Most of use can still remember how the movies were before the advent of High
Definition media. We somehow all lived through a full VHS re-recorded movie,
even after the VCR eat up the tape and unceremoniously spat out the VHS with
the tangled innards still wrestling with its teeth. Surround sound was only
experienced when inside a full movie theater, and the sound did not come from
the movie itself but from the gaggle of teenagers heckling the un-minding screen.
But in today's era, you can almost hear the "I can't live without
HDTV" wailings echo through the suburbs. High Definition TV came in all
kinds from movies to sports, games and even on the World Wide Web. Barely ten
years ago, we were all agog over the development of the DVD, unsure of where
it would take us. Now, it seems we are on the verge of another generation of
mass hysteria, the world's oldest marketing magic.
Leaving the competition choking in the aftermath of its whirlwind debut is
the Blu-Ray Disc (BD), the newest kid on the optical disc format
block. It was developed by Apple, Dell, HP and a hundred other bandwagon
jumpers merely five years ago. It was built to accommodate the stringent
needs of High Definition which all boiled down to one thing: ample
storage capacity. Its high storage capacity meant that each Blu-Ray
disc is equal to ten DVD's, or 50 GB of pure unadulterated
space. Just this year, TDK has even announced that it has developed
a 200GB BD and a prototype 8cm mini BD with a 16.5GB storage capacity.
The BD is also making waves due to its rapid technological advancements,
considering it is barely five years into its development.
Sony has even found a way to developed 25 gigabyte Blu-Ray discs from recycled
paper. The end product will be made from 51% paper and is expected to lower
production costs of each disc. Kudos to Sony for being environmentally concerned
and consumer friendly at the same time.
The standard Blu-ray Disc will feature 1080p resolution, guaranteed to make
theater owners collectively scream "Ouch!" with it's film like
qualities. Hi Def movies at home will make trips to the local theater so very,
fifties. Nobody goes to drive in movies anymore, Grandpa, not when you can have
the real thing in the comfort of your own home.
The colossal storage capacity ensures that it has more than enough
space for totally surround sound, and so much more. It can support
7.1 channel audio, compare that with it's 5.1 cousin from last
year. It has also accomplished a whole new level of interactive
content with its multi-layered display. You can access menu options
without having to lose your place in the movie.
And best of all, it is backwards compatible, so all your CD and
DVD collections will not feel left out of the fun. But you just
will not achieve the same Hi Def quality content as with the Blu-Ray
Disc. So pack your TiVo, the Blu-Ray is here to stay.
