a Blu-ray disc player, you can find out more about some of the top online suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, in our Where to Buy section.

You can learn more about other types of DVD player in our Types section.

You can find out more about specific manufacturers and brands of DVD player in our Brands and Top Models sections.