Blu-ray is the alternative format to HD DVD, offering a considerable increase in storage capacity with its 25 to 50 GB data capacity. A standard Blu-ray disc holds 27GB of information which is about 40 times the amount of data that a CD can hold.

Although the technology is identical to CDs and DVDs, the fundamental difference with Blu-ray is the laser that is used to read the discs. A blue laser is used instead of the usual red laser. They have a shorter wavelength than red lasers and therefore the beam can be focused on a smaller area which in short means you can fit more data on an identically sized disc.

The Blu-ray disc format offers the highest capacity out of the two formats. Blu-ray discs are also hard coated to offer a stronger resistance to scratches and fingerprints than other existing and proposed formats.

Huge storage capacity (up to 50GB).

Support from major studios including Sony, Disney, MGM, Warner Bros, and Fox

Sony has included a Blu-ray drive into the PlayStation 3 and therefore, there could be a lot of homes with Blu Ray players in their living rooms. Plays DVDs too and upscales them.

Who's backing it: Blu-ray has the backing of most of the consumer electronics giants, including Samsung, Sony, Philips, Pioneer, Panasonic, Hitachi, Sharp, Dell and LG. All of these big-hitting companies have plans to release Blu-ray devices - though not all are solely committed to this format.

For more information please visit: http://www.Blu-raydisc.com