Blu-Ray Making A Play For The PC
So what kind of a Blu-Ray player does $199 buy you? Here's the answer:
“Spec-wise, the drive reads either single- or dual-layer BD-R/RE/ROM discs at up to 4X speeds, while single- or double-layer DVD±R or DVD-ROM discs can be read at 12X and single or double-layer DVD±RW discs can be read at 8X speeds. DVD, Single-layer or Double-layer media at 4X maximum. Single Layer DVD ±R or DVD-ROM can be read at 12X max, while Double Layer DVD±R and Single Layer DVD±RW can be read at 8X max. CD-R/RW/ROM has a maximum read speed of 32X.”
Battle lines over the next generation formats have already been drawn in Hollywood and it might take a dual-format player at a bargain price to win wide acceptance. At least the industry is rapidly moving towards lower price points.