Blu-ray Disc Association Celebrating 20th Anniversary

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/blu-ray-disc-association-celebrating-20th-anniversary/

October 9, 2024

Screenshot

Stephanie Prange, Media Play Newsdz

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Blu-ray Disc Association, the organization responsible for the completion and promotion of the Blu-ray Disc format. 

To commemorate the occasion, the BDA will host two events at CEATEC 2024 in Chiba, Japan. The first will be a panel discussion at 3 p.m. on Oct. 16 covering the development, launch and impact of Blu-ray Disc and Ultra HD Blu-ray, as well as the Blu-ray Disc Association’s continued efforts to support and advance the format and business of the many companies that are part of the Blu-ray Disc ecosystem. The panel will be open to all CEATEC attendees.

The recordable and rewritable version of Blu-ray Disc launched in 2003. The BDA built on the success of that format and finalized and brought the Blu-ray Disc ROM format to market in 2006. Blu-ray Disc played a pivotal role in popularizing high-definition (HD) content, fueling the sales of HDTVs and enhancing the viewing experience for millions of consumers worldwide.

In the years prior to Blu-ray Disc players reaching store shelves, HDTV shipments were only 2.7 million per year. The year following the format’s launch saw those shipments surged to 18.9 million, increasing to 48.4 million the following year. Blu-ray Disc was one of the most rapidly adopted home entertainment formats ever introduced, even exceeding consumer adoption rates of DVD. Similarly, the release of recordable Blu-ray Disc and Blu-ray Disc recorders in Japan, which preceeded the release of BD-ROM products contributed significantly to the HDTV business in Japan.

“When HDTV’s were introduced, a lack of HD content prevented consumers from fully utilizing the capabilities of their new displays, and in most countries there were no HD broadcasts,” Paul Gray, research director, Omdia, said in a statement. “Blu-ray Disc provided an extensive library of high-quality content that showcased the true potential of HD technology and was a key factor in driving the proliferation of HDTV in homes across the globe, and ultimately of HD itself as the preferred format for video entertainment.”

With 25GB capacity single-layer discs, 50GB capacity dual-layer discs and data transfer rates which far surpassed those of streaming services, Blu-ray Disc empowered filmmakers and content creators to deliver stunning picture quality and immersive audio. The unprecedented level of detail and clarity the format delivers helped establish high-definition as a “must” feature for video viewing.

Over the past two decades, Blu-ray has expanded its offerings to include not just films, but also 3D home entertainment, video games, documentaries, music and special features that enhance the viewing experience. And, in 2016, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format was introduced, bringing 4K resolution, High Dynamic Range and enhanced audio into viewers’ living rooms, making Ultra HD Blu-ray the preferred choice for many filmmakers, music producers, movie enthusiasts and content collectors, the BDA noted.

“At its launch, Blu-ray Disc changed the way we watch movies and set a new standard for home entertainment,” Blu-ray Disc Association president Victor Matsuda said in a statement. “As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the innovation, creativity and international and cross-industry collaboration that have driven the success of Blu-ray and its impact on the industry. We are excited that the format continues to be a preferred choice for those who place high value on quality, collectability and ownership.”