What are the Pros and Cons of Blu-Ray disks?

Question

I know that Blu-Ray disks have a huge storage capacity, but I would like to know more about why they arenot as widely used s DVD's.

Answer 1

They are higher capacity but that is needed for the HD video they are mainly used for. They are more expensive and so are the players (and always will be because of higher licensing costs and complexity). Since Blu-ray players are essential to play Blu-ray disks (although they are backward compatible with DVDs) they require purchase of a new player when people usually have a DVD player that works fine.



But the main reasons Blu-ray will remain a premium, niche format are: 1) HD Blu-ray movies are of no benefit to anyone without an HDTV (or projector) ... therefore close to half of consumers don't qualify. 2) a significant proportion of people don't perceive any (or insignificant) benefit over DVD (one study showed about 30%). 3) the disks can't be as widely used (e.g. you can't play in most cars, on the DVD player in the kids room or the cottage), and many older movies and TV programs are not, and never will be, available on Blu-ray. 4) other venues are becoming popular for accessing HD video, such as netflix and other video on demand services (in other words people are moving away from the physical disk format). 5) complexity. The setup and use of Blu-ray based surround sound home theatre systems is relatively complex and most people don't want to make the effort.



Basically, Blu-ray is great for those willing to pay premium prices (vs DVD) and able to benefit, but this will always be less than half of consumers.

Answer 2

>Anyway is there really a significant difference in Blu than HD< I'm not sure what you mean with this comment. I am a little concerned that you are actually talking about HD DVD which is a no longer supported format. Otherwise, blu-ray is full HD. (which would be a pro) The con would be the price. However, it is my understanding that if you are a savy shopper as we get closer to the holidays, there will be some real blu ray DVD player deals out there.

Answer 3

DVD contains standard def video. Every television since 1948 can play this video so it has a larger consumer base.



BluRay contains HD video so you really need an HDTV to take advantage of it and I think the numbers in the US are that this is only about ....40% (someone correct me if I am wrong).



BluRay versions are also more expensive than DVD because of several reasons:



* Not as many production studios are setup to master 1080 disks.

* BluRay allows 2 additional audio tracks for un-compressed audio and this takes more time to create in the sound studio -> more cost

* BluRay disks are really programs written in BD-Java so the menu systems are a bit more expensive.

* BluRay is owned by Sony so an extra fee is involved with every title going to Sony

* Marketing - BluRay is considered a higher-end disk format so they keep the prices of the disk artificially high.



This is why they are not as widely used.

Answer 4

Because the Blu Ray technology is newer & more expensive. Blu Ray will supersede dvd the same way that dvd superseded VHS. The difference is that Blu ray players will also play dvd's.

Answer 5

Not a lot of people have Blu-ray players. They are slowly getting up there, but it'll be hard since 3d is slowly coming around as well.