The Blu-ray Disc Association developed the next-generation optical disc format called Blu-ray Disc, and the collaborating manufacturers include Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and Sony. These discs are capable of the same functions as any DVD-RW, like recording, rewriting and playback, but all is done in High Definition, using advanced video and audio codecs, while the amount of data recorded is up to 5 times larger, of 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer model.
Blu-ray discs replace the red laser used with CD-RWs and DVD-RWs with a 405nm blue-violet laser, as it features a shorter wavelength enabling greater precision.

Sony released a cool blue Blu-ray disc player, model named BDP-S350, featuring picture-in-picture, BD-Live ready, Ethernet port for interactive content access on the Internet, quick start up, flash storage device port, Sony Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology to convert standard signals to 1080p high-definition, and Sony Precision Drive HD to correct problematic discs from 3 directions as well as to stabilize playback of bent or scratched Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.

The BDP-S350 Sony Blu-ray disc player consumes 21% less power in playback mode and 43% less in standby, compared to the previous model.
Other characteristics include 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus decoding and bit-stream output, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and Master Audio bit-stream output, and AVCHD discs support encoded with x.v.Color technology.
Sony Blu-ray disc player is available in stores and online at Sony Style at a price of $400.

“We leveraged our expertise in film production and digital technology to build a machine that movie fans would truly love,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “An advanced Blu-ray Disc player like the BDP-S350 is a must for every HDTV owner because it delivers the ultimate video and sound quality, while unlocking features you can’t find on DVD, downloads or video on demand.”