The Cost and Benefits of Blu-ray
11-01-09
It is hard to resist the crystal clear images of Blu-ray video, which is leading the majority of consumers to desert the old DVD format in favor of this newer contender. There is obviously no denying the quality, but there are also other elements that add to the allure of Blu-ray.
If there is one draw back to adopting Blu-ray, it’s the associated expenses. Most movie buffs have been around long enough to remember replacing VHS tapes with DVDs and it seems the past is repeating itself with the move to Blu-ray. But this time it is more than the discs and player that need to be replaced, which means the cost to upgrade can be steep.
As many have witnessed, technology is never a sure bet. It seems that the invention of newer, better products is ever more present. This fact makes it difficult for many consumers to feel comfortable making a large investment in something as new as Blu-ray for fear it might succumb to the next big idea.
Given the concern regarding lasting technology, it makes sense to assess patterns and developments in the market to better gauge the staying power of Blu-ray. One major trend to note is the continuous creation of media titles in this format. The fact that the industry sees reason to spend money banking on the technology is a positive sign.
As one might assume from the name, Blu-ray discs differ from DVD primarily due to the type of laser they use. While a DVD’s read-write capabilities come from a red laser, Blu-ray uses a blue-violet laser, which provides higher quality sound and picture.
The laser technology used on Blu-ray discs allows more data to be compacted onto the playing surface. The accuracy of the new laser reaps a double benefit: More data is available to support the quality of the recorded media and this data can be read in greater detail. At the same time, the discs, equipment and controls look more or less the same as their predecessors.
The advent of Blu-ray technology alongside HD television created a perfect storm for consumers to enjoy recorded movies and shows at a level of detail and quality never before experienced. While one may not “need” this level of detail, it is hard to go back to a regular recording after the experience. What was once acceptable suddenly seems dull.
Not only has the beauty of Blu-ray drawn buyers in, but also the gradual reduction in prices over time. Both discs and players have dropped, as have HD TVs. Once a luxury, these components are now becoming accessible to most homes. And those who resisted in the past are finding less reason to hold out.
While some hesitate to make the investment in Blu-ray technology, there are no challenges to the jump in quality offered by the new format. The inclusion of Blu-ray in Home PCs is a sure sign that businesses are confident in the market. The strongest influences on consumer choice remain the economy and personal budgets.
To see a collection of all available Bluray movies visit http://www.channelblu-raydvds.com
Tags: blu-ray discs, blu-ray player, dvd, entertainment, hd movies, movies, Video