What is Blu-Ray?

DVD revolutionised the way we watched our films, Blu-ray is the next step in that media evolution.

This step is as significant as the change from video to DVD. Once you watch Blu-ray, it's difficult to go back to DVD, as you realise exactly what you have been missing – vivid colours, crisp pictures, clearer sound and more detail in every frame of your favourite films.

Blu-ray technology found its name due to the focused blue laser used to read the disc, a disc which is the same size as a DVD but contains almost six times the amount of information, including nine hours of high definition action. It's unsurprising at how good this technology is when you consider that it's supported by many of the world's biggest names in consumer electronics, such as Sony, Apple and Panasonic.

With so much extra space available, nothing needs to be missed out from the disc, meaning every frame is sharper and more detailed. However, the improvements don't stop with the improved visuals as Blu-ray produces an immaculate sound, with 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus quality that draws you into the film like never before. With features to boast about like these, it's unsuprising that the world is turning blue.

What is Blu-ray disc?

Blu-ray disc is the next-generation entertainment format specifically designed to show crystal-clear images on a high-definition television, with a picture that’s four to six times the quality of standard DVD. Plus, with 7.1 surround sound and a new standard of interactive content, superb picture quality is just the beginning.

What equipment do I need to watch Blu-ray?

Firstly, you must have a HD ready television (it will tell you in the manual or on the tv/box). Almost all new flat-screen TVs are now HD Ready. Then all you need is a Blu-ray player or a PlayStation 3 and you are ready to experience your favourite movies, TV shows and music on Blu-ray disc in high-definition quality. An optional surround sound system would also make the most of Blu-ray’s 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus audio quality.

Can I play my old DVDs on a Blu-Ray player?

Yes, Blu-ray players are fully compatible with existing DVDs so your old collection of DVD's will work perfectly on a Blu-ray player – although the picture will not be in high definition.

Is my new HD-Ready TV not already displaying high-definition content?

Not necessarily. Most TV channels are broadcast in standard definition, and a DVD will only play in standard definition even on a high-definition TV. If your TV is HD Ready, you need dedicated high definition content like Blue-ray discs or the sky HD package to get a high-definition picture.

Why can’t I get High Definition from a DVD?

High-definition content takes up a lot of space that can't fit on a DVD. Blu-ray’s has a huge storage capacity, the equivalent of up to six DVD’s on a single disc

Is there be a good range of content on Blu-ray?

Blu-ray has the support of over 170 of the biggest names in electronics, computing, video gaming, music and movies. Every one of them is dedicated to releasing their media onto Blu-ray, so you can expect a huge range of high-definition films, TV, games and music to choose from.

Take a look at the range of Blu-ray media that is available from play and hmv if you don't believe us!