PRESENTS

DVD has migrated to its long-awaited high-definition format, and Blu-ray Disc (BD) has emerged as the survivor after a protracted format war between BD and HD DVD. But what is a Blu-ray disc, really? t PRESENTS How to Produce a Flawless Blu-ray PAGE 2

A Blu-ray disc is a high-definition The two faces of Blu-ray format with many It seems like ages ago but, in fact, it was only in early 2008 when Blu-ray emerged as the winner of the format war, physical characteristics similar to and HD DVD disappeared. As with any other form of opti- DVD, but with unique differences cal disc, publishing content on Blu-ray is divided into two that set the two formats apart. distinct options:

The most obvious difference is Blu-ray’s gigantic storage 1. Duplication. Simple Blu-ray disc titles created and dis- space. Blu-ray disc media come in two sizes: BD-25 (25 GB) tributed in nominal quantities using recordable optical disc and BD-50 (50 GB). Compared to the 4.7 or 8.5 gigabyte formats, either on home/office duplicators or short-run storage space of DVD, Blu-Ray discs allows you to store facilities. Requires the use of BD-Rs (blank recordable discs). much more data on one disc. 2. Replication. Full-production manufactured discs which The name Blu-ray refers to the laser used to read the disc. involves licensing fees and (and potential hardware/soft- A BD uses a shorter wavelength (blue) laser as opposed to ware acquisition costs). the red laser used for and CDs. Because of the small- er size of the blue laser, BD utilizes smaller pits and lands Buy Blu-ray blank discs than are used on DVDs. Pits and lands are the method by online at Disc Makers which information is stored on an optical disc. Because the pits and lands are smaller, they can be placed closer Disc Makers sells only A-Grade Blu-ray media, so our Blu-ray discs together, resulting in more information being stored on a deliver the best performance and the disc of the same size. highest compatibility in the market.

The Blu-ray format can contain any type of computer data Shop Online as well as high-definition audio and . BDs feature an improved disc coating with increased resistance to scratches and smudges, helping to keep data safe and secure from Getting started damage. They can be stored in a wide range of environ- with Blu-ray duplication ments and temperatures ranging from 4° to 122° Fahren- The BD spec allows for the creation of BD Video titles on heit, but it’s advisable to store them in a cool dry place, recordable media that do not require an AACS1 (Advanced avoiding temperature extremes. If the discs are stored in Access Content System) content protection license. Today, an environment different from the operating environment, many, if not most, Blu-ray Disc players can play these BD-R/ the discs should be placed in the operating environment RE project discs, meaning Blu-ray projects (short ones) can for at least two hours before use. even be created and distributed on DVD-R media.

BD discs are quite stable, and some aging tests show In order to monitor the Blu-ray projects you will create, the lifespan of replicated discs will last 50-300 years and you will need a Blu-ray disc player and suitable monitor. duplicated BD-Rs can last 20-250 years (10 years before And you will want to acquire a Blu-ray player that has Pro- recording). As with any type of blank media, the lifespan file 2.0 capability (“BD Live”). This will give you the ability of a BD-R is subject to the type of dye and the quality of to play commercial Blu-ray Disc titles for your reference manufacturing. To ensure the longest lifespan, make sure (and enjoyment). you purchase the highest quality discs. t PRESENTS How to Produce a Flawless Blu-ray PAGE 3

To create a Blu-ray Disc you will also need: Replication requirements 2 3 4 • High-definition footage — either 720p or 1080p or 1080i . Taking a project to