Blu-ray Dimensions

With the growing demand for high-definition video Blu-ray disc provides an excellent choice for the consumer.  Even better is the fact that a recordable Blu-ray format exists that allows for recording your favorite shows in high-definition. Both write-once and rewritable Blu-ray disc media exists in 25GB and dual layer 50GB capacity. Almost 5 times the storage of standard recordable DVDs.  Blu-ray recordable represents a huge jump in capacity that not only allows for less compression of the video signal but gives even more room for features that were just a dream in DVD format.

So what makes recordable Blu-ray so much better then DVD?

Blu-ray technology uses a violet-blue laser which operates at a higher frequency then the red laser that DVD relies on.  This allows for the information (or pits) to be placed closer together on the same sized disc as DVD.  This change of lasers requires additional lasers for backwards compatibility with DVD and CD.  Unlike the past format releases (DVD specifically) consumers do not have to face the decision of upgrading to a new format and casting aside their current library.  Blu-ray readers and recorders have been designed to provide full support for the older formats.

One of the little known facts of the new BD-R format is it’s construction vs. DVD recordable.  Blu-ray recordable discs use a single polycarbonate disc which provides better sealing against oxidation then recordable DVD.  Recordable DVD’s use two layers: a sandwich with the dye and reflective layer in the middle.  The only thing keeping the DVD recordable disc from separating is glue. As production of DVD recordable has been perfected the separation of the two parts is less likely but still a concern. Not only from the outside of the disc but the hub in the center where it is in contact with a locking mechanism when stored in a DVD case.  As this glue fails it allows oxygen to enter the disc at a faster rate then through the plastic itself.  Oddly enough recordable CD-R have a far longer archival life then recordable DVD.  This is because CD-R (like Blu-ray recordable) has a single layer of polycarbonate with various sealing layers on top that provide greater reduction of oxidation then the DVD sandwich.

So besides the increase in storage capacity Blu-ray also offers greater longevity then recordable DVD media.  How much longer is being tested right now by most of the blank blu-ray disc media manufacturers.

Falcon 2x Blu-ray Recordable with White Inkjet Hub Printable Surface

One of the most frustrating things with BD-R is that there are not a lot of printable surfaces. Falcon (FTI) has introduced a professional grade of recordable Blu-ray discs with a excellent ink-jet printable surface.  Not to rest on their laurels Falcon also has released a thermal printable BD-R surface too that works well with the Rimage Everest thermal re-transfer printer and the Teac P-55 dye sublimation printer.  This is a industry first as the only printable surface was a ink-jet printable white surface by TDK.  Imation has the AquaGuard discs but they have become difficult to come by.

FTI’s printable BD-R features a 2x recording speed, 25GB of storage and utilizes a unique inorganic recording material formulation. The inorganic solution helps achieve better stability for longer archival and superior data protection. Falcon has added a special hard-coat surface to protect against scratches for greater data integrity.  FTI BD-R media is compatible with all Blu-ray recorders and PlayStation 3.

The Falcon inkjet hub printable BD-R is also available as non-hub printable surfaces in white and silver pearl.

About Falcon Technologies International:

FTI is dedicated to creating optical media solutions that deliver the ultimate performance, reliability and durability for professional applications. An unyielding commitment to excellence supported by a world-class production facility featuring cutting-edge production equipment, as well as skilled international management and highly-trained, dedicated personnel are key components of FTI’s strategy.

FTI is a joint investment between Swiss-based investment and management company, PrimusTech Investments, and a large group of UAE corporate and private investors. FTI’s marketing and sales activities are conducted by the company’s fully owned, Swiss-based subsidiary, FTI Europe SA.  For North American markets, a liaison office was recently established in the West Coast.

FTI has a technology sharing and license agreement with a prominent Japan-based media technology provider. The engagement gives FTI unprecedented access to groundbreaking technologies for solutions including recordable Blu-ray Discs and archival media. FTI leverages this partnership to offer its customers truly differentiated products with capabilities and features not available elsewhere.