What is Blu-Ray? This question is gaining in popularity as the format becomes more well known. Related to this, are other questions such as do I need a HD TV to use a Blu-Ray player, what about the other format called HD-DVD and which format will be the next standard? And of course, should I buy a Blu-Ray player today and can I use my Playstation 3 as a Blu-Ray player? We provide all the Blu-Ray details below.
What is Blu-Ray? Blu-Ray is the next format for High Definition (HD) movies and other data storage, it is replacing the DVD. Blu-Ray can hold over 5 times the amount of information of a typical DVD therefore providing superior sound, surround sound instead of just stereo, and video at 1080P. The name is based from the type of laser, blue-violet in color, that is used to read and write the disc.
Do I need to buy a HD TV to use a Blu-Ray player? The short answer is no, but make sure you read on. Blu-Ray provides HD at 1080P (See 1080P vs 720P or 1080P vs 1080i for additional details), which is higher quality format then the other HD options. However if you do not have a TV that can display this format, what you see will be downgraded to a level that your existing TV and cables (even if you have the correct TV and player without the right video cables you still will not be able to view 1080P) can support. Therefore unless you have a TV that can display the HD format there is no gain to buying a Blu-Ray player. You may want to wait until you buy a new TV as the players are expected to drop in price quickly and you could save some money by waiting.
What about the other format called HD-DVD? Which format will win? There is another HD format called HD-DVD. This is similar to Blu-Ray in that it is purposed to replace the DVD and provide a better storage format for movies. See our Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD article for additional information.
Should I buy a Blu-Ray player today? As with any new format, the players are rather expensive today and expected to drop in price quickly. Also there is a chance that the competing HD-DVD format will become the next standard rather than Blu-Ray however that is looking less and less likely as more time goes by. There are players available that support both formats which will eliminate that risk of getting stuck with a player that does not support whichever format wins. If you have a television that supports Blu-Ray and price is not an issue than definitely go ahead and buy one, the picture is amazing.
Can I use my Sony PS3 as a Blu-Ray player? Yes, the Sony PS3 (Playstation 3) is a Blu-Ray player, DVD player and CD player amongst the other things it does. You can also get an optional remote making this a good choice at a reasonable cost.
What is Blue Ray? Blue Ray is often accidentally used when referring to Blu-Ray. Therefore the What is Blue Ray question is the same as What is Blu-Ray.
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