We all have the same questions. What is Blu-ray? How much does it cost? Should I upgrade?

Blu-ray Disc (BD) is an optical disc storage format that was developed to enable the recording, playback, and rewriting of high-definition (HD) video and data. Blu-ray was designed as the next-generation technology to ultimately replace standard digital video disc (DVD) technologies. It was developed jointly by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of manufacturers led by Sony. Although a Blu-ray disc is the same size as a DVD, it offers five times the storage capacity and provides a screen resolution six times greater than that of a DVD. Blu-ray takes its name from the blue-violet laser that is used to read and write information (current DVD technologies use a red laser).

Here are some things to consider in deciding whether or not to upgrade right away.

• Blu-ray Disc players currently cost nearly twice that of DVD players. Most are priced in the $300 to $400 range, but basic players can be had for around $200. If you have the budget for a Blu-ray player, consider that you’ll also have to upgrade to a high-definition
  television. Without it, you won’t see any improvement in quality.
• Most electronics manufacturers support Blu-ray technology. Hollywood and other smaller studios have followed with their support, so new feature movies will be released on Blu-ray Disc and DVD. Older titles should follow on a regular basis, but many are not yet available. Blu-ray movie titles currently cost about $5 to $10 more than DVD titles.
• Blu-ray Disc players are compatible with the standard DVD formats, so you can play your DVD collection on your new Blu-ray player.
• If you can’t pay for the upgrade to Blu-ray, a variety of affordable DVD players are available with 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling capability, which can enhance standard DVD quality.

If you can afford to be patient, Blu-ray prices will eventually come down. Either way, don’t worry—standard DVDs will be around for a long time to come.