Blu-ray Disc - FAQs
What is a Blu-ray Disc™?
Blu-ray Disc™ is the next generation optical disc format for high definition entertainment. It was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high definition content, as well as storing large amounts of data. Blu-ray Discs™ offer up to 5 times the storage capacity of standard DVDs and represent the next step in packaged media to complement your HDTV.
Why is the format called Blu-ray?
The name is derived from the blue-violet laser that is used to read and write data on Blu-ray Discs™. Standard DVDs by comparison use red laser technology. Blue lasers have a shorter wavelength than red lasers, and when combined with improved optical lens technology, allows for a smaller point of focus and the ability to read more densely packed information on a disc.
What is the difference between Blu-ray and DVD?
The simple answer is that Blu-ray is a high definition format and DVD is a standard definition format. Much like the evolution from VHS to DVD, the Blu-ray format has received broad support from major entertainment providers, consumer electronics and personal computer companies as a successor to the current DVD format. Ultimately, Blu-ray represents a revolutionary improvement over DVD in terms of picture and sound quality, and advanced interactivity, delivering a whole new way to experience movies, games and music.
What advantages does Blu-ray have over HD-DVD?
The Blu-ray Disc™ format offers numerous key advantages over HD-DVD, including:
- Greater storage capacity - Blu-ray Discs™ offer 67% more capacity than HD-DVD per layer.
- The ultimate in high-definition picture quality - Blu-ray delivers full 1080p resolution and supports a higher video peak bit rate than HD-DVD, enabling the sharpest picture possible.
- Unparalleled interactivity - Using BDMV and BD-Java technology, Blu-ray promises to deliver a whole new world of advanced interactivity, including seamless menu navigation, real-time access to visual commentaries and telestrated graphics, and internet-enabled functionality.
- Broadest industry support - Only Blu-ray has support from the leading names in motion picture studios, consumer electronics and computer manufacturers, and gaming and music companies.
- Stronger durability - Blu-ray utilizes a new specialized disc coating that provides added protection from scratches and damage.
Can I play my current DVDs on a Blu-ray Disc™ player?
Yes. Blu-ray players are fully backwards compatible with existing DVDs. In fact, Blu-ray players will support upscaling of DVDs to near high-definition quality, so your existing DVD collection will look even better than before.
What equipment do I need to play a Blu-ray Disc™?
The following are three of the most popular options for setting up and playing your Blu-ray Discs™.
- TYPICAL: a minimal set-up would include a Blu-ray player and an HDTV or HD projector.
- BETTER: For an increased viewing experience, your set-up would include a Blu-ray player, an HDTV or HD projector and a 5.1 surround sound receiver.
- BEST: For the optimal HD viewing experience, your set-up would include a Blu-ray player, an HDTV or HD projector, and a 7.1 Surround Sound Receiver (which adds two additional, discreet left and right rear channels behind the viewing position for enhanced and increased realism during playback).
Why don't all Blu-ray bonus features function on all Blu-ray Disc™ players?
Our Blu-ray Discs™ are manufactured to the highest quality available. It is possible a Blu-ray Disc™ was manufactured after your Blu-ray Disc™ player was released.
If that is the case, your player may not support all the features on the disc. In some cases, a firmware or software upgrade to your player may improve playability.
To ensure the best possible viewing experience, please consult your hardware manufacturer's website for the latest firmware or software version and, if an upgrade is available, we suggest that you follow its installation instructions. If you have any questions about Disney Blu-ray Disc™ or its playability, please contact our consumer support department at 1800-477-2811 (U.S) or 1888-877-2843 (Canada).
TECHNICAL
How much data can you fit on a Blu-ray Disc™?
A Blu-ray Disc™ is capable of having as much as 25 GB on a single layer disc and up to 50 GB on a dual layer disc. That represents 5 times the storage capacity of DVD.
Can you explain what 1080p is and how it differs from 1080i?
All Blu-ray Discs™ are manufactured in the highest quality 1080p, meaning that each screen image consists of 1080 horizontal lines, each with 1920 pixels. Two types of high definition resolution exist at this size: 1080i (interlaced) and 1080p (progressive scan). Interlaced images follow the traditional analog method we currently use in broadcast television where every other line of information (or one-half the whole image) is transmitted to the television followed by the second half. Progressive scan images, on the other hand, display the whole image frame at once resulting in greater picture sharpness.
What type of surround sound quality will a Blu-ray Disc™ have?
Blu-ray Discs™ will have 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channels of surround sound. New audio codecs capable of processing lossless (uncompressed) and/or higher quality, compressed audio will create an amazing audio experience for consumers.
What is HDMI and why do I need it?
A single HDMI cable is the latest innovation to carry multiple channel audio and high definition digital video signals from your Blu-ray player to your HDTV or HD projector. Connection is simple and only takes a moment. Because the HDMI cable eliminates the analog cable and is capable of transferring digital sources, the Blu-ray Disc™'s source material remains in its original digital form and transfers without conversion directly to the HDTV for the best possible audio/visual experience directly from the disc.
Will Blu-ray require an Internet connection?
No, you will not need an Internet connection for basic playback of Blu-ray movies. The Internet connection will only be needed for value-added features such as downloading new extras, watching recent movie trailers, and web browsing.
REGION CODING
Do Blu-ray Discs™ have region coding?
Yes, Blu-ray titles have region coding similar to DVDs. However, instead of eight regions, Blu-ray uses only three.
- Region A: North, Central and South America, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia
- Region B: Europe (EU), Africa, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand
- Region C: Russia, India, China and the Rest of the World
As with current DVD players, you will not be able to mix and match Blu-ray Discs™ and players from different regions.
