BlueRayTechnologies
Latest
BlueStar looks to expand Blu-ray disc production and promote its Blue Book format
We've tried to look past the naming train wreck that is BlueStar Technologies ("blue" instead of "blu," known as "Blue Ray Technologies" in Spokane), but would a little consistency be too much to ask for? Anyways, the Blu-ray manufacturer is on a bit of a tear. Looking to spend down its latest cash infusion, it has announced plans to open up a plant in Rome and is eying a second US location in either California or Montana. The company is touting its eco-friendly processes, which is all well and good, but it's the Project Blue book hybrid disc that really intrigues us. BlueStar is touting its new format as pirate-proof, with faster transfer and larger capacity, so what's not to like? Well, besides the fact that we've seen "pirate-proof" promises go down in flames, we're not so sure that what Blu-ray needs is another format.
Blue Ray Technologies opening America's largest Blu-ray Disc mastering facility
Blue Ray Technologies was expecting business to boom shortly after the format war concluded, and apparently the shock is in full effect. According to founder and chairman Erick Hansen, America's "first indie Blu-ray disc manufacturing plant is now becoming the largest indie [and Profile 2.0-friendly] Blue-ray Disc mastering facility in the US." When all is said done, the facility will be "the only indie that can handle rewritable disc mastering and will provide pre-mastering as well," not to mention being the only one that can make a rewriting stamper. Granted, most of this stuff amounts to a huge pat on the back, but the expansion of independent films on BD is certainly healthy for the industry at large. Now, if only the hardware to watch these films on were more affordable, we'd really have a match made in heaven.
Cinram, BlueRay Technologies talk Blu-ray disc manufacturing
Companies closer to home for most of us are being impacted by the end of the format war, with Canadian disc manufacturer Cinram and Washington-based BlueRay Technologies both expecting more business as a result. HD DVD assemblies can be turned into production for standard DVDs, and more Blu-ray equipment is on the way. Still, declining DVD sales are expected to affect Cinram's bottom line, and BlueRay Technologies' CEO notes overseas competition cutting into his business. All that competition and increased production capacity should lead to cheaper HD manufacturing and even more releases for all content, from small indies to larger studios.Read - Cinram eyes growth in Blu-ray market after high-definition format war endsRead - Blu-ray plant here gets boost
Toshiba claims "no decision" on HD DVD strategy as desertions continue
Toshiba made a formal announcement today with regard to the state of HD DVD. Unfortunately, it wasn't the white-flag surrender we had hoped would bring a swift end to the format war. In a statement made by a Toshiba spokesman, the firm said, "Toshiba has not made any announcement or decision. We are currently assessing our business strategies, but nothing has been decided at the moment." This came as its stock soared under investor speculation that Toshiba was ready to pre-empt future losses and bring the battle with Blu-ray to a conclusive end. Nevertheless, a multi-format disc pressing plant for indie films by the name of Blue Ray Technologies (BRT) announced the closure of its HD DVD stamping lines. According to BRT's founder Erick Hansen, there's no need to wait for the formal announcement, "HD-DVD is dead, all that is left is the burial." Ouch. Read -- Toshiba statement Read -- BRT press release
Blu-ray appreciation day: Disc production problems solved, 200GB on the way?
Ok, ok, you found me out, I'm an anti-Blu-ray subversive (actually, I'm anti spending over $300 on a movie player but that's neither here nor there). Just so everyone knows there is no bad blood between Blu-ray and HD Beat we've got some good news to report.A small company called Blue Ray Technologies claim they have solved production issues with Blu-ray disc manufacturing that have lead to as much as a 75% defect rate, and lower that to 25%, drastically cutting costs. We'd love to take these guys seriously but in light of Nintendo's Wii, wii're taking naming very seriously and adding an E to the end of the technology does not cut it. Also, if current failure rates are at 75% for disc replicators, we don't want to see anyone's face when their $47 TDK dual-layer Blu-ray BD-R makes a coaster, ouch. However if they can really help get prices down we're all for it.Also, TDK has issued a release that they have developed a prototype 200GB Blu-ray disc that uses six 33GB layers to hold data. Sounds interesting; hopefully we'll see production versions soon.See? We can say nice things about Blu-ray...even though it's not out yet and delays make us very very angry.[Via CDRinfo & Newlaunches thanks for the tip!]
