Weighing in on Blu-ray

By Robert Mann

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.

Blu-ray technology has an almost irresistible appeal but there are a few considerations that cause some buyers to hesitate. The cost of switching from DVD involves not only replacing an existing movie and TV collection but also investing in HD televisions and accessories to accommodate the high-quality format.

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.

Addressing the technology itself, traditional DVD players use a red laser to read and write on discs. Next generation players use a blue-violet laser, which gave birth to the name Blu-ray. The blue-violet laser has a much higher degree of accuracy that enables improvements in resolution and sound for media.

Blu-ray discs and players may look the same as those used with DVDs, but there are various differences. Most apparent are those qualities that are associated with performance. Because a Blu-ray disc can hold more information than a DVD disc, the media receives better and more complete support. The result of this is data that is handled with very little error, which makes for a higher-quality product.

Add the technology of Blu-ray to the clarity of HD TVs and home entertainment has become closer to virtual reality than ever before. And like most new technology, one experience might be enough to convince consumers to buy.

To further entice even the most resistant shopper, the elevated pricing of both Blu-ray and HD is becoming a thing of the past. Only a few short years ago the cost seemed outrageous and out of reach for the average buyer, but now there are versions that are in budget range for most consumers.

Household budgeting and market climate will always affect consumer trends, but the continued advancement of this technology seems to indicate that Blu-ray is here to stay. - 29967

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